A Gerudo Story: Klinge and Zarazu
Zarazu took a breath of fresh air as she stepped off the cart. It was such an inconvenience to travel by horse, but due to Klinge’s distrust of Ba’Puu, he vowed to never ride him, despite how much faster he would have been. The dragon was never too far though; the only time he wasn’t with Zarazu was when he was with his own children. Covarog stepped out after her, taking his wife’s hand as he awkwardly got out of the cart. The first thing he noticed was how humid the area was. Lurelin Village was indeed as tropical as Klinge indicated it would be. The king had not heeded the commander’s word to be dressed accordingly, instead wearing stuffy business attire. It was immediate regret.
“It’s much hotter than I expected it to be, especially around this time of year.”
Klinge got off from the front of the carriage, internally sighing at the King. “Lurelin Village has a unique geography that keeps it in a pocket bubble from the rest of Hyrule. The only time it is cool is at night or when it rains. I brought you a change of clothes in the back.”
“But what about keeping proper business attire?”
Klinge pointed to a group of men approaching, and Zarazu had to stifle a giggle. The tanned hylians lacked any shirts, simply clothed in shorts. The lead spoke in a thick accent, waving his dreadlocks as he walked. “Ah! King Covarog! Thank you for traveling to our village! I hope that the trip wasn’t too bumpy!”
The commander held his tongue. They had traveled through a jungle full of dangerous bugs that had seemingly targeted him, and him alone, to drain him of what little blood he had. It had been anything but a smooth ride. Covarog simply shook his head in light hearted fun. “Ay, a little bity maybe, but we turned out alright. Excuse me a moment, wasn’t expecting it to be so hot.”
The chieftain nodded as he turned to Zarazu. “Ah, you must be the lovely Queen Zarazu! I can smell a fellow ocean lover from a mile away!”
Zarazu giggled at the man’s compliment. This environment felt incredibly nostalgic to her, feeling much like home. The houses were large tiki structures made of tropical wood. A small port held fishing boats and stands full of fresh merchandise. Despite being much smaller, the little village did make her feel at peace. “Why thank you. A man who knows the ocean, knows life itself.”
“I second that my Queen. Apologies that the gathering is for the King’s special touch only, but I didn’t want his lovely wife to feel left out. Please enjoy the charms of our little sunny home!”
“I’m sure I will!”
Covarog finished getting changed in the cart, looking to Klinge. “Look after her, chief bodyguard.”
While Covarog found the notion of Klinge being Zarazu’s personal bodyguard to be rewarding and a safe investment, Klinge had found this to be a massive emotional burden. It was not that he didn’t care for Zarazu. She was his closet friend, whether he cared to admit that or not. No, it was due to how it came about. Ralnor had planted the idea in his brother in order for Klinge to stay out of the prince’s affairs. It kept Klinge on an invisible leash, always staying close to the Queen now. To the king, he would never know the depths of Ralnor’s trickery or Klinge’s contempt. “…You look ridiculous in shorts.”
Covarog frowned, but then shrugged. “At least I can pull them off.”
Leaning up, Zarazu gave her husband a kiss. “I’ll be waiting for you so that we can start to enjoy our time here.”
“Certainly. Have fun with the iron giant here.”
“Will do.”
Klinge shook his head silently at the king’s childishness. Once Covarag and the chief started to walk away, he was surprised to see Zarazu pull him by the arm. “Come on! Let’s go to the market!”
“Must we?”
“Like you have anything better to do? Or do you just want to stand around like a big grump in that unfashionable black armour?”
“… You don’t like the black armour?”
“Not in this environment Klinge. You deserve more colour in your life.”
Klinge paused at that, contemplation filling him. As they walked, he took in the sun glowing down on them. “I find it fascinating that you are so vocal about believing that.”
“Of course Klinge. You put yourself through the wringer so many times for this family - over and over. I want you to enjoy life like anyone else.”
Reaching the dock, Zarazu looked over the fish the locals had caught. They were big and colourful, and some small and exotic. A merchant offered Zarazu some mushrooms, explaining the fish loved them so much that it could help you catch them by hand if you stayed still enough.
“Klinge, do you like traveling with me?”
“Your company is enjoyable Zarazu.”
“That’s not what I meant. With the orders?”
“My orders take me where I need to go. I find purpose in serving my kingdom.”
“As a servant?”
“Because I like the people in it.”
Zarazu smiled brightly and gave a light giggle. She felt that slowly but surely, she was having a positive influence on him. Klinge wasn’t exactly sure why she giggled here and there, but it was comforting. The woman had a light in her that made him feel more at peace. He had never appreciated the value of friendship until the recent decade. Picking out a few arrows from a shop keeper, he exchanged a bag of rupees for them, turning back to his Queen. “And what of you? Do you enjoy this old warrior’s company?”
“Oh, stop that, you aren’t that old!”
“I could be anyone’s great grandfather in this country ten times over.”
“Would you like it if I referred to you as gramps then, hmm?”
“Very well… small child.”
Zarazu waved her hand and laughed. “Fair enough.”
Having bought a mushroom to test the fisherman’s tale, Zarazu continued walking down the beachside with Klinge. “What’s on your mind Klinge?”
“Pardon?”
“I know that something is eating at you.”
Klinge looked around the sky, not a cloud spotted with only the sun to make its shining mark. Looking at the seaside he watched his reflection as he kept walking. This undead black knight with a sword in hand. “I’ve been thinking about how everything has been changing around me.”
Zarazu listened intently, feeling that the tropical heat could put them in a perfect mood for relaxation and opening themselves up to discussion. “Such as what?”
“This Kingdom for starters. I thought I knew everything about it, down to every rock, only for new developments to occur. A partnership like never before blossomed between Ganondorf and Zelda. That gave birth to those beautiful children, flaws and all, a brand new line of Gerudo. It also made me open to new alliances and tribes I never would have made contact with on my own beforehand. And face forces of Darkness that laid dormant. Because if it isn’t Ganon, it’s always something else… If it weren’t Zelda taking the first step, and Ganondorf accepting her hand, I would still be content being a hate filled monster of the blackest hearts. And I’d never have met you on more friendly terms.”
The Queen was confused by that. “More friendly terms? Whatever do you mean?”
“Oh I’m sure you would have still attempted your little raid against the castle to recover your stolen artifacts once you heard the Dark Lord Ganon had taken his hold around Hyrule. Then you might have even teamed up with the legendary hero to stop him, slay whatever forces he had, and I’d fight and die defending my lord, or perhaps wait all over again for the cycle to continue once more.”
“Well, for what its worth, I’m grateful that fate allowed for a better outcome for the world. Is there more to it?”
“Yes… It’s those kids I watched and took care of all these years. They’ve become adults now, some with kids of their own. Kanisa and Tebanam, my …”, Klinge paused himself, not wanting to come across as too possessive or protective. “… they’ve grown up and even left Hyrule. Out of my protection from god knows what.”
“You wanted to kill Vidar and Faris.” Zarazu stated bluntly. She still wasn’t happy Klinge gave into his anger with those two.
“I didn’t try to kill Faris. My heart wasn’t entirely into it. It was more of a test to know he could protect Tebanam when I am unavailable.”
“And Vidar?”
“He was a dog who stuck his nose in places it should never have been… But if Kanisa loves him, and he’s good to her, then she can keep her pet.”
Zarazu chuckled with concern at that statement. “R-right.”
“Yet, as they grow older and move on with their lives, I remain the same…”
“No. I don’t think that’s so.”
“Zarazu?”
She turned to look him in the eye, her perfect smile radiating in the sun. “I think their love for you has changed you. They grew up with you in their lives, and you made an impact on them.”
“For better or for worse…”
He received a flick on the nose of his helmet, the Lorliedain having to stand on her tippy toes to give him that. “Hush. And just listen without going into an angsty self-loathing like some teenage boy.”
“… Continue…”
Zarazu backed up and raised her hands in self defence. “Sorry. Maybe a little too far, but you know I’m a little right. You have so much to be happy for.”
“Humour me.”
“For one, a happier family. You gave them the skills to defend themselves. That type of security is a special thing to have. Not to mention the security you’ve provided, in that anyone can come to you with any problem and you won’t judge them for any personal weakness. You want to make sure that everything is ok for everyone. Deep down, you’ve become a kind person. This kingdom doesn’t need a black knight of war anymore. And I believe you’ve adapted yourself to a happier lifestyle with time.”
Klinge pondered on her words. All the children of Ganondorf had indeed given him new motivation in life. Their quirks had mellowed the undead with time. When was the last time he was so goal focused? Everything was… peaceful. True, there would always be another threat, but it wasn’t his focus anymore. He valued the people that he protected, instead of the mission to do so, more now.
Just outside the village, the two of them reached a channel of water further into the mainland that lead to the ocean. Zarazu found a nice rock to sit on and relaxed as she let her bare feet cool off in the water. Taking the mushroom, she dipped it into the water and waited. Soon enough, a carp swam up, swimming around Zarazu and nibbling at the mushroom. “Hey! Look at that!”
There was that innocence again. She was right, he had become happier with this lifestyle. Klinge finally decided to heed Zarazu’s words, and allow her to be the first to witness a piece he had been preparing.
“You know, there is something I have been working on with some help from Tebanam.”
“Oh? What?”
Klinge took a deep breath and focused his magic. With a snap of his fingers his figure glowed brightly. After the light vanished, he had stripped away his black armour, stepping into the water. “What do you think of this?”
Zarazu turned back and her eyes widened. “Holy Vatra, look at you!”
Klinge’s armour was much brighter, with golden brownish plating. Attached was a old Gerudo loincloth that the first incarnation of Ganondorf once wore. His helmet now had decorative horns and, etched in each, Gerudo writing that spoke his name as a Blade of the Gerudo. Right in the centre of his chest was a bright red emblem of his people. “I take it that you like it. Tebanam had shared ancient designs of our people he has discovered. I’ve been working on this particular set for over a year now.”
“I love it! It’s amazing on you!”
Klinge shrugged, to modest to boast. He felt incredible pride that she enjoyed it though. “Thank you my friend.”
Zarazu pet the fish below her in the water. After feeling its scales, she threw the rest of the mushroom out into the ocean. Rising up from the rock, she smiled brightly, actually able to see her reflection spots on the armour now. “Its very dashing, but still very you. Scary to outsiders, but now you have a symbol to be proud of connecting you to those you love.”
Klinge tapped his sword on his right shoulder plate. “I still have a reputation to uphold you know.”
“I bet you do. Say, would you say your armour is lighter now?”
“Hmmm, I’m not entirely sure. Why do you ask?”
Zarazu grinned mischievously. “Because whoever makes it back to the village has to buy the winner lunch!”
Before Klinge could say another word, the Queen was bounding off. With a light sigh he chased after her, the noise of the ocean waves and seagulls wringing in his ears as he bounded after the Lorliedian. The sun shone down on them as they went back to the village. Zarazu was proud of her friend becoming more and more free with himself.
(Merry Christmas! This gift goes to Lindsay of @ridersoftheapocalypse. Art is done by the talented @dreadlock-detective. She’s the literal best, and I wanted to give you the best. Happy Holidays Everyone!)