The rest of their journey through the desert proved, thankfully, entirely uneventful. Although the bomb-as-bait hadn't exactly crippled the Sand Worm, as far as they could tell at least, evidently a mouthful of explosives had dissuaded it from further harrying the two. Epona clopped along at a medium-fast pace and Link let her choose her speed. He trusted her wisdom. And besides--after the excellent job she'd done outrunning the beast, she'd earned pretty much whatever she wanted. He'd have to remember to feed her a carrot later.
The city seemed like a mirage at first, but as their neared it neither disappeared nor coalesced into something ordinary like a mountain of sand or a rock crevice (several of which Epona had carefully led them around, though she'd often seen them before her riders noticed anything amiss). And when the dozens of travelers and caravans appeared out of the heat-haze, all traveling to and from the city, it was undeniable. They had reached Gerudo City.
The city itself was built around and in places, in, the high-rising spur of a red rock cliff. The spine of the cliff range continued to the side, but the tallest and thinnest peak had been built around in three concentric circles, each higher and smaller than the last. Red sandstone was the material of choice for just about every building including the city walls, clearly taken from the cliffs beside the city. It was huge, even from a distance.
"Gerudo City," Link called back to his companion, and glanced back to see her still wearing the thin scarf he'd offered to shield her mouth and nose from the sand carried on the wind. "See how the city is divided into three sections? The higher you go, the richer you are. I think I'd be somewhere around the middle but as a princess, you'd obviously be near the top." He pointed at the central rock spire of the city, dark holes of caves standing out now as they drew closer. "This place has a princess too--hopefully she's still safe."
If she wasn't, it would mean Ganondorf had accumulated more power than Link feared. And he didn't want to contemplate that.
That was a curious thought; the richer you were the higher you went? She supposed some of the cities outside of her castle were like that-- and as the princess, she did live in the large tower, but she never realized it was a wealth thing until he mentioned it to her. Had she been making her people look up to her in an unpleasant way she had never realized? She would have to speak to them about that when she returned home. If she returned home.
"I suppose we ought to head right to the top." She nodded firmly to herself; because the truth of it was-- they needed to know if the princess was there. As she was sure he was aware. And while normally there was hubbub involved in being granted an audience with royalty; Peach had made it easier at home, and in the case of an emergency, who was going to deny a hero and another princess?
The town was beautiful, though, in a way so different from her home. As her home was filled with green and blue skies; this had almost a golden brown hue to everything. The spiraling desert and rich sky. She didn't know how long she could last here; but she did know it was beautiful. She took great care to try and take in as many details as she could as they entered the area.
Link laughed gently as the princess cut straight through: "you're right," he agreed. "We'd better go right to the top. And as it happens, just last year I did some work for the royal house, so I think my name still has enough clout to at least get us there." He waved a hand at the top ring, smallest and highest around the sandstone spire. "You might find the Gerudo a little... odd. They're very concerned with strength and proving themselves, so they snatch opportunities for little duels. Even on things like baking or weaving." He had himself been challenged countless times: some he had won, and some he had lost. But that was another story.
They entered the city proper, passing through a set of gates closely guarded by warriors. They were women, all of them: dark-skinned and toned, their entire outfits consisted of the kind of silk that Peach wore around her head. "I should mention," Link continued, "Almost everyone here is female. Very few men are born to the Gerudo, so women hold almost all positions of power." They emerged into the city and it hit them all at once: the sights, the sounds, the splendor. Red stone buildings were everywhere, some so tall they blotted out the desert sun. Crowds of people bustled here and there, almost universally dark-skinned and female, but with a few odd men out thrown in here and there. Mostly they were travelers, fairer-skinned and male, but one out of every hundred, perhaps, was an elusive dark-skinned man.
"Straight up," Link announced, pointing at the ring that hung above them: "and thankfully, we don't have to walk far." He walked Epona over to a nearby stable and dismounted, raising his arms for Peach to fall into.
Baking? She wondered how she would fare in a baking duel-- far better than she would in a normal one, or a weaving one for that matter. She pondered on the idea, if briefly before she was once again drawn in by his words. He seemed to know so much about the places they visited, so much about his own world, that it put her to shame in a way. She probably didn't know nearly this much about all the places that lay outside of her kingdom. She swore to herself she would learn those things, if she ever got a chance. Perhaps she had taken everything for granted beyond even the terrorizing dragons.
"Oooh." Much different than some places, she supposed. Other kingdoms even. Though she knew her and Daisy were exceptions, it was still interesting to her. A society of women where might made right and such things were far different to the general peace of the kingdom,-- aside from the attacks of course.
Walking then? She huffed but nodded firmly, watching as he slid off with ease-- thankful for his attention so she too could dismount without embarrassing herself infront of a new set of people. Easing down into his arms before she straightened herself up, adjusting her new garb-- it was still taking some getting used to-- and following his lead with ease. Watching the people mill about it was a curious thing. "I wonder why men are so rare." Then again there was rare few in her home who were not Toads, so she didn't have much of a place to judge, did she? "They're all quite beautiful." She hummed out absently, digging her boots into the sandy earth to get better traction.
Link's companion dismounted neatly, sliding first into his arms and then to the ground. A light blush stole onto his cheeks: although this was a brief enough touch, being this close to the princess was still something of a novelty to him. His trip with her had been a breath of fresh air in many ways. The first time traveling with a companion, in such close contact, so open, in a long long time. It was a wonderful feeling but it was also a dismaying one; after all, how tempting would the lonely road be after such constant and pleasant companionship?
Link chose not to think about it. He usually avoided considering anything but the present: that was, after all, the role of an adventurer.
"Something about the way they're made," he answered Peach as they walked towards the press of people in the central roads. "Legends say the Goddesses made them this way for one reason or another, but opinions on why vary." He smiled back at her as she freely gave the strange, dark-skinned race a compliment, and he nodded in agreement. "They're well-known for being not just beautiful, but alluring. Visitors here get a great deal of attention from the locals since so many Gerudo are on the prowl for a mate." Link gave her a look and a wink: "so be careful if you catch someone's eye."
They entered the press of people and immediately found themselves nudged, jostled, bumped and pushed. The crowding wasn't so bad except in the center of these streets, so it wasn't impossible to wade through the press--just difficult. The experience was always uncomfortable but at least offered opportunities to people-watch. Here, a rare Gerudo man strode through the crowd with a basket in his arm, strange aromas coming from underneath folded cloth. There, a duo of identical-looking young girls darted under elbows and between legs, chasing something that couldn't quite be seen. Over there, a woman dressed in soldier's garb stood a head above the rest, perched on a block of sandstone as she examined the crowd and made tallies on a piece of parchment.
Link was so focused on making his way through the crowd that he didn't notice he'd lost his companion until she'd utterly faded from view. Panic seized him and he pushed back through, earning himself more than one angry comment. Luckily, he found her without too much effort just a few steps back. Link clasped her hand and pulled him close to her, forcing himself past the blush that dogged him once more. "Let's go together," he told her, and forged back into the crowd.
The playful warning actually learned a sheepish laugh, hand covering her mouth as delicately as always as she tittered behind it, making sure to keep up with him. Even dressed so differently there was no doubt she kept up with the role of a princess, if perhaps out of habit. "I think perhaps you might be more worried about the two of us, if they're lacking in men." A little titter continued before she managed to restrain herself from her amused nature. Allowing herself to instead focus on not getting pulled away from her companion as the crowd seemed to thicken in an instant.
Not that she proved terribly successful. It was, after all, rude to nudge or bumble against anyone and she was straining to make it through the bustle of the crowd without doing anything of the sort.
Though her thoughts didn't linger on it for long when he arrived, just as he had before, the bit of light through the crowd pressing at his back and presenting an image that left the princess momentarily dumbfounded. Nodding absently she allowed her hand to slip into his, feeling the warmth of contact along with the rough nature leftover from gripping the horse for most of their lengthy trip. Her fingers curled and she held firm, giving a determined nod, even if words didn't find their way to her lips for several moments.
She allowed herself to be lead, keeping close and attempting to keep pace, forced to use some of those dancing skills to skim under and over people, making sure to bump and nudge as few as possible-- though it was much easier with Link cutting through the sea of people like a ship destined for port. She followed him, like a tiny lifeboat being led along to where it needed to be. Not a bad analogy for their entire trip, if she let herself think about it much.
"Thank you." She finally managed when she got a bit of air, voice soft as he pushed forward, her grip tightening here or there, making sure the pair stayed connected.
"I'll tell you a secret," he whispered to the princess as they made their way through the crowd. It was noisy amidst the sea of people so he had to get even closer to whisper, until his breath was warm on the top of her head while he almost cradled her. More than once the two of them ended up in an impromptu embrace, then parted while he pulled her gently along--less a tug than a guide. She was perfectly capable to follow him, he found, limber and dexterous in a way that belied her noble upbringing. "They believe I'm already spoken for. There was a time when the Gerudo were very, very interested in me, right after I saved them from a monster similar to the worm we met on the way here." They ducked and wove around a woman and her cart, full of barrels and a few girls who'd clambered on back to have an easier, but slower conveyance.
"They were very persistent..." he trailed off, blushing a little. It was an odd discrepancy to him: so confident and so capable around deadly and frightening beasts, leaping over chasms, daring death simply to help others. And yet... so unsteady with women. "I thought I could handle myself at first, but when they started not taking no for an answer, I regret to say I cucco'd out." He scratched at the back of his head in embarrassment, knowing that it was a silly thing he was admitting to and wondering--only for a second--why he was again baring himself to the pretty princess tagging along with him. "I allowed a misunderstanding to form without addressing it. Most Gerudo think I have a secret... lover, when in fact that couldn't be further from the case." He looked around suddenly, as if he feared speaking the truth in this city would out him to the whole populace. He turned his blush back to Peach as they neared the end of the crowd and held a finger to his lips, entreating her to silence. "But no one needs to know."
Finally they were free of the crowd. It was a surprising change: in the span of maybe a dozen steps they emerged from the mad press into relative emptiness and silence. It was immediately clear why: the crowd gave a wide berth to the two tall, strong-looking Gerudo soldiers who stood at the foot of a giant, spiral staircase built into the very rock. They eyed Link and Peach cautiously, stamping their spear butts into the ground. "Halt!" one said, and looked the two of them over before nodding in approval. "Link," she said without a trace of warmth, as if she was familiar with him but hardly cordial. Was it a product of their imagination, or did she shoot a frown Peach's way? "But what about you?" she said in a heavily-accented tongue, staring straight at the princess in her desert garb. "Only nobles are allowed up into the second ring."
"Oh my..." Was all she muttered, thoughtful, but amused. A secret lover! If only they saw how he blushed perhaps they wouldn't think as much. Perhaps. She had seen him wield a sword and a horse, however, and believed had she not seen his quieter moments she would easily be lead to believe the same. She nodded gently tapping her chest with a free hand, flashing him a soft, if not teasing smile. "I promise to keep it between us, of course." Not that he had any worry about that to begin with, but Peach found promises to both be a reassuring thing and a bonding sort of moment. She would not give her word unless she had every intention of keeping it, and she wanted to offer him some of the same security he had given her-- even if it wasn't as meaningful.
The guards stood tall and proud, something she could briefly admire, even if their impression of her didn't seem so keen. She wasn't familiar with such things-- everywhere she went at home, everyone knew who she was, no matter how she was dressed it was inescapable. But here, perhaps not so. Still, she took the words to heart and didn't allow herself to falter, returning the scowls and stern nature with a bright smile.
Stepping forward she laid a hand against her chest, the other curling at her side as she offered a formal, deep bow. "Apologies." Standing straight again she planted her feet, somehow both feminine and firm in stance. "I'm Princess Peach, I've been brought here from a far-off kingdom by less than honorable means. It a seems a fiend from these lands has ventured out in search of princesses, and so with the kind help of Link--" She gestures to him beside her, but does not turn her gaze, intense blue watching, ever the diplomat she knew she needed to do her best to read them. "--We've come here to find if the same has befallen you, and if not, to warn you. As strong as all your people see, I know it may not mean much." She allowed her hands to drop, delicately folding together near her waist. "However, I think I would not be keen to live with any guilt should I not do anything I could for another kingdom who may come upon trouble, you see?"
Her tone is soft, but with an undertone of something else, not allowing for an interruption for the most part as she spoke. No doubt the type of tone used in negotiations or better yet royal decrees. Not without warmth and kindness, but with a layer of iron below that said in it's own way she needed to be listened to.
"Thank you," Link whispered to Peach as they departed the crowd, but it wasn't as if he'd expected any different from her. Instead it was just... a pleasant reminder that she was a trustworthy soul. The Hero was ready to speak for her as they approached the guards, but was surprised to find her stepping forward and answering for herself. He wasn't sure why it came as a shock in retrospect--of course Peach could handle her own affairs, especially when it came to situations she was familiar with. Stating her rank and her circumstances would of course be something she had some experience in.
The look of almost perfectly hidden distaste faded from the guards' faces as they listened to Peach's impassioned speech. It seemed her carefully chosen words had appealed to them greatly: Link's estimation of the princess's abilities rose once more. "It is good of you to think of us," said the woman in her strange accent. "You may ask for an audience with the princess. But she has not seen anyone for days. You will likely be no different." And although the pronouncement was harsh, it was said without a trace of malice. It seemed almost like the guard was trying to soften the blow of the imminent dismissal they'd receive, in her own heavy-handed way.
"That may be," Link acknowledged as he came to stand beside the blonde princess. "But we'll give it our best effort nonetheless." He matched Peach's confident stance with his own, slightly more relaxed posture and his kind but unflinching gaze. The guards watched them for a moment, as if to see if they'd back down, then nodded. "Go on," one said, and stepped aside. "We wish you luck."
It wasn't long before they were walking towards the next set of stairs, although this set of royal guards seemed content to let them simply continue their climb. "Well done," Link congratulated his companion as they exited earshot of the Gerudo women. "I wasn't sure if they were going to allow us to pass through without some sort of writ or an invitation from the princess... but you made it look easy. Is diplomacy like that something you're accustomed to from your own world, or does it come naturally?"
"Thank you." She continued to smile and bow, most might have been bothered, but she had no doubt their jobs were not as easy as some might think. The protection of the Princess and others was a task she could not look down upon. There were probably many other reasons, but Peach took it with stride, it was clear they held no ill will-- and neither would she. Following Link she made sure to try and follow his pace as to not offend anyone, though it seemed much Quieter in the area they were in. She was, admittedly, thankful for that.
"Well..." She thought about it for a moment, head tilting to the side before she glanced at him. "I suppose it's a bit of both-- but I couldn't say. I've been training my whole life to rule a kingdom and to be a Princess, so if it was natural to me there's no way to tell." Not that she always did everything perfectly, as they both probably knew by now, but moments like that were far easier for her than navigating a desert of giant worms. "Mr. Toadsworth was a wonderful treasure, when I was younger I thought many of his lessons were silly, but as I aged I saw the value in what he was trying to teach me."
"I have to do negotiations on occasion, as there's things I need for my people we may not have, and it's good manners. Beyond that..." A little puff of breath to ruffle her soft bangs. "I do really hope we are here in time in order to help." She admitted casting another sidelong glance to him before watching her step-- the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass herself in front of any royalty or people.
"Then you're a natural as much as you're practiced," he complimented her. "You should see how many people they turn away, day by day. Even I have to fight a little to get in sometimes." He shook his head ruefully. "But they mean well. It's their princess they want to protect. And I'm sure even your kindly Mr. Toadsworth would fight tooth and nail to keep you safe." Link's smile was a little sad: he understood she must miss him. She must miss her entire kingdom and the life she'd had before she was so rudely yanked into his own world. It was easy to forget the point of this whole expedition was to find out why and how Peach had been wrested from the Mushroom Kingdom... but unavoidably, to also return her where she belonged. He preferred not to think about that part. Already he was getting attached to having her along.
It didn't take them long to reach the palace, carved right out of the brown-red sandstone. Spires traveled up and up and up, merging with the living rock and re-emerging once more as the shape of the stone demanded. Guards stood at nearly every step along the entrance but Link walked on. He was tempted to take Peach's hand, knowing this might be a distressing or at least unnerving experience, but also knew that it would show weakness. They had to keep up a strong front or the Gerudo would be likely to reconsider their entry. They passed through the large, carved entrance and underneath the many glyphs and pictures struck into the stone. Carvings depicted the culture's victories, their defeats and their many mythologies, all fairly incomprehensible to the outsider's eye but no doubt instantly recognizable to the Gerudo. The culture shock ended as soon as they entered the palace proper, however; like a Hylian castle (and like a Mushroom Kingdom castle, Link assumed) a long straight path led to a throne. However, as they drew nearer it became quickly obvious the stone chair was unoccupied. In fact, aside from the guards that stood stiffly on either side of the walkway, only one person joined them in that room: a woman with a single eyepatch and chain mail covering nearly every part of her body below her collarbones.
"State your business," she said crisply. But when Link opened his mouth she raised a hand. "Princess Peach. As royalty, please speak your intentions for this unannounced visit." She inclined her head, paying due respect to the visiting royalty. Clearly a runner of some sort had communicated just who her visitors were. "Impa," Link whispered to his companion. "She's the princess's royal guard. You can trust her."
Another bow, no less polite than the first-- though she knew not if the woman was the princess or another guard till Link offered some assistance. She smiled a bit more, nodding her head ever so faintly before she allowed her hands to fold again, resuming her previous stance-- it was a habit more than anything else. Also, it made her far more comfortable when speaking in situations in which she wasn't entirely secure. It was good training, she supposed as Link had mentioned, that kept her doing what she ought to be doing even when her world was upside down.
Upside down and gone.
"Greetings and apologies." She nodded her head, knowing when someone wanted to get to business and respecting her time-- and information-- she knew she should keep this a bit shorter than the last. "I was brought to this land from my own, a quite distant land, by one known as Ganon?" She glanced at Link for confirmation, brief, before returning her gaze. "Or who claimed to be. He did not introduce himself to me, and unfortunately, by the time Link had arrived, he was nowhere to be seen."
A frown creased her features, falling into a more serious tone than the one before, the light smile lost. "He mentioned something of capturing many princesses for some untold reason, myself being the first. Upon hearing that we knew this was the closest kingdom to where I was being held and traveled here with a warning and perhaps to offer assistance should we be able to."
And that was that, the flowery language mostly lost, even if her manners remained. She could tell when someone had no need for dalliances, and seeing as Link trusted her, Peach sought to too. Offering more information than what had been relayed below.
Ganon. That information brought an immediate flash to the woman's eyes: clearly the name was as known to her as it was hated. Although Impa's stand was relaxed, arms folded over her chest, Link knew just how quick to action she was. A Sheikah, trained specifically for the purpose of defending the royal families, she was always ready. He had crossed blades with her only once or twice, and never seriously. Even the Hero of Time had struggled against her skill.
"Quite distant," the woman echoed. "From where do you hail, princess? I don't think I recognize your face or your name, and it is my duty to know a great deal about the royal families." She listened intently, the intense gaze of her single eye never leaving Peach's face. She stayed silent for a moment or two after the princess had finished speaking. When Link opened his mouth, however, she again held up a hand. "I believe I understand," she replied. "In your efforts to return to your own land and to discover the reason for Ganon's machinations... you have of course come here, to the Gerudo homeland."
Link caught and held his breath. He stood rigid beside Peach and watched Impa carefully, but after a moment instead of bursting into action she just slowly nodded. "It is true that Ganon hails from the Gerudo of old, but I will believe you came here simply because you were... closest." Link let out the breath he'd been holding in a slow, mediated whoosh and released the tension in his hands. That had been the danger of coming her first: it was equally likely the proud Gerudo would react with hostility when confronted with the reality of Ganon as it was that they would comprehend the lack of ulterior motive--or blame. "And so you are here to warn and to ascertain the safety of the princess. I will pass along the message but I fear you will be unable to meet with the princess at this time. She has shut herself away in her quarters and refuses to answer any entreaties."
She had forgotten he hailed from this land, there was no hiding the little break in her composure-- the quick glance to Link. Had he mentioned that? She felt a little guilty, though she hadn't even thought of it that way, but didn't allow it to overtake her sense. It would do no good to any of them to allow herself to be swept up in those kinds of thoughts. If she spoke of no ill-will, Peach would hope it was in earnest. "I hail from the Mushroom Kingdom, it is a land just past Sarasara land, though it seems that none have heard of it. I admit, I've not heard of any of your homelands either, which is what makes it all the more distressing. Even the farthest maps we have been able to find offer no real answers." A little furrow of her brow before she presses on, ever stubborn when she needed to be.
"I know it's not my place," she began, biting her cheek and hoping that she would not come to regret her own words. "But have you spoken to her, or does she deny everyone?" A pause as she glanced to Link again before allowing herself to continue, not sure how much she should say-- but knowing she wanted to do everything she could, even at her own cost. Especially if it could stop someone else from going through what she has had to.
"I ask, only because, he was able to slip into my castle unannounced, through all my subjects, even past the guise of our enemies and steal me away and I think had I not managed to make a bit of a fuss before he drew me into his..." She lacked the word, before she drew a circle in the air, indicating a portal of some sort. "Ring of magic, none might have known I was being taken at all. It took naught but an instant-- and I do not know of your ways or nature, but..." She paused, looking for the right, proper and formal words, before just giving in. "I just ask, because I do hope if nothing else you can be assured of her safety. Stubborn as I know many a princess can be, being alone... you can't. Not if he can do the same here, or anywhere."
She was almost pleading, hands clenched together over her chest, worry tinting each word and expression.
Link was almost ready to turn and walk out of the palace but was stopped by Peach's earnest plea. Although internally he was as tense as a spring he did his best not to show it: he honestly wasn't sure if Princess Peach, for all her skill in speech, would be able to phrase her concerns in a way that the Gerudo--and Impa especially--would be able to interpret as anything but an insult. And indeed she grew furiously stormy, her brows knitting together over eyepatch and her one intense orb.
"You imply that the great enemy," Impa bit out, "the traitor of all histories would be able to simply walk in... and take our princess from under our noses?" The fury in her voice was palpable and it was clearly shared by the guards to the sides of the walkway: they stiffened, clenched their weapons, creaked in their armor. Enmity echoed from all around them and Link stepped ever so slightly in front of Peach. His mind was racing: what could he accomplish with the few tools he'd thought to bring? His sword was strapped to his back, and his shield--could he reach them in time? Why had he left the rest of his gear with Epona? He cursed himself for his foolishness and turned one foot very slowly, very carefully outward. Ready to spring.
A long, stormy silence. And then: "Perhaps he has found some manner of conveyance that even our wards cannot stop." Impa spoke the words with obvious and intense distaste. "Although I don't believe it for a moment... perhaps you can coax her from her isolation. I know she has often spoken of wishing she had another princess to fraternize with." She turned abruptly on her heel and beckoned. "Come."
Link, and the guards to his sides, let out a sigh at once. The tension in the room had lessened... for now. Somehow Peach had done it.
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The city seemed like a mirage at first, but as their neared it neither disappeared nor coalesced into something ordinary like a mountain of sand or a rock crevice (several of which Epona had carefully led them around, though she'd often seen them before her riders noticed anything amiss). And when the dozens of travelers and caravans appeared out of the heat-haze, all traveling to and from the city, it was undeniable.
They had reached Gerudo City.
The city itself was built around and in places, in, the high-rising spur of a red rock cliff. The spine of the cliff range continued to the side, but the tallest and thinnest peak had been built around in three concentric circles, each higher and smaller than the last. Red sandstone was the material of choice for just about every building including the city walls, clearly taken from the cliffs beside the city. It was huge, even from a distance.
"Gerudo City," Link called back to his companion, and glanced back to see her still wearing the thin scarf he'd offered to shield her mouth and nose from the sand carried on the wind. "See how the city is divided into three sections? The higher you go, the richer you are. I think I'd be somewhere around the middle but as a princess, you'd obviously be near the top." He pointed at the central rock spire of the city, dark holes of caves standing out now as they drew closer. "This place has a princess too--hopefully she's still safe."
If she wasn't, it would mean Ganondorf had accumulated more power than Link feared. And he didn't want to contemplate that.
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"I suppose we ought to head right to the top." She nodded firmly to herself; because the truth of it was-- they needed to know if the princess was there. As she was sure he was aware. And while normally there was hubbub involved in being granted an audience with royalty; Peach had made it easier at home, and in the case of an emergency, who was going to deny a hero and another princess?
The town was beautiful, though, in a way so different from her home. As her home was filled with green and blue skies; this had almost a golden brown hue to everything. The spiraling desert and rich sky. She didn't know how long she could last here; but she did know it was beautiful. She took great care to try and take in as many details as she could as they entered the area.
"Do you know where to go?"
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They entered the city proper, passing through a set of gates closely guarded by warriors. They were women, all of them: dark-skinned and toned, their entire outfits consisted of the kind of silk that Peach wore around her head. "I should mention," Link continued, "Almost everyone here is female. Very few men are born to the Gerudo, so women hold almost all positions of power." They emerged into the city and it hit them all at once: the sights, the sounds, the splendor. Red stone buildings were everywhere, some so tall they blotted out the desert sun. Crowds of people bustled here and there, almost universally dark-skinned and female, but with a few odd men out thrown in here and there. Mostly they were travelers, fairer-skinned and male, but one out of every hundred, perhaps, was an elusive dark-skinned man.
"Straight up," Link announced, pointing at the ring that hung above them: "and thankfully, we don't have to walk far." He walked Epona over to a nearby stable and dismounted, raising his arms for Peach to fall into.
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"Oooh." Much different than some places, she supposed. Other kingdoms even. Though she knew her and Daisy were exceptions, it was still interesting to her. A society of women where might made right and such things were far different to the general peace of the kingdom,-- aside from the attacks of course.
Walking then? She huffed but nodded firmly, watching as he slid off with ease-- thankful for his attention so she too could dismount without embarrassing herself infront of a new set of people. Easing down into his arms before she straightened herself up, adjusting her new garb-- it was still taking some getting used to-- and following his lead with ease. Watching the people mill about it was a curious thing. "I wonder why men are so rare." Then again there was rare few in her home who were not Toads, so she didn't have much of a place to judge, did she? "They're all quite beautiful." She hummed out absently, digging her boots into the sandy earth to get better traction.
"I do hope we made it here in time."
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Link chose not to think about it. He usually avoided considering anything but the present: that was, after all, the role of an adventurer.
"Something about the way they're made," he answered Peach as they walked towards the press of people in the central roads. "Legends say the Goddesses made them this way for one reason or another, but opinions on why vary." He smiled back at her as she freely gave the strange, dark-skinned race a compliment, and he nodded in agreement. "They're well-known for being not just beautiful, but alluring. Visitors here get a great deal of attention from the locals since so many Gerudo are on the prowl for a mate." Link gave her a look and a wink: "so be careful if you catch someone's eye."
They entered the press of people and immediately found themselves nudged, jostled, bumped and pushed. The crowding wasn't so bad except in the center of these streets, so it wasn't impossible to wade through the press--just difficult. The experience was always uncomfortable but at least offered opportunities to people-watch. Here, a rare Gerudo man strode through the crowd with a basket in his arm, strange aromas coming from underneath folded cloth. There, a duo of identical-looking young girls darted under elbows and between legs, chasing something that couldn't quite be seen. Over there, a woman dressed in soldier's garb stood a head above the rest, perched on a block of sandstone as she examined the crowd and made tallies on a piece of parchment.
Link was so focused on making his way through the crowd that he didn't notice he'd lost his companion until she'd utterly faded from view. Panic seized him and he pushed back through, earning himself more than one angry comment. Luckily, he found her without too much effort just a few steps back. Link clasped her hand and pulled him close to her, forcing himself past the blush that dogged him once more. "Let's go together," he told her, and forged back into the crowd.
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Not that she proved terribly successful. It was, after all, rude to nudge or bumble against anyone and she was straining to make it through the bustle of the crowd without doing anything of the sort.
Though her thoughts didn't linger on it for long when he arrived, just as he had before, the bit of light through the crowd pressing at his back and presenting an image that left the princess momentarily dumbfounded. Nodding absently she allowed her hand to slip into his, feeling the warmth of contact along with the rough nature leftover from gripping the horse for most of their lengthy trip. Her fingers curled and she held firm, giving a determined nod, even if words didn't find their way to her lips for several moments.
She allowed herself to be lead, keeping close and attempting to keep pace, forced to use some of those dancing skills to skim under and over people, making sure to bump and nudge as few as possible-- though it was much easier with Link cutting through the sea of people like a ship destined for port. She followed him, like a tiny lifeboat being led along to where it needed to be. Not a bad analogy for their entire trip, if she let herself think about it much.
"Thank you." She finally managed when she got a bit of air, voice soft as he pushed forward, her grip tightening here or there, making sure the pair stayed connected.
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"They were very persistent..." he trailed off, blushing a little. It was an odd discrepancy to him: so confident and so capable around deadly and frightening beasts, leaping over chasms, daring death simply to help others. And yet... so unsteady with women. "I thought I could handle myself at first, but when they started not taking no for an answer, I regret to say I cucco'd out." He scratched at the back of his head in embarrassment, knowing that it was a silly thing he was admitting to and wondering--only for a second--why he was again baring himself to the pretty princess tagging along with him. "I allowed a misunderstanding to form without addressing it. Most Gerudo think I have a secret... lover, when in fact that couldn't be further from the case." He looked around suddenly, as if he feared speaking the truth in this city would out him to the whole populace. He turned his blush back to Peach as they neared the end of the crowd and held a finger to his lips, entreating her to silence. "But no one needs to know."
Finally they were free of the crowd. It was a surprising change: in the span of maybe a dozen steps they emerged from the mad press into relative emptiness and silence. It was immediately clear why: the crowd gave a wide berth to the two tall, strong-looking Gerudo soldiers who stood at the foot of a giant, spiral staircase built into the very rock. They eyed Link and Peach cautiously, stamping their spear butts into the ground. "Halt!" one said, and looked the two of them over before nodding in approval. "Link," she said without a trace of warmth, as if she was familiar with him but hardly cordial. Was it a product of their imagination, or did she shoot a frown Peach's way?
"But what about you?" she said in a heavily-accented tongue, staring straight at the princess in her desert garb. "Only nobles are allowed up into the second ring."
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The guards stood tall and proud, something she could briefly admire, even if their impression of her didn't seem so keen. She wasn't familiar with such things-- everywhere she went at home, everyone knew who she was, no matter how she was dressed it was inescapable. But here, perhaps not so. Still, she took the words to heart and didn't allow herself to falter, returning the scowls and stern nature with a bright smile.
Stepping forward she laid a hand against her chest, the other curling at her side as she offered a formal, deep bow. "Apologies." Standing straight again she planted her feet, somehow both feminine and firm in stance. "I'm Princess Peach, I've been brought here from a far-off kingdom by less than honorable means. It a seems a fiend from these lands has ventured out in search of princesses, and so with the kind help of Link--" She gestures to him beside her, but does not turn her gaze, intense blue watching, ever the diplomat she knew she needed to do her best to read them. "--We've come here to find if the same has befallen you, and if not, to warn you. As strong as all your people see, I know it may not mean much." She allowed her hands to drop, delicately folding together near her waist. "However, I think I would not be keen to live with any guilt should I not do anything I could for another kingdom who may come upon trouble, you see?"
Her tone is soft, but with an undertone of something else, not allowing for an interruption for the most part as she spoke. No doubt the type of tone used in negotiations or better yet royal decrees. Not without warmth and kindness, but with a layer of iron below that said in it's own way she needed to be listened to.
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The look of almost perfectly hidden distaste faded from the guards' faces as they listened to Peach's impassioned speech. It seemed her carefully chosen words had appealed to them greatly: Link's estimation of the princess's abilities rose once more. "It is good of you to think of us," said the woman in her strange accent. "You may ask for an audience with the princess. But she has not seen anyone for days. You will likely be no different." And although the pronouncement was harsh, it was said without a trace of malice. It seemed almost like the guard was trying to soften the blow of the imminent dismissal they'd receive, in her own heavy-handed way.
"That may be," Link acknowledged as he came to stand beside the blonde princess. "But we'll give it our best effort nonetheless." He matched Peach's confident stance with his own, slightly more relaxed posture and his kind but unflinching gaze. The guards watched them for a moment, as if to see if they'd back down, then nodded. "Go on," one said, and stepped aside. "We wish you luck."
It wasn't long before they were walking towards the next set of stairs, although this set of royal guards seemed content to let them simply continue their climb. "Well done," Link congratulated his companion as they exited earshot of the Gerudo women. "I wasn't sure if they were going to allow us to pass through without some sort of writ or an invitation from the princess... but you made it look easy. Is diplomacy like that something you're accustomed to from your own world, or does it come naturally?"
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"Well..." She thought about it for a moment, head tilting to the side before she glanced at him. "I suppose it's a bit of both-- but I couldn't say. I've been training my whole life to rule a kingdom and to be a Princess, so if it was natural to me there's no way to tell." Not that she always did everything perfectly, as they both probably knew by now, but moments like that were far easier for her than navigating a desert of giant worms. "Mr. Toadsworth was a wonderful treasure, when I was younger I thought many of his lessons were silly, but as I aged I saw the value in what he was trying to teach me."
"I have to do negotiations on occasion, as there's things I need for my people we may not have, and it's good manners. Beyond that..." A little puff of breath to ruffle her soft bangs. "I do really hope we are here in time in order to help." She admitted casting another sidelong glance to him before watching her step-- the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass herself in front of any royalty or people.
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He preferred not to think about that part. Already he was getting attached to having her along.
It didn't take them long to reach the palace, carved right out of the brown-red sandstone. Spires traveled up and up and up, merging with the living rock and re-emerging once more as the shape of the stone demanded. Guards stood at nearly every step along the entrance but Link walked on. He was tempted to take Peach's hand, knowing this might be a distressing or at least unnerving experience, but also knew that it would show weakness. They had to keep up a strong front or the Gerudo would be likely to reconsider their entry.
They passed through the large, carved entrance and underneath the many glyphs and pictures struck into the stone. Carvings depicted the culture's victories, their defeats and their many mythologies, all fairly incomprehensible to the outsider's eye but no doubt instantly recognizable to the Gerudo. The culture shock ended as soon as they entered the palace proper, however; like a Hylian castle (and like a Mushroom Kingdom castle, Link assumed) a long straight path led to a throne. However, as they drew nearer it became quickly obvious the stone chair was unoccupied. In fact, aside from the guards that stood stiffly on either side of the walkway, only one person joined them in that room: a woman with a single eyepatch and chain mail covering nearly every part of her body below her collarbones.
"State your business," she said crisply. But when Link opened his mouth she raised a hand. "Princess Peach. As royalty, please speak your intentions for this unannounced visit." She inclined her head, paying due respect to the visiting royalty. Clearly a runner of some sort had communicated just who her visitors were. "Impa," Link whispered to his companion. "She's the princess's royal guard. You can trust her."
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Upside down and gone.
"Greetings and apologies." She nodded her head, knowing when someone wanted to get to business and respecting her time-- and information-- she knew she should keep this a bit shorter than the last. "I was brought to this land from my own, a quite distant land, by one known as Ganon?" She glanced at Link for confirmation, brief, before returning her gaze. "Or who claimed to be. He did not introduce himself to me, and unfortunately, by the time Link had arrived, he was nowhere to be seen."
A frown creased her features, falling into a more serious tone than the one before, the light smile lost. "He mentioned something of capturing many princesses for some untold reason, myself being the first. Upon hearing that we knew this was the closest kingdom to where I was being held and traveled here with a warning and perhaps to offer assistance should we be able to."
And that was that, the flowery language mostly lost, even if her manners remained. She could tell when someone had no need for dalliances, and seeing as Link trusted her, Peach sought to too. Offering more information than what had been relayed below.
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"Quite distant," the woman echoed. "From where do you hail, princess? I don't think I recognize your face or your name, and it is my duty to know a great deal about the royal families." She listened intently, the intense gaze of her single eye never leaving Peach's face. She stayed silent for a moment or two after the princess had finished speaking. When Link opened his mouth, however, she again held up a hand. "I believe I understand," she replied. "In your efforts to return to your own land and to discover the reason for Ganon's machinations... you have of course come here, to the Gerudo homeland."
Link caught and held his breath. He stood rigid beside Peach and watched Impa carefully, but after a moment instead of bursting into action she just slowly nodded. "It is true that Ganon hails from the Gerudo of old, but I will believe you came here simply because you were... closest." Link let out the breath he'd been holding in a slow, mediated whoosh and released the tension in his hands. That had been the danger of coming her first: it was equally likely the proud Gerudo would react with hostility when confronted with the reality of Ganon as it was that they would comprehend the lack of ulterior motive--or blame. "And so you are here to warn and to ascertain the safety of the princess. I will pass along the message but I fear you will be unable to meet with the princess at this time. She has shut herself away in her quarters and refuses to answer any entreaties."
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"I know it's not my place," she began, biting her cheek and hoping that she would not come to regret her own words. "But have you spoken to her, or does she deny everyone?" A pause as she glanced to Link again before allowing herself to continue, not sure how much she should say-- but knowing she wanted to do everything she could, even at her own cost. Especially if it could stop someone else from going through what she has had to.
"I ask, only because, he was able to slip into my castle unannounced, through all my subjects, even past the guise of our enemies and steal me away and I think had I not managed to make a bit of a fuss before he drew me into his..." She lacked the word, before she drew a circle in the air, indicating a portal of some sort. "Ring of magic, none might have known I was being taken at all. It took naught but an instant-- and I do not know of your ways or nature, but..." She paused, looking for the right, proper and formal words, before just giving in. "I just ask, because I do hope if nothing else you can be assured of her safety. Stubborn as I know many a princess can be, being alone... you can't. Not if he can do the same here, or anywhere."
She was almost pleading, hands clenched together over her chest, worry tinting each word and expression.
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"You imply that the great enemy," Impa bit out, "the traitor of all histories would be able to simply walk in... and take our princess from under our noses?" The fury in her voice was palpable and it was clearly shared by the guards to the sides of the walkway: they stiffened, clenched their weapons, creaked in their armor. Enmity echoed from all around them and Link stepped ever so slightly in front of Peach. His mind was racing: what could he accomplish with the few tools he'd thought to bring? His sword was strapped to his back, and his shield--could he reach them in time? Why had he left the rest of his gear with Epona? He cursed himself for his foolishness and turned one foot very slowly, very carefully outward. Ready to spring.
A long, stormy silence. And then: "Perhaps he has found some manner of conveyance that even our wards cannot stop." Impa spoke the words with obvious and intense distaste. "Although I don't believe it for a moment... perhaps you can coax her from her isolation. I know she has often spoken of wishing she had another princess to fraternize with." She turned abruptly on her heel and beckoned. "Come."
Link, and the guards to his sides, let out a sigh at once. The tension in the room had lessened... for now. Somehow Peach had done it.