The room was barren. The wood floors and cement walls encapsulated nothing. Through the wall opposite the door was a window overlooking a nearby lake. Foliage and dirt cut off into the water, leaving only several spots of beach and sand. Standing near the edge of the lake was a figure draped in fabric; someone still and observant.
Dust collects in a corner and several boards curve slightly up from years of both lack of use and water damage. Cracks in the walls appear around points where there had previously been a table, or a chair, or a bookcase, or a bed. The door squeaked as the wind nudged it open and then closed. Two large stones make up the front step to the door, and beyond that is a flat patch of sandy dirt and grass. Larger rocks lie about and fragile plants creep out from beneath them.
After moments of nothing the figure shifts from its stance. It twists carefully, each fold of cloth moving over the obscured body. Through the window, despite the incredible distance to the water, the eyes of the one standing by the lake meet the emptiness of the building.
The sky opened and from it fell sheets of snow. Dark, heavy flakes of white showered down upon the small town. What trees and bushes remained in the ransacked collection of homes and shops were quickly covered and then completely obscured.
Around a corner, almost hidden by other buildings and piles of destroyed bricks, sat a mother and her child. The woman held her baby close, occasionally whispering reassurances that she knew weren't true. A fire just barely contained by rocks flickered by the feet of the two.
"Don't worry," she says, gently caressing the face of her child, "we can get through this." Her eyes formed tears that began to fall but were quickly swept away. Flakes of snow fell to the child who did nothing but watch.
Heavy footsteps approach through the snow. They compress the ground in such a way that they remind the mother of walking through hay.
"Why are you still here?" a masculine voice asks from a distance away, "you should have fled."
"I didn't know about the attack until it was too late," the mother responds, clutching her child tighter.
"I can help you," he says, remaining the same great distance away.
"Tell me who you are first," she looks up to see who could be speaking but a thick wall of snow covers most of the man's face and body.
"I can't."
"Why? I won't leave here until I know who I'm going with."
And in moments the man was inches from the woman. His eyes glow red and his breath was vile.
"I can help you," he repeated, extending a hand towards the child. The mother flinches away, turning her back to the man in an attempt to protect the child.
"Please leave us alone, we're going soon anyways." The fire is extinguished. The air is grey and the snow obscures much of the remaining daylight.
In almost one motion the woman is motionless on the ground and the child is in the man's arms; thick folds of cloth envelope the baby. From the mother comes a sharp, gargling breath. Snow quickly begins to form a blanket over her.
"I can help you," the words bellow from his mouth.
Heavy footsteps leave the corner. Steam and smoke rise from both the woman and the fire. The once white ground is now a deep crimson, and the cries of a child are heard from afar.
"I can't believe what happened," Ruto says. The surrounding few Zoras nod in somber agreement.
"Do you even know who did it?"
"How could we have let this happen?"
"Has anyone actually gone to check what damage has been done?"
The princess shakes her head at each question that passes. Each voice continues to mutter words of worry and concern.
"I don't think anybody has gone to check. I have no idea who's done this. I'm afraid there was no way to even know this would happen, let alone prevent it," she says, "I want to try and send a search party, if any of you are up for it."
Only the sound of waterfalls can be heard.
"I need someone to go. There could be survivors; I'm worried," her voice shakes.
"I have to stay with my family."
"I need to keep up with my shop."
"Kakariko is a long way from here, don't you think? There'd be nobody left by the-"
"I don't care. I need someone to at least check so we can have an official word on the state of what might be left of that town." Once again Ruto's pleas are met with silence. Water roars.
"If I need to do it, I will." Looks of concern but overall agreement pass between each member of the group. A few begin to nod and eventually they each look to Ruto in official agreement.
"This meeting is done then. I'll speak to each of you alone after I prepare for the journey," she says, standing from the throne. Soon after that the Zoras begin to disperse and Ruto is left on her own.
The walk to her quarters is long and thoughtful. Along the way she speaks to herself about what items she'll need to pack and what letters she'll need to write. Ideas about meals and a list of clothing to pack begin to pile up among the plethora of other urgent tasks which need to be taken care of.
Upon reaching her room, a letter is found attached to frame surrounding the entrance to her room. With almost no thought she pulls it from the wall and enters, fingers prying at the wax seal keeping the note closed.
"My dearest Ruto,
I hope you are having great luck with maintaining Zora's Domain. I understand that many areas of Hyrule have fallen into disarray.
I'm writing you this letter to discuss some information concerning a series of ransacks that have occurred recently; the first happening about a month from the day you will be reading this letter. I have some insight I would like to share concerning who may be behind them, but unfortunately have no way to contact you or arrange a time to get together. I'm hoping that possibly you could reply to this letter swiftly with some ideas as to how I could do so. I understand that you are an extremely busy person and I know that it will be difficult managing this along with your other duties, but for the sake of both Zora's Domain, Death Mountain, and the rest of Hyrule I hope that you will at least take the time to consider meeting with me.
I wish you the best,
Link of the Gorons"
Ruto places the letter down and takes a seat nearby. Hundreds more ideas begin to shoot through her mind. She shuts her eyes tight and rubs two fingers on her temples in an attempt to fight off a quickly forming headache. Moments pass with nothing but frustration coming from her. She takes a deep inhale and allows an audible exhale to escape from her mouth.
"I can do this," she says, pushing herself up to standing.
In a flurry of motions she begins to gather her things. A bag is filled with clothing, sleeping supplies, and various tools that could be needed along the way. Also included within the bag is a notebook and with ink and a quill.
Ruto takes one last look at herself in the mirror and lets out a sigh.
"Do you need any assistance? I can accompany you," a Zora says, latching himself onto Ruto's hand. She pulls her hand away and shakes her head.
"No, I think I might be able to do this on my own," she says.
"Are you sure? This could be more dangerous than you're expecting," the Zora says, worry crawling through his words.
"I'm positive. I've discussed this with all of the other Zoras privately. I'm going on my own. I've selected someone to take my place while I am gone. They have a list of things to take care of and each of those things needs everyone here to be completed," she says with slightly more force. The Zora backs away and nods in understanding.
"Goodbye, Zora's Domain. I'll return soon with news of the state of Kakariko."
Without much of a response, as most citizens were asleep, Ruto steps out beyond Sleepless Waterfall and into the murky world beyond.
A/N: Something I plan on continuing as my summer break begins. Between work and online classes this will be something fun to keep my mind working. Reviews are greatly welcomed. The first two sections feel a little disconnected from the rest but I'll bring it all together later. Thanks so much for reading!
-CandiedMemories