Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The mother took a risk travelling with her daughter to Gerudo City, a day after the incident at the Bazaar. The market in the city sold particular salves that couldn’t be found anywhere, the rashes around her stomach had returned and she was out of salve.

Being pregnant wasn't as joyous as everyone claimed.

Feeling sick constantly, unable to bend down or see her toes, her body ached enough that moving was hard and uncomfortable. At least she had her daughter to help her, doing her best at such a young age.

She worried for Nabooru, despite her assistance, she could see her daughter was nowhere near any form of excitement to become an older sister. It broke her heart discovering her bleak misery every time she mentioned the growing baby.

“Will that be all, ma’am?”

The merchant's question pulled her back to reality, who presented the jars on the counter.

“Ah, yes,” The mother attempts to reach for her pouch behind her, after a moment she huffs in frustration, “Nabooru, can you-”

Her daughter was already by her side, pouch in hand.

“Right. How much will that be?”

“Fifty rupees.”

The Gerudo girl hands over a purple rupee worth the amount and takes the salve.

The shop was deep in the City, incredibly close to the palace, it was already a struggle for the mother to walk this far in the first place. Her hips ached, resulting in her unable to walk straight and waddle with each step.

They start to make their way back to the main entrance, not waiting to dawdle.

“Makeela?”

A curious glance up, a shocked face is presented. “Urbosa?”

Urbosa is oblivious to her expression and immediately hugs her. The best to her abilities with a large pregnant stomach in the way, she pulls back to admire said stomach.

“You must be due any day now, I bet you’re excited to see her.” She looks past her hip, “And who’s this little one, is this your daughter?”

Makeela is still taken aback, “It is, this is Nabooru.”

Nabooru shrinks behind her mother, causing Urbosa to chuckle at the action.

“She’s so shy, and beautiful! Your daughter will grow to be just as lovely as you Makeela!”

“Uh… Yes,” She swallows awkwardly, her gaze drifts.

The thrilled features Urbosa held began to droop, “Are you… Still unhappy to see me?”

Makeela sneers with a shake of her head, “Did you want forgiveness, Urbosa? I cannot provide that for you.”

“I'm not loo-” She cuts herself off with a deep exhale, “You can't keep blaming me for gaining my element, that’s out of my control and you know that.”

“You abandoned me when you got your magic. It changed you.”

“Of course it did! It changes everyone when they receive their elemental magic.”

Makeela is quiet for a moment, “It even changes those who do not receive it.”

“Makeela…”

“Do you not remember when I asked to go with you and the others?” She exclaims, “When I wanted to go with you to our spot in the ruins, or explore the caves like we used to.”

Urbosa’s lips thinned, unsure on what to say to defend herself or to comfort her.

“You know the truth, you left me behind to be with those with magic, I was no longer useful to you.”

“That's not true!” She finally is able to speak up.

“Yes it is!” Their voices started to rise in volume, gaining the casual glance from civilians passing by, “Not only do you have magic, you have a rare element! Suddenly you were the centre of attention and you pushed me out! I helped you, over and over and this is the thanks I get?!”

She clicks her tongue annoyed and glances away, Urbosa is visibly hurt by her words. Her mouth opens although shuts after a moment, she tries again.

“I’m sorry Makeela,” Urbosa says quietly, “I didn’t know you felt that way.”

The mother scoffs, “I don’t need your apology, I want you to leave me alone.”

Makeela’s honey gold eyes fiercely lock with dejected sea green, Urbosa’s gaze eventually drops and nods, accepting her request.

“Good. Come Nabooru,” She turns without glancing back and continues to waddle in the direction of the main entrance gate of the city.

Nabooru doesn’t follow instantly, she watches her mother leave with surprise, never having seen her this angry before. She peeks behind her to the woman she shouted at who watches her with concern and when they hold each other's gaze, Urbosa manages to show a kind smile, despite her mother’s rage towards her.

The daughter smiles back.

“Nabooru!”

She makes a small wave and follows her mother’s call, leaving the woman behind.

There are at least four different staircases the palace has led outside then back in. One of those paths Urbosa can take to travel back to her quarters. Most times she takes this route, the outside air is always welcomed, no matter the temperature.

She slowly climbs the stairs, reading a ledger when she pauses in her step. Urbosa knows the familiar sound of her nephew's laugh from above, it's the adjoined one she doesn't recognise. The Chief climbs to the top and leans back on the rail to get a better view of who else is on the roof balcony.

Prince Ganondorf is resting his forearms on the thick stone rail, facing towards her and the city, sporting carefree features. The other rests their back against it, ash blonde hair sways and shoulders shake as they laugh.

Urbosa’s features soften at the sight. He found a way to comfort the swordsman.

She thought she imagined it, but noticed a change since they came back from the Bazaar.

Honey golden eyes spot her from below, his smile sweetens while he raises a hand in acknowledgement.

The Chief smiles with a nod and carries on inside.

The main street of Gerudo City has rows of palm trees with a man made stream down its middle, there were streams around the entire City and when the Knight questioned it, he was informed it was how the City avoided the scalding temperatures of the desert. This main street didn’t contain many shops, although this was the central pathway to the deceivingly small palace steps.

Even if Link preferred Kara Kara Bazaar, Gerudo City market had quite a few unique items to offer and a charm to it that the Bazaar lacks.

All that they offered down the main, wide street, was not only common trades, but traditional Gerudian goods that were impossible to find elsewhere. How it was sourced and only found in the City, Link had no idea.

They had just reached the bottom of said stairs. He’s on the job, sure, but it’s just the two of them, no guards or escort. It was… Strange.

“I’m with you during your walks around the City, so why are you taking me here?” He faces the Prince, puzzled while walking sideways, “Are you showing me something? This may not be a good idea for my pouch.”

“What do you mean not good for your pouch? You're being paid while in my care,” Ganondorf rolls his eyes with a smirk, “And what you do with your money is none of my business, but here-” He gestures to the shops down the long street, Link provides him with an optimistic expression.

“You said you weren’t comfortable with your escort, so how do you prefer me as their replacement?”

His Ward’s features shift to relief, “Better.”

Link takes his time inspecting each shop with ease. Having the Prince there seemed to soothe the merchants too, already making this experience much more enjoyable, and with the help from the Prince with translation. The Knight keeps his mouth shut when he realises he actually doesn’t need a translator, happy to say all his studying with Dina is paying off.

Regardless, Link likes the Gerudo man with him. It feels nice. The atmosphere is pleasant with them and all who they encounter during their stroll.

There’s a stall that catches his eye and Link races over in a heartbeat, now inspecting all the different flavours of juices.

“Four melon flavours, please?” The Knight grins at the bored merchant, an elder Gerudo merchant with a large red-grey bun.

“You’ve really taken a liking to it?”

“I blame you for that,” His Ward retorts, “You tried to kill me with spice and then drowned me with this tasty stuff.”

The Gerudo man smirks, “So now you’re addicted? You know there’s other choices of drinks here.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’m looking too.”

“Well don’t hurt yourself.”

He snorts at his comment, although becomes distracted.

“Huh. Cactus juice,” A blonde brow shoots up after reading its inscription written on the sign, “Warning; Contains hallucinogenic properties.”

“Iyeh draalid” - Yes boy.

The Gerudian woman replies with a monotone voice, inhales her long thin pipe and exhales a smooth chain of smoke, “In juice form it is more potent.”

“It will quench one's thirst.” A curious glance up to the Prince, “What do you think?”

With a disapproving look, he says, “With our history do you really think that’s wise?”

Link’s bottom lip butts out for a moment before his expression ticks, indulged by his words, “So nothing to do with your royal status or me on duty?”

Ganondorf straightens with a stiff breath, “Besides the cactus juice, what else are you after?”

The Knight inspects the Prince with scrutiny, his attempt to change the subject, eventually a slow smile pulls and his hands move, ‘Another time then.’

“If you do choose so, I would suggest a few days of rehabilitation afterwards,” She informs while releasing smoke, “Sleep is all you will be able to do after the few days of fun.”

“Ok no,” The Gerudo man eyes the merchant sternly, her features remain unchanged, “Stop trying to -ahsiiw pqwmdxi- to my -oiuwedm-.”

She shrugs, “Your loss.”

Her light green gaze returned focus to Link, “We have all sorts of drinks here, alcoholic too.”

Ocean eyes immediately light up, “Do you have apple juice?”

The smile remains strong on Ganondorf’s face, admiring how giddy his Ward has become as the merchant sells apple juice and apple cider, along with the melon juice.

He made a note for later to buy Link all apple related beverages in this stall.

Link was sweating profusely from his fast movements, keeping up his constant speed in the mid morning sun. And he was having the time of his life.

He bounced off another wall, Sudrey was close to getting him a few times but was not fast enough. Yet.

Even still, the weights are strapped back on his wrists and ankles. He doesn't mean it as a form of insult to insinuate that he's faster, it's just his triforce won't let him slow down.

Thus began a game of chase, Link was training the guards in speed and agility. A group of six at a time. As tradition among the Gerudo guards, he was named champion and had a promise to keep.

The Knight noticed they were exceptional with all weapons, especially the bow that would rival the Rito, however their movements were slower than they should be. They have improved greatly since he started training them three months ago.

His smile widened at the thought, he’s very proud of them.

Alright, he needed a breather.

Link had a designated area the guards were not allowed to tag him, a means for a break for all of them, but he noticed up high, a heavy wooden beam that went across and decided to have a little fun.

He ran straight for the wall and used small lips in the stone to defy gravity.

How he climbed up quickly, or for a matter of fact at all, still stumped the guards as they now gawked dumbfounded at the Knight sitting high on the wooden beam. Unreachable.

The Captain watching, her laughter booms across the area, “Alright, time for a break. Champion, water?”

He nods. The Captain takes his water skin left near the fountain, fills it and throws it up to his waiting hand. Link downs a mouth full.

The beam was in line with the balcony above, he stops drinking and wipes his mouth to wave at the Prince casually leaning on said balcony while the Chief stands, both spectating the game.

Ganondorf grins widely while Urbosa laughs.

“Making them work I see?” The Prince questions.

Link gleams proudly and nods enthusiastically causing the Prince to respond with a chuckle.

“Good, they need to earn their position as guards of this city,” The Chief then focuses her attention down at the guards, “Well done everyone, I see all your efforts but we have work to do. Keep it up, and Sudrey?”

“Chief?”

“You were close to tagging him. Be proud and do not let it drop.”

“Yes, Chief,” She does a small bow of her head, “My Prince.”

The Captain calls the Champion’s name as well as the attention of the crowded guards, it seems training is done for the day.

“Come down so we can wrap this up.”

He acknowledges her and stands on the beam, he pauses and turns to Ganondorf, Link holds the water skin between his thighs, ‘You mind helping me down?’

The Prince raises a questionable brow, “You can't get yourself down? Maybe take the weights off.”

‘I can,’ He bottom lip butts out, ‘But you will make it easier.’

Ganondorf rolled his eyes with a snort, extending his power and added a few extra platforms down, allowing his Ward to jump gradually instead of leaping from the great height. When Link lands on the stone floor, he glances up with a wide grin.

‘I will always appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty,’ He then bows in half with his arms, Ganondorf shakes his head in humour.

As Link's turns to the patiently waiting Captain, Ganondorf walks back inside, both oblivious to Chief Urbosa’s curious features, glancing back and forth at the two. Eventually she shrugs, coming to her own conclusion and follows her nephew.

Whatever happens, happens.

How they ended up in Link’s room was due to the topic about Hryule’s reformed treaties and alliances with the other regions, the Knight offhandedly mentioned all those negotiations were in person. Leading to the Gerudo man questioning where else he had travelled to in his years of service to the Queen.

Link asked if he wanted to see the photos of the people he met and the places they visited, and naturally, Ganondorf accepted. Hence standing in front of his Ward’s desk, used to display all the frames.

Ganondorf inspected each photo he owned, it seems Link had a lot of fond memories. Link offers him a frame, he stares with disbelief yet joyous expression.

“I’ve never had the chance to meet your Queen,” His smile widens endearingly, “Though she seems just as happy as you do in this.”

The framed photo was of Link and Zelda in their early years, grinning so much that their eyes squinted, Link had his arm around Zelda’s shoulders and her height had her hugging his torso.

Link breathes a chuckle at the memory it brings, “That was our second visit to Central Square Market, there was a photographer there. We picked up the photo during our next visit a month later as the photo needed time to develop.”

“So how old were you both then?”

The Knight took a moment to recall by glancing up to the ceiling, “She was ten, so I would have been… Sixteen.”

Ganondorf hums thoughtfully, “You look much younger than sixteen.”

Link pouts out his bottom lip, “Zelda says my baby face didn’t wear off until much later.”

“Ah, that would do it,” The Prince tries to contain himself, though cracks slightly with a tight lipped smile.

“Baby face,” Link repeats with a scoff, as he puts the frame back down, he mumbles yet loud enough for the other to hear, “Rotten little shit.”

Not expecting the crude call, Ganondorf splutters, leading him to a coughing fit.

The Knight’s lips buzz as he giggles at the Princes, he shakes his head with delight and reaches for another frame when the other has stopped coughing. This one was more of a formal portrait of a Zora family.

“This is Mipha,” He points to her, “And this is her younger brother, Sidon, their mother and father.”

He puts that back down only to take another quickly after, “And this is how they really are”

Ganondorf barks a laugh, hard and loud.

Link is trying to pull Sidon away from Mipha, Sidon is holding on to Mipha’s head tail for dear life while his little legs score Link in the face. Their mother is in clear panic and their father has a hand over his face.

His Ward is grinning while he places the picture back, after a few seconds, he purses his lips casting a glance over his pictures, choosing what to show next.

The Prince glanced over as well, noticing their was just as many portrait photos as their was scenery, one was what seemed a blue crystal plaza, with a matching palace a little ways behind, another was of an impressive large volcano, a breathtaking view of a valley with high mountains peaked with white, a colourful market that reminded him of Kara Kara, though this one had high grey stone building with different colour roof tiles.

His best and easy guess was all those places had just as much significance as the portraits. Counting with no numbers at how many pictures there were, a peculiar thought arises.

Ganondorf’s expression scrunches, “I know how you took your photo with Zelda, but how did you manage the rest, even your younger ones at the Domain?”

Link’s features turn lop sided though still strong with merry, “Mipha’s family were due to a family portrait while I was living there. When I returned to pick up the photo with Zelda at the market, I asked the photographer where I could purchase my own camera, she had a variety to choose from. But- Uh…”

“The King was…” The Knight grimaces, deciding his words, instead ended up shaking his head, “I couldn’t really use it while at the castle, even develop what I could capture, so I hid it with the photo we took, and when her father died, I brought it back out. I had a lot of film used from we snuck pictures during the years, I found a photo shop at the market to print off what I had. There were quite a few of Zelda and I being silly, her reading, my horse, even a few I sneakily took around the castle.”

He gestures to the evidence of his words, and exactly what he described.

“Do you still have your camera?”

His Ward grins, “Of course, I wouldn’t dare leave it behind.”

The Prince simpers endearingly at Link, appearing gratified of his statement to move on eagerly with another treasured photo.

“This one,” He picks a frame and displays it for the Prince proudly, “Is me and Daruk and his son, Bludo, from Goron Village, I remember I had to remind Daruk that I am not Goron, he would give me pats on the back, which was a nice gesture, if it didn’t feel like a boulder almost knocking me over every time.”

“He misunderstood and told me I was Goron, stating I will always be a brother to them,” Link snorts fondly at the memory, “Then I had to explain that I'm physically not like him. He laughed and slapped my back again and I face planted for like the fifth time that day.”

The Knight follows the Prince in his snickering, he puts the frame down gently and retrieves another.

“This was when I went to Rito Village, they were very standoffish at first, though slowly, they opened up. Except this one guy, insisted on staying an absolute ass-”

As Ganondorf listened with genuine interest, adoring his excited Ward recounting snippets of his life with every frame he held, he realised something.

How he naturally beamed everytime Link spoke to him, voice or no, how drawn he was to him, how he felt his heart flutter in those instants they would graze each other. When Link smiled, it would snatch what air he had, just the same as his wide curious blue gaze has done countless times he looked up at him.

This man who was thrilled to share his treasured memories with him, verifying a display of trust he will forever cherish;

Had the Prince catch himself falling for him.

His own recognition had him withdraw, losing his pleased expression to alarming anxiousness. Ganondorf had barely acknowledged his own feelings and was already drowning in dread of Link’s rejection, the fear of ruining what friendship he has gained thus far.

He never wants to lose that. Excluding his Aunty, he never felt this close to anyone. The Gerudo man was willing to sacrifice this discovery just to keep things how they are, he will do whatever it takes to not dissolve that trust between them.

“Ganon?”

He blinks away the sullen thoughts, shaken awake to the concerned Knight placing the delicate possession down.

His blonde brows crease, while seeming disheartened, “Are you ok? I can stop if this is boring you?”

“No!” He quickly reassured, “I- I got lost in my own thoughts, my apologies, I didn't mean to seem I lacked interest.”

Link remains quiet with a slightly raised brow and the corner of his mouth quietly tips up.

Ganondorf takes a deep breath, steadying himself and recalls what was last said, “This Revali character, he wasn’t the representative of the Rito people, correct?”

Apprehension tickles his chest as his Ward measures him for a quiet moment, the feeling simmers slightly when Link’s brightened smile returns, “Luckily no, he wasn’t the one Zelda and I needed to speak to, but the Elder in charge respected Revali and, lucky for me… I am a better shot than he is.”

Crimson brows raised in surprise, “You bested a Rito archer?”

“The best in Rito Village,” The Knight points out, “Revali is renowned for his skill among the Rito, even across Hyrule, I have heard of his name mentioned in the Domain and the Castle.”

Ganondorf still found himself stuck on his previous question, “You bested a Rito archer?!”

Link drops his gaze with a shy smile, his cheeks dusting with pink, “Only just, but yes, I did.”

His Ward regains himself by clearing his throat, although keeps his gaze towards the frame he held; Link pulls at a braid on the blue Rito’s head, which he assumed was Revali, while Revali in return pushes away Link’s head.

“He didn’t believe it was possible at first, just thought it was dumb luck,” The Knight’s features turned cheeky, “Then my supposedly dumb luck defeated him twice more.”

Ganondorf laughed heartily at that, his anxious heart beating wildly in his chest. He needed to breathe, needed to calm down the fast pace he internally held. The best way he could compose himself in this situation was distraction, so he focused on each and every photo standing before him, but the longevity of his silence and open inspection had the Knight's mind track in a different direction.

The Prince can see Link move in the corner of his vision, hear him ruffle around, his honey gold eyes stayed put on the framed photos. At this point, no longer absorbing what he's actually looking at.

There's an audible exhaled huff from behind him, Ganondorf pulls himself away to the curious noise. His Ward seemed visibly nervous, his cheeks dusted pink, matching the tip of his ears.

The weird box he saw on the rooftop a while ago was cradled close to his chest.

“You know-” He starts, “I meant it when I said I would never leave my camera behind.”

Link pauses for a moment with clear hesitation, “Did you… Want to take a picture with me?”

Thanks to Link’s kind offer, his self control is now waning on a thin piece of string. He pushes down how excited he actually was to possibly have a photo of them together.

“Sure.”

Link lightens up at his positive answer, then glances around with pursed lips, he hums in dislike. He turns around to retrieve something that looks like sticks tied together, nicely polished sticks.

“Not here.”

His Ward is already out the door and the Prince has to run a little to catch up, he wonders for a moment where Link would take him and then it becomes clear when they close in to the balcony entrance.

The door opens, the sun almost touches the horizon in front and the City is behind, a very nice spot for a photo.

“You go there,” He points to the balcony stone rail, Link uses the stick thing to place the camera on what Ganondorf now sees as a stand for the camera.

The Knight inspects the camera closely and adjusts it, “Now when I press this button, it will count to five and then take the picture. You ready?”

He nods, Link presses the button and then is fast by his side. The Gerudo man forgets about the photo when feeling Link’s hand graze his lower back and saddle close to him. Link’s large blue eyes locked with his, he becomes hopeless with words, a fluttering mess when he realises Link is staring back.

Click!

It takes a moment for either of them to register the sound.

“Oh, uh…” The ocean gaze drops, and walks back to the camera, bashful when he looks back at the Prince. “Let’s try that again, smile at the camera, ok?

Ganondorf lightly snorts, trying his best not to blush, “Yeah, good idea.”

Link presses the button again, this time he forces to focus and smiles wide. The camera clicks once more.

“Great!” He turns to him, beaming, “I remember seeing a print shop in the Hylian strip at the Bazaar, would you like a copy?”

His heart beating wildly in his chest did not cease once since it started, “I would love one.”

Din’s fire, help him.

“Khaama?” - Aunty?

“In here, nephew.”

Ganondorf rounds the corner, shuts the door behind to leave his guards outside. He plumped himself in the chair in front of his aunty’s desk and hid his face by resting his head on the wood.

“Is everything alright?” Worry is heavy in her tone.

Hearing him groan in displeasure, she raises a questionable eyebrow. The Chief stands and manoeuvres herself around her desk to lean back on it, she’s now close enough to sooth her nephew by lightly scratching his head.

“I can’t help you if you refrain from speaking to me.”

He eventually raises his head, looks at her with a pout.

Urbosa waits for him to speak, though quickly becomes impatient, “I see you rather remain in your head, speak when you are ready.”

She moves to the far part of the room, retrieving two glasses from her cabinet and a bottle from another. Smirks when she opens her gift from the Hyrulian Queen, adding some ice to the glasses, she pours the salmon hued liquid when she returns to her desk.

“I think I’m falling for the swordsman.”

The Chief blinks, taken aback by the admission though not exactly shocked either. Placing the bottle down with a gentle thud, she turns back around to rest against the desk.

“With how much you smile around him, I’m not really surprised.”

Panic flips his expression, “Oh Gods! Was I obvious?”

“No, you were not,” She teases, however she's sincere with her assurance, her features soften at her nephew’s troubles, “I see how he cares for you, job or not, and how often I hear you laugh with him.”

Her words reassure him, washing away the short lived dread, though now it’s replaced with hopelessness.

Ganondorf puffs his cheeks as he releases his breath, his hand smooth over his head that drops down, “I don’t know what to do.”

Urbosa recalls the time she was in this exact position, remembering her events, how they played out with her choices, proud of some and regretful with others. She retrieves one glass and pulses electricity over the ice, it crackles and sparks.

“I think, for now, let it be,” Her nephew glances back up, his golden eyes wide with distraught, she takes the other drink, reenacting the spark, “You only just realise this, yes? Then give yourself time to understand how you feel and why.”

His gaze drops, while he barely nods, his voice mumbles, “I don’t even know what he prefers.”

“Meaning?”

“He’s a man, Aunty,” The Prince lightly scoffs and shakes his head, “I know our culture is accepting, but what his home is like and his preference is a terrifying question at the moment.”

Sea green eyes deadpanned, she places one finger on his shoulder. He recoils at the pinch, using her power to zap him.

“Hey!”

“What did I just say?”

Ganondorf huffs frustratingly, however remains stubbornly quiet, so Urbosa continues.

“You’re worrying about something that’s far in the distance,” the Chief pauses for a moment to weigh his troubled words, “If you wish to avoid that torment, then ask him.”

“What?!” He shoots back with a horrified confused combination , “How would I even do that?!”

“Usually with words.”

Her nephew deadpans, Urbosa shrugs in response and now enjoys her beverage, it tingles in her mouth delightfully.

“If you’re not going to be direct, then be tactful, ease into the topic of past relationships, an easy way to discover through the topic or lead to preference, I know you have some of your own experiences to share.”

The Prince purses his lips, suddenly needing to squint at his drink before him,

“Don’t deny it, I know you do.”

He huffs in response.

“Uh huh,” After a moment, she ponders on a thought and decides to voice it.

“At the very least, you realised your feelings after three months, not like some of the women who claim their love after one day,” Urbosa scoffs, rolling her sea green eyes, “You saw beyond his looks and learned who he is as a person.”

His furrowed brow returns, the tint of humour that was present a moment ago has now passed. Urbosa deeply sighs back to the main issue.

“As I said, Ganon, give yourself time to process,” The Chief guides his chin so he’s forced to look at her, “Understood?"

He grimaces though currently lacks choice to do much else, her hand drops when he moves, picking up his glass and speaks before taking a swig.

“Mafhm.” - Understood.

The stroll casually back to the Prince’s room in comfortable silence, he doesn’t mind and he can see neither does Link.

When they arrive his Ward is who enters first while Ganondorf waits by the door. For the safety of the Gerudo Prince, the Knight inspects the windows, around and out, looks in spots in the room that one could conceal themselves and when he’s done with his routine sweep of the room, he returns to him.

“Will that be all for tonight?”

No. “Yes.”

Link smiles kindly with a small bow of his head and sees himself out.

“Goodnight, Ganon.”

“Night, Link.”

He greatly enjoys his company, though reluctantly, he needs his rest, even if he thinks how unfair that thought is when he knows his Ward stands on the other side of the door until dawn, until the guard rotation relieves him. He’s perturbed by the knowledge Link will not be able to sleep while he does,

However there’s not much he can do about that. As much as he thinks of Link as a friend, he’s priority is to protect him and that comes before friendship every time.

So he closes the door with a sigh, defeated by his thoughts and moves away to follow his own routine.

Excited honey golden eyes can't choose what to lock his attention on first. He's heard so much talk and stories about Kara Kara Bazaar and the wares others carry into the city, he's practically bouncing with excitement when his Aunty takes him for the first time.

“Aunty, I'll be fine. I can do this by myself.”

“Sweet Nephew, I'm not letting you do this on your own.”

He squints at her, “Is this because you're Chieftain now?”

“Or maybe it's because you are a child.”

The new Chief raises a humorous brow at her nephew's defiance, his young face scrunching up is difficult to take seriously.

“You’re nine years old and already want to do this without me, let me at least enjoy our first trip to the Bazaar together,” Urbosa chuckles.

“I can do this by myself, I’ll be fine,” His eyes rolled.

Kneeling to be face height with her nephew, adjusting his scarf more securely, her voice lower in volume, “It is not you I’m concerned about. Do you remember what I told you?”

“I might scare others because I'm a boy.” He recalls downcast, his face suddenly twists in annoyance, “You're making my scarf too tight!”

“Sorry,” She sighs, dropping her hands, “I just want you to be safe.”

“I will be safe,” He pulls away with a huff.

His Aunty purses her lips with a contemplating hum, until she eventually stands with a hand on her hip, “You may walk by yourself, I won't be far behind. Ok?”

Ganondorf grins at the given liberality, “Thank you, Au-”

“On the condition,” She interrupts by holding up a finger, “You must speak Hylian from now until we leave.”

“No.” His whine drags out, “I don't like using it with others.”

“But how will you learn?” Urbosa grins, switching language. “Now go on, have fun.”

Ganondorf pouts, but doesn't retort, instead he turns and begins his exploration.

His annoyed demeanour doesn't last long as he reaches the first, the Rito strip has so many colourful arrows and ponchos.

But that’s not what captures his attention.

This stall at the end of the Rito strip had this strange grand structure that Ganondorf had never seen anything like before. Not in the City at least.

“Woah!”

The wonder had locked onto the silver little ball on the large wooden contraption. It slid down a narrow piece of wood to hit a swing that opened a hatch, and the ball carried on. It would tap one thing to open another pathway, causing another similar event.

“Do you like what you see? This is called a domino effect.”

He turns to his side, wide fascinated eyes locked with the cream and maroon feathered Rito merchant. Ganondorf nods enthusiastically, the merchant chuckles in response.

“Then enjoy, young hatchling,” His smile is kind, although it dips at the sight of another customer admiring his model.

“Call for me when you want to look at more models.”

The Rito with cream and maroon feathers turns and walks behind his shop.

The young Gerudo boy didn't notice his change in demeanour, but did see the merchant look past him. He turns to find a fellow Gerudo woman, he inspects her quickly. She doesn’t appear that old to him, the Gerudo woman is not as tall as his aunty, which told him she wasn’t an adult yet.

Although that's not what fascinated him, it was her long braid.

“I like your-” A pause, then remembers the word, “Hair!”

She gives him a long, strange look with a tilt of her head.

Eventually, she speaks, “You’re Gerudian, right? Why are you speaking Hylian?”

He shrinks a little, answering quietly, “Aunty says I can only speak Hylian today.”

“Why is that?”

Ganondorf sneaks a glance behind, checking how far away his aunt is. He grins at the grand distance.

“She says it’s good to try and understand everyone,” Ganondorf brightens at his own words, “Like last week, a Hylian sister was lost in the city, I helped her find her way by speaking her language.”

The Gerudo woman snorts and puts a hand on her hip, “Your aunt sounds wise. My mother was similar, and encouraged me to learn about all elements.”

“Your mother sounds really nice,” He beams, “Is she here with you today?”

The young woman’s demeanour saddens, “She’s… No longer with us.”

“Oh,” Ganondorf looks away awkwardly, then comes up with the idea to help cheer this person up. He points to a part of the structure on the table.

“How do you think he did that?”

She seems to snap away from her deep thoughts and inspects where he points.

“What do you think?”

The Rito merchant eventually started to involve himself in their long conversation about all parts and tricks of the model, being more than happy to chat about his work. Ganondorf translated between the two and with the young woman‘s eager questions, he generally seemed to ease.

The two young Gerudian’s equally enthusiastic as the merchant displayed one of his tricks.

“That's so cool!” Ganondorf exclaims, “I feel like this doesn’t end!”

“Eventually it will.” The merchant's eyes squint from grinning, “You can even involve music to create tunes.”

“Really!? Can we see it?”

“Of course, hatchling. I will need to go get it.” The Rito steps out to the back and out of sight.

Ganondorf is buzzing, “I can’t wait to show my friends back home.”

“What did he say?” Her honey gold gaze is equally as energised as she lightly taps his shoulder, gaining his attention back.

“He said he’s getting one that can play music,” He pauses, “And I said I can't wait to show my friends back home.”

The young Gerudo woman becomes disheartened, “That sounds very nice, I hope your friends like it.”

“Why don’t you come with me? I want you to be my friend, sister!” His features become cheerful, he holds out his hand to her, “I’m Ganondorf, what’s your name?”

“Ganondorf?” She gives him a strange look, “But that’s a bo-”

Colour drains from the Gerudo woman, realisation cuts her words short, her breath trembles as she whispers, “A Gerudo boy. You’re alive?”

He flinches, cautious at her reaction, his Aunt’s warning rings through his head.

“Aunty?!”

Urbosa promptly looked to where her nephew’s call came from, her sea green eyes widened, managing to get a glimpse of the young woman before she ran. A glimpse was enough. A familiar face.

“Nabooru?”

Even if she had an opportunity to chase after her, her nephew needed her more, sprinting towards her in fear.

“I told her my name, I’m sorry!” He says into his aunt’s stomach, hugging her tightly, “I didn’t know my name was a boy's name.”

“Shhh… It’s ok, you’re safe now,” She softly scratches his head, “Let’s head back to the City, we’ll come back to the Bazaar another day.”

He nods, still shaken up. She wraps a comforting arm around his shoulder and guides them home.

She hadn’t seen Nabooru in years. Nine to be exact, counting her to be sixteen. Urbosa had not seen her since she last saw her mother alive.

Zelda’s eyes snap open.

Too shocked to do much else but stare up at the white canopy ceiling of her bed.

Then she snorts hard, forming into a snicker.

“Ah, Link,” She says lightly, “No wonder you keep telling me to mind my business.”

She manoeuvres herself to the edge of the bed to sit up, momentarily searches blindly to find what she needs to light the candle and succeeds. The Queen is now wide awake, wired from her dream, her vision. She moved to her desk with the candle, wanting to continue her response to her Knight’s letter and might as well since she knows sleep will not come to her for a while.

They had been conversing back and forth with letters for months now and not once was anything close to this topic ever mentioned in his letters. She honestly feels a little butt hurt, yet annoyingly understands, it truly wasn't any of her business.

Now debating to mention what she saw in the letter, although eventually deciding against it. Zelda is in the process of planning to see him in three months' time, so it would be much better to relay the information in person.

She wanted to see Link’s reaction and with what she saw, she would naturally, of course, tease the shit out of him.

“My Prince?” Ganondorf's head pops up to the guard at the door, “Your teacher is here and has requested to speak with you.”

He closes the ledger with a confused expression, he doesn't have a teacher. Anymore at least.

“Let her in.”

The guard pushes the door wider and a Gerudian woman enters through.

“Dina!” The Prince eagerly approaches her with a wide grin, she returns the hug with pleased features. They pull back with their hands connected.

“It's so good to see you! How's little Delilah?”

“Stubborn,” Her lips pinch, “She thinks she knows everything.”

The Gerudo man releases a light chuckle, squeezes her hands and drops.

“What can I help you with today?”

The question sobered the Gerudo woman immediately, “I believe one of my students is a male.”

A red brow raised, “You sure?”

“I will admit, it took me a while to notice because he doesn't speak, only signs to me.” She rests a hand on her hip, “But yes I’m sure, and as soon as I realised, I came here immediately.”

Ganondorf was about to command his guards to find this imposter, however he pauses on her words on two points.

Despite it being a male, he couldn’t help but be silently impressed that this man had snuck into the city, skilled enough to slip past his guards, just to learn Gerudian. However that didn’t make sense for him to do that since there is a language school in Kara Kara, and it meant travelling all the way here just to do that and passing the security.

And with that information calls for his hesitation when adding the second point.

The man only uses sign language to communicate with her. He doesn't know any other men in this vicinity that know sign language except one.

The Prince is evidently intrigued, “Can you tell me what he looks like?”

Link didn’t know the sand seals could pull a loaded cart.

Well, it made sense. Sand seals were the main form of transportation in the desert, however he had only witnessed one sand seal pulling only one person, surfing on a shield. Two pulled a wooden cart with no wheels.

He stood, gripping the cart handle with a pout between the two guards who are part of this investigation squad, Tala and Deltan. Who still holds humorous features with the stable woman's words fresh in their minds.

It was not his fault the Gerudo guards were packed with muscles and towered him in height.

That was a, somewhat, more pleasant thought than what they were approaching. Another electric explosion was spotted, roughly two kilometres away, closer than the last three. This time the guards reported it immediately and they were able to pinpoint the location. Even if they hadn’t reported it, the rumble was felt in the City.

As they approached, adrenaline began building at the site of a Gerudian woman wandering around the site with a sand seal nearby. On closer inspection, he eased up yet was now confused when realising it was the Chief.

The ride comes to a stop and the three hop off. Urbosa approaches them.

“Ah, good, you’re here. I’ve taken notes of the scene that I deemed importanted,” She gestures to her leather worn notebook, “I would still appreciate an inspection from you three, a different perspective will be good and to make sure I haven’t missed anything.”

“How did you arrive before us?” Deltan has a good point.

Urbosa blinked, as if obvious, “I left as soon as I saw it. I was hoping to catch the culprit.”

“By yourself?!” She responds with alarmed disbelief, “Four on one is higher odds than one on one. Why would you risk that?”

Tala chimes in, “That was irresponsible of you, Chief Urbosa! Charging in like that is dangerous.”

Link remains quiet.

“You have made your point!” Urbosa firmly cuts, holding up a hand to silence them, “I will admit it was foolish of me but what’s done is done.”

The Chief sighs in frustration, the three contain equal thoughts with a scowl on their brow.

“Just examine the site, will you?”

She says nothing else and without glancing, pulls out her shield and surfs away with the pull of her sand seal. Tala shakes her head while Deltan scoffs, vexed by the response yet carries on to follow her order.

Link doesn’t move, measuring the Chief as she rides away.

That was… Out of character.

What he has gathered about Urbosa’s persona, she listens, waits before acting and plans thoroughly if time is on her side, not barge forward without a second thought. From the moment they arrived, to her leaving, the apprehension that coloured her was borderline blinding.

But what pushed through that concern was she wasn’t truthful with her explanation. Urbosa was calculated, Link didn’t trust her carelessness, she sped here for a purpose before anyone could act.

“Are you helping us, Link?”

He twirls around to Deltan with an expecting hand on her hip. Link ducks his head.

“Sorry, was lost in thought.”

She huffs, “Well do that later, the sun will be high soon.”

The two Gerudian women stick to the outer part of the explosion, reasoning any evidence would have been blasted from the main point. Link argues otherwise and heads towards the source.

Locating it easily with the large black pointed circle in the centre, and strangely a decent sized rock in the middle appearing as if a target. Something glints in his eye, he crouches for closer inspection.

There’s shards of rounded glass around the rock... In the middle of the desert. Blonde brow creases at the discoloration underneath one of the larger shards, he picks it cautiously away, he’s seen this kind of sand before, sparkling like a thousand little diamonds.

The rounded shard becomes useful as he carefully scoops it, it’s visibly coarser than the sand, he brings it closer, one of many memories confirmed as he recalls the familiar smell. Acorn powder.

He recollects the smell when he travelled to Goron Town, how excited he was witnessing their methods of creating openings and tunnels for mining, by pouring the explosive powder in a tube, igniting the string attached to grant them enough time to find cover from the blast.

Alass, acorn powder was expected here, the rock and rounded glass were noted too, consistent in the reports.

The Knight gently places it down to retrieve his own notebook to jot down his findings. He doesn’t react to the approaching footfalls hitting the sand.

Deltan hovers next to him, “What did you find?”

“Part of the bomb,” He shuts his book and stands, “Found remnants of explosive acorn powder under glass.”

“Glass?” She crouches down, “Where?”

Link copies her position and hands over a piece that isn’t filled with the powder, Deltan holds it up, the sun aiding her inspection.

“Hm, a crystal ball again.”

Ocean eyes size up the rock again, “So my guess is the ball was dropped on the rock, shattering it causing the blast?”

“That’s… What it looks like,” The guard has puzzled features, “But that doesn't make sense. Was there something in the ball, or was it the powder? And with how big the explosion was, how did the sorcerer get away? If she is the one who smashed it, parts of her remains would be here too, no?”

Link’s head sharply faced her, “You found remains?”

“We did.”

Link notices a scorch mark in the rock, he jots it down quickly but knows it’s most likely from the glass hitting the rock. He followed the Gerudian woman to the outer ring, where Tala had her hands on her hips in thought as she was looking down.

“You alright, Tala?”

“Iyeh.” - Yes.

Her gaze stays straight, “There are four victims, all cold to the touch.”

They stand next to her and see just that. Torn limbs of two vastly different skin colours from humans, the other limbs were of two lizafos, obvious by their scales. One was red and the other green, fire and electric based.

“By the size of the human remains, they are Gerudian,” Tala scowls, “Were, Gerudian.”

Deltan weighs her thoughts, for now looking past her mournful observation, “One of the arms could belong to the sorcerer.”

“I doubt it,” Link said with a grimace, “This is one of many explosive events that she has caused, I’d be surprised if she didn’t know how to escape.”

“I know the combination is strange, but how does she do it…” Tala trails off, rubs her chin thoughtfully. “I know it’s repetitive to what this sorcerer is doing, it’s her logic behind this that confuses me.”

“You, me both,” Deltan absently nods.

Why was he still alive?!

The question slithered through her continually, a large part of her knows why. The golden boar found a way to protect him, someone who was completely vulnerable. The young Gerudian woman knew leaving anyone defenceless in the desert was a certain death and yet Ganondorf prevailed.

From what she gathered by his appearance, the innocence, the call back to his aunty, Urbosa, of all people, he was probably living a comfortable life. It peeved her, While she had to-

The question is pushed aside at the sight of a passerby that’s alone, no other life seen in either direction. Perfect.

The sand was an excellent camouflage, warping it to be her perfect cocoon.

Nabooru waits until she’s close and wields the sands to cover the victim whole, dragging her hurriedly away from the main path, reaching the cavern she has temporarily settled in.

Fire suddenly bursts out and the Gerudo woman is set free, she shoots fire from her palm at Nabooru who rolls out of the way.

The sands create a large, tight wave and slams the stranger in the side, knocking her prone. She hurries over and the Gerudo woman stands but isn’t given the opportunity to defend herself. The fight comes to an abrupt end as soon as Nabooru touches her skin.

The fire courses through her, the stranger thumps on to the sand, forced into a deep sleep. Nabooru can proceed with her plan, snatching the stranger's pack and rummaging for food and money.

Score! Some cutlets of meat and mushrooms, and her purse contained twenty- five rupees.

She unwrapped a large parcel and found a crystal, big enough to be held by both hands where only her thumbs could touch. She’d seen these many times at the market in the Goron and Rito strip.

The cave she found was dim, not allowing much sun to venture in and wants to see if the fire she now possesses will shine through the crystal ball.

What happened next she did not expect, and didn’t mean to cause.

The flame, purple by her control is sucked through the ball, she hears the stranger gasp although takes no heed into discovering why, too entranced by the purple flame trapped in the ball.

Honey gold eyes eventually tear away to check over her victim, her brows crease in dread when she notes the Gerudian woman is unnaturally still.

Nabooru is able to draw the flame back, rushes over to the woman to return her magic. However her skin is ice cold, the flame originally owned by her will not be accepted, unintentionally burns the stranger’s hand.

This is… This is not what she intended.

The panic seeps in, the guilt joins, she pushes the fire back into the ball and grasps the sand, wields it around the deceased woman and guides her back to the surface. Nabooru inspects the path, finding a few people a good distance away and gently places her not too far from it. Knowing she will be discovered before the winds take her.

Racing back down, she packs quickly, temporarily giving the crystal ball a strange look as it still contained the purple flame. She shoves everything into her own pack, springs back out into the sun and walks into the only direction she knows is safe.