"Weird, it seems to be some sort of barrier." Zelda looked at the strange rip in reality that seemed to expel outside light. "Very curious I have not seen anything like this before. It vaguely reminds me of the Dark World. Yet even there, more light existed?"
Link was silent as he observed the place beside Zelda. 'How could this be? It is nearly identical to the place he went in that other time.' Now he was worried. He looked east and west seeing shadow in both directions. It went beyond sight. However straight ahead he could see a clear change in light back to something more normal. He sweated slightly at what was likely about to happen. "Everyone, is anyone here allergic to rabbit fur?" They all looked at him in total shock.
"What kind of question is that, Link?" Ruby and Zelda said together.
Mido was now actively shaking in fear. "Master you don't mean that is a piece of the Dark World, do you? I really didn't want to be a tree again."
Ruby quickly spoke before the royal knight could. "By the Goddesses, I hope your wrong about that Mido."
"Calm down, everyones going to be fine. The space is perhaps a hundred feet across. We can make it if we try, right Link?" The princess expertly concealed her own concern behind a forced smile.
"Of course Zelda. We just need to hold each others hands so we don't get separated. Then run like Gannon himself is right on our heels." He was rewarded for his encouragement by receiving a smile that made his heart pound from the older girl. Then she grabbed his right hand without hesitation. He blushed deeply at her action. "Uh, I didn't mean right away princess!"
Her grin turned into a pouty frown for a moment. "It is best not to think about it too hard. Sir Link!" The anger in addressing him formally was apparent.
Ruby sighed to herself at the affectionate display. 'He may usually be quite skilled. However, against Zelda he is quite incompetent.' Then she grabbed Mido's right hand and Link's left. "Let's go already before we get paralyzed by too much thinking."
The four people nodded in turn agreeing without words. They dashed across as air heavy with magic embraced them. Link's hair became completely pink. Ruby's red hair began moving like actual fire. Mido's face became a wooden skull like mask. Finally, Zelda's appearance seemed unchanged. The group dropped to their knees with heavy breath.
The blonde girl looked at the others. "Did any of you? hear that feminine voice in there? It called itself Queen Midna of the Twilight Relm." The others shook their heads negatively.
However, the hero had a little more to say. "Midna huh, what a coincidence. I met someone by that name a while ago. Though she certainly didn't call herself Queen. Anyway, what did she say?"
"I recognize you as the true heir. Thus you all may pass this time!"
"That was it. Though it was strange that her words made no mention of Hyrule. We will likely need to meet this person at some point." Before she could say more. The ring of her knights sword being drawn silenced her. Tall women with bronzed skin and red hair. Suddenly popped out of the terrain like magic. They were wielding long spears. Except for a more muscular one wielding a massive two-handed sword.
The sword wielder stepped foward as her ponytail swayed in the breeze. "Those who have come from the Cursed King's lands sheath your weapons. Or you shall feel the full wrath of the Gerudo!" As she spoke another dozen women similarly garbed came running up.
With reluctance Link complied with the demand after a glance at Zelda. Something was familiar about these women, but he couldn't recall.
She stepped foward with open palms and elegance befitting her position. "Greetings my fellow Vai, I am Princess Zelda of Hyrule. We have come on a diplomatic mission of peace. We bear you no ill I assure you. My companions and I would like to meet with your reigning Chieftain or King. If you would be kind enough to lead us, of course."
"How could we refuse such courtesy." The woman gave a slight respectful nod of her head. "I am Buliara, at your service Princess. Though the voe in your group must remain in the hunting camp. Our city does not permit male visitors. Our newest King was just born about a month ago and even he is not allowed entry."
The blonde returned the nod. "I understand, thank you for allowing this Buliara. Please lead on." Zelda was grateful for the companionable silence that settled over their journey. She needed time to think. According to the Kingdoms history the Gerudo were wiped out during the Imprisoning War. Honestly she was glad that she had studied the subject so thoroughly. One could say the past was her game.
A few hours later...
"Your Voe companions, may wait in the large tent over there. We do not often get foreign visitors so it acts as an inn of sorts." The head of the gerudo escort spoke calmly.
"Thank you very much Captain Buliara. Though they do have names. They are titled by royal decree." The blonde woman spoke in mild annoyance.
"I am sorry princess most men I know. Remain docile and tend to household affairs. They are not warrior's in our tribe." She turned to the pair of male adventurers. "Please forgive me Sir Link and his Squire Mido. It was not my intent to appear rude or hostile. Please, rest yourselves while your vai companions accompany us to Chief Dalia."
No problem Captain, we understand your customs are different than our own. Isn't that right Mido?" Link spoke with conviction.
"Of course, master." The younger boy tried to relax, but found a growing sense of unease despite it.
Link noticed many tent occupants seemed wary of his group. Why were their escorts being so cordial then? He noticed the savanna they stood on seemed in good health. However, he couldn't ignore the wooden palisade wall in the distance. Beyond those obstacles was land where men were forbidden entry. He stretched casually as he measured the strength of opposition with his eyes. Seemed like magic was the best way for a quick escape if needed. If anything happened to Zelda or Ruby these gerudo would soon regret it.
Beyond the wall the two sages carefully measured the mood of the inhabitants. Most seemed happy enough apart from gawking at the foreigners. A slightly raised path flanked by berry bushes led to a central large wooden building near the back of the wall. They were soon led inside taking note of half a dozen guards.
A woman that appeared in her late teens smiled broadly. She had a top knot of wavy red hair and an athletic build. She was sitting on an elaborately carved high backed wooden chair. She stood immediately when the pair of hylian females entered. "Welcome to you both, I'm Dalia reigning Chieftain of these lands. I have been expecting you both for longer than you may realize. A crownless lady of light and her ember haired companion who crossed the shadow wall. I'd say that fairly describes you both. So tell me, how did you pass the Twilight Barrier?"
The two Sages shared a look. It seems the world was moving towards an unknown future once again. They only hoped they could make it a positive one.