Link and Mido made their way to the large tent in the distance. Mido was clearly unnerved by the whole thing.
"Master why do I feel like livestock right now." The younger boy quietly asked.
"Armed men is probably a rare sight." He noted some of the lingering gazes. They didn't seem hostile exactly. More like sizing them up for potential husbands. "Though you might want to decide if you like red heads."
"Why, did Ruby say something about me?" Then he realized what he just implied. He attempted to look aloof and failed miserably.
Link grinned at his squire. "Is that how it is? If it helps I hope you get kissed by fire sooner or later." The younger guy blushed. 'That look is priceless.'
However, before he could embarrass the lad further a melodious voice reached their ears. Despite themselves they were enthralled by the sound. When they entered they found the shortest gerudo they had seen yet. She had long red hair and was around Link's height. A barret with white feathers had just been pinned in her lustrous mane. Then she turned and saw her male visitors.
"Oh welcome good sirs to the Gull's Roost. I'm your hostess Marin. I do hope you enjoyed my song?" She managed a formal curtsy as well. Wordlessly the two boys nodded while smiling. "I'm glad. Might I ask your names?"
That was when the hero that overcame the dark world realized he liked red heads. Though gold that shined like the sun might be better. He shook his head violently. What was he thinking? "Oh excuse my rudeness. I'm Sir Link and this is my squire Mido."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Marin. Your voice is truly remarkable." The knight in training bowed a few moments after his teacher.
"Why thank you Mido, for your praise." She giggled despite herself. 'Two cute boys in one day.' Then she remembered her job and directed them to an empty table. "Please have a seat. I'll bring you some freshly picked fruit. It's the Chief's favorite. Is water okay?" The boys nodded in unison.
As their hostess got to work. The Hylian's watched a few women of varying ages trickle in. Marin looked shocked for a moment then hid her surprise. The guy's looked at each other. Today was going to be taxing. In more ways than one.
Chief's Throneroom...
Dalia glanced around her chamber a bit confused. "Where is the pure rabbit and the fairy tree? I wanted to meet those girls as well. The Voice of the Wind Fish assured me you would arrive together."
The sages shared a look of comprehension. Then Zelda spoke up for the pair. "Who or what is this Voice you speak of?"
"She is a true dreamer that relayed your coming. Her prophecies are usually accurate. How odd?" The leader of the gerudo appeared genuinely confused.
The princess was certainly intrigued now. "Well in the interest of diplomacy I must ask. "Did your Voice say all four of us would be women?"
"Well no, but with names like those how could it be otherwise?" Dalia was beginning to think these foreigners were withholding something.
Zelda could see the growing frustration on Dalia's face. Sensing the tension rising she chose to clear the air. "Those two are currently outside, as voe are required to be."
The leader quickly stood as she realized her error. "Captain Buliara organize my personal guard! We must visit The Gull's Roost."
"Right away Chief Dalia!" The muscular soldier started shouting orders.
As the head gerudo awaited her escort she wondered. 'Will these four strangers really be able to stop The Iron Knuckle's rampage?'
Gull's Roost...
"There you go sisters enjoy." Marin had never been this busy before. She could barely handle the current guests. Two-thirds of the place was already full and more were coming in.
"Hey sis, I finished making the beds for those foreigners." These words came from a slightly younger girl than Marin that bore a striking resemblance.
"Malon thank the goddesses! Go handle seating the rest of the guest. Then help me in the kitchen." Her blood sister should help with the work load. The innkeeper hoped she could breathe now.
"No problem, Onee-chan. I got you." The younger girl immediately started helping. A short time later she checked the foreign guys table. She noted their pointed ears as she approached. Were they mythical Hylians? "Hi boys, need anything?"
"No, I'm still nursing my milk. Should we leave? We didn't know it was such a busy time." Mido spoke while his master devoured his fruit salad.
"Call me Malon. Don't leave, you two are the main attraction. Two cute unattached guys from a mythical land. Even I want to know more." She giggled and winked.
"Your kind of blunt huh." Her confidence made him feel awkward.
"Not usually, but I like to read fiction stories. Until today we all thought Hylian's were pure myth." Suddenly, she heard the tinkling of bells coming from a sack on the table. It was glowing with a weird pink light. She pointed at it in awe. "What's that?"
"I like her."
"She's nice and honest."
"It's okay she can see."
"Show her Mido."
"See for yourself Malon." The younger male open the bag hesitantly.
"Are those fairies?" Her eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yeah." the squire smiled at her pure joy.
"Malon table seven, please!"
"Okay sis! See you later fairy boys." The girl rushed away with a sway to her hips.
Suddenly from out side the familar voice of Buliara yelled. "Make way for the chief!" Several others echoed the sentiment.
"Clear out!"
"Important business!
"Make way for the royal convoy!"
The crowd began to thin out for the first time in hours. Marin and Malon sighed in equal relief.
"Introducing Chief Dalia, Princess Zelda and Sage Ruby."