As the sun slowly peeked over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink, Ganondorf gently shook Zelda awake. The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains' slit, casting a soft glow across the room.
"It's time to go," he muttered, his voice gruff with fatigue.
The princess stirred, her eyes slowly opening. She blinked against the gentle light, yawning and rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes. Her mind had raced all night, leaving her feeling as though she hadn't truly rested at all. Her limbs were heavy, and a dull ache settled in her shoulders as she slowly sat up.
"Go?" she repeated, her voice groggy and thick with sleep. "Where are we going?"
The dark lord moved to the window, he pulled the curtains fully open, letting in the weak early morning light. It bathed the room in a pale glow, revealing the stark contrast between his pale face and the darkness of his armor.
"We're returning to Hyrule," he explained, his voice terse, the fatigue evident in his tone.
The Hylian maiden's gaze lingered on him, noting the tightness in his posture and the exhaustion etched into his features. Despite his stoic demeanor, she could see the strain from the previous evening's events still lingering in his eyes.
"Alright," she said, her voice still thick with sleep. She sat up slowly. "You look exhausted," she commented, "are you sure you're well enough to travel?" she asked, genuine concern threading through her voice. "
The Gerudo king gave a small snort in response, his lips curling in an attempt to dismiss her worries. "I'm fine," he replied through clenched teeth, his voice laced with irritation. He stiffly turned away from her, the clinking of his armor breaking the silence and tension inside the room.
"Right," she murmured, the word barely audible as she pushed back the covers. The linen fabric rustled softly, and she swung her legs off the bed, her feet making contact with the cold, hard floor, feeling its chill against her bare feet and sending a shiver up her spine. The weight of the day ahead settled heavily on her, mingling with a gnawing sense of unease that she couldn't quite shake.
As the Hylian princess swiftly got ready, her betrothed watched her from across the dimly lit space. He could see the anxiety and disorientation clouding her blue eyes, while she was getting dressed. For a brief moment, he considered saying something to quell her concerns, to offer a word of reassurance, but he quickly dismissed the thought, reminding himself that now was not the time for weakness.
"Eat," he finally commanded, gesturing to the plate of food in the center of the room. His voice was brusque, cutting through the silence "We have a long journey ahead."
The aroma of spiced meat and fresh bread filled the air, but Zelda's appetite was dampened by the anxious knots twisting in her stomach. Each bite felt heavy and tasteless as she grappled with the haunting memories of the previous evening. Despite her dread, a faint sense of hope, relief and peace washed over her; soon, she would be returning home.
The Gerudo king, started gathering his belonging, his movements stiff and deliberate. Despite his attempts to act unbothered, the dark circles under his eyes and the ashen hue of his skin betrayed the toll of the previous evening's attack. Weariness clung to him like a shadow, his normally powerful presence dimmed by the lingering effects of the poison and his injury.
the Hylian royal's gaze wandered to him as she finished her meal, her eyes tracing the lines of his armor, the way it fit snugly over his broad shoulders. When their eyes met, she couldn't help but catch a fleeting glimpse of something in eyes—concern, perhaps?—but it was quickly concealed by his usual stoic expression. The flicker of emotion left her feeling unsettled, a strange mixture of confusion and curiosity swirling in her mind.
The Gerudo ruler finished his task and approached his betrothed, his towering figure casting a shadow over her as she remained seated at the table. He extended his hand, the gesture surprisingly gentle for a man of his stature. "Come," he said softly, "we are meeting the dignitaries at the gate, and then, we are leaving altogether for Hyrule. The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll arrive."
Zelda gave a small nod, took his hand and rose to her feet, her heart fluttering with a strange mix of anticipation and trepidation.
As they left their residence and made their way towards the gate, the hot and dry morning air mixed with sand grains brushed against their faces. The town was still mostly asleep, with only a few clercs about opening their shop and preparing for the harsh day ahead. As they walked, the silence between them was comfortable for once, both royals were lost in their thoughts and preparations for the journey.
As they walked side by side, The soon-to-be queen suddenly found herself colliding with The Gerudo warlord's broad frame as he slowed down his long strides abruptly. The movement caused her to stumble, but his strong hands reached out to steady her, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Confused by the sudden closeness, she looked up at him to find his gaze flickering away from her, his expression unreadable. The unexpected contact sent a jolt through both of them, and for a brief moment, their eyes locked, she was about to mutter an apology, but the words died on her lips, intensifying the uncomfortable, awkward silence. She couldn't help but steal a glance at her betrothed as they continued walking. His expression was undecipherable, but there was a certain stiffness in his step. Whether it was pain from the previous night's attack or something else entirely, it was hard to say.
Finally they arrived at the gait of Gerudo town, some Gerudo were preparing to leave with them. Ganondorf spent the last hour deep in conversation with some of his subjects who came to say goodbye including Nabooru, while Zelda found herself staring at them idly, she noticed two people among the crowd. She automatically recognized them, it was Rina and Arisha, the two women she met when she arrived with the evil king, and when she was escaping from the twinrova. The forced fiancée found her thoughts and gaze drifting towards the familiar figures of Rina and Arisha, they were the only ones who didn't resent her openly, their horrific stories were still present in her mind. Despite the turmoil of the previous day and their first meetings' circumstances, the sight of them brought a faint sense of comfort.
With a moment of hesitation, the soon-to-be Hylian queen finally decided to approach them. As she approached, the two Gerudo wariors seemed to be surprised by her unexpected presence, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Rina, Arisha," she called out, her voice soft and quiet. "It's good to see you again, before leaving."
The two Gerudo women looked at each other and then answered her in a stern voice: "If you think we are here for you princess, you are mistaken, we just came to say goodbye to our king!" Rina replied sternly.
"Yeah...we were kind to you last time because of the medecine, not for you, princess!" added the other.
The Hylian lady felt as though she had been doused with cold water. She hadn't expected such a harsh reaction, but she couldn't blame them after hearing the horrific tale they had shared with her. Taking a deep breath, she pushed forward, knowing she had to say what was on her mind.
"I'm truly sorry for everything that's happened," the crown princess began, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of her emotions. "And you're right to feel that way. What happened to your sister, Rina... it's beyond words.I can't begin to imagine the pain and suffering you've endured. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Rina. I feel deep remorse and regret for what that soldier did to that young girl. It's sickening and horrifying, and it never should have happened."
Rina's stern expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly hardened her gaze again. "Apologies won't bring her back, princess," she said bitterly, her voice trembling with emotion. "You can't undo what was done."
The blond royal nodded, her own voice filled with sorrow. "I know... I know they won't, I understand your anger and resentment, I want to help make things right. Even if I wasn't the one who ordered that attack, I still feel responsible as part of the royal family. I want to do whatever I can to make sure this never happens again. And I can assure you that those responsible for this atrocity will be brought to justice."
The princess' sincerity and apologies seemed to strike a chord with them. Though they weren't completely won over, a small spark of connection flickered between them. She could see it in the way their gazes softened, ever so slightly.
"I don't expect forgiveness," the vessel of wisdom said quietly, her eyes meeting theirs with an unwavering honesty. "But I do want to work towards a future where no one has to endure what you have. Please know that I am committed to that."
Arisha and Rina remained silent, but the rigidness in their postures eased just a little. 'It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start,' the crowned Hylian thought, feeling a faint glimmer of hope amidst the lingering tension. Rina and Arisha stared at their soon-to-be queen for a long time, their eyes searching hers. It was as if they were sizing her up, trying to decipher the sincerity of her words and intentions.
After a moment, Arisha spoke softly, her voice less cold than before. "We won't forget what happened, princess. And we won't forgive easily either. But... we will remember your apologies, and your promise to make things right." Her eyes softened just a fraction, though they still held the weight of past suffering.
the fallen royal swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat. She could sense the lingering pain in their words, the unhealed wounds that her presence had reopened. She clasped her hands tightly together, her fingers trembling slightly, deep raw emotions swirling within her.
Rina's voice cut through the air, carrying a mix of anger and resignation. "We hear what you're saying," she added, her gaze piercing. "But know that words alone won't make this right. Actions speak louder than words." She crossed her arms, her posture tense, as if holding back the full force of her emotions.
the blue eyed lady nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief as the tension in the air eased just a bit. She took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with determination. "Right," she answered, her tone firm yet compassionate. "Could you tell me the name of the soldier who committed that heinous crime? I will make sure justice is served, and he will be punished accordingly."
Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for their response, hoping that her words could be the first step towards mending the rift between them. She could feel the weight of their pain and anger pressing down on her, but she was determined to do whatever it took to make things right.
Rina looked pained and in deep suffering as if the death of her sister was replaying in her mind, after a long moment of silence, she spoke her voice was full of sorrow: barely above a whisper "his name is Zyon...he raped and killed my sister..."
Arisha, who stood next to Rina, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering silent support. Her face was grave, the weight of Rina's words heavy in the air.
As Zyon's name left Rina's lips, Zelda's stomach churned with disgust. To know that someone capable of such monstrous acts had gone unpunished was unfathomable. The pain and sorrow etched on Rina's face were difficult to witness.
The name echoed in the Hylian princess's mind, a name that would forever be synonymous with horror and suffering. She couldn't help but feel the weight of that name, the magnitude of the crime that he had committed. The Hylian crowned lady's heart ached for Rina and Arisha, the depth of their loss palpable in every syllable that spilled from Rina's trembling lips.
A distant memory flickered in the princess' mind—the mention of an event called "the raid" by Arisha during their previous encounter. Her brow furrowed as she recalled the details. "Arisha," the Hylian throne's heiress said softly, her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You spoke about an event called 'the raid' during our last meeting. Could you tell me more about it? Was it connected to what happened to Rina's sister?"
Arisha's eyes met her soon-to-be queen's, filled with caution and melancholy. She shook her head slightly:"The raid happened 19 years ago. It's not connected to what Zyon did. Hylians tried to wipe out our people. The raid was a brutal conquest, a senseless and devastating attack by the Hylians on our tribe. They pillaged our sacred shrines, desecrated our temples, took our children as slaves, and killed many of sisters. The raid left our people broken and destitute, and the scars it left still bleed today."
The vessel of wisdom 's heart sank with dread at the grim history, a cold shudder going down her spine. The raid and its aftermath painted a horrific picture of the past, one that added layers to the Gerudo's suffering. Although it wasn't directly connected to Zyon's recent atrocities during the Gerudo-Hylian war, it explained the deep-rooted pain, hostility and mistrust the Gerudo held towards the Hylians. The enormity of their suffering was staggering, and Zelda felt her resolve to seek justice and make amends grow even stronger.
'Who could have planned such atrocities?'the royal lady wondered, a wave of nausea washing over her as the horrors unfolded in her mind. Her stomach twisted at the thought, but then, asmall spark of hope flickered in her heart—she had to prove that her family was innocent. They would never have ordered such terrible acts. Her father had always taught her about the greatness and kindness of their kingdom, about how Hyrule extended a helping hand to other nations in need. This couldn't be the legacy of her people; there had to be another thought of her family being responsible for such brutality was unthinkable.
As blue eyed monarch's mind reeled with thoughts regarding who could have orchestrated such atrocities, Ganondorf's voice cut through the air like a sword: "Princess, time to go."
The demon king glanced at Airisha and Rina who bowed deeply towards him seemingly saying their goodbye in the Gerudo language, he nodded to them in acknowledment.
"What about the twinrova? Aren't they coming?" the blond haired maiden asked axiously. Though she had hoped they would remain in Gerudo Desert, deep down, she knew it was naïve to hope for such a fortunate turn of events.
"They are already in Hyrule, they warped there using magic, princess." Her forced betrothed absent-mindedly answered. Her hopes of the old witches staying in Gerudo territory were dashed, and the thought of their arrival in Hyrule sent a wave of frustration coursing through her veins. She glanced at The desert ruler, but to her relief, he seemed lost in thought, oblivious to her annoyance and discomfort.
The desert tyrant helped his betrothed onto his horse and swung himself behind her, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon the evil king's forced fiancee, and she swallowed down her unease as they prepared to set off on their journey to Hyrule. The thought of the twinrova eagerly anticipating their wedding, as it was a symbol of their victory over Hyrule, made the soon-to-be queen blood boil with anger and frustration, it was a clear reminder of the fate she was locked into. 'Creepy, horrendous, abject, witches!' she growled internally.
"Right," she muttered, forcing a semblance of calm into her voice even as her thoughts churned with worry. She glanced back at her evil fiance, searching his expression for any signs of awareness, but his gaze seemed distant and unfocused.
As the royal duo rode the powerful black horse, she couldn't quell the sense of anxiety and apprehension haunting her. Despite the unsettling thoughts swirling around her mind, she noticed that desert ruler was preoccupied, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, completely oblivious to her inner turmoil. However, that didn't bring her much relief either. A strange silence hung between the Gerudo king and his fiance, filled only with the rhythm of the horses' hooves hitting the ground and the occasional chatter of the Gerudo dignitaries following them on their own mounts. The unease in poor woman's stomach tightened with every mile they traveled.
As she stared ahead, she couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation and detachment from her surroundings. The once breathtaking scenery now felt tainted, a nightmare she was about to leave behind as she prepared to return to Hyrule, her true home. The sandy expanses stretched endlessly before them, but the golden dunes, once mesmerizing, now seemed to close in on her like a vast, unforgiving trap. The air, thick with heat and the scent of dust, filled her lungs with a dryness that made her throat tighten. The rocky outcroppings, once majestic, appeared as looming shadows, their jagged edges casting ominous shapes across the land. Even the distant oases, shimmering like deceptive mirages, no longer offered the comfort they once had. The cliffs, towering against the horizon, seemed more like walls confining her in this desolate place. As she looked at the valleys nestled between the dunes, what once appeared as tranquil havens now felt like suffocating prisons. The harshness of the desert, its oppressive heat and relentless sun, was no longer an awe-inspiring sight but a reminder of the harsh reality she was so desperate to escape.
Despite her efforts to appear stoic, she could feel a wave of bitterness and resentment simmering just beneath the surface.
As Zelda glanced subtly at her wicked betrothed, she felt relieved that he seemed oblivious to her conflicted emotions.
She took a deep breath to steady herself, trying to push back the weight of her uncertainty and trepidation. She held onto the horse's reins tightly as the wind whipped through her hair. Behind her, she could feel his warm presence, his chest pressing against her back. His arms brushed against hers as they moved in unison with the rhythm of the horse's gait.
The Hylian royal's mind wandered back to the conversation with Rina and Arisha. She felt a pang of guilt for what Zyon had done, but at least they knew his name now. Perhaps there was still hope for justice and healing someday. But she wanted to know more about the raid, according to Arisha, it happened nineteen years ago, when she was one year old.
"Lord Ganondorf, may I ask you a question?" She finally spoke, her voice soft but tinged with unease. She hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should broach the subject, but her burning curiosity won out.
As the fallen princess summoned the courage to ask her question, dark ruler turned his attention to her. "You may speak freely, princess," he replied, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.
the vessel of wisdom's heart raced within her chest, unsure of how the demon king would react. She took a deep breath, trying to mask her unease, and said: "I was wondering, could you tell me a little bit about the raid that occurred nineteen years ago?"
For a moment, there was only the sound of the horse's hooves pounding against the desert sands. The Gerudo chief's body stiffened behind her, and she could feel the tension radiating from him like a physical force. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, and laced with something dark and dangerous.
"The raid..." he began, his tone betraying the raw emotion he was struggling to keep in check.
The young royal, sensing the change in his demeanor, continued without realizing the full impact of her words. "Yes, I've heard bits and pieces about it, but I'd like to understand more. What exactly happened? Why did the Hylians—"
She didn't get to finish her sentence. The dark lord's grip on the reins tightened, and he abruptly pulled the horse to a halt, nearly unseating his terrified hostage-fiancee with the suddenness of his actions. The wind seemed to die down as an oppressive silence fell over them.
"How dare you!" The evil king hissed, his voice suddenly cold and filled with fury. "How dare you ask about that as if it were just some story to satisfy your curiosity!" He turned her around, forcing Zelda to face him, his eyes blazing with a fury she hadn't seen before. "You speak of the raid like it was some distant, inconsequential event. Thousands of my people were slaughtered, our lands ravaged, our children stolen. Do you think it's something we recount for amusement?"
The fallen princess was taken aback by the intensity of his reaction, her mind reeling as she tried to comprehend the depth of his anger. "I—I didn't mean to—" she stammered, but he cut her off, his voice rising.
"You Hylians, with your arrogance and self-righteousness," he spat, his tone filled with venom. "You dare to ask about the suffering of my people as if it's a mere footnote in your history. That raid was the beginning of the end for the Gerudo, and you ask about it so carelessly?!" His chest heaved with the force of his emotion, and for a moment, the distressed royal lady feared he might strike her.
Her own emotions churned within her—terror, sorrow, despair, and a growing sense of indignation. She had approached the topic out of a genuine desire to understand, not to trivialize their pain. But now, standing under the harsh desert sun with the king of evil's rage bearing down on her, she felt a flicker of her own anger ignite.
"How was I supposed to know?" the young lady shot back, her voice trembling but defiant. "I've been kept in the dark about so much. I wanted to know, to understand what happened. But how can I when you won't tell me?"
the enraged Gerudo 's eyes narrowed, his fury unabated. "You should've thought of that before you decided to make light of our suffering!"
"I was just trying to understand!" she shot back, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "You think I'm mocking you? I'm not! But how am I supposed to know the truth if no one tells me?"
the desert sovereign's eyes narrowed, his expression dark and unreadable. "Truth? You want the truth, princess? The truth is, your people brought destruction to mine. You may not have held the sword, but you carry the weight of their sins."
The Hylian woman's hands balled into fists, the raw accusation in his voice igniting her own fury. "Back at Gerudo town I was treated like a criminal, the worst person in this entire realm, when I never did anything to your people! I was barely one year old when it happened! And my family—they would never—"
"Never what? Never order the massacre of innocent lives? Never steal rare ressources for their own benefits?" The dark despot's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Don't be naive, princess. Your bloodline is just as tainted as any soldier who spilled Gerudo blood."
the royal heiress' breath caught in her throat, her vision blurring with unshed tears. She had never felt so torn, so conflicted between the desire to defend her family and the dawning horror that perhaps, just perhaps, the Gerudo king's accusations held some truth. Zelda's mind reeled with the weight of the evil ruler's words, Confusion, anger, and sadness all warred within her, making her heart heavy with their conflicting voices. She stared into his eyes, seeing the fury and pain simmering within.
Before she could respond, a sudden, guttural roar erupted from the sands, shaking the ground beneath them. A massive desert monster burst from the dunes, its maw wide and its eyes glowing with hunger. Ganondorf reacted instantly, drawing his sword and dismounting in one fluid motion. "Stay back!" he barked at his forced fiance, charging at the creature with a ferocity that matched its own.
Zelda watched in shock as the battle unfolded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she should stay put, but her fear and anger got the best of her. Desperate to get away from evil king's wrath and the monstrous threat, she turned to flee.
"No!" The dark warlord shouted, his voice filled with a mix of anger and fear. "Don't run, you idiot!"
But it was too late. Her flight was cut short as another fish-like behemoth erupted from the sand in her path, its wide mouth agape and its claws reaching out for her, ready to strike. The creature's rough, scaly body shimmered in the harsh desert light as it lunged at her with terrifying speed.
The poor Hylian lady screamed, stumbling as she tried to escape, but her foot caught on a rock, sending her tumbling to the ground. She braced herself for the deadly impact of the creature's attack, the rough texture of the sand scraping against her skin, but instead, she felt the wind of the evil king's blade as he intervened. With lethal precision, he slashed through the beast, saving her in the nick of time. His movements were swift and powerful, cutting the desert monstrosity down as it let out a final, agonized roar.
Turning to his royal betrothed, the demon king's face contorted with anger, he grabbed her by the arm, pulling her roughly to her feet. "What were you thinking, running off like that?!" he shouted, his voice trembling with fury. "Do you have a death wish, princess? Running away in the middle of a fight—how foolish can you be?!"
The stench of the monsters' blood filled the air, mingling with the hot desert wind, as Zelda stood there, trembling, her emotions a tangled mess of fear, anger, and confusion. She yanked her arm out of his grip, her own ire flaring. "Maybe I'd rather be eaten by monsters than stay here with you!" she shouted back, her voice shaking with emotion. "You're nothing but a bitter, mean-spirited monster yourself!"
The evil warlord's eyes narrowed, his anger and rage blazing once more. "You ungrateful little—after everything, you still have the nerve to insult me?! You dare speak to me that way after everything I've done for you? After I saved your life?"
"I never insulted you!" The The soon-to-be queen retorted, her voice trembling with frustration. "I didn't mock you, Ganondorf! I never did! And for the record, I feel terrible about what happened to your people, if it's even true. But the way you're acting makes me question everything you say! I didn't know, I couldn't have known! I'm trying to understand, to make sense of it all. But how can I, when you refuse to speak to me like a human being and act like some... some kind of monster?!"
The demon king's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "A monster, am I?" he growled. "It's easy to label me that when you've never lived through the horrors I have. When your people haven't been hunted like animals, or your homeland torn apart! Maybe you'd understand if you—" He trailed off, as if it was too hard for him to continue the phrase under the weight of his raw emotions.
For a moment, they stood in tense silence, the desert winds swirling around them as if echoing the turmoil between them. The Gerudo monarch's expression shifted, the anger slowly fading to something more akin to realization, but then, his eyes clouded again with spite and fury.
"You think you can help?" The savage ruler's tone was scathing, his expression hardening. "You, who come from the very people who destroyed us? You think your naive questions will make things right?"
the Hylian princess' hands balled into fists, her frustration reaching its peak. "I feel terrible about what happened to the Gerudo! If the raid was really the atrocity you say it was, then I hate it, too! But with the way you're treating me, I'm starting to doubt if you even care about the truth!"
Ganondorf's harsh expression faltered, his anger giving way to a brief flicker of doubt. He stared at chosen vessel of Nayru, the fire in his eyes dimming as her words sank in. "You… you doubt me?" he asked, his voice quieter, almost hurt.
He exhaled slowly, his voice softer when he finally spoke. "Perhaps...you truly don't know... do you?" he muttered, more to himself than to her. His gaze softened as he looked at her, seeing the genuine distress in her eyes.
Zelda, still seething with anger and hurt, looked away, her hands trembling slightly. She didn't know what to think, didn't know how to feel about the man standing before her.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," the blue-eyed maiden replied, her voice softer but still edged with emotion.
After a long pause, The dark lord lowered his sword, his voice softer but still tinged with frustration:" Princess, Let's take a break." He looked around and added, "we need to wait for the dignitaries, anyway."
Zelda blinked, her anger faltering. "Wait for the dignitaries?" she echoed, confusion mingling with her anger. She looked around the sandy expanse of the desert, the towering dunes stretching into the distance. "Here?" The Gerudo ruler nodded, gesturing to a spot near a rock formation. "Over there. It's the only shaded area nearby." He took a seat upon the rocky ground, patting the spot next to his. "Come, sit."
She hesitated for a moment, but then reluctantly nodded. "You're right. I think we both need a moment to cool down."
The two lapsed into silence, the tensions between them easing slightly as they both reflected on their own thoughts. After a few moments, the Hylian royal family's scion paused for a moment, her hands clenching and unclenching, then, shespoke again, her eyes fixated on the ground. "Lord Ganondorf...thank you for saving me..."
The Gerudo king's eyes widened for a moment as if he forgot about her existance, she glanced at him and took his silence as a sign of receptiveness for her words, she continued with a voice slightly shaking from the uncertainty: "and...I'm sorry for running off like that... It was impulsive and reckless of me."
The Gerudo monarch stared at her as it was the first time he was seeing her, then he nodded in acknowledgement. the desert winds sighed softly through the dunes,the fallen soon-to-be queen felt the tension so thick, it could cut through the scorching heat of the desert air,the weight of their unspoken words and concealed emotions hanging heavy around them.
Zelda's gaze drifted to the corpses of the two massive monsters sprawled lifeless on the sand, their forms grotesque and imposing. The sight of them, with their thick, armored hides and gaping maws, sent a shiver down her spine. It was the first time she had ever seen such creatures, and the sheer scale of them was both frightning and horrifying.
She wrinkled her nose in disgust, unable to mask her revulsion. "What is that monstrosity, anyway?" she muttered, her voice tinged with unease.
"These are Moldugas, princess," the king of the desert replied, his voice steady, though his expression remained carefully neutral. His body, however, betrayed the strain he was under. His shoulders were tense, and his breathing was heavier than usual, a clear indication of the toll the battle had taken on him, especially after the poisoning from the night before. His movements were slower, more deliberate, as if each one required an immense effort to maintain his composure. She quickly realized that he was in pain, more than he would ever admit. Although she wasn't quite ready to let go of the hurt from their earlier argument, her own anger softened at the thought.
"Oh!" the blond monarch's eyes widened in a sudden realization. "Wasn't it the meal we had on our first night we came to Gerudo Town? You mentioned its meat was a delicacy, a symbol of the Gerudo's connection to the land and its creatures."
The dark monarch blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he masked it. "Zelda... you remember?"
The princess offered a wry smile. "Of course, I do." She looked back at the Molduga corpses, her expression shifting to one of distaste. "Personally, I prefer it on a plate rather than out here in the desert, trying to eat us."
A low, amused huff escaped Ganondorf, and for the first time since the attack, his forced fiancée felt some of the tension ease from her shoulders. The earlier strain between them seemed to dissipate, replaced by a fleeting moment of shared understanding and camaraderie. An awkward silence settled between them, the weight of their previous argument lingering in the air like a grey cloud. They exchanged a glance, both unsure of how to bridge the gap that had formed.
The Gerudo royal was the first to break the silence. "I'll make some tea," he offered, his tone softer than before.
With slow, deliberate movements, The dark leader retrieved a metal teapot and two small tea glasses from his saddlebag. The grace with which he filled the teapot with water from a waterskin belied the exhaustion that weighed on him. When he snapped his fingers to light a fire, the usual flourish of magic seemed more subdued, as if the act cost him more energy than it should have. As he placed the teapot over the flames, the aroma of fragrant tea leaves and spices filled the air, mingling with the lingering scent of battle.
The vessel of wisdom watched him closely, the way he fought to maintain composure even as his body seeme to be protesting at every movement. She could see the way his shoulders tensed, the pain that flickered across his features when he thought she wasn't looking. Her earlier anger began to ebb, replaced by a growing sense of concern. As much as their conflict still simmered beneath the surface, she couldn't ignore the toll the events had taken on him.
Finally, the tea was ready, the Gerudo monarch poured it into the small glasses with slightly shaky hands. He offered her one, his expression a mask of calm, though his eyes betrayed a weariness that ran deeper than the physical wounds. "Drink, princess. It will help you regain your strength."
Zelda accepted the glass gratefully, their fingers brushing briefly in the exchange. As she sipped the tea, its warmth spread through her, she replayed the argument in her mind, her analytical gaze assessing the subtle clues of The Gerudo lord's earlier reaction. She remembered the way Ganondorf's hands had clenched the reins with white-knuckled intensity, the way his shoulders had tensed and his jaw had tightened when she broached the topic of the raid. His sudden, harsh reaction had seemed disproportionate at the time, but now she recognized the signs of a deeper, hidden turmoil. His voice, though filled with fury, had trembled slightly, revealing the strain he was under. His eyes, blazing with anger, had also flickered with something more—pain, perhaps, or a raw, lingering grief.
Zelda recalled the way her soon-to-be husband 's breath had quickened and his movements had become more abrupt, as if he was struggling to control a tempest of emotions. The argument had escalated so rapidly that it seemed almost as if his rage was intertwined with a deeper, more profound sense of trauma. She realized now that his anger might have been a shield for the intense sorrow he felt about the past atrocities committed against his people.
Her heart softened at the thought that her betrothed's aggression was not merely a personal vendetta but a manifestation of the grief and horror he carried from the raid. Yet, as she sat there, sipping the tea and feeling a pang of empathy, she could not ignore the harsh reality of their situation. The demon king, despite the layers of pain and suffering she glimpsed, was still her enemy—his invasion had ravaged her homeland, claimed the lives of her family, and taken away her lover. His presence was a constant, grim reminder of the hopeless, and bleak destiny awaiting for her in Hyrule.
A heavy silence and tense atmosphere shrouded themselves around the royal pair, until Ganondorf finally spoke: "The raid… it wasn't just an attack. It was a systematic attempt to wipe us out. Our shrines were pillaged, our temples destroyed, our children taken away as slaves, and our women—" His voice cracked slightly, the weight of the memories too much to bear. "They were killed in cold blood. We were left broken, destitute, with nothing but the ashes of our former lives."
the soon-to-be queen listened, her heart heavy with the realization of the magnitude of what had happened, a cold shiver ran down her spine as her mind created images within her head. But even as she absorbed his words, a bold spark of defiance flared within her. "I'm convinced my family didn't order such atrocities. They couldn't have," she insisted, her voice firm despite the fear gnawing at her.
The demon king scoffed, his earlier anger returning, though tempered now by a weary resignation. "It's just like you to ignore the torture inflicted upon my people by your own," he said, his tone bitter.
"I'm not ignoring it!" the regal blond lady snapped, her voice filled with passion. "I'm trying to find out who did this, who wronged you and the rest of the Gerudo. If there are people who were taken, people who are still missing—I want to help find them."
The wicked monarch's lips twisted into a harsh smile, his eyes narrowing as he scoffed. "You think I didn't try to change things? To seek justice for my people? To find those responsible?" His laughter was bitter and hollow. The demon king's eyes met hers with a cold, challenging glare. "You think you can just waltz in and fix everything?" he asked, his tone dripping with skepticism.
Zelda's eyes flashed with determination. "Yes, I believe I can. And if I do, what will you do then?"
The Gerudo male's eyes narrowed, and he studied her for a long, tense moment. His expression shifted from one of skepticism to something more contemplative. "We shall see, princess," he answered cryptically, his voice dropping to a low, enigmatic tone. She would've sworn there was a hint of admiration in his eyes.
The two sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, asThe scorching midday sun relentlessly hammered the arid desert terrain. Casting long, deep shadows across the sandy plains. The oppressive heat shimmered in the air, making the horizon waver like a mirage. Their quiet contemplation was eventually interrupted by the distant, rhythmic sound of horses' hooves and the faint echo of neighing. The group of Gerudo dignitaries finally emerged from behind a dune, their figures gradually coming into focus. They waved energetically at the royal pair, signaling their approach amidst the vast, sun-scorched expanse.
Ganondorf, Zelda, and the Gerudo dignitaries resumed their journey toward Hyrule, and to Zelda's profound relief, the return trip was remarkably uneventful. The vast desert that had once seemed so alien and hostile now gradually faded into the distance, giving way to the rolling hills and familiar landscapes of Hyrule. The soothing rhythm of the horse's gait and the gentle whisper of the wind through the desert were a stark contrast to the earlier chaos, bringing with it a sense of tranquility.
As they approached the borders of Hyrule, Zelda's heart swelled with anticipation. The landscape shifted from the harsh, sunbaked dunes to the lush greenery of Hyrule's fields, Zelda felt a deep wave of relief wash over her. The thought of returning to Hyrule filled her with a profound sense of comfort and anticipation. She couldn't wait to be enveloped by the familiar surroundings of her homeland and the warmth of its people. Among them, her dear lady-in-waiting was at the forefront of her thoughts.
The Hylian lady's bond with the former ranch girl was a cherished one, built on shared feelings, experiences and unwavering support. radiant smile and kind heart, became a source of strength and joy for Zelda. Their friendship is a sanctuary for her, a place where she could escape the burdens of her heavy and grim fate and find solace in simple, genuine companionship.
Malon generously offred her a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. Their shared laughter and secrets were a balm for the fallen maiden's soul, a shining light in the darkness that became her life.
No matter what challenges laid ahead, the soon-to-be queen was determined to protect her friend, the peace they both held dear, and shield her from any harm that might come her way, including the evil Gerudo king. The thought of seeing Malon again, of sharing stories and laughter, was a source of immense joy and relief. As the familiar sight of Hyrule Castle came into view, Zelda felt a surge of relief and utter joy. She was, finally, home. And with her close maid by her side, she knew she could face whatever trials awaited her with courage, hope and wisdom.