"Link!" Riju, the young and determined Chief of the Gerudo, waved him over from her throne at the center of town. The ever-watchful Buliara stood beside her, arms crossed but curious about the visitor's intentions.
"Chief Riju," Link greeted in his higher-pitched, disguised voice, bowing respectfully.
"You're always up to something," Riju remarked with a smirk. "What brings you here today?"
Link hesitated for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck before pulling out a small, intricately carved wooden ornament shaped like a snowflake. "I wanted to share a tradition I learned... something called Christmas."
Riju tilted her head, inspecting the ornament. "Christmas? That word is unfamiliar. What is it?"
"It's a celebration," Link explained, his voice soft but enthusiastic. "It's about togetherness, giving, and bringing light to others—even in the coldest of times. Zelda introduced it to me when we were in colder regions, but I thought... maybe it could work here too."
Riju exchanged glances with Buliara, who raised an eyebrow. "In the desert? There's no snow or cold here," Buliara pointed out.
"True," Link admitted with a sheepish grin. "But the spirit of the holiday isn't tied to the weather. It's about creating warmth and joy wherever you are."
Riju's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds... interesting. What does this 'Christmas' involve?"
Link launched into an explanation, describing how people exchanged gifts, decorated trees, and sang songs. He spoke of feasts and festive lights, of giving thanks and sharing happiness. Riju listened intently, her excitement growing with every detail.
"Alright," she declared, rising from her throne. "Let's do it. If what you say is true, the Gerudo will embrace this holiday with the same vigor we do everything else."
"But Chief," Buliara interjected, "our traditions are already deeply rooted. This might not sit well with everyone."
"Then it's time to show them something new," Riju said, determination gleaming in her eyes. "If it brings joy to our people, it's worth trying."
Over the next few days, Gerudo Town transformed. Link worked tirelessly with the merchants and crafters to create decorations. Riju had suggested using the vibrant fabrics of the Gerudo to mimic the reds and greens Link described. Star-shaped ornaments were fashioned from metal scraps, and desert flowers were woven into garlands to hang around the marketplace.
"What's this for?" a merchant asked as Link handed her a bundle of ornaments.
"For the tree," Link replied. "We'll set it up in the center of town."
"A tree?" The merchant laughed. "We don't have those here."
Undeterred, Link and Riju came up with an alternative: a large wooden frame adorned with lights, garlands, and colorful fabrics, placed prominently in the square. It wasn't a tree in the traditional sense, but it was stunning nonetheless.
As the decorations came together, Link realized that part of Christmas was sharing stories and music. He gathered a group of Gerudo musicians and taught them a simple, festive tune he remembered from his time with Zelda.
"Da-da-da, da-da-da-da..." he hummed, playing along on a small harp.
The Gerudo women picked up the melody quickly, their voices harmonizing beautifully. Soon, the sound of their music filled the town, drawing curious onlookers.
"It's... lovely," a passerby remarked. "And it makes me feel... warm."
On the night of the celebration, Gerudo Town came alive. Stalls offered dishes inspired by Gerudo cuisine but with a festive twist—spiced fruits, roasted meats, and even a sweet cactus-based dessert. Link helped distribute the food, feeling a deep sense of pride as he saw smiles spread across the faces of the townsfolk.
As the festivities peaked, Link approached Riju, holding a small wrapped box. "This is for you," he said, handing her the gift.
"For me?" Riju's cheeks flushed slightly. She opened the box carefully, revealing a necklace adorned with a gem that sparkled like the sun. "It's beautiful," she whispered, touched by the gesture.
"It reminded me of your strength and the light you bring to your people," Link explained.
"Thank you, Link," Riju said, slipping the necklace around her neck. "This holiday of yours... I think it suits the Gerudo well."
As the evening wore on, the people of Gerudo Town danced and laughed under the twinkling lights of their makeshift tree. Riju stood beside Link.
"You were right," she said. "Christmas isn't about the cold. It's about warmth—and you've brought that here."
Link smiled. He was happy he could bring the holiday spirit to Riji and the Gerudo civilization.
"You've done something special here, Link," she said. "It's not often someone introduces the Gerudo to a new tradition, and for it to resonate so deeply... That's rare."
Link rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit bashful. "I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. You led the charge, Chief."
Riju chuckled with a playful smirk gracing her lips. "You're too modest, as always. But I know the truth—you're the heart behind this celebration."
Link opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Riju leaned closer. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave him a quick, gentle peck on the cheek. The world seemed to stand still for a moment. Link's brain short-circuited as he registered what had just happened. His eyes widened in shock, and he felt his face heat up so fiercely he was grateful for the veil covering the lower half of his face.
Riju pulled back, her own cheeks dusted with a faint blush, though her confidence didn't falter. She giggled at his stunned reaction, placing her hands on her hips. "What? Did the mighty hero of Hyrule not see that coming?"
"I, uh..." Link stammered, his voice coming out a pitch higher than he intended. He quickly looked away, pretending to adjust his veil as he tried to compose himself. His heart raced, and he silently thanked the disguise for sparing him further embarrassment.
Riju laughed again, clearly enjoying his flustered state. "Relax, Link. It's just a little thank-you... from the Chief to the hero who brought a bit of magic to Gerudo Town." She winked, her tone light but her smile genuine.
Link nodded awkwardly, still trying to find his footing. "Y-you're welcome,"