Chapter Text
The land of Hyrule has always been a peaceful land; home to many creatures and people far and wide. There are the Gorons; creatures made of rock and able to withstand even the most intense heat. They reside in the Northeast of Hyrule on the volcanic fields of Death Mountain. The Ritos are their neighbors of the West; bird like people that reside in the forest. Then there are the Zora; a race of aquatic folk that reside in the Southeast region in Zora’s Domain. Finally, the Gerudo; a race of thieves that are made up of only women. They reside in the Southwest region in the desert, the only ones capable of withstanding the harsh climate.
Despite the races being separated by the domain, the Hylians all lived peacefully amongst them.
But then the war happened, plunging Hyrule and its people into a terrible darkness for what was close to one hundred years.
Things are different now. They will never be as peaceful as they once were, but the leaders of each domain remain agile and dedicated to maintaining a balance between each nation of the sorts. For a long time, people were unable to travel from region to region, the war damaging trails and transportation systems. Now?
People are free to travel as they please; so long as they know what they’re getting themselves into.
“You might want to think about staying at the stables for the night, traveler.”
The young Hylian looked up at the Rito talking to him, sighing after a moment before continuing the process of gathering his things.
“Why is that? I just need to make it a little further for the day and then I’ll be satisfied with the progress I made.”
“The desert is no place to travel at night. The weather has been unpredictable, and you wouldn’t want to get caught in a sandstorm.”
“Do you travel the desert often?”
The Rito paused for a moment.
“…Occasionally. I have friends in Gerudo Town.”
This was interesting.
“I thought they didn’t let males into Gerudo Town?”
“They don’t, but when you’re friends with the king, they make a few exceptions. Besides, if I didn’t open up my beak, would you know that I was a guy?”
He opened up his wings to the side, letting the traveler take a good look at him.
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Your wingspan is too long to be that of a woman’s. You also have the traditional feather styling of a male Rito.”
Baffled, the Rito took his seat once more and smiled.
“I’m impressed,” He looked the blonde Hylian up and down. “What’s your name, traveler?”
“Tweek,” He hitched his backpack up onto his shoulders, sticking his hand out. “And you?”
“Token,” He said, shaking the hand that was outstretched towards him. “A pleasure.”
Tweek looked out the doors of the stable for a moment, noticing the sun going down. He nibbled on his lip as he remembered Token’s suggestion…but he couldn’t stay here. He needed to travel just a little further.
“Well Token,” Tweek looked back at him. “I appreciate the light conversation and warning, but I must be on my way.”
Token gave him a small nod, signifying he understood.
“Good luck, and may the Gods look over you on your travels.”
The little burst of cool air that hit Tweek’s face momentarily took his breath away. As he approached the final stretch of the trail, the sight of the desert made his stomach feel twisted. It was much vaster than he anticipated. He’s heard much about the horrors of the desert on his travels to get here, but he didn’t anticipate the sense of uncertainty that settled in his stomach the moment he felt sand beneath his boot.
Tweek has traveled most-if not all-of Hyrule at this point. The war took a lot from him and his family-his father included when he was younger-so he set out on his own journey once the war ended when he was sixteen. Now, he’s twenty-four and he’s seen more of this land than most people see in a lifetime. Of course, he visits home every now and then, but he gets too antsy staying in one place for too long.
It’s why he knows so much about every race of people in this land, knows so much about the flowers, the creatures, the weather. He pays attention, he listens, he learns, and he remembers.
But sometimes Tweek has to take risks; like right now, for instance. The further he walked into the desert, the more he started to realize that he probably should have listened to the Rito’s advice and stay at the stable. It was too late to turn back now…so he kept moving. The sun dipped below the horizon faster than anticipated, the temperature quickly plummeting to uncomfortable temperatures.
“You know Tweek, sometimes it’s okay to take a break! Take a chill pill, my guy, and get a good night’s rest!” He hissed to himself. The silence of the desert around him wasn’t helping the uncertain lump settling in his stomach. The sand muffled any sound around him, which wasn’t good considering creatures love to lurk around at night. Sure, he was skilled with a bow and arrow, but he was rendered pretty much useless if he can’t hear or see them!
Wait.
Tweek swore under his breath as he realized he couldn’t see up ahead, which only meant one thing: sandstorm.
Looking around quickly, he tried to find anything that could shelter him. Rock, overhang, little cave, abandoned camp sight.
But there really wasn’t anything.
So, he grabbed a bandana off his backpack, tying it around his nose and mouth to keep from inhaling too much sand. The storm reached him faster than he expected, or maybe it was just closer to begin with and Tweek hadn’t noticed?
It didn’t matter, because Tweek was trying to move through the storm as fast as could. Considering the ground wasn’t easy to walk on to begin with, maneuvering his way through a sandstorm was no easy feat. He couldn’t remember if he was walking straight or not. Did he turn at some point? It felt like it! His eyes were burning from the sand around him, body chilled as the cool night air whipped around him. Finally, Tweek made an executive decision: stand still. He dropped to his knees, covering his face from the sand in an effort to ease the stinging sensation he felt. But then he heard the chatter of Bokoblins, gasping as he tried to pinpoint where the sounds were coming from. The wind around him was disguising the sounds, making it difficult to find where they were at. In a way, it sounded like they were surrounding him.
…They are surrounding me.
Slowly standing to his feet, Tweek could just make out the silhouette of one of the creatures in front of him. He grabbed the bow off his back, taking hold of an arrow before aiming in front of him. The creature dropped to the ground, the Hylian taking the opportunity to run the best he could. The creatures quickly followed suit once they heard their target move. Their chatter grew louder the longer Tweek ran. He blindly shot into the unknown behind him, hearing one or two of the Bokoblin fall to the ground.
But there had to have been about five or six more. Maybe even more than that!
A rumble of thunder made him turn forward, Tweek laughing out of pure disbelief.
Of course! Of course, now of all times a storm is going to roll through!
However, Tweek quickly realized that he could feel vibrations coming towards him. Great! What the fuck else could go wrong?! Everything was starting to hurt in his body, eyes stinging profusely and practically begging him to stop moving and keep them closed. He saw what looked like a lantern through his daze, opening his mouth to shout for help. But all he inhaled was sand, his bandana doing no help at this point. Coughing, Tweek managed a scream when he felt the sharp nails of a Bokoblin sink into his forearm. But the pain was quick, the creature behind him yelling out as something-or someone-impaled him. Tweek shouted in surprise at that, backing up and away from the dead Bokoblin before turning to run. An arm wrapped around his torso, no sound leaving his mouth as it dropped open. He was so tired of running, of trying to keep the sand out of his eyes and mouth. And as Tweek’s body realized it was no longer in danger, he let his eyes drop closed.
It looked like a Hylian arm around him, but Tweek knew it wasn’t.
He was in the desert, so that meant one thing: it was a Gerudo.
“Has the voe awaken yet?”
“No. I fear he took more of a beating than we realized.”
The voices around him didn’t sound familiar. He wanted to open his eyes, but everything in Tweek’s body was shouting at him to just rest a little longer.
“How long do you suspect he was out there?”
“Based on how much sand was in his hair and stuck to his skin, I’d say too long for a Hylian his size.”
Two women. Two women he didn’t know and that made Tweek nervous. So-ever so carefully-he opened his eyes. Looking around, he realized he was in a bed. It was…comfortable, to his surprise, considering it seemed like the building was made of sandstone and most of the other furniture around him was too.
“What would a Hylian be doing out here anyways?”
“It’s difficult to tell. Sight-seeing, maybe? Or simply just got lost.”
“I wasn’t l-lost,” Tweek croaked out, coughing from the dryness in his mouth. “Just…traveling.”
The two women turned around, their eyes widening as they rushed to his side.
“You’re awake!”
“Call his royal highness!”
Tweek blinked at the mention of his royal highness, eyes widening as his vision became clearer.
“Tall!” He croaked out, sitting upright in bed quickly. “You-Gerudo!” The two women blinked, laughing as they stared down at the blonde before them.
“Well, you’re in the desert, young Hylian. This is our land.”
“Is this-is this Gerudo Town?! How-why am I here?! How am I even here?! I thought men couldn’t-!”
“They can’t,” The dark haired one said. “But his royal highness saved you. So, we made an exception.”
There it was again. His royal highness. Tweek sighed as he looked down in his lap, blinking as he saw his arm wrapped up.
“What happened to my arm?”
“Do you not remember?”
The sound of a new voice made the Hylian sit up straighter, pointed ears twitching slightly as he slowly looked up. There, in the doorway, stood a man. A Gerudo man that made everyone else in the room fall to one knee in order to bow. He had long black hair that was tied back into a ponytail. It ran down his back and stopped just above his waist. A gold necklace with beautiful blues in it sat against his collar bone, more golden bands wrapping around his biceps and forearms. He had a lot of gold jewelry on him, Tweek trying to take note of all his piercings: two gold rings in each pointed ear, a gold ring in his septum, gold barbell through his nipple.
Oh of course you notice that one, Tweek.
He assumed both of them were pierced, but could only see one since a beautiful blue cloth draped over his left shoulder and covered half his chest and arm. The fabric wrapped around his waist, where a red cloth hung from his hips and between the front of his legs. Golden armor made up his shoes, the souls of his feet still exposed in order to feel the ground beneath him. He adorned a headpiece, the red jewel in the middle of it vibrant against his dark hair. The same jewel was seen in the center of his forehead, the ringlet across his skin connecting to the headpiece. It was beautiful against his olive skin tone, and Tweek really tried to figure out how tall he was, but it was useless.
To put it simply, the man in front of Tweek was impossibly tall and also the most beautiful creature he’s discovered on his travels.
“I-I…no. I don’t.” He eventually choked out. He realized he has really been staring at this man for a good minute without responding. Way to go, dumbass.
“You were ambushed by a pack of Bokoblins in the storm. One grabbed your arm, but I killed him before he could hurt you even more.”
That’s what happened to that one. This guy. Well…this KING.
“You…saved me…thank you,” Tweek bowed his head as a sign of respect, his eyes closing as he swallowed hard. “I-I was afraid I was a goner out there.”
“You very well might have been a goner if I hadn’t come along,” Oh my Gods he’s walking closer. “But…I somehow found you in that mess of a storm. And I’m glad I did.” Tweek looked up as he saw his feet by his bedside, eyes widening as his legs and torso just seemed to never end. But Tweek eventually found his face.
His eyes were blue.
“What’s…what’s your name?” Tweek found himself asking. The two women from before stood at attention, their spears aimed towards Tweek. He let out a yelp, tugging the blanket up to protect himself.
“You don’t get to ask-!”
“Bebe, it’s alright.”
“But sire-!” She blinked as he looked over his shoulder at her, Bebe grumbling under her breath as both her and Wendy returned their weapons to their sides.
“I-I’m sorry if-if I overstepped! I’ve never been-!”
“It’s okay. You’re not overstepping at all. No outsider has been here before. Well,” The man smiled, looking out the window for a moment. “Plenty of outside vai have been here, but never voe like you.”
“What-what does that mean?”
“Vai are women and voe are men,” The man looked back down at Tweek. His gaze as intoxicating. “We have our own language here.”
“Oh! That-that’s so interesting,” Tweek let his blanket drop in his lap, smiling as he thought of something. “Token didn’t mention that.”
The man blinked as he heard the name leave the Hylian’s lips, smiling as he looked down at him.
“You know Token?”
“I met him at the last stable before the desert. We started talking and he told me I should’ve spent the night at the stable. In retrospect, I should’ve listened to him,” A pause. “Wait…king!” Tweek looked up, green eyes bright as he grinned. “You’re the friend he talked about, aren’t you?!”
“The friend has a name,” He laughed, Tweek blinking as he held a large hand out to him. “My name’s Craig. And you, young Hylian?”
It was comical taking Craig’s hand in his, considering Tweek’s whole hand fit in his palm. But he smiled, nonetheless. Feeling Craig’s fingers wrap around his hand…he can’t explain it, but the feeling inside of his stomach was unlike anything he had felt before.
The best way Tweek could describe it was the feeling of a butterfly’s wings gently scraping against his insides.
“My name’s Tweek.”
After sleeping just a little longer, Tweek woke up sometime in the late afternoon. He could tell by the position of the sun when he stepped outside.
“Ah. You’re awake.” The blonde woman said, Tweek recalling her name being Bebe. It didn’t really resonate with Tweek that every Gerudo was tall. He had forgotten about that. He was only about five four, and this woman had to be about six seven.
“Um…am-am I allowed to walk around? Find something to eat?”
“Technically, yes, but his royal highness has requested for us to bring you to him upon you waking up.”
He looked between the two women. There were no signs of insincerity on their faces.
“Oh!” Was all he could think to say.
So, after Bebe started walking, Tweek followed. The other woman walked behind him, so he was sandwiched between the two women as they walked through the town. It was everything Tweek had dreamt it would be and more. Market stalls lined the walls of the main square, merchants showcasing their own homemade wares, fresh meat, fruits, and clothing. The square was alive with so many people-well, women…well, vai-and all of them seemed to stop what they were doing to focus on one thing: him. He hated having all eyes on him, but he sort of had to expect it considering his type-voe-were uncommon around here.
“His royal highness has requested that we give you some clothing that would make you more comfortable around here,” Bebe spoke. She led them up the stairs to what Tweek could only assume was the palace. It was on top of the only hill in town and also beautifully decorated on the outside. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any clothing suited for a voe. You have to understand that having you here is…against our customs.”
“I-I understand. I do appreciate you taking me in and helping me.”
“Yes well,” Bebe cleared her throat. “What his royal highness says goes, so it wasn’t up to me per say,” She brought Tweek to a bed chamber, the blonde woman watching the Hylian carefully. “The outfit we have provided for you is on the bed. Hopefully it will help you adapt to the climate.”
The door shut without another word. The silence wasn’t as intimidating as the one he faced in the desert last night, but Tweek still felt awkward about it all.
He was invading on a town that hasn’t had a male within its walls…well, ever.
Except for their king…well, and Token on occasion.
Tweek might not have been in Gerudo Town before, but he knew the legend of the lone male Gerudo.
Every one hundred years, a male is born into the Gerudo race. It’s unclear how it happens for sure, but most speculate the Gods select a Gerudo to birth the next heir to the throne. But…the last male Gerudo was the one that started the one-hundred-year war. Even though he was killed off almost thirty years ago, his effects were so deep across the land of Hyrule that the war raged on for another fifteen before it was over. This male Gerudo…he seemed so innocent, so interesting, and so…loyal to his people. Craig was interesting in a lot of ways to Tweek, and as he looked over his outfit after changing, Tweek knew that talking to Craig in this would be…something. He felt so exposed, but it did help him cool down already due to the breathability of the fabric. It was a two-piece set that was maroon in color, the top covering his chest and attached to two golden hoops that wrapped around his biceps. The pants stopped just below his knees and his shoes were lightweight and breathable. The headpiece was a long piece of fabric that draped down his back and had a piece of fabric attached that covered his mouth. The fabric piece could be removed, but Tweek didn’t mind having his face covered for the time being. The less attention he could draw towards himself the better. He couldn’t help but laugh a bit as he looked at himself in the mirror. The outfit was definitely feminine in nature, but like Bebe said: they don’t have clothing meant for voe around here. His ears were emphasized by the fabric running down his back, the gold hoops piercing the skin accentuated as well from the maroon color.
A knock interrupted the now peaceful silence, the darker haired woman poking her head in.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes! But…where am I going?”
“His royal highness would like to have dinner with you.”
Blinking a few times, Tweek just nodded before following along dumbly. What do they mean by dinner? Like…just dinner? Or are we going hunting for dinner? What do you even hunt in the desert?! SAND?!
His question was answered as he was taken upstairs to the dining room, blinking as two plates were set up on the long table that resided in the room.
“He will arrive momentarily. In the meantime, you may look around, but DON’T touch anything,” Bebe explained. “After dinner, Wendy and I will escort you back to your bed chamber.”
“I-I have a bed chamber?”
“It’s where you just were.”
Tweek opened his mouth to speak, but the two women were already heading back downstairs. Swallowing the sudden ball of nerves in his throat, Tweek let out a sigh as he opted to take a look around. The dining room was full of paintings, illustrating the history of the Gerudo women and how their town came to be. They also showed the previous male Gerudo, his red hair bright but his eyes so dark with anger and hatred.
They looked nothing like Craig’s.
“He was a vile man.”
Tweek jumped at the voice behind him, eyes wide as he turned and looked at Craig. They stared at each other momentarily, neither saying anything. The Hylian could feel eyes moving over his body, so he cleared his throat to break the silence.
“I-I-ah-appreciate the clothing!” It was a start. “That-um-Bebe girl mentioned they were wo-uh-vai clothing,” He corrected. “But they’re very comfortable and much better than what I had.”
“I’m glad you appreciate the attire. It can be gender neutral that outfit, but is still more feminine in nature,” A pause, and Tweek swore he was going to explode the moment he saw Craig’s eyes drift. “It suits you.”
“My-my mom always said red was my color!” He squeaked out, rubbing the back of his neck as he laughed nervously. It made Craig smile.
“She’s right,” Quietly, Craig moved over to the table and tugged Tweek’s chair out. “Come.”
Oh Gods.
Tweek just nodded as he made his way over, sitting in the way too big chair for him before Craig pushed him closer to the table. His feet didn’t touch the ground.
“So,” Tweek swallowed as Craig sat in his chair at the head of the table right next to him. “Um…how old are you?”
Craig chuckled.
“How old do you think I am?”
“Well that’s deceiving,” Tweek could feel the nerves melting away with each word.
“Because you carry yourself like you’re about thirty-five…forty maybe? But you
look…twenty-five.”
Craig leaned back in his chair, smile tugging on his lips as he laughed quietly.
“…Twenty-eight.”
Oh…so…he’s young!
“Wh-that’s it?!”
“Well, how old are you?”
Tweek blinked.
“How old do you think I am? You guess now!”
“Eighteen.”
The lack of hesitation made Tweek’s mouth drop, removing the fabric covering his mouth aside
so Craig could really get a grasp on how shocked he was.
“NO!”
“Oh, what, like nineteen then?”
“I’m twenty-four!”
“What?! No.”
The utter shock on Craig’s face now made Tweek pause, a grin slowly crossing his face.
“Yes! I’m twenty-four!”
“Are you sure?”
“Wh-YES!”
Craig let out a laugh as he leaned back in his chair once more, their dinners being placed in front
of them. He gave a bow of his head towards the two women that carried their plates out, Tweek
mimicking the motion before inching himself a little closer to the table. They fell silent for a while, Tweek not meaning to eat so quickly, but he was just…so hungry. He hasn’t eaten much over the past few days, trying to ration out what he had to get him to the desert. He had stocked up last night at the stable, but never got the chance to eat.
“Do you plan on staying long?”
The sudden question made Tweek look up, swallowing the food he had in his mouth before speaking.
“Well…I don’t have another trip planned yet. If…if you’ll have me, I’d love to stay for a little while.”
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like,” Craig muttered, sipping at his water. “It’s…nice having another voe to talk to.”
Tweek hadn’t considered that. The idea of being the only one of your kind…it was kind of scary in Tweek’s eyes.
“Do you ever get lonely?”
“All the time,” The male Gerudo stood suddenly, walking towards the nearby balcony. It overlooked the whole town. “That’s why I invite my friends…they so happen to be the other three Divine.”
That’s right…he’s a Divine.
The Divine were the four leaders selected by the Gods to overlook the four corners of Hyrule. They were selected at birth near the end of the war once the Gods could sense the end was in fact drawing near. It was obvious that Craig was meant to be a Divine since he was the male Gerudo born every one hundred years, but the others? Tweek assumed Token considering Craig mentioned he visits often, but the other two were unknown to Tweek.
“I’m sure it’s nice to catch up with them.”
“It is…but being a Divine is a lot of work…a commitment. We see each other once a month, sometimes less than that. Duties call and we can’t leave our respective towns for too long. We can’t risk anything.”
The town looked so beautiful at night, the sun now below the horizon and the lights lining the paths were starting to turn on.
“You seem very loyal to your people.” Tweek said quietly. He looked up at Craig, and he really had to tilt his head back to see his face. Standing next to him now, Tweek realized he was only at about chest level to him. Craig had to be about two feet taller than him.
“I am…I’d do anything for my people. And in return…I know they’d do anything for me.”
Tweek looked out at the people lingering in the streets, merchants making their final sales before closing up shop for the day.
“Forgive me if this is too forward of a question, but do you have to find a wife to rule alongside of you?” The taller man next to him tensed suddenly. “You don’t have-!”
“I do yes,” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “There’s just…a problem.”
“You don’t have to tell me, Craig.”
“It’s okay, nothing serious,” A pause. “Just…vai…aren’t my preference.”
Tweek blinked, the gears in his head spinning as he tried to connect the dots. It didn’t take him long, a gasp breaking the silence as he looked back up at Craig.
“You-oh! Voe?!”
“You sound surprised.”
“Well-well I just-I didn’t-!”
“It’s okay, Tweek. Everyone is surprised to find out.”
The blonde turned his attention forward once more, gasping quietly at the sudden cool breeze that hit his face. Just like last night, the sudden temperature change made him lose his breath for a moment.
“I didn’t mean to sound so surprised…I’ve just…never met another person who was like me in that way,” He smiled sadly. “At least…someone as open as me.”
The pair fell quiet for a while, Craig looking down and silently placing his hand on top of Tweeks. He smiled an understanding smile towards the man next to him, humming in his throat before speaking.
“You’re an interesting Hylian.”
“Huh? Why-why do you say that?!”
Another laugh was pulled out of Craig. He couldn’t even explain it himself, but…
“You just…I don’t…laugh like this. I don’t open up so easily to people. But…I don’t know what it is about you. You’re easy to talk to.”
Tweek felt his face heat up at the compliment, quickly looking forward once more as the sunlight faded more along the horizon.
“I…thank you,” He smiled. “You’re just interesting in general.”
“I am?”
“You’re like seven feet tall, so of course you are!”
Closing his eyes for a moment, Craig smiled before turning his attention forward as well.
“Seven foot five, to be exact.”
“I’m five foot four, so you’re over two feet taller than me. That’s-” Tweek scoffed. “Stupid.”
The little comment made Craig snicker, the king turning back towards the dining room and finally removing his hand from Tweek’s.
“You should rest. You had a long night last night and your wound should heal by tomorrow if you change the bandages before bed.”
Tweek looked down at his bandaged arm, having forgotten all about it.
“Hey…you were in the desert last night-obviously-since you saved me.”
“Yes, how observant.” Craig chuckled.
“Did you hear thunder?”
The Gerudo froze for a moment, Tweek trying not to stare so blatantly at his back just in case he suddenly turned around.
“…I did, yes.”
“I didn’t think it thunder stormed in the desert.”
“Sometimes,” Craig looked up as Bebe and Wendy returned to escort Tweek back to his bed chamber. “Every now and then.”
Tweek gave a nod to the two women that came for him, looking at Craig once more before bowing his head towards him.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Craig…I genuinely appreciate it,” He gave him a smile before walking over to Bebe and Wendy. “Have a good night, his royal highness.”
Craig watched as Tweek left the dining room with his escorts, waiting until he heard the door close to his bed chambers downstairs before speaking.
“…Good night, sweet Hylian.”
He wasn’t sure what this feeling was he suddenly felt in his stomach…but it felt like he was tumbling down a hillside into the softest field of flowers. It was pleasant, but also made him feel sick to his stomach.
It was new, yet exciting.
Craig thinks it’s what some people call ‘butterflies’, but…it also felt like electricity trying to escape his body. He just smiled as he laid down that night, sighing heavily into his quiet room as that tingling sensation consumed his body for a majority of the night.
It was…nice.
Tweek heard thunder again that night.
He woke up to look out the window in time to see a lightning bolt.
Then another.
And another.
And another.
It lasted only for a few minutes, but Tweek would have to ask Craig about it in the morning.
He was sure the Gerudo king would have some answers.
Besides…maybe they could talk just the two of them again.
That would be very nice.