"Juvenile."

"A young person."

"Tre-pid-a-tion."

"A feeling of fear or agitation about something that's might happen."

"Innu-en-do?"

Bato was silent for this word. "Saying something indirectly. Usually bad meaning."

Link looked at him, "you know, if you have anything nice to say –"

"I didn't say anything! Felia assumed that I was thinking that, which I wasn't!"

The boy dug into his book again. "Mag…Magna…Mag- I can't say it!" Bato took Link's notebook. There, he had written in the big words that Bato said during their travels. Link's writing was improving at a normal rate, and Bato was teaching him how to read and write as best he could. He wondered if the sisters did any classes for children.

Bato read the sounded out letters. "Mag-nani-mous. Magnanimous."

Link smiled. "That's it! You said it a year ago during the summons."

"Magnanimous. Someone who has a big heart."

"So, you told the king that he had a big heart?"

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Link." A bad lesson for him, but probably useful if he decided to court Zelda.

"And…" Link took the notebook back and ran down his finger down the page, "that's it! I'm all caught up." He gave a frown, "maybe you could not use big words when you're talking, next time?"

"I can't help it, Link! It's just part of my vocabulary!"

The boy looked at him and sighed. He wrote down, to the best of his ability, the word 'vocabulary'. He sounded out the letters and wrote the letters, slowly. Then, he looked at him.

"A bunch of words that belong to the same language." Writing it down, the duo were finishing up the lesson when, suddenly, the stone around Bato's neck started to glow. "What's this?"

"You're glowing, Bato!"

Bato took the necklace, and the stone was glowing yellow. "What is it?" Asked Link.

"I got this when I came into this world," said Bato, reminiscing about his adventures a year ago. "It's been guiding me to things. Or rather, the goddesses, have been guiding me since they're the ones that gave me this stone." He held it up towards the window and it shone brightly. Holding it away and it faded.

"Looks like they want you to go out to the old training area, outside of town."

"Then, let's go." Bato and Link got up and headed towards the door.

The old training grounds were disused as the Gerudo relocated the training grounds on palace property. It was full of wooden bows, arrows, sticks, bull eyes all arrayed into a single line. The training grounds stood at the ruin of an old temple. Tracing of what once to be a building was apparent, but all that was left in the walls were giant slabs of stone on top of one another. Bato held out the stone and let it lead him and Link towards the center of the training ground. There, the stone shone brightly and faded.

"Now what? The boy asked. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew and a multiple of yellow orbs were seen coming out from the ground, out of the stone slabs, and every nook and cranny. Link accidentally touched one of them and it shocked him. He stuck close to Bato as the orbs continued to multiply in their vicinity.

"Spirits," Bato mumbled, as a large, yellow orb appeared before them. A crackle of yellow lighting and the shape of a person started to form.

Link looked on, unsure of what he was seeing. "What's happening?"

"The spirits are taking a form that'll be easier for us to communicate. A form that I usually come up with. I just thought of one." The form started to take the shape of a young child. She was wearing Gerudo type clothing and armor with a flowing skit with yellow hooks. She wore an elaborate belt with a desert flower like buckle fastening the spirit. A large head dress, shaped like a sun, tied itself with her hair braided and put in a bun on top.

"Salutations, man of destiny." She looked at herself, "what a peculiar form. Very fitting for the region."

"Glad you like it," Bato said. "Now, what do you wish of us?"

"Our thanks both at the Spirit Temple and the Gerudo Valley. The portal has been erased. My brethren are free to return to the spirit realm. You have not only saved the valley but the spirits as well. Thus, we would like to offer up a portion of our power to your own. It will serve you well on your future journeys."

"Just like Fado, right?" Link asked, stepping forward a little. "You wanna make a contract with him?"

She nodded, "that's right. We would be honored if you entered a contract with you, the man of destiny."

"What does this contract come with? What are the terms?"

"You've already fulfilled our terms. Save the spirits and the valley. With our power, we offer you and your allies the power of lighting. So long as you have the magical power and the ally the affinity, it will be yours to wield."

Bato sighed with resignation, "well, I did contact you, so I don't really have any choice. So, all you need is a name, right?"

"That's right."

"I got one." Bato smiled, "Riju."

At once, the spirit began to glow bright white for a moment before fading back. "The contract has been formed. I shall be, henceforth, be called Riju."

"Now you need to make up a song," Link said, helpfully. Bato smiled and ruffled his hair. Bato took out his ocarina and played the first few notes of Urabosa's theme. Link couldn't help but be fascinated by his guardian's imagination. First the form of the spirit, and now the song. Was it like what the Deku Tree said? Was this inspired by the goddesses themselves?

Riju smiled at them. "What a beautiful song."

"What's that song called?" asked Link.

Bato thought for a moment. "Desert's Memory."

Link looked at him weirdly. "Weird name."

"I don't find it weird at all." She said as she bowed her head. "Rather, I feel a closeness to that name." Her smile became a frown and became apprehensive for a moment before speaking. "I apologize, but there is a favor we need to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"We have something of the Gerudo that should be returned. A lost Spiritual Stone."

"A lost… Spiritual Stone?" Link said, slowly. He looked at Bato, who just smiled at Link. The boy shook his head.

"Long ago, the Gerudo Topaz was created, with the Kokiri Emerald, Zora's Sapphire and Goron Ruby. It served as a replacement, on the off chance that one of these three stones was destroyed. For many generations, it was a symbol of power for the Gerudo people, especially for the males of the tribe. The elders, sworn to secrecy about the knowledge of the stone, gave it to the male that would be called, 'King of the Gerudo.' The aspiring male would traverse into the heart of the Spirit Temple, there to retrieve the stone."

"What happened to it?" Asked Link.

"Unfortunately, the Hyrulian Civil War killed all the elders during the early stages. They took the knowledge of the stone to their graves. Over time, it became a source of legends, and the true name of the stone was lost. It was renamed into…the Desert's Eye."

"Desert's Eye?" Bato took out the trinket that he was awarded by Nabooru.

Riju pointed at it, "that is a replica of the real stone. We would like to return the topaz to the next Gerudo leader and entrust the protection and prosperity of this desert to them."

"If such an opportunity comes up, I'll let you know."

"That's all we ask." Riju bowed. She, and the rest of the spirits, faded.

Talks between the Gerudo and the Hylians continued. During the day, Nabooru and Felia were each other's adversaries, trying to get the better deal for their faction. At night, they broke bread and spoke about the intricacies of politics. Both felt they were getting somewhere, although there were some that didn't share their optimism. Bato and Link continued to tour Desert Town, its amenities, and historical culture. They looked into a library that contained scrolls about the culture of the Gerudo and not one mention of the Gerudo Topaz was forthcoming.

They also were able to talk to Saria, at last. At first, she was incensed that they took so long to contact her, but after explaining to her about their adventure, she overlooked it and passed on the story to Zelda, who told her father. He then asked to be told about the information, in great detail, about everything. That included information about the end of the civil war, Ganondorf's imprisonment, and the worm invasion. In turn, Saria was asked to pass down a message to Bato when she got the chance.

"I'm a bit hesitant to read this, Bato." Saria said, communicating telepathically through Link. "But I was asked by His Majesty to convey his feelings on your report."

"It isn't a report. We just told you what happened." Bato said, evenly.

"Nevertheless, this is news that would take over a week to convey, so this method of communication is both efficient and convenient. At least, that's what Lord Rarro said."

"I hope you're getting something out of this."

"I am," she said, happily. "The King has agreed to some of our terms. In exchange for this service, he would see if he could convince some nobility to accept."

"So long as you're getting something." He was displeased that the king was using Saria as a human telephone. He couldn't complain, though. Rarro was right. This was a convenient way of communication, real time.

"Then I'll start." Saria cleared her throat a couple of times, out of habit, "Bato of Termina. You have continued to serve this kingdom well. His Majesty is both delighted and exasperated by your continued excellence at notifying us about the events at Gerudo Valley. We are pleased that Felia is working hard to secure an agreement that is amicable to both parties." She paused for a moment, "what does amicable mean?"

"It means everyone is okay with it."

"Right." Saria continued, "When you get back to Hyrule, you will be summoned immediately to the castle and speak with His Majesty about adequate…compensation."

"Compensation?"

"That's going to be something that you'll have to take with His Majesty. May I continue?"

"Right."

"If there are any communiqués that need to be forward, with haste, in the future, then we ask if it is possible for Lady Saria to do so with expediency. She will, of course, be compensated for her efforts. Written, but not dictated by his faithful steward, Lord Dabo Rorru, Royal Family Steward." She took a breath, "there were many words I didn't get, but I think you got it, right Bato?"

"Yup. Thanks, Saria. I'm sorry to have to pin this on you."

"If it means that'll help out the forest, I'll gladly do my part." She giggled, "you too, Link."

"Thanks, Saria!" Link smiled back as she cut the 'link'.

After another three days, talks concluded. While there were some logistics that needed to be worked on, Felia and Nabooru were happy with how the agreement had turned out. She would travel with the Hylian delegation, back to Hyrule, to officially sign a treaty. It worked out because she wanted to talk to Impa and the rest of the sages about her destined duties and responsibilities. At the night of the departure, Nabooru summoned the court, Bato, Link and all the dignitaries to the throne room.

"My brethren," Nabooru started, "we have come long and far from securing our lands from the rebels to speaking on the prosperity of Desert Town. It is thanks to the souls in this room that we were able to complete such a majestic feat!" Roars of applause sounded, but she asked for silence. "Tomorrow, I will travel to Castle Town to sign an agreement that will cement our place in Hyrule. In the name of those who passed on and those who are still here, I will make sure that your words and will be conveyed to the king!"

Bato, standing against a wall, took out his ocarina and played 'Desert's Memory.' A crackle of lighting startled everyone, especially the guards who blocked every exit. In front of Nabooru, appeared Riju. At once, everyone bowed. Nabooru jumped from the throne and bowed at Ruju's feet. They seem to know what she was. "Honored spirit! You're here!"

Riju bowed towards Nabooru, "Child of the Gerudo, you have served admirably."

"T-Thank you, my lady."

"You have served and fought for your people. Even sacrificed. You are a leader indeed, but not in title. The spirits are proud and welcome to return this to the Gerudo people." Ruju held her hands up to the sky and summoned the Gerudo Topaz to her. As it floated in her hand, everyone was floored by the gem.

"The Desert's Eye?" Aveil blinked, unbelievably. "The real Desert's Eye?"

"It is known as the Gerudo Topaz, a Spiritual Stone that once belonged to your ancestors." She gave the stone to Nabooru, who stood up and accepted it, gratefully. "Prove you are worthy of the responsibility entrusted to you. Protect the desert and its people, Lady of the Gerudo."

"I will serve, with all that I am." Nabooru said reverently. Riju turned towards the court, "all hail Nabooru, Lady of the Gerudo."

"All hail!" Everyone roared out and clapped as Ruju disappeared with a crack of lighting. Bato put his ocarina away and waited for the crowd to die down.

Bato found himself in the courtyard that night. It somehow called him. As he sat on the stone bench, a voice called out, in subdued rage. "I'm guessing you had something to do with that?"

He didn't bother to look behind him because he knew it was Nabooru talking. "Riju asked me to do that, by the way. I couldn't stand and do nothing when an opportunity like this presented itself."

"In front of my entire court?!" She yelled out. "You couldn't tell me this in private?!"

"What would that accomplish, huh? You would have just brushed it off."

"That wasn't your call to make!"

"You're right. It was the spirit's call. But, if you ask me, the desert has no one else worthy enough to rule."

Nabooru scoffed, looking down. "I never told this to anyone. Not even to Aveil or to my sisters. The only person who knew was Ganondorf. I became a leader out of necessity! I never wanted to be a leader!"

"Neither did I, but here we are! Goddesses and spirits who entrust the world to us to govern in their stead. I was a worker! Then, the goddesses found me. In their own, minute way, they entrusted to me the responsibilities of the world! That's why Riju asked you to become Lady of the Desert. Because she knew she would be entrusting the desert to a good, dedicated person like you!"

She stepped back from shock, whispering, "I'm not worthy."

Bato smiled grimly, "I said the same thing. You know what happened? An adage from my old world: sometimes power isn't given. It's thrust upon. Simply destiny at work."

"Destiny, huh?" She looked up towards the stars. "The spirits think so. You think so. I need to believe it, too. As Ganondorf's second, I had doubts whether I could make the hard decisions. Even as a tribe of thieves, there were some decisions that needed to be made for the sake of our survival over our own personal feelings. I hated making those choices and, usually, Ganondorf was the one that made them. Now, it appears that everyone wishes for me to do the same." She looked at Bato, "do you earnestly believe in this?"

Once again, he smiled at her, "if the time I've spent with you is any indication, you're excited about the prospect."

"I won't deny that."

He started to walk away, "if you have complaints about your appointment, then I can summon Riju again. If that's what you wish."

She summoned the Gerudo Topaz to her and looked at its orange color. Putting it away, she walked towards Bato, "her name is Riju?"

"Gave her the name myself."

Nabooru looked at Bato, quietly admiring him. "Who are you to control wind and lighting?"

Bato smiled at her, "I'm a farmer, Nabooru. That's all I've ever been."

Ready to traverse the vast and treacherous desert, the caravan was prepared overnight by a multitude of guides and merchants. Laden with precious cargo, horses were drawn to create this lifeline between two distant civilizations. The talks were not a matter of whether they were able to reach an agreement, but when. For the Gerudo, the trade was needed to sustain their life. For the Hylians, its resources and riches were a fair price. Both now had something to gain from all of this.

But it needed to be official. The Gerudo would have complete autonomy. The cultural exchange and the economic significance made this trip a no-brainer. The Hylian and Gerudo delegation were set. Utia would stay behind to look after Desert Town while Aveil, herself, would accompany Nabooru to Hyrule. They would travel in the evening, so to avoid the desert's raging sun.

Bato and Link, for the most part, were ready to head back into known territory. Now that the threat of the civil war had ended and peace returned to the desert, they could resume their lives. Unfortunately, for Bato, the life of a humble farmer was over. The king gave him a manor and, with it, came all the new territory that belonged to the traitorous Rowan. He was already thinking of ways of pawning the job to some other schmuck when Link tapped on his shoulder.

"What is it, boo?"

"Our driver's here. I think we're about to go." The torchlights from the main road and the torches from the citizenry who arrived to give the caravan a proper send off made the dark nonexistent. They were further back this time, so they couldn't hear Nabooru's speech. That hardly mattered. So long as they got to their destination safety and quietly.

A horn was sounded, and the caravan was off back to Hyrule.