Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle
Since Link and Princess Zelda were taking a carriage all the way down southwest, he sadly could not take Epona with him. The mare wasn't trained for carriages or wagons, and he didn't want to expose her to the arid environment of the desert anyway. And so, Link had to make do with a different pair of horses for part of the trip. He was told that they would meet the Gerudo at some point, depending on how fast the runners could get there and how quickly Urbosa could arrange for her people to meet them.
Until then, he was solely responsible for Princess Zelda's safety.
Link would take on the role of coachman while the princess remained secure inside. On top and in the rear compartment of the carriage was equipment that Princess Zelda had deemed necessary to assess and complete her inspection of Vah Naboris as well as assist Jade, the Sheikha researcher stationed there.
Once preparations were complete, Auru took Link aside and told him to maintain the utmost vigilance over the princess.
"By itself, the desert is already dangerous," Auru said. "However, we know there are genuine threats to Her Highness's safety. We ask that you remain diligent in your duties."
Link nodded.
"Because of the last-moment preparations, we do not have any up-to-date reports on the roads between here and the Gerudo Desert. Everything we have is, at best, two days old from the patrols we have down south," Auru said. "For Her Highness, that is not enough. As such, Royal Guardsmen will be meeting you to give you the most accurate information possible, but not knights. If a knight approaches you to speak, assume non-friendly. Strike or flee at your discretion, but those orders were given to those that left last night as a measure of security. The knights that left had understood, and it was made quite clear what the cost of incompetence would be. The only ones to approach you will be the Royal Guard and none other."
Again, Link nodded solemnly.
"Each Royal Guardsman will be carrying this crest." Auru handed Link a small token. "Memorize the design, every aspect of it."
Turning it over, Link judged the weight, the etchings of the symbol of the Royal Guard, and the nuanced design before handing it back.
"Remember, your highest mandate aside from the Calamity is Princess Zelda's safety," Auru said. "Safe travels, and may Farore watch over you both."
Auru stepped back and signaled for the guardsmen to open the gates.
Clambering aboard, Link released the brake handle on the carriage and flicked the reins. The horses set out at once. It was the first time he was heading to the Gerudo Desert, but he knew most of the roads on the way there, since he had often patrolled southern Hyrule Field as a squire, and their route was even going to go past the Coliseum, where he had undergone the knight trials.
Heading west for a time, they turned south near Mount Gustaf and rode past Giant's Forest. There, one of the Royal Guardsman, Diaz, met Link and informed him that it was clear. He also expressed his respect for Link and Dame Serlut for having been able to take down a Hinox by themselves some years prior in that very same forest. Afterwards, Diaz spurred his horse into a gallop to begin security assessments further down the road.
Throughout their conversation, Link kept his face neutral, even though he vividly remembered that day. They had been proud of the fact that they had managed to defeat the Hinox, only for that day to turn to dread when they'd returned to Castle Town.
Link shook those thoughts away and refocused his mind on the present.
Near the Coliseum and Aquame Lake, Link met up with a Royal Guardswoman. She was initially flanked by two knights, but she bade them to stay back while she approached Link by herself.
"Dame Miranda, Royal Guardsman," she simply said, and she presented a crest as proof. "Miranda will be fine, though."
Link silently took it and inspected it carefully before relaxing and returning the token.
"Your way remains clear," Miranda said. She turned to the setting sun and clicked her tongue. "However, with twilight approaching, I recommend you divert to Outskirt Stable. Shepard and Harper will be waiting there to receive you. Including myself, there will be three Royal Guardsmen to watch over Her Highness for the evening, allowing you to rest. You will depart at first light, I assume?"
Link nodded.
"I will escort you, then," Miranda said. She pointed at the other two knights. "Do not worry about them. They are returning to Castle Town to report to Captain Taggart."
Again, Link nodded. He flicked the reins and continued south. Miranda took the rearguard and trotted not far behind.
Passing the Coliseum and Aquame Lake, Link guided the horses to take a right and go west at the T-intersection so that they traveled in the shadow of the Great Plateau to the stable.
It wasn't far, and they made it well before they lost the light. Miranda rode ahead to prepare suitable lodgings for the princess. When some stable hands prepared to unhitch the horses, Link jumped off his seat and shook his head warningly.
Princess Zelda stuck her head out of the window. "Is there something the matter?"
Again, Link shook his head, but he kept a wary eye on the stable hands.
"They're okay," a male voice said.
Link turned to see Shepard walking up to them.
"Let them work," Shepard said. He handed Link a crest.
Satisfied that it was real, Link handed it back.
Shepard approached the carriage and opened the door. "Your Highness."
"Sir Shepard," Princess Zelda said. She stepped out and sighed. "Forgive me. Sitting still for so long has made me feel a little stiff."
"A feeling we all know too well, Your Highness," Shepard replied. "Perhaps a walk to stretch your legs? Dinner will be served soon, so you may take the time to clean up."
"Yes, I believe I shall do just that."
Shepard turned to Link. "I assume you'll remain with her?"
Link nodded.
"Very good, then," Shepard said. "I'll find Miranda and Harper. Harper is the other Guardsman here with us, in case you didn't know."
Princess Zelda raised her arms high and stretched. "I had hoped to try to get to the canyon pass before sunset."
"As did we all, Your Highness," Shepard said. "Sadly, that won't be the case. Can't have you going across the bridge at night. Far too dangerous."
Link didn't bother to comment. He felt there was nothing further to be said about something both obvious and that he concurred with.
Princess Zelda nodded and dismissed Shepard. Link saluted before falling in step behind the princess as she strolled off towards the woods. She took out her Sheikah Slate and started doing whatever it was she liked to do. Staying a respectful distance away, Link summoned his reserves of patience and stood watch.
~o~O~o~
Central Hyrule – Outskirt Stable
"Jolene has outdone herself this time," Harper said. He took another bite of ribs and chewed happily.
Link eyed the unfamiliar Royal Guardsman before eating some of the ribs himself and privately concurred with Harper's assessment. Looking over his shoulder, Link spotted an older, formidable-looking dark-skinned woman jauntily waving at them. Harper was the only one who waved back.
"Harper used to patrol this area regularly. He's been eating here longer than you've been a knight," Shepard said to Link. "Pretty sure we got a discount on dinner because of him."
"Worth it," Harper said. He was middle-aged—the oldest of the group, with brown medium-length flowing hair, light-blue eyes, and a light beard. Despite all that, he acted like he was the youngest—loud, boisterous, and barely able to keep still.
In contrast, Shepard held himself with the same discipline expected of all Royal Guardsmen—the kind Link looked up to, much like his father. With a strong jawline, closely cropped haircut, slight stubble, piercing blue-gray eyes, and relaxed yet ready demeanor, Link found himself admiring Shepard.
"Here you are, Your Highness," Miranda said. "Please, take a seat."
"Thank you," Princess Zelda said. She sat down on the log provided for her and accepted the plate Shepard presented.
When the princess declared that she wanted to clean herself up, Miranda volunteered to take over watching over her if Link was amenable. The cool look Princess Zelda sent his way pretty much made the decision for him, and Link decided to let the Royal Guardswoman handle his responsibility for a spell while he got some dinner.
"Thank you," Miranda said when Link handed her a plate of food as well before sitting next to him.
Miranda looked to be the same age as Shepard, give or take a year perhaps. She was extremely attractive, if a bit too stern. With long black hair, intelligent-looking ocean-blue eyes reminiscent of Aryll's, and possessing a rather perfect figure, it wouldn't have surprised Link if she had men falling over themselves around her constantly.
Except it looked as if Shepard and Harper were completely immune to her looks, though the latter was wearing a wedding band on his finger already.
"You're awfully quiet, Link," Harper said. "Food not to your liking? Or are you dreading your jaunt into the desert?"
Link merely shrugged and continued to placidly eat the tasty barbeque.
"Or… is it because you can't wait to meet the Gerudo?" Harper asked wickedly. "Hopefully, they won't be too much woman for a lad like you."
Miranda sent a light kick at Harper, followed by a scoff. "I doubt something like that would scare him away. There was a rumor that he singlehandedly took out an entire monster encampment at the age of nine."
When all eyes—including Princess Zelda's—turned to Link, he shrugged and only offered a single nod.
Shepard let out a low whistle. "Guess that gives credence to the report that he and his knight, Dame Serlut, took on a Hinox singlehandedly a few years ago."
"Well, that explains why you got to join the Royal Guard right out of squirehood," Harper said.
"That's not even a word," Miranda said in exasperation.
"Yet," Harper shot back.
"Will we be able to leave at first light?" Princess Zelda asked the group at large.
"Hopefully, if all goes well," Harper answered. "We'll know in a few hours and inform you come morning light."
Princess Zelda blinked. "If what goes well?"
Link stopped eating and listened attentively.
Shepard frowned. "Report of a Hinox just past the bridge. It was sleeping right on the center island connecting Central Hyrule to the Gerudo Desert, though how it got there without the bridges collapsing is something only the Goddesses know. We've gathered some people to remove it."
"Do they have enough? Will they be all right?" Link asked, concerned.
"And he speaks," Harper said in mock surprise.
"When he wants to," Link replied neutrally.
"I think that's a fine quality," Shepard said. " 'Fools speak, wise men listen.' Isn't that how it goes?"
Harper snorted and resumed eating.
"There's enough. You needn't worry," Miranda said to Link calmly. "Stay with your charge. You don't have to rid Hyrule of all the Hinoxes. Or all evils, for that matter. Narrow your focus on what matters, lest you stretch yourself too thin."
Link nodded.
"After the Hinox is removed, we have some people on standby to inspect the bridge thoroughly to ensure it is safe to use," Miranda added. "As Shepard said, how the Hinox got to where it was without damaging any of the bridges is a mystery, but we're far more interested in whether it's safe to forge through or if repairs are necessary."
"Sofia will be the last Royal Guardsman you'll meet," Shepard said. "She's helping with the assault. Don't worry, the Hinox won't be a problem. She'll also make the final report on the bridge, the canyon, and the Gerudo response."
"Once you awaken, the three of us will ride out to do a sweep and make sure the roads remain clear of any undesirables," Harper said. "So, you know, feel free to sleep in."
Link gave Harper a bland look, while Princess Zelda rolled her eyes.
Finishing their dinner, Link and Princess Zelda retired for the evening. Miranda remained inside the tent while Shepard and Harper took their posts outside.
After spending the entire day sitting on the carriage, eating lunch on the move, and keeping an eye out for threats, Link felt the exhaustion seep into his very being. The moment he laid down, he marveled over the comfiness of the bed. Instantly, his eyes felt heavy.
Oh, they must have paid for the nice—
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – Gerudo Canyon
Somehow, Link managed to rouse himself awake just before sunrise. He was up before the princess and managed to quietly put on his boots and equipment.
Standing nearby, Miranda shot him an approving gaze. "Self-discipline. An admirable quality."
"Self-preservation," Link corrected. "I trained under the Sheikah. They would throw a bucket of the coldest water they could possibly make on top of me if I didn't wake up 'on time'. Believe me, they trained out my habit of sleeping in. Later, they would teach me to sleep with one eye open by preparing to do it at random times to see if I would 'die' or react to the threat in time."
Miranda looked amused yet contemplative. "I want to laugh, but in all honesty, that sounds like remarkable training to me."
"It was, but no one said that I had to like it," Link said. Still, he was awake, and he was prepared for the day. "We go when Her Highness is ready. I'll take the time to get the ingredients to make some Chilly Elixirs until then."
"Take Harper with you," Miranda said. "We might be too far south for you to find the Cold Darners or Winterwing Butterflies needed, but he might be able to scrounge some up for you."
Link absently nodded before realizing something. He turned to Miranda and held out his hand. "Crest?"
Again, Miranda looked approving as she pulled out her crest and handed it to him.
Studying it for a few moments and satisfied that it was real, Link gave it back. "Send Shepard to get us when she's awake."
Miranda nodded.
Harper did indeed know the region well and was able to help Link rustle up some of the critters needed to brew the elixir. However, Shepard arrived and told Link to get breakfast or starve until lunch.
Putting his catch away, Link quickly made his way back to the stable, where he spotted Princess Zelda quietly eating breakfast already while she was reading something in her notebook and comparing it to something displayed on the Sheikah Slate.
Seeing that she was almost halfway done with breakfast, Link judged that he wouldn't be able to heat a pot and mix the ingredients before she would demand that they leave.
Internally grumbling, Link hoped he would have the opportunity to make the elixir or that the desert wasn't nearly as hot as some of the Royal Guardsmen had said it was.
While they ate, Shepard, Miranda, and Harper all mounted up and rode off, leaving them alone. As Link had predicted, when Princess Zelda finished eating, she promptly stood up and walked to where the carriage was. The horses were already hitched and waiting. Abandoning his manners, Link wolfed down the last of his breakfast before going to the carriage and hoisting himself up to the driver's seat.
Waving at the stable hands, Link urged the horses southbound along the well-traveled paths. Taking a right at the next intersection, Link looked around but didn't spot either Miranda, Shepard, or Harper. He slowed the horses down and scanned the area carefully.
Princess Zelda stuck her head out of the window. "We are to meet Guardswoman Sofia, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Link answered.
It wasn't until they rounded a bend and were in visual range of the Digdogg Suspension Bridge that they finally spotted someone.
"Ah, I see her," Princess Zelda said.
Link turned in his seat and saw a lone rider approaching them at full gallop, only to slow down at a respectable distance to a brisk trot. It was a woman, waving at them. She came to a stop next to Link.
"Dame Sofia," she said in a friendly manner. She presented a crest for him to inspect. "All is clear for you and Her Highness."
"Any problems with the Hinox?" Link asked. He handed the crest back.
After taking the crest and tucking it away, Sofia shrugged. "Some injuries here and there among some of the soldiers. We got lucky. Because the island was so small, we just herded the fat bastard off the edge and let the river take him."
Link snorted out a laugh before he hastily covered it up.
"Something funny?" Princess Zelda asked Sofia.
Sofia grinned at her. "Fitting, actually. To the east of here is the River of the Dead. I suspect the situation struck Sir Link appropriately."
"I-I see," Princess Zelda said.
"One of the messengers also reported that he made it to Gerudo Town last night. The Gerudo are riding out to meet you at Gerudo Canyon Pass to escort you," Sofia said. "We already checked the area, and all seems clear for now."
"You're not coming with us?" Link asked.
Sofia shook her head. "Can't risk sending armed troops into another province without proper notice and permission. We barely have the former, and we certainly don't have the latter. It'll just be you and Her Highness."
"Understood," Link replied.
"I also received word not moments ago that the bridge is in working order and should handle the weight of the carriage with no troubles," Sofia added. "The engineers are still there now."
Link nodded. "Did you tell them not to approach us?"
"I did, along with the knights that are still there," Sofia answered. "Just ride past, and don't stop. Your final destination should be Gerudo Canyon Stable. After that, you'll need to wait for the Gerudo to take you the rest of the way if they haven't met you already."
"Understood."
"Safe travels," Sofia said. "I'll be informing the other Royal Guardsmen to pull back to Central Hyrule and the castle. If you require anything, send word."
After Link nodded, Sofia saluted and galloped off.
The Digdogg Suspension Bridge was inaccurately named, at least in Link's opinion. It wasn't a single bridge, but rather a series of them—six in total—that took advantage of the natural rock formations that rose from the waters below.
As the carriage approached the first bridge, Link spotted some workers either on the cliffside or using ropes to clamber down to check the underside. When the workers saw them, they immediately vacated the bridge itself, allowing for clear passage across. Making sure the horses were moving at an easy canter, Link and Princess Zelda crossed the first bridge cautiously. The former kept a weather eye out on the bridge's condition as they traversed it. It rocked ever so slightly, causing the horses to shake their heads nervously. Link uttered some soothing sounds to calm them. Thankfully, nothing dramatic occurred at the first, second, or third bridges.
When they reached the central island, Link spotted the signs of battle. The aggressive footprints of the knights and soldiers, the massive footprints of the Hinox as it had been forced back, likely having contended with a wall of spears. There was a long skid mark before the tracks vanished over the precipice on the east side.
After crossing the next three bridges without issue, Link quietly sighed in relief, waved at the engineers, and quickened their pace once more.
Not long after they crossed the entrance to the Gerudo Canyon Pass, Link heard galloping horses echoing along the canyon walls. He pulled on the carriage brake and tensed up.
His caution proved to be unwarranted when a contingent of Gerudo rounded the bend, led by Chief Urbosa herself.
"Chief Urbosa," Link greeted when they were in hearing range.
"You may call me Urbosa, unless you want me to call you Sir Faron," Urbosa playfully retorted.
"Urbosa," Link said evenly, refusing to rise to her teasing. At least, not with so many eyes watching.
Smirking at him, Urbosa rode to the carriage and peered into the window. "Sav'otta, Princess. And how are you doing this fine morning?"
Zelda popped her head out and smiled widely. "Doing well, sarqso."
"It will be our honor to escort you to Gerudo Town," Urbosa officiously said. She turned to Link. "Mind your speed here. The canyon trails can be rough and the turns sudden."
Link nodded.
Urbosa guided her horse around and took the lead. Flanked by Gerudo warriors, Link urged his horses onward at a matching pace. The morning sunlight added to the difficulty in reaching the canyon floor, so Link had to pay extra attention to where they were going. Thankfully, the task was made much easier by following the trail blazed by the Gerudo around them.
Once they reached Gerudo Canyon Stable, Urbosa signaled for everyone to dismount. All the horses were given to the various stable hands to be cared for. Link hopped off the carriage and opened the door for Princess Zelda to exit. She declined to take his hand when he offered to assist. Ignoring the snub, Link directed the stable hands to unhitch the carriage horses while he asked several of the Gerudo soldiers to assist with the princess's belongings. The 'volunteers' glanced at Urbosa for instruction.
"Do as he says, and get to it," Urbosa ordered impatiently. "Load everything onto the sleds. Gently."
Instinctively, Link knew that wheels on sand wouldn't work, so the word 'sleds' intrigued him. Furthermore, he knew that horse hooves probably wouldn't be ideal for the desert, so he wondered what animal would be used to pull the sleds.
At least, I hope they use something. Not sure if I want to be the one to pull a sled.
His answer became clear when he heard the oddest sound he had ever heard coming from an animal. It sounded like honking from a bird, but with a decidedly guttural undertone; deeper, more bass in the sound, almost like barking.
Approaching the Gerudo Desert's border, he studied the unfamiliar, orange-colored beasts lounging comfortably on the sand. They were rather big, maybe fat, though Link wasn't sure. They had flippers for arms and a tail. They also had a robust fur coat on their bodies, with the thickest concentration around the neck and shoulders; Link wondered how they weren't overheating with such thick fur. They seemed friendly enough, though Link warily eyed the enormous pair of tusks sticking out of the animals' mouths. Some were docilely lounging atop the sands, while others were playfully rolling around, kicking a bit of sand into the air, much to the consternation of their handlers.
"So… is this how you get around the desert?" Link asked the nearest Gerudo that was watching over the strange animals.
"Indeed. The finest sand seals you'll find among the dunes!" the Gerudo animal handler answered.
"Sand… seal?" Link repeated uncertainly. He cast a glance at the round animals behind the trainer. With their flippers and wide tails resembling those of fish, Link believed the seals looked more suited for water than land. "Well, that's… seal-y."
The handler eyed him before snorting out a laugh. "I can't tell if that was hilariously bad or badly hilarious."
Link shrugged and studied the sand seals a bit more. "So… do they… 'swim' through the sands?"
"Correct."
The princess looked wholly unsurprised by this. She sat down on the sled that Urbosa was handling and made herself comfortable.
"Here," a Gerudo guard said. She handed Link a gold-colored shield.
"I have one," Link said, confused. He turned and jerked his thumb at the Hylian Shield on his back.
"A pretty thing, but are you sure it can handle the sands?" the Gerudo guard asked.
"The… sands?" Link looked around and saw that the Gerudo around him were dropping their shields on the ground and standing on them. Then he noticed that the animal—sand seal—handler was giving everyone ropes that were attached to the seals.
The Gerudo guard smirked at him. "Ah, never ridden a sand seal before, have you?"
"I think I figured it out," Link muttered. "Thanks."
"If you're sure?"
"I'm sure." Link wasn't sure why he declined the offer for help, but he chalked it up to pride. Now he was fervently praying to Farore that he wouldn't fall flat on his face, at least, not in front of everyone. He made sure his Sapphire Earrings were in place, downed one of the Chilly Elixirs offered to him—just in case—and accepted the rope from the sand seal handler. Tying it around his waist like the other Gerudo guards around him, Link slipped his feet into the arm straps in the shield and bent his knees in preparation.
"Everyone ready?!" Urbosa shouted.
A chorus of affirmatives floated back.
"Hyah!" Urbosa said.
The sand seals lurched forward with surprising speed. Link gripped the rope and bent his knees further, trying desperately to keep his balance as he willed himself to adjust to the ebb and flow of the desert sands beneath his shield.
Link was able to keep up, though he often fell to the trailing position, but while the more experienced riders(?) were in the lead, he didn't slow the procession down, at least. It took some time before Link was able to comfortably control his body to move to and fro with the bumps and dips of the desert, but he had to admit that it beat walking or putting horses through hell in the unforgiving environment.
In fact, the longer they traveled, the more fun it became.
It was nearing sunset when they stopped at an oasis to let the seals rest before making the final push to Gerudo Town. There was a small settlement built around the oasis; a couple of buildings, but mostly tents around the valuable source of water.
"Oh, I almost forgot how lovely the bazaar is!" Princess Zelda exclaimed. She took out her Sheikah Slate and snapped a picture.
"Vasaaq to the Kara Kara Bazaar," a Gerudo guard said to Link.
Link nodded as he untied himself from his sand seal and picked up his borrowed Gerudo shield. He mentally filed away the Gerudo words to learn about later.
Urbosa approached Link as he stretched out his legs.
"Well, for a voe, you surf well," Urbosa said, smirking. "I was expecting you to get a taste of the desert sand more than a few times. It's a good thing I didn't take that bet."
Link managed a shaky smile. "My first time using a shield like that. I'm beginning to see why yours are round."
Urbosa laughed, loud and true. "It is more than mere transport. It also serves as an entertaining pastime."
"I might give that a go while I'm here," Link replied. At the very least, he considered it training to better handle the desert. Or he might see how the Gerudo fought and see if he could incorporate some of their techniques into his own. Or he could try physical training, like Groose had done, to increase his endurance.
Or… he had to remember that he was going to be doing nothing but standing around in the desert heat while Princess Zelda poked and prodded a giant war machine.
This sucks forever.
"I am afraid this is as far as you can come," Urbosa regretfully said, inadvertently intruding on Link's increasingly despondent thoughts. "Our laws are put in place for a reason. It is not in me to grant exceptions unless the need is great."
Remembering the missive in his bag, Link produced it and silently handed it to her.
Urbosa seemed to have expected it, though. She rolled her eyes, took the envelope, tore it open, and read the letter. After a few minutes, she shook her head. "The answer remains no."
Link frowned and cast a glance towards Princess Zelda.
"You needn't worry about her safety," Urbosa said. "She is my personal guest. The desert is our home, and we have many experienced warriors to watch over her. We will be meticulous with our protection."
"Can I at least ask why men aren't allowed into Gerudo Town?"
"Protection for everyone," Urbosa said. "Not just from threats, mind you. Culture shock."
"I'm not sure how much I'm following so far, but I'm not confused yet," Link replied.
"Most of the vai inside Gerudo Town haven't really seen a voe, aside from the occasional merchant," Urbosa explained. "So they don't know how to speak, interact, or generally present themselves to a voe when they come across one. If you were to go into Gerudo Town, either some would flee out of embarrassment, or…"
"Or what?" Link asked when Urbosa trailed off playfully.
"Or perhaps some vai might be looking for a mate," Urbosa answered with a wicked smirk. She made a show of sizing Link up and flirtatiously winked. "And I think you might make some vai quite pleased. We Gerudo can be quite… aggressive, you know."
Link wasn't amused, and his leaden look said it all.
Blinking owlishly at his response, Urbosa nearly pouted at him. "Spirits, are you even alive or just made of stone?"
"So my boundary starts and ends at Gerudo Town," Link said. He walked around Urbosa and observed the distant stone walls and the large, irregularly shaped stone spire on the horizon, framed by the setting sun. "Obviously, you don't have Vah Naboris standing nearby like one of your sand seals."
"Of course not," Urbosa replied.
"That means the princess will have to leave Gerudo Town to conduct her inspection," Link said. He turned to Urbosa expectantly.
Urbosa eyed him and jutted out her hip, allowing one of her toned legs to be presented as she planted her fist against her scimitar. "I see where you're going with this. Very well, I will have a runner sent to inform you when we are preparing to leave, and you may join us when we go to Vah Naboris. You have my word: Zelda will not leave Gerudo Town unless you are present, in the interest of maintaining our relationship with the crown."
Link nodded.
Again, Urbosa looked a bit frustrated that Link wasn't responding to her charms. "It can't be me…"
"I'm to make camp here?" Link asked.
Shaking out of her thoughts, Urbosa pointed at one of the buildings. "You have a room at the inn over there. The best there is. It will be yours as long as you remain a guest of ours. I hope you will see that there is much to do in the desert. Many voe can't seem to handle it, but I get the feeling you're made of sterner stuff."
"Hmm. Perhaps," Link replied evenly.
"Oh, in this, I am confident," Urbosa said. She cast a glance around and smirked. "Oh, my. It looks like you're drawing a few eyes as we speak."
"I've gotten used to it," Link muttered.
Laughing, Urbosa walked off towards Princess Zelda.
"Urbosa, before you go, indulge me," Link suddenly said. "Is there actually something wrong with Vah Naboris?"
"Well… that would be for Zelda to determine, wouldn't it?" Urbosa replied cheekily.
"I'm asking you, not Her Highness."
Urbosa's smirk told Link everything he needed to know.
Heaving an irritated sigh, Link wandered off to the inn to pen a letter back to the king.
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – Kara Kara Bazaar
Link easily fell into a routine after a few days, which mainly consisted of going back and forth between Gerudo Town and Vah Naboris. All the excursions to the desert had to be done before or around sunset and into the evenings to avoid the blistering heat unless light was required. The cold desert evenings were much easier to deal with than the oppressive heat. So far, Princess Zelda had adhered to that schedule. During those times, Link stayed dressed in his Champion's Tunic and occasionally dipped into his stock of Chilly Elixirs whenever he was summoned to escort Princess Zelda to Vah Naboris. However, with Cold Darners and Winterwing Butterflies in short supply in the desert, Link made sure to use those elixirs only when absolutely necessary and relied heavily on his Sapphire Earrings. They would work some of the time, unless the sun was at or around its zenith, making the heat almost unbearable.
Vah Naboris was standing in a region of the Gerudo Desert known as the East Barrens. It was located far to the southeast of both Gerudo Town and the Kara Kara Bazaar. Urbosa stated that when she and Vah Naboris were ready, she would begin weapons testing at the dunes further south, where it was practically nothing but barren, nearly lifeless desert.
Link privately thought that the desert was a pretty good place to test the destructive powers of the Divine Beasts, over the mountainous Tabantha region, though he also thought that Death Mountain wouldn't be too bad, either.
Idly, he wondered about the logistics of how Mipha would be able to test Vah Ruta in the Lanayru Province.
Remembering some of the conversations he'd shared with Mipha about Vah Ruta, Link looked up at the massive form of Vah Naboris. It was easily the tallest Divine Beast. The legs stretched long, almost like massive tree trunks. There was power in the feet. Even when dormant, Link could feel the residual electricity in the air when he stood nearby. The main body of Vah Naboris rivaled that of Vah Ruta, large and wide. Two curious protrusions were situated on top of the Divine Beast's main body. Unlike Vah Ruta, which had a long nose, Vah Naboris had a long neck, allowing the head to reach high into the sky just surpassing its main body.
Standing in the shadow of the Divine Beast, Link idly wondered if Urbosa would call Vah Naboris cute like Mipha did with Vah Ruta.
When it was active, Link was either inside the Divine Beast or standing with the Gerudo Guard on the mountainous ridges south of Spectacle Rock. Those warriors were tasked with guarding Vah Naboris when it was not in use and preventing any attempt at sabotage. Given the Yiga presence in the region, the warriors stationed around Vah Naboris had been personally handpicked by Urbosa to guard the Divine Beast with aggressive fervor.
Rough job.
Vah Medoh flew, Vah Rudania was settled in the middle of a lava lake, and Vah Ruta was in the middle of a regular lake within view of Zora's Domain and was always guarded by Zora swimming within the waters. All of those Divine Beasts had some kind of protection that deterred those that would try to disrupt their operations.
Vah Naboris was standing far from Gerudo Town, on land, and within reach of those bearing malicious intent determined enough to board and sabotage it.
Link could see why Urbosa was confident Princess Zelda would not be harmed: security was already in place.
When Link wasn't traveling back and forth between Vah Naboris and Gerudo Town, or guarding Princess Zelda during her evaluations, he had nothing specific to do for much of the day. He decided to make the most of his time in the desert. It was an environment that he had never trained or survived in, and he turned it into an opportunity to learn.
First and foremost was learning to travel by seal. Instead of using the Hylian Shield gifted to him by the king, Link bought a Gerudo Shield of his own. Its round design made it easier to ride on the sands with. Next, he dressed accordingly. Since his presence wasn't needed to look after the princess during the day, he doffed his Champion's Tunic and commissioned a set of clothes that was more suitable for desert life.
At least, that's what the Gerudo seamstress assured him it would do.
She took to the challenge of making him a set of clothes with aplomb, tired of making the same outfits for 'vais' over and over again. To make an outfit for a voe was a new challenge and one she enjoyed.
Within a day or so, she crafted an outfit she claimed was for 'Desert Voes', dubbing the pieces the 'Desert Voe Spaulder' and the 'Desert Voe Trousers'. And because she enjoyed the work so much, she even threw in a headband that she thought would look lovely on Link.
While he was grateful for both the speed at which the work was done as well as the overall function of the outfit, Link felt a bit more… exposed… than usual wearing everything. However, it did help manage the heat of the desert during its worst hours when he ventured away from the Kara Kara Bazaar, so he put up with it.
Although, Link was puzzled when the seamstress muttered about how the outfit would be a fine addition to some 'secret club' or something along those lines.
"Going native, I see," a female voice said behind him.
Turning around, Link spotted a middle-aged, somewhat-attractive Sheikah walking up to him—the white hair and red eyes were a dead giveaway. She was dressed in clothes similar to what the Gerudo would wear, though she appeared a bit self-conscious when Link looked at her.
"Jade, I presume?" Link asked, keeping his eyes on hers to help ease any tension she might have had.
"You presume correctly," Jade replied. "And you are Sir Link Faron."
"Just Link."
Jade sat down on a rock next to the oasis and observed him. "So, besides us, you're the only one that's seen all four Divine Beasts."
Link blinked and bounced the statement around in his head before nodding. "I guess I have."
"The princess told me about the weapons test in Tabantha," Jade said. She looked around to see if anyone was listening before lowering her head. "Was it as terrifying as we thought?"
"What you're thinking probably isn't close," Link darkly said.
Jade adjusted her glasses and nodded slowly. "We ran so many theoretical tests and crunched the numbers, but there's always something about the reality of the situation that makes it hit harder. Tell me, how did Kenway react? Was there even a reaction?"
Link let out a small, mirthless chuckle. "Yeah. He genuinely seemed afraid."
Jade's eyes widened. She turned her head to the southeast and frowned. "I'm not sure when we're doing weapons tests on Vah Naboris, but it'll likely be soon."
"Any problems so far?" Link asked.
Jade rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I know there aren't any. I think Chief Urbosa is just messing with me."
"No, she's messing with King Rhoam. You're just collateral damage."
"His Majesty? But why… oh… oh." Jade limply fell forward and covered her face with her hands while pushing her glasses up to her forehead. "Ugh, I didn't realize. I was so focused on looking for what might be wrong with Vah Naboris that I didn't suspect… so that's why Her Highness is here."
"Mind you, Urbosa hasn't come out and admitted anything," Link said wryly. "Not that we're expecting her to."
Jade sat back up, took a deep breath, and nodded. "Of course she wouldn't."
Once again, Link eyed the Sheikah researcher. It was probably the first time they had talked, though not necessarily the first time they had met. Link was sure he recognized the glasses perched on her forehead.
"So, have you been on Robbie's team long?" Link casually asked.
"Purah's," Jade absently answered. "And yes. In fact, I was one of the researchers that got to fly on Vah Medoh when you inadvertently took over as the pilot. An absolutely thrilling day. Terrifying, but thrilling."
Passing her test, Link chuckled, this time out of mild embarrassment. "Yeah… that was an accident."
"I'm sure it was; you were only a squire then…" Jade seemed to realize something and shot him a sly look. "Oh, you're clever."
"Cautious," Link replied.
Jade stared at him before shrugging. "Well, some people would be offended. Not me, though. I'm glad someone is taking Her Highness's safety seriously."
"Thanks," Link said.
Jade stood up before she realized that she was, more or less, presenting her bare midriff to Link and embarrassingly turned to the side. "Well, if you need to round out your curiosity, I'm just here to buy some Hydromelons. They ran out at Gerudo Town. It was nice meeting you again, Link. At least we shared a proper, normal introduction this time."
"Same," Link said.
After Jade left, Link smiled to himself and returned to his task of making arrows.
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – Great Cliffs
Huffing with effort, Link continued his climb. He could see the precipice just out of his reach, and he summoned his flagging reserves of stamina to make the climb.
Finally!
Once he reached the top, he rolled onto his back and took several deep breaths, careful not to let his quiver tip and drop all of his arrows. Once he had caught his breath, Link rolled back over so he could creep along his hands and knees to the opposite edge. Link stayed atop his perch; one of the many stone spires that dotted the desert, over a hundred meters up.
The monster camp below had no idea he was there.
Taking out his new bow—he called it the Ancient Bow, since it was made of ancient materials—Link took aim and prepared himself.
Lizalfos—electric variety, Link's first encounter with that type—dominated most of the population, though there were some Bokoblins as well. His first arrow tagged the horn, causing it to involuntarily discharge its electricity. A few Bokoblins stiffened in response to the shock running through their bodies.
Link took advantage of that by ensuring that his next few arrows were buried into their skulls.
A sentry standing on a platform saw what was happening and blew a horn, summoning all of its mates to run out to fight the intruder.
Link sent his next arrow at that Bokoblin. It wasn't necessary anymore.
As he had predicted, the monsters hiding in the shade from the heat of the desert all ran out, prepared for battle.
Taking a deep breath, Link nocked another arrow and proceeded to deal with them.
Robbie, you're a genius.
Such were Link's thoughts as he nearly eliminated the entire camp from his position.
Only one Lizalfos was smart enough to run back to cover when it figured out that it was fighting an archer attacking from an unknown location. By then, all of its fellows were dead.
Not interested in playing the waiting game—he had things to do, after all—Link put his bow away—he still marveled over the way it collapsed into a compact state. Leaping from the edge, he spread his arms and legs to catch as much air as he could to prevent himself from falling too fast. Meters from the ground, he quickly pulled out his Paraglider and slowed down his fall.
Landing quietly, Link put the Paraglider away and picked up one of the dropped Lizal Tri-Boomerangs. He had never used this particular model of boomerang, but he was familiar enough with the weapon to make use of it.
He approached the opening and spotted his quarry.
The Lizalfos spotted him at the same time and let out an enraged hiss…
Only for it to change to a cry of pain and shock when a boomerang struck its horn, discharging its main means of attack. It would take around twenty seconds for it to gather the electricity needed to weaponize itself again.
It didn't even get one second as Link closed the distance, Master Sword already drawn.
Leaving the camp behind, Link raised his hand to block out the bright sun as he tried to gauge the time.
I should be able to make it to the Bazaar in time to change and meet the princess.
He slogged through the sand. While he was able to bear the heat of the Gerudo Desert better now, he still had to pump his legs hard to get through the sands. He had to remind himself that it was training more than a few times.
Maybe I'll be a match for Groose in terms of endurance at this rate.
It was just about the only cheerful thought he had, which only just kept the burning in his legs at bay.
Finally reaching his trained sand seal, Link hopped onto his Gerudo Shield and surfed back to the Kara Kara Bazaar.
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – Sand-Seal Rally
Siovan couldn't contain her surprise. "Sa'oten! Hold on, voe! How long have you been seal surfing?!"
"Um… a week and a few days?" Link replied uncertainly. He untied himself from his sand seal and cast an uncertain glance over his shoulder.
Nearby, another Gerudo was cursing up a storm and kicking sand all over the place about the injustices of Hyrule.
Siovan winced and whispered, "Yeah, Sylph isn't one to take losses well. She's been the reigning seal surfing champ for nearly a year. For a random voe to come and beat her must sting a bit."
Link nodded. "Um… would it be better if I stopped competing, then?"
"Oh no, don't do that," Siovan said quickly. "Then she'll just think you're pandering to her. No, you won fair and square. She's the one with the problem, not you. Don't diminish yourself just because of bruised egos, got it?"
"Got it," Link replied.
He glanced around at the other surfers that had been in the race. They were all applauding his performance, at least. It had been a fantastic race—eight surfers all competing. Link had managed to slip past Sylph by sliding almost vertically along a steep sand dune and had used it to swing hard and around to take the lead and then held it for the last quarter of the racetrack.
Sylph was not pleased.
"You've never seal surfed before?" an increasingly familiar Gerudo voice asked.
Sapphire—she preferred to be called Saph—was a Gerudo that was soon set to leave Gerudo Town to find a mate.
Unfortunately for Link, she believed she might have already found one and was a bit relentless in her pursuit. To further add to Link's misfortune, the Gerudo that he'd defeated in the Four Swords remembered him. Unlike Sylph, they had not only taken their loss with grace, but they had also taken it as a sign of his strength.
Link almost wished they were more like Sylph now.
It pretty much went downhill from there when his status was outed somehow—he blamed Urbosa—and the Gerudo discovered he was a 'Hero of Legend'.
Link was rather glad he wasn't allowed in Gerudo Town now, though he also cursed Urbosa's name. He'd thought she had been joking about the culture shock in her usual flirtatious teasing way, not genuine seriousness.
"Never," Link answered. "I've never used my shield as anything but a shield before this."
"Sounds boring," Siovan said, scrunching her nose. "What do you Hylians do for fun?"
"Oh, we have our ways," Link replied dryly. "I have to get back to the bazaar."
"Still guarding the princess?" another Gerudo—Vicki, if Link recalled correctly—asked. "You know, she doesn't think too fondly of you."
"My duty is to guard her," Link said. "Pretty much anything else is irrelevant."
Once his seal had rested and gotten something to drink, Link retied himself, mounted his shield, and slid away.
It wasn't long before a few of his more aggressive 'suitors' were surfing alongside him.
"Ah, there's nothing like the desert wind in your face when you're seal surfing!" Saph said happily. "I swear by the spirits your race will be the talk of the town in no time!"
Now Link was wondering if it would have been better to throw the race after all. He had let his competitiveness take over as the fun and thrill mounted, but now…
I really hope we'll be finished here soon.
Arriving back at the Kara Kara Bazaar, Link quickly walked over to the inn. At his room, he quickly donned his Champion's Tunic and Hylian Trousers. However, once he stepped outside, he halted in his tracks.
"Nia," Link said. She was the runner that traveled to the Kara Kara Bazaar to inform Link whenever Princess Zelda was about to leave. However, she was a couple hours early today. "What brings you by? Different news?"
"Chief Urbosa is coming to see you," Nia said. "She will be along shortly. I was sent here to prevent you from leaving on whatever excursion you had planned for yourself, whether it was seal surfing contests or monster hunting, like you did at the Great Cliffs."
Link frowned. "You were there?"
"Do not look so dismayed," Nia said. "The desert is our home. We know how to move through, fight in, and traverse it in any manner we wish. My team and I watched as you rained arrow after arrow into those monster camps."
"Just testing out a new bow," Link muttered. He hadn't known he was being watched at all.
"Chief Urbosa also wanted me to inform you that the pot has risen," Nia said. There was a ghost of a smile across her lips.
Link noisily exhaled. It hadn't taken long for the Gerudo to take notice of him. Initially, it had been just harmless flirting with a 'Hylian Knight' and appointed guardian to a member of the Hylian Royal Family. However, when some of the Gerudo Four Swords contestants had recognized him, the attention lavished upon him had soon become a great deal more, forcing Link to firmly discourage their covert, overt, and mischievous methods of courting.
Two nights earlier, a particularly aggressive Gerudo had tried sneaking into his room. She'd discovered that had been a bad idea when she tripped over the wire Link had placed at the doorway—it had been intended for the Yiga—and found herself at the mercy of the Master Sword when Link sprang into action.
Nala had taken it in good stride, though. In fact, Link was sure it had endeared him to her even more.
Not too long ago, rupees had been exchanging hands, seeing which Gerudo would be able to successfully sleep with him… at the very least.
"Tell me you're not the gambling type," Link muttered.
Nia smirked at him but said nothing.
Shaking his head, Link sat down on the nearby bench and patiently waited. Mercifully, it wasn't long before Urbosa appeared.
"Urbosa," Link greeted. He stood up and walked over to her.
Nia gave Urbosa a salute before walking off to a respectable distance to allow them privacy.
"Sav'aaq. I brought a gift for you," Urbosa said. She gave him a burlap bag. "This might allow you entry into Gerudo Town."
Intrigued, skeptical, and suspicious all at the same time, Link opened the bag. Inside was a bundle of silks. When he pulled one out and unfurled it, he rolled his eyes and stuffed the garment back into the bag.
"Hilarious," he deadpanned.
Urbosa grinned widely. "Oh, don't be like that. I think you would look like a lovely vai."
Link glared. "No."
"And I'm sure it will fool everyone," Urbosa said teasingly.
Rolling his eyes, Link said, "You didn't come here for a practical joke."
"Zelda isn't feeling well today, so your services won't be required tonight or tomorrow," Urbosa said. "The desert can be harsh. Don't worry; some rest, and she'll be back on her feet in no time."
Link set his jaw and eyed Urbosa, attempting to gauge her sincerity. However, her expression remained unchanged. If anything, she looked amused at the level of scrutiny Link was leveling at her.
"Fine," Link eventually said. "She's okay?"
"I'm sure she will be," Urbosa said. "You have my word. I care about her, too."
"I know," Link replied. "Very well. Thank you for taking the time to come out here to tell me."
"It was the least I could do," Urbosa said before turning away. "Sav'orq."
After Urbosa and Nia left, Link remembered that he still had to contend with the amorous Gerudo.
Hmm… maybe this could be a good time to go further west. Wasn't there a Molduga in the region that my father had trouble with?
It would take a day and a half to make the trip via sand seal. Link would certainly arrive back in time before the princess's next excursion.
Time for an extended hunting trip.
Link made a beeline for the general store to make the necessary purchases.
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – East Barrens, Vah Naboris
Link returned to the Kara Kara Bazaar late in the evening in high spirits. He had tracked a Molduga to the Toruma Dunes, due west of Gerudo Town. Using everything he'd learned from knights, Royal Guardsmen, the Sheikah, and various texts, Link made his approach carefully. Moldugas were sensitive to vibrations in the sand. To counter that, either his footsteps on the dunes had to be slow, measured, and spaced to mask his movements; or irregular and arrhythmic, in an attempt to mimic regular desert activities and disguise his own.
When Link spotted the desert dunes shifting abnormally, he slowed his pace. Making sure the Bomb Flowers he'd packed were within reach, Link knelt down and carefully observed the swirling sands ahead of him. When he was sure he was observing a sand wave—a sure sign of a tunneling Molduga—he started pounding the ground. The vibrations immediately drew in his prey. As the sand waves got closer, Link pulled out a Bomb Flower, ignited the fuse, and rolled it away.
Watching a Molduga erupt from the ground, practically flying through the air to eat a bomb, only to land heavily on its side when the explosion tore apart its viscera was certainly a sight to see.
Link pounced on the opportunity and emerged victorious.
He didn't know if his hunt had been observed or not—he'd learned the Gerudo had their ways of navigating the desert and remaining unseen—but he felt confident that he had been alone. The Gerudo had a healthy fear of Moldugas and would avoid their nesting grounds.
While he wasn't surprised to see a gaggle of Gerudo—they all had predatory looks that had Link wishing that he was back out in the desert—he was surprised to see Nia standing outside the inn, waiting expectantly for him.
Nia planted the butt of her spear into the ground, preventing her sisters from interfering in what was no doubt official business.
"Sav'saaba, Link," Nia said.
"Sav'saaba," he replied. "What brings you by?"
Nia looked a bit uncomfortable, but she led Link away from his 'admirers' and walked around the pool of water. "I have a letter for you."
Taking the letter, Link unfolded it and read the contents. Moments later, he growled under his breath as he re-read the letter before he looked up at Nia. "When did they leave? I was told that there would be no work done today."
The Gerudo warrior looked taken aback by his harsh tone. "Uh, this morning. I-I don't know the details. There was word that the princess did not want your presence today, so… I think a… um… fabrication was created."
"You mean a lie," Link said angrily.
"Well… I mean… yes?"
Crumpling the note in his hand, Link marched into the inn, quickly changed clothes, and stalked back out toward the sand seal pens. "You're dismissed."
Shocked that a 'voe' like him was giving orders, the Gerudo warrior dumbly nodded as he readied a sand seal, hopped on top of his Gerudo Shield, and sped off.
It didn't take him long to reach Vah Naboris. He had made the trip enough that he could have done it with his eyes closed.
The guards stationed there appeared to have been expecting him. They all tossed out various greetings, but he was too angry to respond appropriately.
Realizing that, Link took the time to control his emotions as he'd been taught while he ascended into Vah Naboris. There was another guard that had been waiting for him. She pointed towards one of the decks along the sides of Vah Naboris.
When Link finally arrived, he spotted both Urbosa and Princess Zelda there.
"Ah… well, you certainly got here fast," Urbosa said quietly. "I should have expected as much, from the princess's own appointed knight."
Not exactly by choice.
Link arched an eyebrow and resisted the urge to clench his teeth. Urbosa and Princess Zelda were sitting on some ornate and comfortable-looking cushions on one of the upper decks of Vah Naboris, granting an exceptional view of the desert evening—not that he was in any state of mind to appreciate it. Again, Link wondered if there was anything that needed to be done—legitimately—or if Urbosa was letting the princess have free rein of the inner mechanisms of Vah Naboris.
Currently, Princess Zelda was leaning heavily against Urbosa's left shoulder. Sound asleep from the looks of it.
"She was out on a survey all day today," Urbosa said. "Still as the sands now…"
Link clenched his hands into fists and forcibly exhaled. He mentally started counting to ten to manage his irritation.
"So…? Spill it, boy," Urbosa said, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Have the two of you been getting along all right?"
Link narrowed his eyes as he felt his anger rise to the surface once again. He was sure Urbosa knew the details of their 'relationship'. If they were as close as Link suspected, the princess would have no doubt vented about how unwanted his presence was or how unfair/unjust the situation was that she had to endure.
At least, that was how he imagined how Princess Zelda viewed it.
Urbosa chuckled. "It's okay… I know. Your silence speaks volumes."
Link thinned his lips but didn't bother with a riposte.
Looking down at the princess, Urbosa said, "She gets frustrated every time she looks up and sees you carrying that sword on your back. It makes her feel like a failure when it comes to her own destiny."
Link couldn't help but scowl. He had never asked for any of this, and even to this day, he still wasn't sure if he would have chosen to do it knowing what it would cost him.
Catching the look on his face, Urbosa quickly added, "Don't worry, it's not like you carry blame in any of this."
Exhaling sharply once again, Link looked away and tried to find calm in the still desert night.
Urbosa's voice cut through his errant thoughts. "It's unfortunate. She's put in more than enough time. Ever since she was a young girl, she's gone through rigorous daily routines to show her dedication… She once passed out in the freezing waters trying to access this sealing power. And she has nothing to show for it."
That much, Link agreed with, having been with Princess Zelda for hours upon hours on end as she tried to awaken her powers. He was sure that had it been him, frustration would have reached a boiling point a long time ago.
"That's the motivation driving her research. I'd be doing the same thing," Urbosa whispered.
Again, Link found that he had to rein in his frustration. He knew that it really wasn't the princess's fault. There were just too many things unknown about what they were expected to do, how they were expected to go about doing it, and when they were expected to fight.
At least Link had his training to fall back on; not to mention other ways to vent his frustration whenever it occurred—most recently, monster hunting around the desert during the evenings.
"She really is quite… special," Urbosa said gently. She reached out with her right hand and stroked the side of Princess Zelda's head with no small amount of tenderness. She shot Link a sharp look. "You be sure… to protect her with your life. It's quite the honor."
Link had to resist the urge to scoff. Whatever his task was, it had almost never felt like an 'honor', because he never felt or took any pride in it. It was a duty and a responsibility, but honor was far too much of a stretch in his mind.
Seeing his irritation beginning to creep into his mask, Urbosa shook her head and stared out at the moonlit evening. "The night brings a chill… It's probably time we take her in."
It was one of the few things Link could agree with her on.
However, Urbosa took on a mischievous expression. "Or…"
Before Link could question her, Urbosa snapped her fingers.
Link had seen Urbosa use her lightning several times already, usually during tests comparing her abilities to Vah Naboris's. It still remained impressive.
The lightning struck the ground, followed by the clap of thunder. It was close enough that it rattled the very air around them. Instinctively, Link ducked down while the princess was startled awake.
"Urbosa! What was that?! Did you feel that?!" Princess Zelda exclaimed. Her eyes darted around, trying to get her bearings. When she turned around and spotted Link, she looked even more surprised than before. "Wait, what—how did you—what are you doing here?!"
Urbosa started laughing. Even Link found himself summarily disarmed as he tried desperately to hold in his smirk.
Almost, anyway.
"Wh-what's so funny?" Princess Zelda asked. "What's going on?!"
Urbosa laughed for a few more seconds before regaining control of herself. "It's time for bed, Little Bird. Come along now. Link was kind enough to escort us safely to town."
Link tilted his head at Urbosa. With Princess Zelda's back to him and Urbosa looking over her head, he mouthed, "Little Bird?"
All he got in reply was one of Urbosa's smirks.
When Princess Zelda laid eyes on the Lightning Helm, she finally understood what had happened and let out a pout. "That wasn't funny."
"I had to wake you up somehow," Urbosa replied teasingly. "Come, let us be off."
By the time they were ready—Princess Zelda had to collect her notes, while Urbosa had to pick up the Lightning Helm and her scimitar and shield—Link felt that his mask was firmly back in place. He patiently waited until both ladies were ready before leading the way off Vah Naboris.
The ride back to Gerudo Town felt like any other time. Link rode close enough to be at their sides quickly, but far enough that whatever conversation they shared remained private. By the time they reached the town walls, Link felt he had regained control of himself.
"So, where did you go?" Urbosa asked Link. "My scouts lost sight of you when you headed west."
"Keeping myself occupied," Link answered.
"Oh, doing what?"
"Whatever comes to mind."
"Oh, it seems you've got a bit of a chip on your shoulder this evening," Urbosa said teasingly.
Link did not find the humor in it at all this time.
"Urbosa, I asked you for some privacy," Princess Zelda muttered. "I thought we were going to keep working without him here."
At that moment, Link's threadbare patience finally snapped. Before they entered the Gerudo Town gates, Link stalked up to Urbosa first.
"Urbosa, I do not appreciate being lied to. Nor do I find any of this funny," Link snarled out. "From this point on, I expect you to adhere to your word and not waste my damn time."
Urbosa's eyebrows shot up before her eyes narrowed. "Now you watch it, boy—"
"It's Sir Faron to you," Link snapped. "Do not talk down to me."
"Now just a moment—" Princess Zelda said irately.
"Your Highness," Link said, barely keeping his voice in check. "Your father, the king, gave us both our orders. I do not care what grievances you have, but take it up with him or yourself. Do not bring me into your problems. They are yours, and yours alone."
"How dare you talk to me like—"
"For the past year, I have been silently taking in your snide insinuations, your careless remarks, and your abrasive attitude towards my presence," Link said. "I personally believe my patience has been exemplary. But now it has reached its end. Do not expect me to take your shit and force a smile on my face. Whatever problems you have… Get. Over. Them."
Shooting one last glare at both women, Link stalked over to his seal and sped into the night.
Going further west.
There had to be another Molduga to hunt and vent his frustrations out on.
~o~O~o~
Gerudo Desert – Kara Kara Bazaar
Whatever relationship Link had had with Chief Urbosa or Princess Zelda, he was pretty sure he had not only burned it to the ground, he'd had a parade of Moblins take a piss on the ashes for good measure.
They didn't talk to him, and any time either of them glanced in his general direction, it was either cool stares or downright glares.
Link was well past caring at that point.
Still, there had been no more attempts to deceive him, and their routine resumed as before, which suited Link just fine.
"Are you really not going to tell us what's going on between you and the chief?" Nayla asked. She ran her bare foot along his thigh.
Link didn't react to answer her question or to the physical contact. He had learned that trying to turn down his admirers seemed to spur them on even more.
"Chief Urbosa's ire has nothing on the princess," Nala said. While Link was prodding the barbeque—his lunch—with his right hand, she grasped his left and purposefully squeezed it between her breasts. Link didn't even blink. "It's almost as if she's ready to summon lightning herself with the thundercloud that follows her."
That prompted a round of giggles from the Gerudo, though Link supposed it could be Nala's boldness.
Not one to be outdone, Saph wrapped her arms around him from behind and sniffed the air. "Spirits, that smells good. You really know how to cook, don't you?"
"It's a survival skill, and I'm a survivor," Link replied.
Sitting across from him on the other side of the fire, Zulu seemed more interested in his lunch than in him, much to his private relief. "What did you put on it?"
Link pointed at one of the traders nearby. "Goron spices. Gustav was selling them. Why don't you have a chat with him?"
One of the Gerudo scoffed—Link found it increasingly harder to remember all their names. In fact, he was having trouble remembering all their faces, too. It seemed someone new either came by to try to get a rise out of him or watch to see how some of the older Gerudo would act around a voe like him. "Don't fall for it. He's diverting attention away to another voe. Sorry, Link. Gustav has been vying for our attention for some time now."
Link suppressed his frown and picked up the first stick of barbeque. Once it was sufficiently cooled, he took a bite and nodded.
Saph hugged him harder and looked at the tantalizing mixture of meat and vegetables on the skewer. "Ooooh. Can I have a bite?"
Link rolled his eyes and plucked one piece off for her to have.
Slightly letting him go, she took the offering and popped it into her mouth. "Oh, it really is good!"
"Maybe we should bring Link the ingredients so he can cook for all of us?" a Gerudo suggested.
"I think I should cook him something," another Gerudo said. She grinned at him. "That should show you why I would be the perfect mate!"
A small argument began between some of the Gerudo at that point. Link tuned them out as he finished his first skewer and intently checked on the others, studiously ignoring the Gerudo that were clinging to him.
To his surprise, a very familiar teasing voice spoke up. "So, you get knighted, inducted into the Royal Guard, anointed as a living legend, assigned as the personal knight to the princess, and now that I'm not around, you surround yourself with women. Typical."
Link perked up and searched around for the source of the wry voice.
"Well, I suppose I should thank Farore that you don't drink," Liena said as she entered his line of sight. "Otherwise, who knows how many of these Gerudo would take advantage of you?"
"Liena!" Link said happily. Shrugging out of Saph's and Nala's arms, he stood up and hugged his former mentor. "It's so good to see you!"
She returned the embrace warmly. "It's good to see you, too. Sorry it took so long for me to get here. Terrible weather made for slow progress."
Stepping back, Link grinned. "What brings you here?"
"Providing relief for you," Liena answered. "Impa wanted to come, but Purah wanted her help with something. Since I was the one that trained you, His Majesty thought I was probably a good candidate to assist."
"Well, you know I wouldn't say no to you," Link said.
"Careful. You best not say that to the other ladies," Liena replied with a suggestive wink, causing Link to clear his throat and break eye contact.
The assembled Gerudo started giggling or wore knowing smirks on their faces. Link was glad that the desert sun was high in the sky now; he was sure his cheeks were burning red.
Laughing, Liena studied him from head to toe. "Well, look at you. You've gone native on me."
Link scratched the back of his head and looked down at the Gerudo—male—outfit that he was wearing. "Yeah, well, the desert isn't a place for the unprepared."
"Taking lessons from the locals, I see," Liena said.
"One of the lessons you taught me," Link replied. "Death Mountain made sure of that."
Nodding approvingly, she looked around. "His Majesty was afraid of this. Men aren't allowed into Gerudo Town. Tradition, you know. Not even Chief Urbosa has the power to overturn it."
"So I gathered," Link muttered. "Is that the other reason you're here?"
Liena nodded. "I have a missive from His Majesty himself to give to Chief Urbosa. The new plan is that I'll be taking over your duties while inside the town walls. You have responsibility when the princess comes out. Sound good?"
Link nodded back. "Thanks for this."
Liena shrugged. "I've always wondered how I would look more tanned. Now seems a fine time to see."
"Oh, here, you might want this," Link said. He quickly ran back to his room at the inn, picked up a burlap bag, and ran back. "Here you go."
Liena arched an eyebrow, opened the bag, and pulled out the silk garments of the Gerudo. "It's pretty, but not my color."
Link shrugged. "Well, that's all I was given."
" 'Given'?" Liena repeated. She looked like she was trying to suppress her laughter.
"Chief Urbosa's idea of a joke," Link muttered. "Doubt it would work. I'm a bit too… um… 'flat-chested'."
Liena looked at his torso and blushed before looking away. "Hmm, yes. I can see how this disguise wouldn't work."
"Well, I'll be here at the Kara Kara Bazaar," Link said.
Liena nodded. "Whenever we leave Gerudo Town, I'll have word sent."
Looking over her shoulder, Link could see the seal-drawn sled. "That's how you got here?"
"I've read about it, but to see it in person is something else entirely," Liena said. "They really do get around the desert by seals."
Link shrugged. "As long as it seals the deal."
Liena glared. "That was horrible."
"You're horrible," Link shot back, grinning.
Liena rolled her eyes, though she was smiling with repressed mirth as well. "Anything else you can tell me before I report for duty?"
Link frowned. "Yeah. There are a few things."
"That doesn't sound good," Liena said.
"Yeah. You should have a seat. Have you eaten yet? I'm cooking…" Link trailed off when a burning smell wafted into his nose. "My lunch!"
~o~O~o~
Author's Notes:
Yes, a scene was absolutely inspired by Dune, and I love it.
To some of my readers… I know, I know. I'm trying to get back to my other works, and clearly, it's affecting the names of my characters here.