Mido whispered to his master. "Are we supposed to bow or something?"
"I don't know, just follow everyone else's lead." Looking around, he saw the gerudo standing up straight and alert. Taking his own advice, he did the same. a bouncy red head that looked a little older than him approached. With Bularia at her side, he assumed it was the chief.
Dalia glanced at him curiously. He was quite attractive. Best of all, he smelled like her favorite food. If he helped them, maybe she would pursue an intimate relationship. She needed an heir after all. "No ears fur or tail. What makes you a pure rabbit, I wonder."
"Excuse me?" Was he just insulted by the Gerudo chief? Link examined the curious glint in her eyes. He didn't sense the slightest hostility.
Zelda saw her knight's confusion. "Allow me to explain, Sir Link. It seems the four of us are identified by rather strange names in some sort of true dream prophecy. You and young Mido are labeled by your dark realm forms."
"I see. Thank you for informing me, princess." Copying the salute the gerudo were all giving their leader he continued. "Apologies for not understanding, Chief Dalia. As a loyal retainer of the crown of Hyrule. I humbly offer my services at the command of our parties' leader."
Ruby internally scoffed at Link's dismissal of his own merits. His companions knew who was really in command. Even if he didn't realize it himself. 'Such innocent charisma could be quite charming in its own way. If only he would realize his own potential in kingship. That would certainly solve the princess's dilemma.'
Dalia giggled lightly at the scene. Then she remembered her position and became dignified. "Excellent, you four champions are what is needed against the ever-growing army threatening our peace. We have come to call them Iron Knuckles after a dark time in our history. According to our records any of my people that die will join the horde rather than pass on. We are not sure if this is a curse that belongs to the gerudo alone. However, our Dream Seer has assured me you foreigners are somehow resistant to this fate."
Zelda listened politely as the chief spoke. She thought carefully on the words holding her chin. "Pardon Chief Dalia. Would it be possible to consult your prophetess on her vision directly?"
Marin stiffened unconsciously at the request. She hoped no one noticed her concern. She quickly took a long swig of fruit juice to hide her expression. Unfortunately, it was actually a rather strong wine instead. Though it did calm her down significantly.
Dalia's expression turned cold as regal dignity cloaked her form. "No Princess Zelda, you may not! She is one of our lands secret treasures. While I have complete faith in her vision. You four are not our close allies! Perhaps if you earn enough respect among us, I will consider it. However, that will still be up to her when the time comes."
The blonde noble bowed respectfully. "Of course, Chieftain, forgive my unwarranted presumption. Is there any further information you're willing to share with us?"
Dalia's expression softened at the apology. "Yes, there is. The enemy is led by a Voh in black armor that calls himself General Onox. He somehow created a dark stone fortress in a single night. It's about two day's journey into the woods. I warn you the nearby vile woodland fluctuates thru the seasons. We do not understand this occurrence. However, this affront to the natural cycle will hopefully end when the villain is defeated.
"Thank you for sharing Chief Dalia. If you'll allow us to gather supplies in preparation, we can move out tomorrow." Link did his best to sound formal.
"That is acceptable, we've waited this long after all. Enjoy the hospitality of the Gull's Roost. I'll see you four in the morning." After an exchange of pleasantries and goodbyes Dalia departed for her seat of power.
That evening...
Ruby let out a satisfied sound as she patted his stomach. "Marin and Malon are cooks worthy of royal favor."
Mido took in the slip of a girl with red hair. 'Her and Master Link are cut from the same cloth when it comes to appetite. Seriously, what do they do with all that food?'
"Hey Mido! Maybe you should go to bed. You seem to be spacing out a lot." Ruby was really close to the squire's face at this point. She noticed his cheeks redden as she examined his features. She was young, but she knew a bit about the midwifes art. Being an important servant of the princess meant assisting with the birth of her future children. As such he seemed a bit feverish. "I'm certain you aren't drunk so you may be getting ill."
The younger male Hylian was blushing at her proximity to his face. "You're probably right oh Great Sage of Fire. I would be a fool to ignore your wise council." He bowed formally as she turned red with embarrassment. 'Goddesses be praised, the red head is a bit naive. That she is so cute.'
"Stop that, I'm just Ruby to you! We're friends after all." Rather than answer the guy winked and headed to bed. "He can be so annoying." She whispered to herself.
At a nearby table...
"Thank you, Marin. This wine is wonderful. Would you consider exporting it to Hyrule? When peace is restored to your land?" Zelda happily sipped a potent fruit wine the gerudo created.
"I don't know Princess. That would be up to Chief Dalia." The owner looked at Link as he constantly scanned the area for trouble. He was completely different than he was earlier. Silent yet sharp. He was like a fine weapon poised to be drawn. He was a dangerous voh indeed. As her eyes drifted back to the female noble. She noticed an annoyed look ghost across her features.
"Sadly, to maintain my composure three glasses is my limit." She stood slowly as her knight focused on her. Once she had his gaze she began to walk. As she lost her balance, he was at her shoulder. Supporting her as she knew he always would. "Definitely time for bed."
Next morning...
The foretold heroes looked ahead into the darker woods. When they awoke in the Gull's Roost Malon had a note for them in the chieftain's hand. The were asked to wait at the edge of town for her. To the surprise of the whole group, she arrived fully prepared for a journey. Bularia was escorting her as usual.
Dalia wore clothing that was easy to move in with armored gauntlets from wrist to elbow. "We gerudo are a tribe of warriors. So, despite the risk. The Chieftain and her greatest fighter must act to save our people."
"As you like Chief Dalia. I have heard of experts in unarmed combat. I look forward to seeing what your capable of." Princess Zelda was intrigued by this development.
With authority Link took in his companions and lead the way. "Onward for a safer future!"
