The orange glow of twilight descended upon Hyrule's desert, including the town in its center. While this would usually be the time the townsfolk began closing down their colorful stalls and shops, this evening, they were eagerly crowded near the large sandstone steps leading to the palace. They spoke in whispers, trying to be quiet in the hopes of hearing a stray word or scandalous shout taking place within the palace walls, even though they knew they wouldn't be able to hear a word from the bottom of the staircase. While the townsfolk loitered outside, those inside the palace spoke in formal tones.

"Princess of Hyrule, I accept your proposition without hesitation," a powerful voice echoed through the palace.

The voice belonged to the chief of the Gerudo, a tall, dark-skinned woman with the signature thick, red hair of her people, who looked every bit as strong as her tone suggested. She sat upon her throne, guards armed with spears and claymores standing on either side of her as she gazed down at her current visitors—three fair-skinned women much shorter than the others in the room. Two of the women were attired in the basic dresses and hair coverings of attendants. Yet the woman with the chief's complete attention was the princess, clothed in her beautiful, familiar royal blue dress, her golden hair smooth and loose down her back with her tiara sitting at top. The princess looked up into the chief's narrowed eyes.

"Not only are they planning to resurrect Calamity Ganon, but it seems the Yiga Clan is also after our treasured heirloom," she continued.

She glanced over at a nearby pedestal crafted of the same sandstone as her throne, where a large, bejeweled, golden helmet rested, sparkling in the waning light of sunset. After closing her eyes for a moment in contemplation, she turned back to the princess, her chin raised confidently.

"You have my word. I won't rest until Calamity Ganon falls."

At this, the princess raised her hands and clasped them together in front of her chest.

"Gerudo Chief Urbosa, on behalf of Hyrule and its king, I thank you," she said, her voice cultured and proper as she bowed in appreciation, mimicked by the two behind her.

The next time the princess and chief spoke was only a few hours later, long after the sun had set and the moon had risen. Instead of a formal reception with all eyes upon them, this time, they spoke alone—free from the towering sandstone walls of not only the palace but the town itself. The two ventured away from the prying eyes and ears of the Gerudo townsfolk, laughing as they walked the outside perimeter of the town walls, treading carefully over the sandy dunes.

"That was quite the show we put on, wasn't it?" Urbosa teased. "You've grown into a mighty fine woman, able to handle such an important discussion on your own."

"You're praising me? I could hardly keep from laughing!" Zelda said cheerfully as she walked beside the Gerudo chief. "It felt so strange to speak to you so...formally. I understand such formalities are important no matter how close we are, but I was still amazed at how well you managed to guide me throughout the entire meeting. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen you so serious, Urbosa!"

Urbosa chuckled before giving a melancholic hum.

"Oh my, I can't say the same," she replied after a moment's pause. "I remember back ten years ago when you rarely smiled, my little bird."

At the name, Zelda thoughtfully furrowed her brow.

"Urbosa, I feel like you've called me little bird before," she said, skipping ahead a little as the Chief slowly came to a stop in the sand. "I was wondering where you got that name from."

She didn't receive an immediate response; in fact, it took the princess a moment to realize the chief was no longer walking beside her. Confused, she turned around only to find Urbosa glancing back over her shoulder.

"Hm? Urbosa?" Zelda asked. "Is everything all right?"

Again, Urbosa didn't answer. With a frown, her sharp, emerald eyes were focused on something behind her. Upon closer inspection, Zelda noticed two Hylian travelers who had walked past them toward the entrance of the town. She hadn't even noticed their presence. It was as if they had blended in with the shadows from the town's walls upon the sand.

After a moment, Urbosa slowly raised her hand and placed it on the jeweled pommel of the sword resting on her lower back.

"Halt," she said sternly, "and face me."

The two travelers turned, looking just as confused as Zelda at the call, yet Urbosa's observant eyes only narrowed even more.

"Urbosa? What's going on?" Zelda asked nervously, yet the chief refused to take her gaze off the two behind them.

"Unlike you traitors, I prefer to fight my enemies head-on," she said, ignoring Zelda's questions once again. Suddenly, she turned on her heels, brandishing the curved, silver blade now unsheathed and glowing in the moonlight. Glaring at the two travelers, she spoke only three more confident words. "Do your worst."

Beginning to catch on to what was happening, Zelda nervously took a few steps behind Urbosa, watching the two travelers look confusedly at each other. After a moment's pause, their confusion morphed into large, unnerving smiles.

Turning their heads sharply toward Urbosa, the travelers began to charge at her in tandem, running faster than any Hylians Zelda had ever seen. As sand kicked up behind them, two clouds of smoke appeared, briefly hiding the Hylians from sight, only for two tall, lanky, masked individuals to appear in their place, twirling sharp, curved sickles in their hands. Laughing, the first assassin swung, only to have his blade caught by its inner curve as Urbosa swung her own blade upwards. Knocking the sickle away, the chief twirled, grabbing the bejeweled shield off her back before following up with a barrage of strikes.

Overwhelmed, the Yiga disappeared in a cloud of smoke before reappearing, his weapon raised high above his head. He quickly brought it down, yet the neck he was aiming for had already been covered by the bejeweled shield. Urbosa bashed her shield against the weapon, hitting it with so much force the assassin couldn't keep hold of it. It went flying away before landing in the sand, far out of reach from the Yiga. Thus unarmed, the assassin tried to distance himself, yet Urbosa quickly countered, the pommel of her sword digging deep into the assassin's stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Gasping for breath, the Yiga clansman landed in the sand, clutching his bruised stomach as Urbosa spun away before stopping, watching to ensure her opponent was down. Ready to finish the job, Urbosa raised her hand in the air, her fingers poised. Yet, something was wrong. Zelda was certain she had counted two opponents.

"Urbosa—!" she shouted, noticing the second assassin jumping up behind the Gerudo chief, yet Urbosa kept her stance and snapped her fingers.

With an echoing boom, a bolt of lightning struck down, electrocuting the assassin in midair before he could attack. Sizzling, he, too, fell to the sand, where Urbosa turned and looked down at him, shaking her sword clean of whatever dirt or blood may have stained it.

"Out of respect for our princess, you may keep your lives," she said coldly, glaring at the men lying at her feet. "Now go."

Angered but accepting defeat, the Yiga clansmen helped each other up before limping away, vanishing in a puff of smoke after a few steps. Realizing the danger had passed, Zelda heaved a sigh of relief as Urbosa sheathed her weapon, staring at where the assassins had vanished.

"You asked me why I called you 'little bird,'" she said suddenly, regaining Zelda's attention. "When you were but a small child...my dear friend called you that, with the sweetest smile that ever graced our land of Hyrule."

At this, Zelda's face fell.

"Y-You mean, Mother?" she asked quietly.

"It was ten long years ago..." Urbosa said, finally turning to face the princess. "Your mother had just left this world, yet her little bird still managed to spread her wings, soon to become the beacon of light Hyrule needed."

Hearing this, Zelda lowered her head, closing her eyes as she kept the tears she felt welling up from falling.

"Sometimes I forget myself...and get lost in the past," Urbosa said calmly. "Make sure the same doesn't happen to you...little bird."

...

As the brilliant sun beamed upon the desert town, the denizens continued about their day, accustomed to the constant heat of the desert. While it was easy for the locals to continue their business despite the scorching rays upon their skin, it was more challenging for those unfamiliar with such extremes. Thankfully, for four specific visitors, the heat proved to be less of a problem as they walked through the sandstone-carved town, now dressed in the thin, silky clothing suited for the area.

"I'm surprised that outfit actually fit you," Celessa said cheerfully, eyeing the reporter who had joined their company. "Especially considering how small the princess is."

"Not really my style, though," Traysi said, looking down at the silky blue Gerudo outfit she was wearing. "But, it does help with the heat. It really is a miracle I can fit in this, like you said..."

"I'm not that short compared to you all," Zelda said. After a moment's pause, however, she followed up with, "Am I?"

"You and Link both," Celessa giggled. "But it's cute! Goes to show strength and competence can come in even the smallest of packages."

"That's a nice compliment... I suppose?" Zelda questioned.

"I-I-I think y-you and L-Link are fine the way you are..." Paya managed to chime in.

"Thank you, Paya," the princess smiled.

"Link... Link..." Traysi suddenly began to mumble. "That name sounds familiar. I think I've heard it on the road... Actually, haven't I met a Link before?"

"It's possible—" Celessa began to say, yet Zelda quickly cut in.

"That is something to discuss later," she said. Traysi's brow furrowed.

"You're telling me this name is also relevant and important enough it could make the Gerudo question something?" she asked.

"It certainly could," Zelda insisted. "That name could be...ahem... It could be a certain individual we discussed earlier..."

"Oh, your special person, hm?" Traysi asked, now raising one of her eyebrows. "And this special person also has something to do with this town's secret?"

"Later," Zelda said.

"You're saying 'later' and telling me to be patient, but you aren't actually giving me a time frame, you know," the reporter grumbled as they continued walking, passing the little canals that ran through the roads. "I am attempting to trust you, but you aren't keeping me hooked on this idea of trust you mentioned before."

"It hasn't even been an hour since we've met," Zelda huffed. Meeting the reporter's piercing eyes, the princess sighed before taking a moment to think. "Tonight."

"Tonight?" Traysi repeated. "You want me to wait until tonight for my answer?"

"That is what I am requesting, yes," Zelda said.

The reporter stared into her confident green eyes and mumbled something about refusing to believe she was going along with this before looking up at the destination they had suddenly stopped in front of.

Before them stood the large palace, which Zelda knew could be seen from even the farthest reaches of the desert. Just like the rest of the town, it too was carved from sandstone, though it looked far more polished than any other building surrounding it. More canals had been built along the palace's roof, guiding the water from the fall's origin at the top of the natural towers of rock and stone sitting above the building and feeding into the city's canal system stretching across the ground and along the city walls. Aside from the eye-catching towers, the building itself was a sight to behold. Each square window had been decorated with a lantern. Palm trees could be seen at its side, their leaves dancing in the slight breeze the desert offered, and to top it off, silky, colorful banners had been placed on the smooth walls, all bearing the emblem of the Gerudo at their center.

"The palace?" Traysi asked. "We're going in there? Without an invitation? Just...going?"

"That's the plan," Zelda answered.

"That's not a good plan, at least not for me," Traysi said apprehensively.

"I thought you'd relish the idea of going into the palace," Zelda said curiously.

"Yeah, if it didn't result in me probably getting thrown out again..." the reporter mumbled to herself. "I figured we'd get in somehow, but walking right up to the entrance seems absurd..."

"T-t-this looks l-l-like such an important place..." Paya stammered, looking up at the towering domes above them, watching as waterfalls cascaded from their tops.

"Do you really think we can get into the palace?" Celessa asked excitedly, giddily looking up at the large staircase before them, marveling at the water canals on either side. "Just like that? We, as in Paya, Traysi, and me?"

"I'm hoping so," Zelda said, noticeably glancing at Traysi, who unexpectedly flinched. At this, the princess's eyes narrowed. "You didn't happen to get banned by those in the palace itself, did you?"

"I...might've..." Traysi said, trying to maintain her composure. "Don't be surprised if they chuck us back into the dunes outside."

"Are you speaking from experience?" Celessa asked. "Did they actually throw you into the sand?"

When Traysi didn't answer, the princess shook her head.

"Well, there's only one way we'll learn what they'll decide to do," Zelda said, her eyes still on the reporter with them. "If we don't keep standing here, that is. Come on, now."

Taking the first step, the princess began her trek up the sandstone stairs, with the other three following quickly after her. Though Zelda had hoped for a smooth entranceone she had expected before the reporter had joined her little cliquethey were stopped the moment they arrived at the top. Just as before, as soon as Traysi had approached the entrance, the guards on either side immediately pointed the tips of their spears at her. At this, she lazily held her hands up, frowning as she looked at the two Gerudo.

"Good afternoon, Princess," one of the guards said to Zelda without lowering her spear, pointing at Traysi. "I can see this...reporter has aligned herself with you. I can't imagine the guards at the entrance of our city would simply allow her in because of this, and I'm sure they've told you she's been prohibited from returning to the city, so how is it that she is standing on our doorstep inside our city walls?"

"I assured them I would take responsibility for any of her unwelcome actions," Zelda said coolly, trying to ignore Paya's nervous stuttering at the sight of the pointed spears, apparently fearful even though they weren't aimed at her. "I have need of her, specifically regarding what I wish to speak with Chief Riju about."

"You are permitted," the guard said. "She is not, and your two other companions are..."

She looked at the awkwardly smiling pilgrim and the still-stuttering Sheikah.

"They're questionable at best."

"One of them is a Sheikah from Kakariko, and the other helped save my life," Zelda said. Placing her hands together in front of her, she bowed. "I know Traysi has been banned due to her...aggressive nature, but I assure you, she will cause no trouble to you. The entrance guards have warned me, and I have taken those warnings to heart. Please, she has an important role to play in what I have planned."

"Plans, you say—?" the guard asked, but before she could question any further, a powerful voice rumbled behind them.

"What's the issue? Guards, report."

"Buliara," the guards said in unison, snapping to attention. Though their bodies stiffened, their spears remained locked onto their target, who sighed. "Traysi, the reporter you personally banned, has returned; however, she's brought someone to vouch for her."

"Someone who will vouch for her?"

From out of the palace entrance, there appeared another Gerudo warrior, one far more muscular than the two guards. The new arrival towered over them all, her impressive height further enhanced by her heels and the high ponytail her vibrant red hair was styled into. While she was dressed in the signature Gerudo silky clothing consisting of a tight top and baggy pants, she was visibly more prepared for combat, with her shins and arms covered in gold armor plating (some of which was painted with a green and pink flower pattern), along with a heavy headdress. Completing her look, her lips and nails were all painted a bright white, and in her hands, she carried a gigantic gold-handled claymore.

With her sharp, green eyes, the Gerudo warrior looked down upon the three Hylians and Sheikah visitors. Under her gaze, the Sheikah looked as though she were ready to break down, only able to keep herself somewhat composed by Celessa placing a hand on her shoulder, though Zelda couldn't help but notice the pilgrim also seemed a little intimidated. Traysi, however, only frowned even more at the sight of the strong woman.

"I wish I could say I was surprised to see you'd found a way back into our borders," the woman said, her frown matching the reporter's before turning her attention to Zelda. "Princess, tell me why there is a banned reporter darkening the entrance to the chief's palace?"

"Not even a greeting..." Celessa whispered as Zelda glared at Traysi.

"You took it so far that Buliara herself had to throw you out?" she asked. "How did you manage to cause so much trouble it went above the Gerudo Captain to the chief's personal bodyguard?"

"I don't understand how this is surprising to you," Traysi said simply. "I warned you at the bottom of the stairs."

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Zelda turned back and met the bodyguard's steely eyes once more.

"I understand how this looks," she began, reverting to her proper tone. When Buliara raised an eyebrow, she continued. "You have my word; I have her under control—"

"Uh, am I an animal now?"

"—I guarantee you, no trouble will come to Gerudo Town with her presence. She will not post what I know you're concerned about, nor any other things you'd like to share with me."

"And you expect me to believe that you understand what someone spreading misinformation or incomplete stories without proper context can do to a civilization, especially toward the one responsible for guiding it?" Buliara asked.

"If they are anything like the gossip mongers of my era—"

"Excuse me, I am not a gossip monger!"

"—and even the ones in this one, then I swear by the names of the three golden goddesses I do," Zelda said, matching the bodyguard's severe gaze.

"Tell me why you've brought her," Buliara stated, accepting Zelda's answer for the time being. "And why you've brought yourself, for that matter. I doubt you'd come to simply say 'hello' with a Sheikah and...reporter at your side."

"I've been ignored..." Celessa mumbled as Zelda began to respond.

"While I'd love to just say hello and catch up with Riju, you're right," she said. "To put it simply, I've been making plans for reconstruction."

"Reconstruction?" Buliara repeated, her voice somehow deepening. "You do understand the weight of responsibility you are undertaking, yes?"

"I do," Zelda replied.

Narrowing her eyes, the bodyguard stared down at the group before heaving a sigh. Setting her reluctance aside, she raised her hand, to which the guards on each side pulled their spears away from the reporter's cheeks. Even though she wasn't the one with spears pointed at her, the princess sighed in relief while Traysi forcefully exhaled in frustration.

"Both you and Link similarly test my leniency," the bodyguard said roughly before addressing her guards. "Let them in. I'll keep an eye on them personally."

"As you wish, Buliara," the guards replied in unison, bowing their heads in deference. Though permission had been granted, they remained focused on the reporter, carefully watching her every move.

"As concerned as I am about that one," Buliara continued to the princess, "I am pleased to see you in good health, Princess. The chief will be happy to see you."

Stepping aside, she gestured toward the interior of the palace. With a smile, Zelda nodded before stepping through the entrance with her companions following closely behind her. As the princess casually entered, Celessa and Paya nervously stepped behind her, glancing up at Buliara, who wasn't paying them any attention whatsoever. Humbled by their small presence, they disappeared into the building. Traysi, however, was stopped, her stomach running into the suddenly raised flat side of Buliara's claymore. Confused, the reporter furrowed her brow and looked up to meet the bodyguard's flinty stare again.

"The princess has put her faith in you," Buliara said sternly. "She claims to have taken all responsibility over you, but I assure you, if you threaten the security of this town, I will come for you and you alone. Have I made myself clear?"

"We just had this conversation two seconds ago," Traysi fumed, but realizing the claymore remained blocking her entry, she grumbled. "I understand. There, does that satisfy you?"

"Not even a bit," Buliara answered harshly.

Regardless of her hostility, the claymore was lowered, granting Traysi access to the palace just as the others before. Still glaring, the reporter strolled inside—followed closely by the towering Gerudo bodyguard—into the throne room. The reporter strutted forward, catching up to the group, where she found both Paya and Celessa in awe at the sight of the palace interior.

In place of the bare sandstone floor was a thick red carpet running the length of the throne room. On either side of the carpet were canals similar to those outside the palace, with flowing water giving off a soft, echoing babble that filled their pointed ears. As they continued toward the throne, they passed several angular pillars decorated in colorful fabrics and jewels, along with finely detailed statues of past Gerudo women, standing sentinel with their claymores, reminiscent of Buliara's pose when blocking their entry.

"Woah..." Celessa said quietly, staring up into the stone faces of the statues. "Is this what the inside of Hyrule Castle looks like, too?"

"Not exactly, if you mean to ask if the castle is built from sandstone," Zelda replied teasingly from ahead of them, knowing well that wasn't what Celessa meant. "But, I love this place all the same. I spent a lot of time here a century ago."

The princess looked around with nostalgia at the tapestries hanging from the ceiling—the Gerudo emblems stitched with precision into them—before finally bringing her eyes to the throne they were approaching near the back of the room.

The back wall was a sight to behold. A large opening had been carved out of the surface, allowing for an unobstructed view of the desert. Situated in the center of the opening was a sizable statue of a large, tusked sand seal, a creature native to the desert. Water flowed from beneath the statue's pedestal, doubling as a fountain that fed the canals in the room. Directly in front of the statue was the enormous, elegant throne. It had been carved from the same sandstone as the rest of the interior, bedecked with jewels and carvings of Gerudo emblems and text. Though a chair of stone usually wouldn't be very comfortable at all, this one had fancy pillows to soften the seat. At the foot of the throne was a crudely-made wooden step stool.

The Gerudo chief's gaze met Zelda's the moment she stopped before the small staircase in front of the throne. With a warm smile, the princess placed her hands in front of her and bowed in respect.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Chief Riju," she said as her three companions came to a stop behind her.

Confused, both Celessa and Paya looked around the room, wondering who she was talking to, only realizing there was a small person sitting on the throne once she spoke.

"Princess Zelda," the chief said affably. "Welcome. It's an honor to have you as our guest once again."

She was obscured in the shadow of the throne due to the sunlight shining through the open wall behind it. The short pre-teen leader of the desert town looked just as Zelda remembered from their last encounter months ago: dark-skinned with a long nose, sharp green eyes, long, thick red hair, and blue make-up and clothing that reminded the princess so much of the Gerudo chief she had known a hundred years ago.

Though she sat upon the throne, her posture was that of laid-back confidence, with her elbow on the armrest and her cheek resting in the palm of her hand. Her legs were crossed, though her feet barely reached the step stool at the base of the throne. Regardless, her large green eyes sparkled as brightly as her ornate gold headdress, a sign that while still very young, she was without a doubt the chief of the Gerudo. When the pilgrim and Sheikah had finally noticed her, she grinned.

"Welcome to you both, as well," she said cordially without lifting her head. "To make friends with the princess of Hyrule... That's quite a feat. I'm impressed."

"S-she's an actual kid..." Celessa said quietly, yet it hadn't gone unheard by the bodyguard who had caught up and was now walking past her.

"You'll do well to respect her," Buliara rumbled as she walked by, causing Paya to squeak. "This is Riju, Chief of the Gerudo and descendant of the Gerudo Champion, Lady Urbosa. Remember who it is you stand before."

"R-right! It's an h-honor to make your acquaintance, Chief Riju!" Celessa said quickly, dropping to one knee as Traysi folded her arms. "I-I simply got a little too used to being with the princess, and... W-well, that's no excuse, but— Paya!"

Celessa glanced up to see Paya had completely frozen. Whether it was the pressure of being in front of such an important leader like the chief of the Gerudo or if it was simply the bodyguard's intimidation that caused her immobility, the pilgrim didn't know. Regardless, she took Paya by her silky sleeve and pulled her down to her knee as well.

"Forgive us..." Celessa said, making Riju lightly giggle.

"Come now, Buliara," she said, glancing over at the bodyguard who had taken her place beside the throne, her claymore once more in front of her. "Must you bully them? I'd rather not be seen as a monster if possible."

"While it would be in your best interest to be seen as strong, my Chief, I believe I'm the one they see as a monster," Buliara remarked, looking down with fierce eyes. "Not that I mind."

"W-we don't see you as a monster! N-not at all!" Celessa said suddenly, looking up at the bodyguard.

"I do," Traysi said bluntly, causing Celessa and Paya to look at her in horror while Zelda simply covered her eyes and shook her head.

"Good. You're the only one I need to see me as such," Buliara replied, lifting her claymore by its golden pommel before slamming its tip into the sandstone floor with a powerful, echoing clang. While Celessa and Paya shuddered at its force, Traysi simply rolled her eyes.

"I remember you," Riju said suddenly, staring down at Traysi from her throne. "You're the writer woman Buliara threw out a few months back, isn't that right?"

"I sure am. Traysi's the name, author of the Rumor Mill," the reporter answered before noticing the looks she suddenly received from both Zelda and Buliara, "but, clearly, I'm not allowed to say anything at the moment."

"I see," Riju replied before turning her attention back to Zelda. "I'm assuming you're the reason Buliara hasn't already thrown her out?"

"Yes, I am," Zelda replied. The chief smiled.

"You must have given her quite a story to convince her, along with allowing two others into the palace," she said, sounding a tad bit impressed. "Tell me, why is it you seek my attention?"

"Reconstruction," Zelda answered. This caused Riju to sit up properly.

"Reconstruction?" she repeated before glancing at Buliara, who simply nodded. Curious, Riju leaned back in her throne, replacing her elbow on the armrest. "You wish to rebuild the kingdom lost a century ago?"

"I do," Zelda replied. "I believe now is the time. I've already entered into discussion with the Zora, all of whom recognized me from back then—"

She glanced over at Traysi as she spoke this, assuming such a claim would pique her interest. As expected, the reporter's fingers were twitching, desperately wanting to reach for her pouch where her notebook lay dormant.

"—and I have the assurance of the Gorons' help, along with a new construction company that founded Tarrey Town. I also spoke with the Shei—"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but this question can't be avoided. All of them agreed to simply let you take your place as princess? They trust your judgment enough to allow you to lead over all regions as one?" Buliara asked. "Just like that?"

"Oh, not at all," Zelda answered with a light chuckle. "The Zora believe I have much more to learn about guiding a kingdom to prosperity, and the Gorons really just want to do as much business as possible by selling me their excess stone for building repairs. However..."

She took a step back, reaching down to take Paya's hand, who squeaked as the princess lightly pulled her back up to her feet.

"That's not to say I don't have anyone's full support," she said, helping Celessa to her feet as well. "The Sheikah of Kakariko have chosen to support my endeavors completely, vouched for by their elder, Lady Impa, who stood beside me in the castle a hundred years ago. I also have support from Hateno and Tarrey Town, both willing to join this newly rebuilt kingdom."

Smiling, she glanced between Paya and Celessa, who both stood silently, unable to speak as they watched Zelda take hold of the conversation with ease.

"The Zora said they'd teach me what I need to learn," she continued. "And the Gorons will supply what we need for construction. I'll be visiting the Rito next to request their support, but I have no doubt they'll wish to join as well, for the people in this era are strong, and united, we'd prosper together. I have little doubt I'll gain everyone's support, including yours."

"A powerful statement, Princess... One the Gerudo would approve of," Riju declared. "You're strong, and one would need to be to guide an entire kingdom. What do you say, Buliara?"

"I'd say it would be foolish to allow the princess to take over so quickly," the bodyguard said. "We appreciate the sealing of the Calamity, your efforts against the Yiga, and the time you've spent here before, but despite all that, ruling a kingdom is a far greater challenge than one could simply comprehend."

At this, Zelda noticed Riju's cool facade begin to slip, a hint of disappointment on her face.

"And yet," Buliara continued. "It would be a disgrace to Lady Urbosa's name not to see her little bird claim what she deserved. Prove your value as a leader, and in due time, I believe the Gerudo will accept you as the princess of Hyrule once more."

"That's pretty much the same answer the Zora had," Zelda giggled before bowing. "I appreciate your support and hope to meet and even surpass your expectations."

"We look forward to it," Riju said placidly.

"Now, why don't you tell us why you're really here?" Buliara suddenly asked. Catching Zelda's surprise, she said, "I'm no fool. You started the conversation with something you knew we'd agree to, something that would clearly require more discussion, most likely because your second request requires leverage to get us to agree. Tell me: does this second request have to do with your knight's absence?"

"I... Well..." Zelda stammered, to which Riju raised an eyebrow.

"I found it quite strange that he wasn't here, especially regarding the importance of such matters. He was acting differently when we last saw him a few months ago," she said. "Is everything alright? Does this have to do with the Yiga Clan?"

"The Yiga? So he did come to the desert..." Zelda mumbled quietly before regaining her composure. "It does not, and whatever you saw when Link was here, I apologize. It's my fault he was in such a state. In fact, you're correct about it all; I do have another request, and while it is in line with my plans for unification...it's a selfish request at heart."

"Then speak," Buliara demanded. "What is it you wish to ask of us?"

"I... I wish to invite Chief Riju to a festival," Zelda answered. "To be held in Lurelin Village on the other side of Hyrule—"

"Denied," Buliara immediately answered, causing Riju to glare at her.

"Buliara—"

"There is no room for discussion regarding this matter," Buliara cut in. "I apologize, Princess, but what you ask is far too great. It's dangerous enough to permit the chief to venture outside the walls of this town. To allow her to travel to the other side of the land is out of the question."

"I know it's a lot to ask," Zelda urged. "But, it is imperative that a representative from the Gerudo attend. It's a festival to praise and express gratitude to the champions from one hundred years ago, to give them a proper send-off and to provide those of us living in this era with closure from the atrocities wrought by the Calamity Ganon. It's important because...because Link is stuck in the past—I'm stuck in the past—and...and I want to start moving forward once again."

Clasping her hands in front of her, Zelda bowed again. Noticing her bow, both Celessa and Paya mimicked her.

"Riju is a direct descendant of Lady Urbosa," the princess continued. "It's only right that she's the one who's there, along with being the one to see the other representatives joining our new kingdom. Please, allow her to come."

The atmosphere had changed from playful formality to stilled tension. Riju, losing her facade of control, glanced between Zelda and her bodyguard, who had kept her narrowed eyes firmly on the pleading princess.

"Buliara..." Riju mumbled, just loud enough for her bodyguard to hear. The guard stood still, mirroring the stance of the statues in the room. Gripping the jeweled pommel of her claymore, she sighed.

"I do apologize," Buliara said sincerely. "But I simply cannot allow it."

"But, Buliara—!" Riju began to protest, yet the bodyguard silenced her with a glare.

"My Chief, if you wish to discuss these matters further, I suggest we do so in private," she said. "Topics of such importance are not meant for outsiders with loose lips."

"You could simply say that you don't want me to hear. It's nothing new, you know," Traysi called out.

"I'd rather that reporter not overhear our conversation," Buliara said loudly without looking at the reporter in question. Clearly frustrated, Riju lowered her cheek back into her palm, a silent answer in agreement. Nodding, the bodyguard turned back to Zelda. "If you wish to attempt to sway my opinion, you are welcome to stay; however, your friends—and especially her—are not welcome to further discussions. I hope you understand."

"I...I do," Zelda said, rising from her bow.

With a nod, Riju stood and stepped down from the throne, moving toward one of the staircases on the other end of the throne room, closely followed by her bodyguard. When they vanished to the upper level of the palace, both Celessa and Paya looked up from their bow as well.

"Princess?" the pilgrim asked, unsure of what to do with herself.

"You and Paya go back out into the city. Maybe find the inn and then take some time to enjoy the town. It is a wonderful place," Zelda said. When Celessa and Paya nodded, she turned to Traysi. "You remember the promise I gave you before, yes?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll get an answer tonight. I'll stick with these two," Traysi said begrudgingly. "Not like I'll be able to stay in the town without hanging around you or your company, let alone the palace..."

"Thank you for being patient with me," Zelda said with a smile. "I do promise everything will make sense in time. I'll meet you all in the inn later, so make sure to check in every now and then."

"I'll be furious if it doesn't," Traysi said.

Regardless of her disdain at having to wait, with her arms folded, the reporter looked at both the pilgrim and Sheikah before the three of them exited the palace. After watching her companions depart, Zelda took a deep breath before heading toward the sandstone staircase, knowing well that it led up to the chief's bedroom.

...

The moment his body coalesced, Link gasped. It was as if the air was being sucked from his lungs, and his body felt as though he was being lifted off the floor. Taking the deepest breath he could, he pushed his body back, managing to propel himself toward the wall of the gigantic room he was in. The winds were slightly calmer near the wall, and Link coughed as his mind flooded with information. The memories of the Sacred Realm, his conversation with Hylia on the endless water, his battle through swarms of puppets in the Sacred Grove, and finally—

"Twilight!" Link managed to shout over the turbulent winds. Pushing himself up, struggling to balance against the force of the gale, he squinted and looked around the room. "Twilight?"

There was no response. The only reply was the constant roaring that echoed within the familiar, ancient Sheikah-style walls. This time, however, there was no forest filling the room—no grass, no trees, nothing of that nature. This was a room where the floor had been replaced with a void—a void emitting a tornado of winds from its center in a constant updraft. Confused, Link attempted to inspect where he stood. It was a ledge built into the Sheikah walls, and after another glance around, he noticed there were other ledges where he could see the distinct, porcine figures of bokoblins.

Welcome back, Master.

The voice was clear, even through the raging winds. Instinctively, Link looked up, though he knew all he would see was the glowing ceiling of the large room.

You did well to pass the first set of trials and train with the Hero of Twilight, spoke the voice of the Master Sword. Because of this, your strength and spirit have increased significantly. You are now prepared to take on the next set of trials before you.

"This feels a little different than the last ones..." Link said a bit loudly, trying to hear himself over the winds.

Carefully, fighting to maintain his balance on the ledge, he leaned over and peered down into the endless void, trying to keep his eyes open against the whirlwind now buffeting his face. There truly was no visible bottom. Once the watering in his eyes became unbearable, he pulled himself back, wiping his vision clear with his hand.

"I guess I shouldn't have expected them to all be the same, huh?"

It wouldn't be an effective test if there were no changing variables, the sword replied. However, given the nature of these trials in particular, I will grant you a necessary item for their completion. Please use it wisely, for it should increase your chances of success in this room by 90%.

The moment the voice stopped, a light appeared in front of Link's chest. At first, it was a small, dim ball that quickly grew in brightness and size. Eventually, it became so bright, Link felt he had been practically blinded, only able to see when the light vanished as the gift before him took form. It was a large item, one that allowed the user to glide across winds as if they were a bird, and it was something Link had become accustomed to using during his travels.

Reaching out before it could blow away in the winds, he took the paraglider by its large handles and, with a strong pull, managed to keep it and himself from flying away, though it was a constant struggle to keep grounded. Feeling somewhat secure in place, only needing to adjust his stance every now and then against the wind and the flailing paraglider, he began to inspect it further. It was simplistic in its design, made with four sturdy sticks and a thick piece of fabric in the center for a sail. In fact, upon closer inspection of the curved wooden handles, the brown fabric, and the bird-like pattern on the sail, Link recognized it to be the exact same paraglider he owned.

You are now properly equipped for the trials ahead, the sword said, having waited for Link to reacquaint himself with the paraglider. It should be a 99% accurate replica of the one you use outside the Sacred Realm.

"Thanks, it looks like it is," Link said with a smile. "But, saying I'm properly equipped might be an overstatement..."

He looked down at his body. Just as before, his skin was bare to the elements. As he sighed in resignation, the sword continued.

Due to the Sacred Realm's otherworldly abilities, the paraglider you hold will appear or vanish upon command, allowing you to use it when necessary without it being in the way, it said. Your trials begin now. I await the moment you find me.

"Before you go," Link suddenly said, hoping the sword's presence hadn't yet vanished, "Can you... Can you tell me how Zelda is doing out there?"

There was no immediate response. After waiting a few moments, Link nodded, accepting that it was a long shot to even ask. Just as before, the sword had vanished and he was alone in the room specifically crafted to test him.

Our Grace is succeeding in the tasks she set for herself with the utmost capability.

Link's eyes jerked toward the ceiling, surprised to hear the sword's voice once again. Once the shock passed, he smiled.

"Thank you," he said. "I'm glad to hear it."

Good luck, Master, the sword replied before vanishing properly.

Once he realized the sword was gone, Link looked down at the fluttering paraglider in his hands, still trying to pull away from his grasp to fly with the wind.

"Time to spend another few weeks here," he said aloud, though not even his pointed ears could pick up his own voice over the winds.

Closing his eyes, he thought back to the world of clouds he had found himself in the last time he had been in the Sacred Realm, thinking of the hero he had met before.

I hope you're wishing me luck too, Twilight, he thought, and— Well, you already wished me luck, didn't you, Zelda?

Lifting his chin, he took a deep breath, expanding his lungs as much as they could before releasing the air into the powerful gusts around him. Furrowing his brow, he opened his eyes and looked at the tornado before him, watching the winds rage through his flailing bangs. After a moment of silence and a few bounces on his toes in preparation, Link launched himself forward, sprinting and jumping off the ledge and into the winds.

The updraft propelled him into the air, almost yanking his arms off with its force. He flew higher, almost to the luminous ceiling. Hanging from the handles of his paraglider, Link looked down to where bokoblins were now aiming their bows and arrows at him.

Good, they have weapons I can easily steal, he thought.

Choosing his first ledge, Link grinned before releasing the paraglider's handles. As the paraglider vanished in a quick flash of light, Link plummeted toward the void, his arms and legs extended as if he were skydiving. The winds hitting his face, his body outstretched, and a target to hit below; it all felt oddly familiar, as if at some point he had done something like this before. Feeling confident thanks to this perceived familiarity and planning to summon the paraglider moments before he touched down onto his targeted ledge of monsters, Link dived through the air, aiming for the first ledge of bokoblins, ready to begin his trials.