A Tale of Two Princesses

Chapter 17 - Kakariko Village

Chapter 17 – Kakariko Village

Summary: The party journeys from Gerudo Town to Kakariko Village, Zelda's temporary residence. Zelda and Link pay a brief visit to Ash Swamp on the way. Link is relieved of duty as Zelda's appointed knight, and they say farewell for now. Mipha and Link begin their journey back to Zora's Domain.

The next morning, Zelda, Mipha, and Link each woke up revitalized from the Hotel Oasis spa treatment. The day also began with Link feeling the odd man out. And that was a bad joke in a way, because to all appearances he was not a man at all. He was still clad in his Gerudo disguise. Mipha and Zelda, however, seemed to have suddenly bonded and become the best of friends, with Link's presence almost an afterthought.

Mipha had awoken first and gone off to soak in one of the waterways. Zelda had awoken next and decided it would be interesting to explore the village. Link was the last to awaken. Each of them had separately eaten breakfast, Link very carefully due to his veil. Then they had all met in the town center and were now walking toward the entrance to Gerudo Town.

"Mipha, you were so right!" said Zelda in a dreamy voice. "That spa plan was so soothing yet so stimulating at the same time. I have never felt so relaxed! And my skin feels so smooth now, too."

"I knew you would love it, Zelda!" said Mipha happily. "It should be very popular with tourists. And perhaps the Gerudo could offer such spa treatments at other locations in Hyrule once things are more settled."

"I should put Gerudo spa treatment high on my list of rebuilding plans," laughed Zelda.

"Yes," laughed Mipha. "You really should. You deserve it."

They walked a bit further, and then Mipha spoke again.

"I know you'll enjoy what comes next, Zelda," said Mipha. "We're going to rent Sand Seals and shields, and use the shields to glide over the sand. It's fun and fast! We should be able to travel from here to the Gerudo Desert Gateway in less than two hours."

"Is it hard?" said Zelda.

"No, you just need to hold onto the seal's reins and keep your balance," said Mipha. "I'll show you. It will come to you very quickly."

They made their way to the Sand Seal rental location, and Zelda paid for five rentals. Then they met up with the Sheikah guards outside the town and explained they planned to travel directly to the Gerudo Desert Gateway by Sand Seal.

Soon Zelda and Mipha were laughing together as they glided over the sand. Zelda slipped off her shield once, and Mipha helped her back on, as the two of them both laughed about it. Link stayed near the two Sheikah. It was great fun skimming over the desert sand in the early hours of the morning before the sun had risen too high. An hour or two later, and you would need elixirs or special clothing to avoid being overcome by the desert heat.

Mipha's estimate proved accurate as it was about two hours when they reached the Gerudo Desert Gateway, and they began the short walk to the stable.

"What happens to the Sand Seals now?" said Zelda.

"They're trained to return on their own to Gerudo Town," said Mipha. "Don't worry about them. They are quite fast and able to burrow under the sand if they sense danger. I spoke with the Gerudo salesperson who rents them, and she said they have never lost one yet. But I should soak for a little while now in the pond behind the shrine here."

"And I need to get out of these Gerudo clothes," said Link. "I'll meet you by the shrine right after I change, Mipha."

"I'll keep her company, Link," said Zelda. "Why don't you change and get the horses ready."