The scorching morning sun on the Gerudo Desert was unpleasant in the best of conditions. Midsummer made it worse. But to the children of the desert, the heat radiating off the sand went unnoticed. The light wind swirling and sending grains into the eyes was mildly annoying, but no more so than a fly buzzing at one's face. When the course was set, atmosphere was secondary. All that mattered was the goal.
A tall, imposing male strode purposefully across the desert. Snug crimson capris hugged powerful legs. Golden strapped sandals protected his feet from the blistering sands. A dark leather harness studded with sharpened bone fragments fastened across his muscular chest, holding a long spear secured to his back. A Gerudo scimitar was fastened on his right hip, and his darkly tanned hand rested on the jeweled hilt. He wore a bone necklace of monster fangs that hung to the middle of his breastbone. And on his wrists were matching leather and bone bracers.
Sharp gray eyes scanned the wall of the city as he made his approach. There was no point in going over the wall like a thief. Soon every soul within would know his name. So he walked straight up to the two women armed with spears standing guard at the gate.
"Make way for the rightful king of the Gerudo."
The two women exchanged looks. "Sav'aaq," one of them greeted, warily eyeing his appearance. "State your business here, Voe. However, you're not allowed to pass beyond these gates. Surely as a citizen of Hyrule, you knew of this."
His jaw tightened. "I'm here to see the so-called 'chief of the Gerudo'. And if you value your positions and your lives, you will let me pass unhindered. You have five seconds to comply." The low timbre of his voice was even, but the threat was no less menacing.
Normally, nothing could shake the resolve of the gatekeepers. Yet, this Voe, whose hair had the familiar shade of red as theirs, made them tremble a bit. That alone made them remember an old prophecy that's almost forgotten.
There will come a day when male Gerudos are born, and there will always be one who will come for the throne.
The two could not comprehend what came over them, but the fear that gripped their hearts was real. More real than any of the disguises that the Yiga can come up with. So, they relented. "State your name, Voe, and we shall let you pass."
"Soryn. But you shall refer to me henceforth as your king." He brushed past them without looking, setting his sights on the stairs leading into the castle. The gasps in the marketplace barely reached him. The layout was just as he had been told.
He took the stairs three at a time thanks to his long legs, and he ignored the guards who moved to block him from entering. Another dozen paces and he was nearing the throne.
An equally imposing middle-aged woman with a gilded spear and armor stepped between him and the smaller figure seated before him. "How dare you enter here! Speak your business!"
"I am Soryn, son of the Gerudo, and I have come to claim my throne."
"Buliara, stand down," the figure from the throne commanded. Though reluctant, the bodyguard withdrew her spear and stepped aside, allowing the one seated from the throne to take a look at the stranger before her. The smaller figure chuckled, "It's very bold of you to march in here without any fear, er, Soryn, was it? For that, you left quite an impression on my people. Though, I'm at a loss. Why do you lay claim to the throne that my mother has passed down upon me, just as my ancestress Urbosa has done many generations before?"
"Has your knowledge of the histories taught you nothing? A woman is only to lead the Gerudo in absence of a full-blooded male. Do you pretend ignorance of this fact?" he sneered at her. She was small by Gerudo standards, only up to his chest at best. Had she even completed puberty yet? What a joke. "Who are you?!"
"I am Lady Riju, Chief of the Gerudo," she said confidently. Her face betrayed nothing as she scrutinized the voe before her. This man had no fear and was quite arrogant, that much was plain. What made this even more interesting was that he was very sure about his claim to the throne. "And I am well-versed with my history lessons. I took them quite seriously since I was but a mere child. However, I cannot hand over the throne to you just like that. Times have changed, Soryn, son of the Gerudo. Voes can't just do as they please anymore."
She stood up from the throne and made her way towards him, causing Buliara and the other guards to tense up and ready to defend her at any moment. The young chief slowly encircled Soryn as if he was some statue on display. "First, you shall address me properly as Lady Riju. Such insolence isn't tolerable within the city as long as I am Chief. Second, prove your ancestry that you are indeed a full-blooded Gerudo voe. Third, coming in here to make demands without a proper written request for my audience is barbaric. I shall only entertain your claims when you have a written request. Isn't this customary for our people? Besides, being a voe, you shouldn't even be allowed to enter the gates unless you are disguised as a vai. Even the Hero of Hyrule respects this rule and tradition as well. For a voe who questions my knowledge in histories, it would seem that you're the one found lacking. Pity, I expected more. Surely you can remember that much?"
His fist balled. "Clearly the women at the gate had more respect than the girl calling herself the chief. They knew better than to stand in the way of the rightful king." He took his time eyeing her from head to toe. "You're hardly more than a child. Pity that's the best they could find to lead a once glorious nation. No wonder we lack the respect of the other peoples of Hyrule. The disdain isn't simply because of the evil kings of eld."
Beside him, he heard the spears shift towards him for his words. "But since you insist on your so-called 'protocol', you'll find yourself eating your words, Riju." He emphasized her name rather than her title as he withdrew the hated scroll he and his mother had painstakingly created. He tossed it at her feet. "I won't degrade myself with a disguise that would do nothing to hide my heritage. All can see I'm a male Gerudo regardless of my outfit. Or would you like proof of my manhood too, milady?"
Riju wasn't fazed by his words and merely stepped forward. Though he towered her easily, she still had her chin up. If he was going to be arrogant, so be it. But she will not be seen picking up that scroll on his behalf. "You are in no place of making demands, voe, or would you like me to remind you who has the title here? I don't care whether you are a male or a female that has the same ancestry as I have. That does not give you right to do whatever you want. You can act all high and mighty, but you will still go through the proper procedure like everybody else." She leaned forward and whispered, "A claimant to the throne who waters down protocol because it doesn't suit his terms is no fit for a king. If you can't even do that much? You can leave. Otherwise, pick up that scroll and hand it over—properly."
His eyes narrowed. "I bow to nobody, least of all a child play-acting at being worthy of the title you so desperately cling to. You WILL find whatever evidence you need of my heritage and entitlement to sit upon that throne in the scroll. Do what you will with it. I care not. But know this: if you try to oppose me or deny me my right to rule as my forefathers have done since the creation of Hyrule, first your advisors then you will regret it. Choose wisely."
Having made his final proclamation, he turned on his heel and left her in the middle of the throne room with the scroll at her feet. Let them follow. Let them try to attack him. He would more than prove himself to be the powerful ruler the Gerudo needed to reclaim their former glory and forever remove the stain of Ganondorf from their history ledgers.
She watched him as he exited the gates, eyes not leaving his shrinking form as he walked further away from Gerudo Town. The guards wanted to follow, but she held her hand up. "You don't need to sully your hands over an arrogant prick. What a waste of potential, honestly." Buliara has already picked up the scroll and handed it to her. She thanked her bodyguard before reading the contents. "We would need to crossmatch this with our records to see if they are indeed legitimate. If there's any signs of falsifying information, burn it. I will deal with him myself when he returns. For now, I shall speak to the elders about this and commune with our ancestors."
Riju knew the decision wasn't going to be an easy one. The burden of the throne never felt so heavier. Now, she had to defend it from an overconfident voe who didn't even have an ounce of respect. She clicked her tongue as she sat in her bedroom later that day, writing in her diary about today's events. It's safe to say that she was stressed. So stressed that she didn't even notice Buliara coming in.
"My lady, put the events of earlier from your mind. The elder council will deliberate over what is to be done regarding the voe." Buliara rested her hand on the young woman's shoulders. "You handled yourself well. Your mother and ancestors would be proud."
The young chief smiled, placing a hand on her protector and somewhat mother figure. "Thank you, Buliara, your words make my heart at ease even just a little. How is your girl, Reymi, by the way? I haven't seen her around in a while."
"Nor shall you, I'm afraid. She has ventured out to find a voe, though her vehement insistence was 'tis not the men that draw my heart afar but the call of the sea.'" Buliara shook her head in exasperation. "She's older than you, yet remains a child at heart. A daydreamer she has always been and I fear she shall always be. Perhaps in time she will follow the customs of our people and find a voe to raise a daughter with."
"Let her explore what she wants. Who knows? She might find the man that she'll fancy by the sea," she replied with a smirk. "Get yourself ready for surfer granddaughters. Sand surfing, of course, and the occasional sea surfing."
"Delightful," she deadpanned. "That aside, you should rest, my lady. You will need something to occupy your time and thoughts while the council deliberates. We will request your presence when we've finished our discussions. You understand, of course."
"Of course. I shall use this time to rest for a bit. I would have taken Patricia for a surf, but I want to be nearby when the council has decided. Immediate action must be taken and announced." Riju took a deep breath, looking at her diary before closing it. "Buliara, please do me a favor and tell all the guards to allow Soryn free entry for now due to the circumstances, but if he endangers anybody, let me know and engage without hesitation. He may have his claim, but he will not stain our city with blood."
She bowed her head in acknowledgement. "It shall be done. Though if I may say so, I believe the guards would have allowed him entrance to prevent bloodshed if possible. However, I have reason to believe that may not be the only reason they wished for his presence to remain close at hand."
Riju tilted her head. "Pray tell. What other reason could it be that they would want him close?"
"He's a male Gerudo. He practically exuded masculine power and appeal when he was here. You would be hard pressed to find a woman in the town who didn't want to take advantage of that." She raised an eyebrow at the young woman. "Don't tell me that you failed to notice the more admirable traits in favor of his arrogance."
"I noticed his admirable traits, but I wish nothing more than to be rid of his existence or at least drive him far away from here," she huffed, crossing her arms. "What is so good about his appeal if his arrogance reigns? If that continues, then he is not deserving to be King. Besides, the Gerudo need no King. We've thrived and survived for years without a man ruling us, and we can do so again."
"Yet that's not how it was intended to be when a male is born to us. Surely after reminding him about the customs that we ardently cling to, you're not attempting to back away from them simply because it would mean sacrificing your position?" Buliara chided. "Your duty is to your people. And if customs dictate that he must be given the position of authority as chieftain, you would do well to swallow your pride and accept the hand that fate has dealt."
Her jaw hardened. Buliara was right. If the council did decide that he was to be appointed King, then she had no right to refuse. "I know what's at stake, and if the council would deem it wise that he is to be given the position, then I shall accept it. However, if I am given the chance to fight for the throne? Then I will choose to fight. Is that an acceptable response?"
The bodyguard gave a single nod. "I will present your feelings on the matter to the council for consideration as well. In the meantime, I will take my leave, and I suggest that you forego anything that will cause you additional anxiety and prevent you from sleeping. You will need your strength for whatever tomorrow brings." She rose and bowed to the young chief. "Goodnight, Lady Riju."
"Have a good night, Buliara," she replied, watching as her bodyguard left her room. Once she was alone, she sighed heavily. The young chief got up and got herself ready for bed. As she cuddled her seal plush, she whispered a prayer to her ancestors. "Mother, Urbosa, what should I do? Please help my mind and heart be at ease." As much as she wanted to sleep like what Buliara had told her, it wasn't restful at all. Her dreams were plagued by the man who threatened to take the Throne from her. The only thing—other than Patricia—that her mother left for her. Was this a test by her own kin? A challenge from the heavens above from her predecessors? She could never tell. All she could do was try not to be anxious even in her own dreams.
A short distance outside of Kara Kara Bazaar, Soryn had made his camp for the night. The chill that came in the absence of the sun's heat on the sands didn't bother him. He had furs spread for his bed, and a cloak around his shoulders while he tended his cooking fire. He would give the elders of the town until midday, then he would make his presence known once more. He wouldn't be deterred, especially by a girl who was hardly qualified to be called 'grown'.
He poked at the fire with more aggression. SHE was the one who deigned to say that he was lacking?! He had been preparing for this day since he was out of diapers. There was nothing that he couldn't do. Nothing he wouldn't do. Not if it would put him on the throne that he rightfully deserved!
An owl hooted overhead, and the distant sound of a Lizalfos clicking in the dark offered a hint of familiarity. The desert wasn't where he'd spent much of his childhood, but he had enough memories and experiences to give peace in the midst of the turmoil of the moment. He wouldn't get much sleep. He didn't need it. He was Soryn, son of the Gerudo, and soon to be hailed as the king. He could rest easily when things were settled.
He watched the final embers of the fire flickering while he laid on his furs and wrapped his cloak around himself. Time would tell how it would all play out. It was about to be a new dawn - and he looked at it with anticipation.
The morning came for Riju and she got herself ready for the day. Though her rest wasn't adequate, she couldn't find it in herself to be tired. Today, she would know the results of the council's decision. She prayed it would be in her favor, but knowing their customs, a full-blooded Gerudo male indeed had the right to claim were he to use the opportunity.
Hours had gone by and it was almost midday when she was summoned to the Throne room. As she descended from her chambers, she looked at the gates when she heard collective gasps of fear or awe, or maybe both. It was him again. Their eyes met, and she only gave him a head tilt. Otherwise, she refused to say anything more. Not even when they stood side by side as the council of elders, including Buliara and Captain Teake, were gathered.
"Please do the honors, Buliara," one of the elder Gerudo said.
The burly bodyguard stepped forward with a scroll containing what could only be the notes of the meeting. "Lady Riju. Claimant Soryn. After careful review of the documentation provided, the elders have deemed it to be accurate. Soryn is a true son of the Gerudo Clan, and we cannot refute the evidence provided."
Soryn shot her a triumphant look. There had never been any doubt. His position was all but secured now. Prepare for the removal of your goods from the royal bedchamber. For it is all MINE!
"However," continued Buliara. "Given the position is already held by Lady Riju due to no prior knowledge of Soryn's existence, by request of the elders, a challenge has been set forth to prove the worth of both claimants. Complete the tasks set forth, and the rulership will be granted to the one who becomes triumphant."
Riju smirked at the voe, relishing the displeased look on his face. "I, Makeela Riju, accept these terms," she said, bowing to honor the council's decision. "I would gladly fight for my claim on the Throne. This I swear to my ancestor Urbosa and my late mother."
"I also accept these terms. I have no doubt that I will take my rightful place as king, as is my birthright. Bring forth the tasks. I am ready to begin," he said earnestly without sparing even a glance at the girl next to him. If this was the price for him to be acknowledged as he deserved? So be it. He hadn't trained since infancy for nothing.
"Very well," another elder nodded. "Both participants have accepted the challenge. Due to both of you being participants, we advise that you both stay in the city as we prepare the sets of challenges. Tomorrow, you will start. Claimants, we advise that you try and be civil to one another especially within towns and during Trials. Disrupting another Claimant by combat, unless tasked to do so, will result in instant disqualification. If you wish to spar against each other, talk to Captain Teake. She will prepare the training grounds for you under supervision. Until then, we shall call for your presence once more. Are we clear, Claimants?"
"Clear as the waters of an oasis," Riju responded with confidence.
"Understood. I trust that appropriate accommodations are prepared for me?" Soryn didn't show any emotion on his face. Let them try to figure out what he was thinking and planning. And sparring? Against the girl? She wouldn't stand a chance against him. He had a head and a half on her, additional weight, and the fighting prowess befitting a strong, male leader. He didn't need to waste his time - not unless she was foolish enough to challenge him.
"Accommodations have been prepared adequately," the first elder replied. "If there is anything that you both need, let Buliara know. This meeting is adjourned, you're both dismissed. Captain, please escort Claimant Soryn to his quarters."
Riju watched as he took his leave without sparing her even a glance. Ever the arrogant one. Oh well. Maybe she would try to at least get to know him a bit by sparring. See how strong he was. "Buliara, when will everything be ready?" she asked once they were in her room.
"We're making the arrangements as swiftly as possible to ensure that there is no margin for error with the instructions for the tasks." Buliara crossed her arms over her chest. "It won't be easy, for either of you. Do you have a strategy in mind for approaching the tasks? I won't be able to assist you. These must be accomplished entirely alone."
The young Chief sat on her bed and became thoughtful. "From the information given and your own words, this would mean that the Voe and I will do this without help during the specific Trial, correct? Is there anyone who will accompany us along the journey? Or is it just us?"
Buliara shook her head. "I cannot divulge any details regarding it at this time. However, I can say that nobody will be accompanying you on this journey from the outset. The tasks are established to test your leadership capabilities independent of those who might assist you or give an unfair advantage."
"Alright, no one is assisting. Therefore, we have to do this by ourselves," she muttered, taking a mental note. "I'd like to spar with him. I want to gauge his strength. However, I'm not sure if he'll even accept. I knew from the start that he looked down on me. He probably doesn't see me as a capable woman due to my lack of height even if I had grown taller than Link."
She raised an eyebrow at the young chieftain. "If that's your request, I can communicate it to him. I won't guarantee that he will face you, however. He didn't immediately voice an interest in doing so, which surprised me, if I'm being honest. I don't know what to make of that. He likely deems you to be unworthy of his time and effort."
Riju sighed, grumbling to herself. "Of course. He's as arrogant as a drunken Yiga. I just hope that he won't give me trouble during the Trials. I've got enough to think about as it is. Anyway, thank you for the information, Buliara. I'd like to be alone for now."
"Very well. I will notify him of your request and report back shortly." She bowed respectfully and left the girl to her own devices.
On the far side of the castle, Soryn ignored the insistent pounding on the door.
"Claimant Soryn! Lady Riju has requested a sparring match with you. Will you accept her challenge?"
Soryn considered replying for a few moments, leaving the disembodied female voice to impatiently wait. In the end, what would sparring with her accomplish? Nothing of value for him. So he continued to pretend like there was nothing happening inside or outside of his room.
The area itself was far nicer than any place that he had ever lived before. Plush blankets on a thick mattress, rich tapestries on the walls and flooring. The hot wind blowing through the open window, reminding him of the desert's presence outside. It was pleasant, all told. But he couldn't bask in it for long. Which was why he intended to take every opportunity to enjoy the location and the amenities he had been afforded before whatever arduous list of tasks were laid out for them. Riju could wait. Sparring could wait - likely even to the end of the trials if he needed further proof of her strength. Soryn doubted it would come to that, but he tucked the general idea into the back of his mind for later.
At the moment, he was content. His message had been sent, the gauntlet thrown. Now he would go through the challenges laid out as a 'rite of passage' for himself and the one currently claiming his throne. Regardless of what they turned out to be, he would face them head on. Such was the way of a son of the Gerudo.