The First Visit

I was so excited for my first visit to the kingdom of Hyrule that I only slept for a few hours that night. Not only was I dreaming up scenarios about what could happen, but also remembering the way Ganondorf shocked Nabooru by not doing what she wanted.

Let me tell you, I struggled to keep all of my questions to myself on the way to Hyrule. It was pretty far, and we left before the sun rose to punish the desert. It seemed impossible that such a beautiful kingdom could thrive so close to such a barren wasteland. Some said that we were cursed, but I knew with Ganondorf as our king we were blessed.

One of the biggest questions running around in my head was how he would convince the royal family that he was a man of good intention, so that they would accept his promise of fealty. I remember that I kept just slightly behind him on his right side, and as I wondered this I investigated his defining features. His eyes were not the same as mine, with a yellow iris and black pupil. I didn't know why it was at the time, but his eyes were yellow with a red pupil. His expression seemed like he was always glaring at you, and deciding which way was best to end your life. I could go into his cheeks, chin, and lips, but you aren't really here for that, are you? Plus, he was a large man, in bulk, his hands, massive legs... OK off topic again, but you get the point? You just took one look at this man, and you knew he was anything but innocent. "How are you going to do it?" I asked, almost randomly.

As if he was reading my thoughts, he said, "You have many questions. You are wise, but your radical emotions tend to overrule your logic. Manipulating the mind of a fool is simple. Be patient, everything will fall into place."

Well, he pretty much told me I wasn't going to get any answers, so I thought them, but didn't speak them.

We entered the bustling market square, and I worried that we might cause mass hysteria. It wasn't as if our thievery was entirely a mystery, but there was never enough evidence to convict us. Ganondorf entered with a sense of serenity, but kept a superior, nonthreatening posture. To avoid the panic I imagined, six Hylian Knights were there to greet and escort us to the castle. Of course, obviously, Ganondorf had arranged this meeting in advance, or else we might have been attacked on sight.

We dismounted our horses, and, surrounded by knights pointing spears, we entered the first hall of Hyrule Castle. The king greeted us coldly, right at the entry, and did not allow us passage. He was older, with white hair dusting his head and face. He was round, so he looked ridiculous with his arms crossed like a big puffy fish. I followed Ganondorf's lead in bowing before the King of Hyrule. He was definitely suspicious. "Why have you requested this meeting?" the Hylian king question. "You are not welcome here. State your purpose and leave."

His disrespectful tone made me boil, but Ganondorf was incredibly calm when he stood from his gracious bow. He must have expected such a brash greeting. "Your majesty, I humbly requested an audience with you in the hopes we could put aside our differences, forgive the blood stained past, and discuss a brighter future for our people."

I suddenly felt as if I stood by a complete stranger. Ganondorf was entirely transformed. His voice was empty of arrogance or anger, and filled with humility and warmth. Even his eyes had lost their menace and he appeared caring and considerate. He never changed his proud stature though, which meant he was confident.

The King of Hyrule's face softened, and he fully uncrossed his arms. His blue eyes became confused, and then conflicted. That was when I learned why Ganondorf was certain of his plan, and that he could not fail. The king's first reaction was to obviously turn us away and even refuse to hear us. We were just filthy, thieving Gerudo after all, right?

If we'd come in with weapons swinging, that'd be a different story, but since we stood so peacefully before him, his fair and just kingship would be questioned if he totally rejected to hear Ganondorf's plea. He also needed to worry about retaliation if he wasn't willing to listen.

I watched the King of Hyrule reluctantly submit. However, before he led us into his home, he turned his blue eyes on me and asked, "Lord Ganondorf, who have you brought with you?"

"My personal guard, Dora. She is with me wherever I go. I trust her with my life."

Controlling my reactions was proving more difficult than keeping my lips tightly sealed. I was angry at the king for his earlier comment, shocked at Ganondorf's response, and flattered at his introduction of me. It actually hurt my face to fight my expressions.

The king then addressed me directly, and I know I panicked. "How would peace benefit you, my lady?" 

Ganondorf glanced at me, giving me permission to speak, but it also challenged me to say something convincing.

"The horrors my people face daily can be unimaginable. I have lost friends to illnesses, my own mother to infection, the frost of desert nights, the heat of desert days, and starvation, simply because we are banned from trade. I don't want them to suffer anymore," I pleaded from my heart, and diverted my anger.