Zora's River was a sparkling river full of crystal-clear blue water
and healthy fish. However, Epona still refused to cross it.
"Come on, girl," Link pleaded, leaning close to the mare's ear. "Please? All of Zora's River may be at stake!"
The palomino wouldn't budge.
Link sat back in the saddle. He sighed. "Sorry about this, Zelda, but we might have to ford the river."
"It's all right." The princess climbed gracefully out of the saddle, and Link was close behind. "We can leave her here, can't we?"
"I think we can trust her," the hero said, patting Epona's neck. "It's okay," he said to the horse. "I know you don't like water." Epona nickered. He smiled at her, then turned to the wide river behind him, and folded his arms, scowling at it. After a moment he ran back a few feet and just jumped across. He landed, and turned back to face the opposite bank. "Come on, then," Link said, stretching his hand back over the river.
Zelda looked at him uncertainly for a moment. She placed her hand in his. His grip was strong. She could feel her breath catching in her throat-when suddenly he pulled back and she landed on the opposite bank in a rush!
"I guess that's one way across," she said, catching her breath.
"Guess so," said Link, standing up and dusting himself off. "You all right?"
"I'll be fine," she answered, giving him a queer look.
"Okay, then. Shall we go?"
Zelda was a little fazed at the strange way that she had crossed the river, but picked herself up and followed Link nonetheless.
They passed under the natural stone archway to find that indeed, as expected, Zora's River was swarmed with Octorocks, but also that King Zora's men had a definite handle on the situation. Link and Zelda breathed a sigh of relief before going to talk to an officer.
"Where did these come from?" Link asked hurriedly.
"Master Link! Princess Zelda!" The Zora knelt hurriedly, then rose again. "We don't know where they came from. There was this brilliant light illuminating the Domain from the outside, and then, they"-he gestured at the Octorocks-"showed up. We've got them under control, I think."
"That's a relief," Zelda said.
"Beg pardon?"
"What? Oh, this'll all be explained later-as much as we know, anyway- is there anything we can do to help?" Link wanted to know.
"You'd best go ask the King," the Zora said. "We seem to be all right with these Octorocks, but if this happens regularly then we won't be."
"Don't worry. Come on, Zelda," Link said, starting up the riverbank. Zelda nodded her thanks to the Zora and followed.
"These guys are awfully well trained," Zelda commented as they made their way towards Zora's Domain.
"Yeah, the king has this whole long training program for 'em," Link answered. "Too bad he doesn't take part in it himself," he added in a mutter under his breath.
Zelda suppressed laughter. "Link!" Zelda said scoldingly, but she was smiling. Link burst out laughing. "You'll have to learn diplomacy if you plan to be King!"
"You know, I was actually thinking of taking His Majesty up on that," Link answered thoughtfully. "Whoa! Watch out!"
Zelda's head snapped around to see an Octorock jumping up to spit a fireball at her! The fireball was fast, but-just in time, Link jumped in front of her and shielded it.
"That was a close one," he said.
"Thank you," she replied.
"What say we get to Zora's Domain?" He asked breathlessly.
"Okay," Zelda replied, and together they set off towards the high waterfall that secreted the entrance, racing past rows of Zoran warriors. At the source of the river was a network of paths, culminating in a plaque that stood just before the entrance to Zora's Domain. Link stood on it, took out his Ocarina, and played Zelda's Lullaby. Promptly, the waterfall parted and Link and Zelda jumped across into the square stone hollow.
"Wow!" Zelda exclaimed when they got inside. "This is beautiful!"
"Of course it is. Haven't you been in here before?"
"No," she said, looking around to take in everything. Her eyes settled on the waterfall. "Wow. . . ." She said again.
Link smiled at her, a smile that sent chills up Zelda's back. "You can jump off that waterfall, you know."
"Really? Have you done it?"
"Absolutely! It's awesome. . . ." Link shook his head like he was getting out of a trance. "We've got to see the King. Come on!" He took her hand and ran off up the long, narrow stone trail up to the throne room.
King Zora was sitting on his throne, if that was what you would call it; to be more exact, the fish king was seated upon a wide stone slab with a short waterfall rushing over it. At his side was exactly the person Link did not want to see: Princess Ruto of the Zoras. She still had the idea gridlocked in her head that she would marry Link one day. When he saw her standing beside her father, Link dropped Zelda's hand and stood stock- still. Zelda gave him a bemused look.
"LINKY-POO!" Ruto's voice rang all too clear through the chamber. She leapt off of the waterfall-throne and ran up to the poor hero, throwing her arms around him in a hug that Link did not return. Zelda, understanding the situation, raised her hand to her face where it did not quite cover her smile. Link looked at her like she was a traitor, which only made her want to laugh harder. "H-Hi, Ruto," Link managed to say.
"OH!! You can't imagine how I've MISSED you!" Ruto cried, not dropping her arms. "I've been so lonely. . . and then there were these Octorocks. . . oh, I just KNEW you would come!!"
"Yep, I'm. . . I'm here," Link said unsurely. "I am definitely here. . ."
"I'm just SO happy that even though there was that awful battle raging outside, you came straight up here to see ME!!" Ruto was on the verge of tears by now. Link looked at Zelda, pleading for help with his eyes.
Zelda was trembling with laughter, but she nodded at her poor friend. "Your majesty," she said, composing herself and sweeping into an elegant curtsey. "Is there anything we can do to help your troops?"
"Hm? Oh, of course, m'lady," the King said. "We can always use trained bodies! Oh, and, by the way-welcome to Zora's Domain!" He smiled warmly.
"Thank you, sire," Zelda said. "Come on, Link, we've got to go fight!"
"Of course," Link said, peeling Ruto off. "Anything to serve the Zoran crown!" He turned and bolted for the door. Zelda curtseyed at the Zoras again, and left the way he had. In the hallway below the throne room, she burst into gales of withheld laughter.
"That wasn't funny," Link said with a scowl.
"Yes, yes it was," Zelda answered, still getting herself under control.
"Yeah, maybe for you," Link said, flinching. "Ok, let's go help King Zora's men now."
Zelda nodded, still giggling, and they started off back towards the door.
"And, by the way?" Link said when they reached the entrance.
"Yeah?" She asked, preparing to fight.
"Thanks."
This almost made Zelda burst into laughter all over again, but she fought it down and set after those pesky Octorocks.
With all the King's men as well as Link and Zelda in the fight, it didn't last long. The Octorocks, who were relatively easy-to-kill monsters anyway, were beaten down very quickly. After the battle, Link and Zelda were given rooms to sleep in down a tunnel off the shop.
The following morning, Zelda was sitting next to a small but cheery stream running through the corner of her chamber. She could see her own face reflected in the water. She still didn't know what to make of that face. Herself? Queen of Calatia? She could envision that, but. . . herself as Harlan's bride? She didn't want to envision that, even though, deep down, she knew that it did make sense. Frustrated, she splashed away her reflection and went to the other side of the room. She stared hard into the wall, but didn't see it for her own thoughts.
Suddenly there was a soft rapping on the doorway. Zelda looked up to see Link standing there, leaning against the arch. "Zelda?" he asked.
"Come in," she said. Why couldn't he be Harlan? Life made no sense.
"Two things," Link began. "First of all, I wanted to apologize about the river crossing today. I guess I should have warned you about that. . . ." He trailed off, looking at her earnestly.
"It's okay, we're here now. What's the second thing?"
"Well, I have deemed that today is the day," Link said, a smile growing on his face.
"The day for what?" Zelda stood, interested.
"Today," Link said importantly, "I will begin to teach you the art of swordplay!"
Zelda's face broke into a broad grin. "Thank you!" She exclaimed, jumping up and throwing her arms around him before she realized what she was doing. She was about to back away, embarrassed, when she found that he was returning the embrace. "Yes, I know you've been waiting forever," Link laughed.
Zelda retreated, doing her best not to turn red. "Let's go!" Link said, motioning for her to follow him up to the throne room.
King Zora hadn't budged. "Your majesty," Link said with an elegant bow, "if you would be so kind as to let us reach Zora's Fountain?"
"Of course, my lad!" The king said grandly. "Excuse me for a moment." He began to inch his way to the left, making an odd sound every time he moved, and not covering much ground. After what seemed like forever, he had moved enough to reveal an opening that he had been hiding. "Do give my regards to Lord Jabu-Jabu. He has returned for the warm season!"
"Of course, my liege," Link said with another bow, then led the way into the new entrance. Zelda curtseyed to the king, then caught up with Link.
"That was different," she reflected. Link laughed.
"He's a good guy, really, he's just a bit. . .large," said Zelda.
"A bit?" Link asked. Zelda was about to scold him when they entered Zora's Fountain. It was like going into Zora's Domain all over again, only more so. Link was unfazed as usual, and walked out into the shallow water a little way. Zelda tried to follow as fast as she could while still looking around at everything, particularly the large whale, Jabu-Jabu.
"Start with this," Link said, tossing Zelda a Deku Stick. "They're not terribly life-threatening." Zelda nodded. "There's not a whole lot to it, really. In the Hylian style of fighting, there are only three main maneuvers. The swipe"-he cut horizontally-"the slash"-he cut vertically- "and the thrust." He ran the stick straight forward. "You try it."
Zelda attempted to re-create the movements that Link had just demonstrated. She thought that she was awfully clumsy, but Link seemed to be happy with what she was doing, so she kept it up. After a little bit, he stopped her.
"You can take a short break," he said. "Eventually, you will need to learn to use a shield as well. Of course, in some forms of sword fighting, the blade may be used as a shield."
"Which do you use?" Zelda wanted to know.
"I'm trying to use my sword, but. . .well, I'm not very good at it yet." He smiled, a little sheepishly. "Enough break. You can't rest for too long or your muscles will grow stiff." She got up and began the drill again, and this time, Link practiced with her.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Ruto was watching from a nearby rock beside Jabu-Jabu. She was also livid. How DARE he look at Zelda that way! No, then again, she mustn't be a jealous wife. So Ruto stayed where she was, biding her time, gazing down on the two of them. I'll get him back later, she thought. They certainly practice for a long time, she thought. Ruto couldn't imagine working so hard for so long. And the same drill the whole time.
"That's enough for today," Link said finally, wiping sweat off his brow. "You did great."
"Thanks," Zelda said. By the look in his eyes she could tell that he meant it.
"You go on inside. I'll be along in a second," Link said. Zelda nodded and hurried off into the tunnel from whence they had come. Link, meanwhile, threw the stick down and drew out the Master Sword and went through the same drill. After he was done, he smiled. No matter how strong he got as time wore on, the Master Sword always managed to be exactly the right weight. Magic was so useful. He returned the weapon to its sheath and turned towards the tunnel-and right into the face of Ruto!
"Hiyee!" She said in greeting as he stumbled back a few steps, from dislike as well as sheer shock.
"Hi, again," he said. If there was anyone he wanted to be with less, he couldn't think of them right now.
"Well, now THAT'S no way to greet your wife-to-be!" Ruto said with a pout.
Link sighed heavily. "Look, Ruto, for the last time, I am not marrying you. I never was going to, and I never am!"
"What a terrible thing to say. That's not funny, Link," the fish princess said, shaking her big head.
Link gaped. She actually thought he was making a joke! "Ruto, I meant that-"
"Never mind what you meant. Come on, let's go for a nice walk!" Ruto grabbed his hand and started off along the rim of Zora's Fountain, dragging Link behind. "But Ruto-!" he objected, but she wasn't listening.
As all this happened, Zelda appeared at the end of the tunnel again. She had wondered where Link was when he hadn't showed up a minute ago, but she should have known! However, some of the comedy of the situation had been lost, so instead of laughing, Zelda held her head high and marched right towards them. All she needed now was an excuse. . .suddenly, her eyes were drawn to the southwest. The glint of light in the sky again!! It was over Gerudo Valley. Well, the warriors would be just fine protecting themselves for a little while, but they still ought to hurry. She started to walk faster. "Link!" She called when she was close enough for him to hear.
Ruto left off her surely-pointless ramblings to turn and look at Zelda like she was an insect, the type that must be stepped on before they bite you. Link turned, too, but he looked at Zelda like she was a gift from Din. "What is it, Zelda?" He called back.
"Look!" She pointed off into the sky.
Link's face turned gleeful. "Sorry, Ruto, but I've got to go," he said breathlessly. "Another time, hm?" He turned and hurried off towards Zelda.
Ruto crossed her finned arms and scowled after him. "I'll bet! You never loved me, did you, Link?!"
Link stopped and turned to look at Ruto. "Honestly, Ruto, isn't that what I've been telling you all along?"
"Oh!" The princess scoffed before turning and diving into the deep water. "GOOD RIDDANCE!" Came a rather bubbled retort.
"I really am sorry, you know," Link told Zelda as they left the Fountain. "But I never promised her anything."
"It's all right," Zelda said. "Let's get going to Gerudo Valley."
"Come on, girl," Link pleaded, leaning close to the mare's ear. "Please? All of Zora's River may be at stake!"
The palomino wouldn't budge.
Link sat back in the saddle. He sighed. "Sorry about this, Zelda, but we might have to ford the river."
"It's all right." The princess climbed gracefully out of the saddle, and Link was close behind. "We can leave her here, can't we?"
"I think we can trust her," the hero said, patting Epona's neck. "It's okay," he said to the horse. "I know you don't like water." Epona nickered. He smiled at her, then turned to the wide river behind him, and folded his arms, scowling at it. After a moment he ran back a few feet and just jumped across. He landed, and turned back to face the opposite bank. "Come on, then," Link said, stretching his hand back over the river.
Zelda looked at him uncertainly for a moment. She placed her hand in his. His grip was strong. She could feel her breath catching in her throat-when suddenly he pulled back and she landed on the opposite bank in a rush!
"I guess that's one way across," she said, catching her breath.
"Guess so," said Link, standing up and dusting himself off. "You all right?"
"I'll be fine," she answered, giving him a queer look.
"Okay, then. Shall we go?"
Zelda was a little fazed at the strange way that she had crossed the river, but picked herself up and followed Link nonetheless.
They passed under the natural stone archway to find that indeed, as expected, Zora's River was swarmed with Octorocks, but also that King Zora's men had a definite handle on the situation. Link and Zelda breathed a sigh of relief before going to talk to an officer.
"Where did these come from?" Link asked hurriedly.
"Master Link! Princess Zelda!" The Zora knelt hurriedly, then rose again. "We don't know where they came from. There was this brilliant light illuminating the Domain from the outside, and then, they"-he gestured at the Octorocks-"showed up. We've got them under control, I think."
"That's a relief," Zelda said.
"Beg pardon?"
"What? Oh, this'll all be explained later-as much as we know, anyway- is there anything we can do to help?" Link wanted to know.
"You'd best go ask the King," the Zora said. "We seem to be all right with these Octorocks, but if this happens regularly then we won't be."
"Don't worry. Come on, Zelda," Link said, starting up the riverbank. Zelda nodded her thanks to the Zora and followed.
"These guys are awfully well trained," Zelda commented as they made their way towards Zora's Domain.
"Yeah, the king has this whole long training program for 'em," Link answered. "Too bad he doesn't take part in it himself," he added in a mutter under his breath.
Zelda suppressed laughter. "Link!" Zelda said scoldingly, but she was smiling. Link burst out laughing. "You'll have to learn diplomacy if you plan to be King!"
"You know, I was actually thinking of taking His Majesty up on that," Link answered thoughtfully. "Whoa! Watch out!"
Zelda's head snapped around to see an Octorock jumping up to spit a fireball at her! The fireball was fast, but-just in time, Link jumped in front of her and shielded it.
"That was a close one," he said.
"Thank you," she replied.
"What say we get to Zora's Domain?" He asked breathlessly.
"Okay," Zelda replied, and together they set off towards the high waterfall that secreted the entrance, racing past rows of Zoran warriors. At the source of the river was a network of paths, culminating in a plaque that stood just before the entrance to Zora's Domain. Link stood on it, took out his Ocarina, and played Zelda's Lullaby. Promptly, the waterfall parted and Link and Zelda jumped across into the square stone hollow.
"Wow!" Zelda exclaimed when they got inside. "This is beautiful!"
"Of course it is. Haven't you been in here before?"
"No," she said, looking around to take in everything. Her eyes settled on the waterfall. "Wow. . . ." She said again.
Link smiled at her, a smile that sent chills up Zelda's back. "You can jump off that waterfall, you know."
"Really? Have you done it?"
"Absolutely! It's awesome. . . ." Link shook his head like he was getting out of a trance. "We've got to see the King. Come on!" He took her hand and ran off up the long, narrow stone trail up to the throne room.
King Zora was sitting on his throne, if that was what you would call it; to be more exact, the fish king was seated upon a wide stone slab with a short waterfall rushing over it. At his side was exactly the person Link did not want to see: Princess Ruto of the Zoras. She still had the idea gridlocked in her head that she would marry Link one day. When he saw her standing beside her father, Link dropped Zelda's hand and stood stock- still. Zelda gave him a bemused look.
"LINKY-POO!" Ruto's voice rang all too clear through the chamber. She leapt off of the waterfall-throne and ran up to the poor hero, throwing her arms around him in a hug that Link did not return. Zelda, understanding the situation, raised her hand to her face where it did not quite cover her smile. Link looked at her like she was a traitor, which only made her want to laugh harder. "H-Hi, Ruto," Link managed to say.
"OH!! You can't imagine how I've MISSED you!" Ruto cried, not dropping her arms. "I've been so lonely. . . and then there were these Octorocks. . . oh, I just KNEW you would come!!"
"Yep, I'm. . . I'm here," Link said unsurely. "I am definitely here. . ."
"I'm just SO happy that even though there was that awful battle raging outside, you came straight up here to see ME!!" Ruto was on the verge of tears by now. Link looked at Zelda, pleading for help with his eyes.
Zelda was trembling with laughter, but she nodded at her poor friend. "Your majesty," she said, composing herself and sweeping into an elegant curtsey. "Is there anything we can do to help your troops?"
"Hm? Oh, of course, m'lady," the King said. "We can always use trained bodies! Oh, and, by the way-welcome to Zora's Domain!" He smiled warmly.
"Thank you, sire," Zelda said. "Come on, Link, we've got to go fight!"
"Of course," Link said, peeling Ruto off. "Anything to serve the Zoran crown!" He turned and bolted for the door. Zelda curtseyed at the Zoras again, and left the way he had. In the hallway below the throne room, she burst into gales of withheld laughter.
"That wasn't funny," Link said with a scowl.
"Yes, yes it was," Zelda answered, still getting herself under control.
"Yeah, maybe for you," Link said, flinching. "Ok, let's go help King Zora's men now."
Zelda nodded, still giggling, and they started off back towards the door.
"And, by the way?" Link said when they reached the entrance.
"Yeah?" She asked, preparing to fight.
"Thanks."
This almost made Zelda burst into laughter all over again, but she fought it down and set after those pesky Octorocks.
With all the King's men as well as Link and Zelda in the fight, it didn't last long. The Octorocks, who were relatively easy-to-kill monsters anyway, were beaten down very quickly. After the battle, Link and Zelda were given rooms to sleep in down a tunnel off the shop.
The following morning, Zelda was sitting next to a small but cheery stream running through the corner of her chamber. She could see her own face reflected in the water. She still didn't know what to make of that face. Herself? Queen of Calatia? She could envision that, but. . . herself as Harlan's bride? She didn't want to envision that, even though, deep down, she knew that it did make sense. Frustrated, she splashed away her reflection and went to the other side of the room. She stared hard into the wall, but didn't see it for her own thoughts.
Suddenly there was a soft rapping on the doorway. Zelda looked up to see Link standing there, leaning against the arch. "Zelda?" he asked.
"Come in," she said. Why couldn't he be Harlan? Life made no sense.
"Two things," Link began. "First of all, I wanted to apologize about the river crossing today. I guess I should have warned you about that. . . ." He trailed off, looking at her earnestly.
"It's okay, we're here now. What's the second thing?"
"Well, I have deemed that today is the day," Link said, a smile growing on his face.
"The day for what?" Zelda stood, interested.
"Today," Link said importantly, "I will begin to teach you the art of swordplay!"
Zelda's face broke into a broad grin. "Thank you!" She exclaimed, jumping up and throwing her arms around him before she realized what she was doing. She was about to back away, embarrassed, when she found that he was returning the embrace. "Yes, I know you've been waiting forever," Link laughed.
Zelda retreated, doing her best not to turn red. "Let's go!" Link said, motioning for her to follow him up to the throne room.
King Zora hadn't budged. "Your majesty," Link said with an elegant bow, "if you would be so kind as to let us reach Zora's Fountain?"
"Of course, my lad!" The king said grandly. "Excuse me for a moment." He began to inch his way to the left, making an odd sound every time he moved, and not covering much ground. After what seemed like forever, he had moved enough to reveal an opening that he had been hiding. "Do give my regards to Lord Jabu-Jabu. He has returned for the warm season!"
"Of course, my liege," Link said with another bow, then led the way into the new entrance. Zelda curtseyed to the king, then caught up with Link.
"That was different," she reflected. Link laughed.
"He's a good guy, really, he's just a bit. . .large," said Zelda.
"A bit?" Link asked. Zelda was about to scold him when they entered Zora's Fountain. It was like going into Zora's Domain all over again, only more so. Link was unfazed as usual, and walked out into the shallow water a little way. Zelda tried to follow as fast as she could while still looking around at everything, particularly the large whale, Jabu-Jabu.
"Start with this," Link said, tossing Zelda a Deku Stick. "They're not terribly life-threatening." Zelda nodded. "There's not a whole lot to it, really. In the Hylian style of fighting, there are only three main maneuvers. The swipe"-he cut horizontally-"the slash"-he cut vertically- "and the thrust." He ran the stick straight forward. "You try it."
Zelda attempted to re-create the movements that Link had just demonstrated. She thought that she was awfully clumsy, but Link seemed to be happy with what she was doing, so she kept it up. After a little bit, he stopped her.
"You can take a short break," he said. "Eventually, you will need to learn to use a shield as well. Of course, in some forms of sword fighting, the blade may be used as a shield."
"Which do you use?" Zelda wanted to know.
"I'm trying to use my sword, but. . .well, I'm not very good at it yet." He smiled, a little sheepishly. "Enough break. You can't rest for too long or your muscles will grow stiff." She got up and began the drill again, and this time, Link practiced with her.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Ruto was watching from a nearby rock beside Jabu-Jabu. She was also livid. How DARE he look at Zelda that way! No, then again, she mustn't be a jealous wife. So Ruto stayed where she was, biding her time, gazing down on the two of them. I'll get him back later, she thought. They certainly practice for a long time, she thought. Ruto couldn't imagine working so hard for so long. And the same drill the whole time.
"That's enough for today," Link said finally, wiping sweat off his brow. "You did great."
"Thanks," Zelda said. By the look in his eyes she could tell that he meant it.
"You go on inside. I'll be along in a second," Link said. Zelda nodded and hurried off into the tunnel from whence they had come. Link, meanwhile, threw the stick down and drew out the Master Sword and went through the same drill. After he was done, he smiled. No matter how strong he got as time wore on, the Master Sword always managed to be exactly the right weight. Magic was so useful. He returned the weapon to its sheath and turned towards the tunnel-and right into the face of Ruto!
"Hiyee!" She said in greeting as he stumbled back a few steps, from dislike as well as sheer shock.
"Hi, again," he said. If there was anyone he wanted to be with less, he couldn't think of them right now.
"Well, now THAT'S no way to greet your wife-to-be!" Ruto said with a pout.
Link sighed heavily. "Look, Ruto, for the last time, I am not marrying you. I never was going to, and I never am!"
"What a terrible thing to say. That's not funny, Link," the fish princess said, shaking her big head.
Link gaped. She actually thought he was making a joke! "Ruto, I meant that-"
"Never mind what you meant. Come on, let's go for a nice walk!" Ruto grabbed his hand and started off along the rim of Zora's Fountain, dragging Link behind. "But Ruto-!" he objected, but she wasn't listening.
As all this happened, Zelda appeared at the end of the tunnel again. She had wondered where Link was when he hadn't showed up a minute ago, but she should have known! However, some of the comedy of the situation had been lost, so instead of laughing, Zelda held her head high and marched right towards them. All she needed now was an excuse. . .suddenly, her eyes were drawn to the southwest. The glint of light in the sky again!! It was over Gerudo Valley. Well, the warriors would be just fine protecting themselves for a little while, but they still ought to hurry. She started to walk faster. "Link!" She called when she was close enough for him to hear.
Ruto left off her surely-pointless ramblings to turn and look at Zelda like she was an insect, the type that must be stepped on before they bite you. Link turned, too, but he looked at Zelda like she was a gift from Din. "What is it, Zelda?" He called back.
"Look!" She pointed off into the sky.
Link's face turned gleeful. "Sorry, Ruto, but I've got to go," he said breathlessly. "Another time, hm?" He turned and hurried off towards Zelda.
Ruto crossed her finned arms and scowled after him. "I'll bet! You never loved me, did you, Link?!"
Link stopped and turned to look at Ruto. "Honestly, Ruto, isn't that what I've been telling you all along?"
"Oh!" The princess scoffed before turning and diving into the deep water. "GOOD RIDDANCE!" Came a rather bubbled retort.
"I really am sorry, you know," Link told Zelda as they left the Fountain. "But I never promised her anything."
"It's all right," Zelda said. "Let's get going to Gerudo Valley."