**Author's Note** Well, since people have wondered how I can possibly make
my story go on, you'll find out in this chapter. Maybe the water serpent
isn't finished with Ruto, or maybe it is, you'll find out soon. Keep
reading, and I'll keep updating to let you know ^_^ After all, if I ended
it in chapter 8, you wouldn't know how things worked out for Ruto and
Misu's relationship, nor would you get to read about the reaction of the
other Zoras in Zoras Domain. Keep in mind I won't make this story go on and
on and let it get worse as it progresses, and the next part will be
slightly shorter but hopefully just as exciting as the first!
Ruto slowly opened her eyes, and discovered she was lying in a familiar looking pool of water – her bed inside her room. The Zora princess's mind was blank as to how she got there, and for a fleeting second she almost forgot what she had endured. Her purple eyes looked around wildly as her fins moved slowly in sudden realization she was still alive. The surface of the water rippled continuously and she could see the distorted faces of several Zoras peering down at her from above the water.
Ruto struggled to sit up, and quickly noticed her body still ached from her battles. She felt very bewildered and continued to wonder how she got to the place where she was. Then, suddenly she saw a rush of arms reach in and gently grab her and pull her up. With a splash Ruto was taken out of the water by three male Zoras and laid out on a soft mat on the floor. She was too weak to move, and as she lay there she realized not one of the three Zoras was Misu. Neither of the Zoras were tenants either, which made her wonder why they had been watching her and why they were in her room.
The Zora princess also understood her wounds had been treated and didn't look as bad as she last remembered them being. The jagged cut on her arm from the serpent's fins was wrapped in a white water resistant bandage, and her shoulder ached less when she moved it. Some of her fins were torn, but they would grow back into their original form in good time. She had gashes all over her pearly white skin, but they too were showing signs of healing. Her right foot also felt strange and swollen, and she feared she might not be able to walk.
Ruto breathed in the misty air of Zoras Domain, and caught the familiar smells of her home. As she took in breaths and recovered, one of the three male Zoras spoke to her. Ruto looked up at his face but didn't recognize him as anyone she knew very well. The male was an average height for a Zora, and contained all the typical traits of a male. The only difference was that his eyes seemed larger and mysterious, which captured her full attention. The Zora spoke in a deep smooth voice that calmed her down and made her silent.
"You have finally awoken, Ruto. It has been days since Misu brought you back from the lair of the water serpent. There is no need for you to ask about it, for everyone in Zoras Domain and across Hyrule knows of your acts of heroism. I myself couldn't even believe it until I saw you and offered to watch over your healing progress."
Ruto looked at him in surprise – she hadn't realized she had been resting for such a long time and it finally dawned on her as to who he was. He was the male Zora usually found at the top of the waterfall and was head of the diving competition. Ruto thought hard for a moment until she remembered his name was Kier. Did her adventure really mean everyone in Hyrule was being informed about it? She knew the whispering waters moved swiftly, but it never occurred to her it moved that swiftly. The only words she could muster in response were very weak and mostly contained the questions that ran through her mind.
"Is...everyone...alright? What about the boulder blocking the entrance to Zoras Domain? How did Misu enter...where is he...?"
A soft smile spread across Kier's lips as he glanced for a moment at the other two male Zoras and motioned for them to leave. They left without speaking to her, but Ruto could tell they were greatly impressed by something or another and hid it in their silence. Kier's eyes then returned to her and gazed into hers as he replied diligently and respectfully.
"Princess Ruto, everyone is fine and we owe our lives to you. The serpent would have made our species extinct if you hadn't done the unthinkable. To answer your question about Misu, he is perfectly unharmed and is waiting for you in Zoras Fountain. Only Royalty can go there, and even though we are old friends and he competes in my competition every year, I am not permitted to venture there to be informed of exactly how he broke the boulder – except that it was probably from that strange looking trident he had with him when he entered Zoras Domain carrying you in his arms."
"Then I must go and see him."
Ruto said quickly, and tried to move but pain shot through her as she made an attempt to sit up again. Kier placed a hand on her shoulder, which was very large and thickly webbed, before he dismissed her actions by saying with a hint of warning in his voice.
"Don't become too quick for your own good princess. You are still very weak, and I'm sure Misu can wait until your fully well again before talking to you. Besides, your father wishes to see you when you are better first, and so does everyone else. Is it not appropriate to thank the princess who so courageously saved our lives with a feast in her honor?"
She said nothing, and secretly wished she could just ignore the congratulatory honor stuff and save it for another time. Still, she refused to lie around and wonder about her husband. Ruto forced her body to finally sit up, and as she did Kier shook his head and suppressed smile before saying with a sigh.
"You always were stubborn princess, I should have known there is no stopping you when you want to do something..."
"Of course not, I know now especially what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it."
Ruto responded while a smile crossed her lips. Slowly she placed one foot fully on the floor and attempted to get up, but her legs felt like they had no bones in them. Ruto clenched her teeth as pain shot through her, until the male Zora came forward and lifted her to her feet as easily as picking up a small fragile object. She hadn't realized just how much weight she lost and how fragile she became until she had been picked up so easily. At first when he let go, she swayed slightly and he nearly had to leap out to her rescue when she almost fell over. Ruto managed to maintain her balance though, and waved him away while saying between short gasps.
"I'm fine, really...thank you."
"Be careful princess..."
Kier said dotingly as she slowly took a few steps forward, ignoring the pain she felt. When she got to the exit into the passageways of Zoras Domain, a large group of Zoras was waiting outside in anticipation. Ruto stopped walking and stared at them for a moment until being bombarded with compliments and questions. Nothing so drastic happened since Link defeated Morpha in the Water Temple and thawed everyone out from their frozen state. This new heroine, one of their own, was something to be especially celebrated.
"It's the princess!"
Someone exclaimed and instantly a sound of applause echoed through the passage. Ruto made a struggled bow in acceptance, but decided she wasn't one to wait around accepting their praise all day. Slowly she moved passed a few of them, and was having difficulty until Kier stepped out behind her and announced.
"Let the princess pass, be respectful!"
Immediately they parted and allowed Ruto to limp away from them. A murmur sounded from the surprised Zoras as they stood watching her move away toward the throne room. Ruto climbed the steps leading to her father's throne, knowing she would have to face him first before she could see her husband.
King Zora was in the same place as always, but he was more still and when he saw her coming his eyes widened to see her battered body. When Ruto arrived and stood on the platform in front of him, she made another struggled bow and lowered her eyes respectfully. For a few minutes nothing was spoken, until King Zora finally said seriously but with an obvious hint of pride.
"Ah! Ruto, my dear daughter you have returned at last. I wasn't expecting you to venture into the water serpent's lair and save the lives of everyone in Zoras Domain and prevent many catastrophes from occurring. You are certainly worthy of your title as princess..."
There was a slight pause and Ruto finally looked up at him and still said nothing. She held her head high and stood tall despite her pain, listening intently as he continued.
"Yes...you truly are one of the bravest Zoras to have ever existed. Your condition has improved as well since you were brought back, and I am relieved to see you are all right. A feast is in order as a reward for your efforts...yet...I know you were unhappy about being married. Which is why I have decided if you wish to divorce Misu you may do so and you will receive no punishment or ill will toward you."
His proposition nearly made Ruto's jaw drop, but she clamped it firmly even though his words had taken her by complete surprise. For a second Ruto still contemplated what he told her, but then she finally understood he actually meant every word. King Zora gazed down at her with admiration as he waited for her response. She wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't like she was thrilled to hear that, especially after all she had done, but it wasn't that which bothered her so. It was the fact that her adventure and the absence of Misu made her long to see him and be in his presence.
A feeling of guilt and emotional confusion swept over her. How could she have once wished to never be with him? The Zora princess looked down at Misu's necklace, which she still wore along with her own. Of course, they didn't know each other very well, but now that the ordeal was over that could change. A once in a lifetime opportunity had been presented to her now though, and she would have to make a decision. She could divorce him and continue her life as she wished, and quite possibly remain single to the end of her days and regret her decision or dream of Link, someone who would never be hers. Or, she could keep her bond of marriage as she recited in her wedding vows, and remain as faithful to Misu as he remained to her.
She owed him that loyalty, and it wasn't entirely about owing him things – she was truly starting to love him. Her newly wed husband had risked his life to save everyone – including her – and he carried her to Zoras Domain in his arms. Ruto distinctly remembered something about him when he looked down on her as he carried her...in his dark eyes was reflected a feeling of love toward her, a feeling he was trying to keep to himself as to not offend her. She felt shameful for forcing him to contain his feelings, as well as for pre-judging him and not giving him a decent chance. By remembering all of those things, Ruto came to her decision and spoke quietly.
"No father...it is not of my wish that I divorce Misu. I will keep my bond of marriage to him, and honor my vows. He is waiting for me now in Zoras Fountain, so I must leave to meet him there. Thank you, for understanding and making such an offer."
King Zora nodded curtly, and she could see a pleased sheepish smile spreading across his fish-like lips. A dim twinkle was in his eye, and Ruto had an idea of what he was thinking about. She frowned with embarrassment and snapped in a semi-annoyed tone.
"Father! Of all the things to think about...I may remain married to Misu, but that doesn't mean we will...bond and create children! We barely know each other, and I was hoping you would be a little more realistic than that..."
A chuckle escaped King Zora as he continued to smile while Ruto limped up an elevating path that led to the throne-like ledge he sat upon. A large shallow water filled tunnel was behind him that led to Zoras Fountain. She wondered why Misu went there, but it was probably because he needed some time alone...or to see her in private. Fortunately she didn't have to wait for her father to move out of the way, because he had been sitting to his right as it was so a lot of time had been saved since he was rather slow and could barely do anything other than sit on his royal platform.
Ruto made her way through the short tunnel until she emerged outside. The warm pale glow of the setting sun cast upon her face as the sky illuminated a light pink color while the sun slowly moved to the western horizon. All was at peace, and the only sound she heard was the flow of the water and the occasional cry of a lark or the sound of crickets and frogs croaking and chirping in the distance. There was also another sound – that of the steady deep breathes from the Zora guardian God Lord JabuJabu.
Slowly Ruto limped toward a set of four steps leading to a large platform with two square pillars on each end that was JabuJabu's feeding alter. Ruto reminisced about how JabuJabu once swallowed her after Ganondorf had done something terribly vile to him, and then seven years later when Zoras Domain froze over and he was turned into a large block of ice sunken at the bottom of Zoras Fountain. When Link destroyed Morpha, it in turn allowed JabuJabu to unthaw and as a result the rest of Zoras Domain was returned to normal. Since his restoration, he continued to guard the Zoras silently.
Ruto stood on the platform and looked at JabuJabu for a few moments. The God resembled what appeared to be a huge whale. He had large wide blue lips that were pressed near to the edge of the platform, and he floated in the water and looked at her with his round blue eyes. Worn on his head was a delicate embroidered covering, and every breath he took in Ruto could hear. It sounded relaxed and almost rhythmic because of its consistency. Still, since the day she had been sucked inside him, she didn't venture as close to him as she used to.
As the minutes passed, Ruto looked around Zoras Fountain and wondered where Misu was since she couldn't see him anywhere on JabuJabu's alter. It was called Zoras Fountain because the water from it flowed into Zoras Domain, and there was also a Great Fairy Fountain hidden in the far rocky wall on the east side. Other than that, it was basically large pool of water that was home to JabuJabu and very sacred to the Zoras.
After unsuccessfully finding him at the alter, Ruto walked back into the shallow water and went to her left where the water grew deep. A huge rock was in the center of the lake and near it was a fallen tree that arched high above the water. Ruto quickly caught sight of a white figure sitting on the arch of the fallen tree, and knew it was Misu. His long gold-scaled tailfin was in full view because his back was toward her. Ruto could see his legs dangling off the edge of the tree and he didn't seem to notice her presence in Zoras Fountain. She wanted to call out to him, but for some reason she thought to remain quiet and approach instead.
Ruto limped toward him, and was being extra careful to not apply too much pressure on her sore foot. When the water grew too deep for her to go any further, she kicked her left foot off the ground and swam to where he was. She fully submerged herself and went forward slowly, because it pained her to swim. When Ruto finally made it to the left end of the fallen tree, she surfaced with a splash that caused Misu to notice her and turn his head in her direction.
He looked down at her with his dark eyes, but said nothing, his face expressionless. Ruto stared back at him in disbelief, wondering why he was so quiet. She climbed onto the fallen arch shaped tree and walked toward him until she found a suitable place next to him and saw down and dangled her legs over the water beside his. Misu turned his face away and looked down into the water, his eyes scanning its surface as the last rays of the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon. Ruto gazed at him anyway; her thoughts jumbled on why he was so solemn...but he was always solemn, and had been since they married. Perhaps he was unhappy after all about being married to her, or maybe the water serpent had traumatized him. Ruto wondered how he even survived, or how he knew where the exit was.
Upset to see him upset, she touched his arm gently and watched his face turn toward hers so they were only a few inches apart from each other's. She couldn't stand his silence anymore, and spoke to him with concern, her eyes gazing into his.
"What's wrong?"
Misu sighed shakily and shrunk away from her touch. Silence followed for a long time but he didn't look away from her. It wasn't until Ruto started expressing the fact she was upset on her face and in her eyes that he finally spoke to her in his cool and calm voice.
"I'm sorry Ruto – for everything."
"What do you mean?"
She said in shock, confused as to what he meant. Misu's mouth parted slightly as though trying to say something that pained him greatly, but the words were refusing to come. Ruto urged him to speak with her eyes, which softened from shock to understanding as he spoke to her gently.
"It was my fault you entered Lake Hylia and put yourself in danger. If I hadn't been dwelling there so long and making you more worried, this whole thing wouldn't have happened...you wouldn't have had to go through so much to save our people and I. I am a fool for that, as well as for making such inappropriate romantic implications at the wrong time and leaving you to feel awkward and disgusted with me." Ruto shook her head, thinking it was all in the past and couldn't be changed. She wanted to look toward the future – their future. Even if he did make mistakes, everyone did and she had made several too many in her lifetime. She felt sympathetic toward him, but she was tired of talking about things that couldn't be changed. She spoke to him reassuringly, trying in her own way to make him feel better.
"If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be alive right now, and neither would any Zora. You are a hero to me, because you selflessly saved my life and tried to protect me. Although I sometimes can be too proud to admit it...you are more to me than just a husband..."
Misu fell silent, and looked at her as though believing every word she said, but still unsure of some things. Ruto wanted to reach out to him, but she wasn't sure how. Before she could even think of a way, he responded gently.
"More to you than a husband? How? I thought...you didn't want to be married to me. I was even told by your father that he was going to allow you to divorce me if you wanted to. Didn't he mention that to you...?"
"Yes he did,"
Ruto said, trying to explain what exactly happened and wasn't surprised by the look of confusion that swept across his face as his eyes looked into hers hard. Ruto understood that was what had been bothering him so much. He must have thought she would tell her father she would divorce him after all she had been though, but now he found she didn't.
"However...I told him I wished to keep my vows with you. You are worthy of being my husband, even if I may not be worthy of being your wife because of my demanding ways and harsh temper. I don't mean to be that way, its just...I don't know...at first I found you to be arrogant and far too cold, but now..."
A slight smile spread across her lips and she paused. Misu appeared to be extremely surprised, but he kept his cool to allow her to finish. Ruto was embarrassed by what she was telling him, because she had to set aside her pride and admit her feelings to someone she barely knew. He was her husband though, and they were to remain married, which meant they would have to share things with one another sooner or later. Ruto wanted it to be now, early in their relationship, so it would be more enjoyable for them both.
"I have changed my opinion of you, Misu. I should quit being so childish by judging others before I get to know them, and you are a good example of that. I...I think I...really...care about you."
The words came out slowly, but when she finished Ruto felt her cheeks flush. She felt so corny and predictable, but she couldn't think of any other way then to just tell him. One thing she hated most was anything indecisive or indirect, and especially when it circled around her personal life. Misu said nothing at first, looking at her with his dark sparkling eyes, and the Zora princess realized the sky had darkened and the full moon was slowly rising and illuminating him in a dim gorgeous yet mysterious white glow. The light from the moon reflected off the calm rippling waters of Zoras Fountain, and they had the whole place to themselves – minus JabuJabu, who certainly wasn't listening anyway.
"I never thought you would ever feel that way about me princess..."
Misu said quietly, his smooth calm voice speaking to her in barely a whisper, and for a moment she thought she had imagined him saying it. His mouth moved articulately when he spoke, and his attention was focused on her and only her. Still, he remained calm and collected, but she sensed he was losing control of his emotions. Even though he was struggling to contain how he felt, he never looked away from her. The Zora prince spoke softly to her though didn't dare touch her just yet.
"You...you are so brave – much braver than I. I couldn't have done the things you did in the water serpent's lair. You fought ferocious beasts, explored the unknown and went though pain and despair...and came out alive. The only beneficial thing I did was break the boulder blocking the underwater passage into Zoras Domain – and that was by using that trident I found lodged into the serpent's neck. I am as nothing in comparison to you."
"Don't say that about yourself. You are not nothing,"
Ruto found herself saying, while overwhelmed by the moment and distained by how he loathed himself and admired her. She didn't think anyone could – or would – admire her for anything. Many Zoras secretly thought she was an arrogant selfish little brat, who demanded too much of her people for little in return. She didn't even know the trident was powerful enough to break boulders too...but if it could tear through the scaled skin of the water serpent, it could tear through anything. It crossed her mind to wonder where the trident was now, but she had a feeling Misu would have looked after it while she regained her strength. As to not distract herself with things that didn't matter anymore, her mind thought hard to focus on her husband and she soon added in to her previous words.
"Misu, you are my husband. You are the prince of the Zoras, and heir to the throne. You are also...someone I love...unless my love means nothing to you?"
She knew she was testing him, but she was also trying to snap him out of his self-loathing. Misu looked at her almost in shock, as if she had struck a chord in his heart. Ruto never knew he was so sensitive until now, and it almost made her regret her words until he said desperately, his voice quavering under his bubbling emotions as his calm cool nature was about to be set aside.
"No! Your love...means everything to me. I just wasn't expecting you to ever feel that way about me...our marriage was an arranged one after all."
Then the first sign of his emotions appeared, when a small smile crossed his lips. Ruto was overjoyed to finally see some expression in his face as she had never seen any emotions expressed by him. Well...emotions that weren't driven by the male Zora nature that is. When he smiled, the cold seriousness seemed to wash away and be replaced by a more expressive Zora that had been contained secretly inside all his life. Ruto also realized she still had his necklace, which was rightfully his, and whispered quietly as she slowly, removed it from her neck.
"I found this inside the water serpent's lair. It belongs to you, you wore it the day we married..."
She lifted it up and then slowly but gracefully placed it around his neck. She had to lean in a bit since he was taller than she was, and held the chain of the necklace with bother of her hands at the back. Misu lifted his tail fin to help her slip it around his neck, and when it was placed there she didn't remove her arms from the chain and they were positioned around the back of his neck. Misu's eyes widened slightly as he felt her chest brush against his, until he finally let go of being so conservative and gave in to his emotions.
Their eyes locked once more and Ruto saw Misu move his face toward her until she felt a cool but soft sensation when their lips met. She closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her back and pressed her chest hard into his chest, holding her so tightly but gently it seemed he would never let go of her, and they would remain in such a beautiful place as though frozen in time. If only she had the power to control time like the Hero of Time...she would make this moment last forever, Ruto thought but then cleared her mind. It was their first kiss and it wouldn't be their last.
The moment seemed too short when they parted for a second until giving in fully when their lips met in a series of gentle soft kisses. Ruto's fins fluttered as her heart raced the first few times, but slowed, as she grew accustomed to the new experience. Why...why did she love him so? Why did she now care for someone she originally rejected? It wouldn't make sense to any logical onlooker (if anyone actually saw them together) but to Ruto it made perfect sense for reasons she couldn't even begin to explain.
They kissed for a long time, as the moon slowly rose high into the sky and into their view, silhouetting them both under its mystical pale light. Misu moved closer to try and make it easier to kiss her, since they were sitting on a tree which proved to be a little bit awkward, but when he moved he slipped to the edge of the branch and fell off – unintentionally taking Ruto with him because she still had her arms around his neck. They plunged feet first into the water, and submerged under into dark depths.
Under the water Ruto saw his dark eyes gleam from the light of the moon, and a horrified expression appeared on his face. Together they kicked for the surface, and when they finally surfaced they looked at each other and realized their expressions were almost exactly alike. Then, another shocking event occurred when Misu's horrification turned into a broad smile as his merry laughter filled the air. Ruto stared at him, at first feeling slightly irritated because the mood had been ruined, until she saw the brighter side of things and quickly realized just how ridiculous it must have looked. Two Zora lovers making out under the moon, until one tried to move closer but slipped off and took the other with him into the water.
She was surprised when she found herself laughing with him, and they continued laughing until it slowly died off into silence and Misu swam to her in the water and wrapped his body around hers and kissed her tenderly. Ruto knew now what a wonderful Zora he truly was, and he had such a charming laugh and smile she couldn't help but feel deeply in love with him. Everything he did was always for noble but down to earth purposes, and as they continued kissing her infatuation over him continued to grow.
Ruto gently pulled him underwater with her and their lips met constantly. The water only enhanced their experience, and for moments they would remain upright kissing before they would occasionally twist on their sides in the water while still grasping onto each other tightly and keeping their bodies pressed together. Their fins flared excitedly as their emotions rose, and their gills moved rapidly to take in more oxygen and positive energy their acts induced into the water. It is said a male and female Zora in intense courtship for the first time would give off a strange but wonderful energy that would help them in later love experiences. Ruto could think nothing less of Misu than that he was the most handsome and loving Zora she had ever known, and ever would know. It was strange to feel so strongly for him, but it was destiny...
They performed such acts for at least an hour, but during that time every twist and turn of their bodies made it something new and exciting. There actions were flamed by love, but it was a courting love and nothing more...yet. Zoras mated underwater by doing similar acts, but their intentions were also fueled by a need to reproduce, as well as love. For now, they were satisfied with how things were going.
Finally they were ready to head back to Zoras Domain, after swimming peacefully underwater around Zoras Fountain in a contented silence to relax their muscles and slow their heart rate. Misu's gold scales shimmered under the moon, which made Ruto wonder why his scales were different from all the other Zoras. Perhaps that was why he was considered sort of a loner, but it didn't matter – that was probably why he was the champion diver out of any Zora in Zora history.
Ruto and Misu walked out of the water, still holding hands, and together they left Zoras Fountain. No one would be told of what they did, but Ruto secretly hoped to experience more of that kind of love from her husband. Never in her life had she felt so alive, so wonderful...especially after the pain and fear she had gone through. A time of peace settled, and perhaps it would last for a while longer...
**Author's end of chapter note** hehe! I hoped you liked that. Don't worry; I won't make it go much farther than that. Anything suggestive would force me to make the rating higher, and I'm not sure if that would be a good idea unless I get reviews telling me to go a bit deeper into their relationship, which I can do if you want. I hope you didn't think it was corny or predictable; I tried to make it in depth so hopefully it worked out...as for the falling of the tree thing, that was to add a bit of humor ^_^
Ruto slowly opened her eyes, and discovered she was lying in a familiar looking pool of water – her bed inside her room. The Zora princess's mind was blank as to how she got there, and for a fleeting second she almost forgot what she had endured. Her purple eyes looked around wildly as her fins moved slowly in sudden realization she was still alive. The surface of the water rippled continuously and she could see the distorted faces of several Zoras peering down at her from above the water.
Ruto struggled to sit up, and quickly noticed her body still ached from her battles. She felt very bewildered and continued to wonder how she got to the place where she was. Then, suddenly she saw a rush of arms reach in and gently grab her and pull her up. With a splash Ruto was taken out of the water by three male Zoras and laid out on a soft mat on the floor. She was too weak to move, and as she lay there she realized not one of the three Zoras was Misu. Neither of the Zoras were tenants either, which made her wonder why they had been watching her and why they were in her room.
The Zora princess also understood her wounds had been treated and didn't look as bad as she last remembered them being. The jagged cut on her arm from the serpent's fins was wrapped in a white water resistant bandage, and her shoulder ached less when she moved it. Some of her fins were torn, but they would grow back into their original form in good time. She had gashes all over her pearly white skin, but they too were showing signs of healing. Her right foot also felt strange and swollen, and she feared she might not be able to walk.
Ruto breathed in the misty air of Zoras Domain, and caught the familiar smells of her home. As she took in breaths and recovered, one of the three male Zoras spoke to her. Ruto looked up at his face but didn't recognize him as anyone she knew very well. The male was an average height for a Zora, and contained all the typical traits of a male. The only difference was that his eyes seemed larger and mysterious, which captured her full attention. The Zora spoke in a deep smooth voice that calmed her down and made her silent.
"You have finally awoken, Ruto. It has been days since Misu brought you back from the lair of the water serpent. There is no need for you to ask about it, for everyone in Zoras Domain and across Hyrule knows of your acts of heroism. I myself couldn't even believe it until I saw you and offered to watch over your healing progress."
Ruto looked at him in surprise – she hadn't realized she had been resting for such a long time and it finally dawned on her as to who he was. He was the male Zora usually found at the top of the waterfall and was head of the diving competition. Ruto thought hard for a moment until she remembered his name was Kier. Did her adventure really mean everyone in Hyrule was being informed about it? She knew the whispering waters moved swiftly, but it never occurred to her it moved that swiftly. The only words she could muster in response were very weak and mostly contained the questions that ran through her mind.
"Is...everyone...alright? What about the boulder blocking the entrance to Zoras Domain? How did Misu enter...where is he...?"
A soft smile spread across Kier's lips as he glanced for a moment at the other two male Zoras and motioned for them to leave. They left without speaking to her, but Ruto could tell they were greatly impressed by something or another and hid it in their silence. Kier's eyes then returned to her and gazed into hers as he replied diligently and respectfully.
"Princess Ruto, everyone is fine and we owe our lives to you. The serpent would have made our species extinct if you hadn't done the unthinkable. To answer your question about Misu, he is perfectly unharmed and is waiting for you in Zoras Fountain. Only Royalty can go there, and even though we are old friends and he competes in my competition every year, I am not permitted to venture there to be informed of exactly how he broke the boulder – except that it was probably from that strange looking trident he had with him when he entered Zoras Domain carrying you in his arms."
"Then I must go and see him."
Ruto said quickly, and tried to move but pain shot through her as she made an attempt to sit up again. Kier placed a hand on her shoulder, which was very large and thickly webbed, before he dismissed her actions by saying with a hint of warning in his voice.
"Don't become too quick for your own good princess. You are still very weak, and I'm sure Misu can wait until your fully well again before talking to you. Besides, your father wishes to see you when you are better first, and so does everyone else. Is it not appropriate to thank the princess who so courageously saved our lives with a feast in her honor?"
She said nothing, and secretly wished she could just ignore the congratulatory honor stuff and save it for another time. Still, she refused to lie around and wonder about her husband. Ruto forced her body to finally sit up, and as she did Kier shook his head and suppressed smile before saying with a sigh.
"You always were stubborn princess, I should have known there is no stopping you when you want to do something..."
"Of course not, I know now especially what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it."
Ruto responded while a smile crossed her lips. Slowly she placed one foot fully on the floor and attempted to get up, but her legs felt like they had no bones in them. Ruto clenched her teeth as pain shot through her, until the male Zora came forward and lifted her to her feet as easily as picking up a small fragile object. She hadn't realized just how much weight she lost and how fragile she became until she had been picked up so easily. At first when he let go, she swayed slightly and he nearly had to leap out to her rescue when she almost fell over. Ruto managed to maintain her balance though, and waved him away while saying between short gasps.
"I'm fine, really...thank you."
"Be careful princess..."
Kier said dotingly as she slowly took a few steps forward, ignoring the pain she felt. When she got to the exit into the passageways of Zoras Domain, a large group of Zoras was waiting outside in anticipation. Ruto stopped walking and stared at them for a moment until being bombarded with compliments and questions. Nothing so drastic happened since Link defeated Morpha in the Water Temple and thawed everyone out from their frozen state. This new heroine, one of their own, was something to be especially celebrated.
"It's the princess!"
Someone exclaimed and instantly a sound of applause echoed through the passage. Ruto made a struggled bow in acceptance, but decided she wasn't one to wait around accepting their praise all day. Slowly she moved passed a few of them, and was having difficulty until Kier stepped out behind her and announced.
"Let the princess pass, be respectful!"
Immediately they parted and allowed Ruto to limp away from them. A murmur sounded from the surprised Zoras as they stood watching her move away toward the throne room. Ruto climbed the steps leading to her father's throne, knowing she would have to face him first before she could see her husband.
King Zora was in the same place as always, but he was more still and when he saw her coming his eyes widened to see her battered body. When Ruto arrived and stood on the platform in front of him, she made another struggled bow and lowered her eyes respectfully. For a few minutes nothing was spoken, until King Zora finally said seriously but with an obvious hint of pride.
"Ah! Ruto, my dear daughter you have returned at last. I wasn't expecting you to venture into the water serpent's lair and save the lives of everyone in Zoras Domain and prevent many catastrophes from occurring. You are certainly worthy of your title as princess..."
There was a slight pause and Ruto finally looked up at him and still said nothing. She held her head high and stood tall despite her pain, listening intently as he continued.
"Yes...you truly are one of the bravest Zoras to have ever existed. Your condition has improved as well since you were brought back, and I am relieved to see you are all right. A feast is in order as a reward for your efforts...yet...I know you were unhappy about being married. Which is why I have decided if you wish to divorce Misu you may do so and you will receive no punishment or ill will toward you."
His proposition nearly made Ruto's jaw drop, but she clamped it firmly even though his words had taken her by complete surprise. For a second Ruto still contemplated what he told her, but then she finally understood he actually meant every word. King Zora gazed down at her with admiration as he waited for her response. She wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't like she was thrilled to hear that, especially after all she had done, but it wasn't that which bothered her so. It was the fact that her adventure and the absence of Misu made her long to see him and be in his presence.
A feeling of guilt and emotional confusion swept over her. How could she have once wished to never be with him? The Zora princess looked down at Misu's necklace, which she still wore along with her own. Of course, they didn't know each other very well, but now that the ordeal was over that could change. A once in a lifetime opportunity had been presented to her now though, and she would have to make a decision. She could divorce him and continue her life as she wished, and quite possibly remain single to the end of her days and regret her decision or dream of Link, someone who would never be hers. Or, she could keep her bond of marriage as she recited in her wedding vows, and remain as faithful to Misu as he remained to her.
She owed him that loyalty, and it wasn't entirely about owing him things – she was truly starting to love him. Her newly wed husband had risked his life to save everyone – including her – and he carried her to Zoras Domain in his arms. Ruto distinctly remembered something about him when he looked down on her as he carried her...in his dark eyes was reflected a feeling of love toward her, a feeling he was trying to keep to himself as to not offend her. She felt shameful for forcing him to contain his feelings, as well as for pre-judging him and not giving him a decent chance. By remembering all of those things, Ruto came to her decision and spoke quietly.
"No father...it is not of my wish that I divorce Misu. I will keep my bond of marriage to him, and honor my vows. He is waiting for me now in Zoras Fountain, so I must leave to meet him there. Thank you, for understanding and making such an offer."
King Zora nodded curtly, and she could see a pleased sheepish smile spreading across his fish-like lips. A dim twinkle was in his eye, and Ruto had an idea of what he was thinking about. She frowned with embarrassment and snapped in a semi-annoyed tone.
"Father! Of all the things to think about...I may remain married to Misu, but that doesn't mean we will...bond and create children! We barely know each other, and I was hoping you would be a little more realistic than that..."
A chuckle escaped King Zora as he continued to smile while Ruto limped up an elevating path that led to the throne-like ledge he sat upon. A large shallow water filled tunnel was behind him that led to Zoras Fountain. She wondered why Misu went there, but it was probably because he needed some time alone...or to see her in private. Fortunately she didn't have to wait for her father to move out of the way, because he had been sitting to his right as it was so a lot of time had been saved since he was rather slow and could barely do anything other than sit on his royal platform.
Ruto made her way through the short tunnel until she emerged outside. The warm pale glow of the setting sun cast upon her face as the sky illuminated a light pink color while the sun slowly moved to the western horizon. All was at peace, and the only sound she heard was the flow of the water and the occasional cry of a lark or the sound of crickets and frogs croaking and chirping in the distance. There was also another sound – that of the steady deep breathes from the Zora guardian God Lord JabuJabu.
Slowly Ruto limped toward a set of four steps leading to a large platform with two square pillars on each end that was JabuJabu's feeding alter. Ruto reminisced about how JabuJabu once swallowed her after Ganondorf had done something terribly vile to him, and then seven years later when Zoras Domain froze over and he was turned into a large block of ice sunken at the bottom of Zoras Fountain. When Link destroyed Morpha, it in turn allowed JabuJabu to unthaw and as a result the rest of Zoras Domain was returned to normal. Since his restoration, he continued to guard the Zoras silently.
Ruto stood on the platform and looked at JabuJabu for a few moments. The God resembled what appeared to be a huge whale. He had large wide blue lips that were pressed near to the edge of the platform, and he floated in the water and looked at her with his round blue eyes. Worn on his head was a delicate embroidered covering, and every breath he took in Ruto could hear. It sounded relaxed and almost rhythmic because of its consistency. Still, since the day she had been sucked inside him, she didn't venture as close to him as she used to.
As the minutes passed, Ruto looked around Zoras Fountain and wondered where Misu was since she couldn't see him anywhere on JabuJabu's alter. It was called Zoras Fountain because the water from it flowed into Zoras Domain, and there was also a Great Fairy Fountain hidden in the far rocky wall on the east side. Other than that, it was basically large pool of water that was home to JabuJabu and very sacred to the Zoras.
After unsuccessfully finding him at the alter, Ruto walked back into the shallow water and went to her left where the water grew deep. A huge rock was in the center of the lake and near it was a fallen tree that arched high above the water. Ruto quickly caught sight of a white figure sitting on the arch of the fallen tree, and knew it was Misu. His long gold-scaled tailfin was in full view because his back was toward her. Ruto could see his legs dangling off the edge of the tree and he didn't seem to notice her presence in Zoras Fountain. She wanted to call out to him, but for some reason she thought to remain quiet and approach instead.
Ruto limped toward him, and was being extra careful to not apply too much pressure on her sore foot. When the water grew too deep for her to go any further, she kicked her left foot off the ground and swam to where he was. She fully submerged herself and went forward slowly, because it pained her to swim. When Ruto finally made it to the left end of the fallen tree, she surfaced with a splash that caused Misu to notice her and turn his head in her direction.
He looked down at her with his dark eyes, but said nothing, his face expressionless. Ruto stared back at him in disbelief, wondering why he was so quiet. She climbed onto the fallen arch shaped tree and walked toward him until she found a suitable place next to him and saw down and dangled her legs over the water beside his. Misu turned his face away and looked down into the water, his eyes scanning its surface as the last rays of the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon. Ruto gazed at him anyway; her thoughts jumbled on why he was so solemn...but he was always solemn, and had been since they married. Perhaps he was unhappy after all about being married to her, or maybe the water serpent had traumatized him. Ruto wondered how he even survived, or how he knew where the exit was.
Upset to see him upset, she touched his arm gently and watched his face turn toward hers so they were only a few inches apart from each other's. She couldn't stand his silence anymore, and spoke to him with concern, her eyes gazing into his.
"What's wrong?"
Misu sighed shakily and shrunk away from her touch. Silence followed for a long time but he didn't look away from her. It wasn't until Ruto started expressing the fact she was upset on her face and in her eyes that he finally spoke to her in his cool and calm voice.
"I'm sorry Ruto – for everything."
"What do you mean?"
She said in shock, confused as to what he meant. Misu's mouth parted slightly as though trying to say something that pained him greatly, but the words were refusing to come. Ruto urged him to speak with her eyes, which softened from shock to understanding as he spoke to her gently.
"It was my fault you entered Lake Hylia and put yourself in danger. If I hadn't been dwelling there so long and making you more worried, this whole thing wouldn't have happened...you wouldn't have had to go through so much to save our people and I. I am a fool for that, as well as for making such inappropriate romantic implications at the wrong time and leaving you to feel awkward and disgusted with me." Ruto shook her head, thinking it was all in the past and couldn't be changed. She wanted to look toward the future – their future. Even if he did make mistakes, everyone did and she had made several too many in her lifetime. She felt sympathetic toward him, but she was tired of talking about things that couldn't be changed. She spoke to him reassuringly, trying in her own way to make him feel better.
"If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be alive right now, and neither would any Zora. You are a hero to me, because you selflessly saved my life and tried to protect me. Although I sometimes can be too proud to admit it...you are more to me than just a husband..."
Misu fell silent, and looked at her as though believing every word she said, but still unsure of some things. Ruto wanted to reach out to him, but she wasn't sure how. Before she could even think of a way, he responded gently.
"More to you than a husband? How? I thought...you didn't want to be married to me. I was even told by your father that he was going to allow you to divorce me if you wanted to. Didn't he mention that to you...?"
"Yes he did,"
Ruto said, trying to explain what exactly happened and wasn't surprised by the look of confusion that swept across his face as his eyes looked into hers hard. Ruto understood that was what had been bothering him so much. He must have thought she would tell her father she would divorce him after all she had been though, but now he found she didn't.
"However...I told him I wished to keep my vows with you. You are worthy of being my husband, even if I may not be worthy of being your wife because of my demanding ways and harsh temper. I don't mean to be that way, its just...I don't know...at first I found you to be arrogant and far too cold, but now..."
A slight smile spread across her lips and she paused. Misu appeared to be extremely surprised, but he kept his cool to allow her to finish. Ruto was embarrassed by what she was telling him, because she had to set aside her pride and admit her feelings to someone she barely knew. He was her husband though, and they were to remain married, which meant they would have to share things with one another sooner or later. Ruto wanted it to be now, early in their relationship, so it would be more enjoyable for them both.
"I have changed my opinion of you, Misu. I should quit being so childish by judging others before I get to know them, and you are a good example of that. I...I think I...really...care about you."
The words came out slowly, but when she finished Ruto felt her cheeks flush. She felt so corny and predictable, but she couldn't think of any other way then to just tell him. One thing she hated most was anything indecisive or indirect, and especially when it circled around her personal life. Misu said nothing at first, looking at her with his dark sparkling eyes, and the Zora princess realized the sky had darkened and the full moon was slowly rising and illuminating him in a dim gorgeous yet mysterious white glow. The light from the moon reflected off the calm rippling waters of Zoras Fountain, and they had the whole place to themselves – minus JabuJabu, who certainly wasn't listening anyway.
"I never thought you would ever feel that way about me princess..."
Misu said quietly, his smooth calm voice speaking to her in barely a whisper, and for a moment she thought she had imagined him saying it. His mouth moved articulately when he spoke, and his attention was focused on her and only her. Still, he remained calm and collected, but she sensed he was losing control of his emotions. Even though he was struggling to contain how he felt, he never looked away from her. The Zora prince spoke softly to her though didn't dare touch her just yet.
"You...you are so brave – much braver than I. I couldn't have done the things you did in the water serpent's lair. You fought ferocious beasts, explored the unknown and went though pain and despair...and came out alive. The only beneficial thing I did was break the boulder blocking the underwater passage into Zoras Domain – and that was by using that trident I found lodged into the serpent's neck. I am as nothing in comparison to you."
"Don't say that about yourself. You are not nothing,"
Ruto found herself saying, while overwhelmed by the moment and distained by how he loathed himself and admired her. She didn't think anyone could – or would – admire her for anything. Many Zoras secretly thought she was an arrogant selfish little brat, who demanded too much of her people for little in return. She didn't even know the trident was powerful enough to break boulders too...but if it could tear through the scaled skin of the water serpent, it could tear through anything. It crossed her mind to wonder where the trident was now, but she had a feeling Misu would have looked after it while she regained her strength. As to not distract herself with things that didn't matter anymore, her mind thought hard to focus on her husband and she soon added in to her previous words.
"Misu, you are my husband. You are the prince of the Zoras, and heir to the throne. You are also...someone I love...unless my love means nothing to you?"
She knew she was testing him, but she was also trying to snap him out of his self-loathing. Misu looked at her almost in shock, as if she had struck a chord in his heart. Ruto never knew he was so sensitive until now, and it almost made her regret her words until he said desperately, his voice quavering under his bubbling emotions as his calm cool nature was about to be set aside.
"No! Your love...means everything to me. I just wasn't expecting you to ever feel that way about me...our marriage was an arranged one after all."
Then the first sign of his emotions appeared, when a small smile crossed his lips. Ruto was overjoyed to finally see some expression in his face as she had never seen any emotions expressed by him. Well...emotions that weren't driven by the male Zora nature that is. When he smiled, the cold seriousness seemed to wash away and be replaced by a more expressive Zora that had been contained secretly inside all his life. Ruto also realized she still had his necklace, which was rightfully his, and whispered quietly as she slowly, removed it from her neck.
"I found this inside the water serpent's lair. It belongs to you, you wore it the day we married..."
She lifted it up and then slowly but gracefully placed it around his neck. She had to lean in a bit since he was taller than she was, and held the chain of the necklace with bother of her hands at the back. Misu lifted his tail fin to help her slip it around his neck, and when it was placed there she didn't remove her arms from the chain and they were positioned around the back of his neck. Misu's eyes widened slightly as he felt her chest brush against his, until he finally let go of being so conservative and gave in to his emotions.
Their eyes locked once more and Ruto saw Misu move his face toward her until she felt a cool but soft sensation when their lips met. She closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her back and pressed her chest hard into his chest, holding her so tightly but gently it seemed he would never let go of her, and they would remain in such a beautiful place as though frozen in time. If only she had the power to control time like the Hero of Time...she would make this moment last forever, Ruto thought but then cleared her mind. It was their first kiss and it wouldn't be their last.
The moment seemed too short when they parted for a second until giving in fully when their lips met in a series of gentle soft kisses. Ruto's fins fluttered as her heart raced the first few times, but slowed, as she grew accustomed to the new experience. Why...why did she love him so? Why did she now care for someone she originally rejected? It wouldn't make sense to any logical onlooker (if anyone actually saw them together) but to Ruto it made perfect sense for reasons she couldn't even begin to explain.
They kissed for a long time, as the moon slowly rose high into the sky and into their view, silhouetting them both under its mystical pale light. Misu moved closer to try and make it easier to kiss her, since they were sitting on a tree which proved to be a little bit awkward, but when he moved he slipped to the edge of the branch and fell off – unintentionally taking Ruto with him because she still had her arms around his neck. They plunged feet first into the water, and submerged under into dark depths.
Under the water Ruto saw his dark eyes gleam from the light of the moon, and a horrified expression appeared on his face. Together they kicked for the surface, and when they finally surfaced they looked at each other and realized their expressions were almost exactly alike. Then, another shocking event occurred when Misu's horrification turned into a broad smile as his merry laughter filled the air. Ruto stared at him, at first feeling slightly irritated because the mood had been ruined, until she saw the brighter side of things and quickly realized just how ridiculous it must have looked. Two Zora lovers making out under the moon, until one tried to move closer but slipped off and took the other with him into the water.
She was surprised when she found herself laughing with him, and they continued laughing until it slowly died off into silence and Misu swam to her in the water and wrapped his body around hers and kissed her tenderly. Ruto knew now what a wonderful Zora he truly was, and he had such a charming laugh and smile she couldn't help but feel deeply in love with him. Everything he did was always for noble but down to earth purposes, and as they continued kissing her infatuation over him continued to grow.
Ruto gently pulled him underwater with her and their lips met constantly. The water only enhanced their experience, and for moments they would remain upright kissing before they would occasionally twist on their sides in the water while still grasping onto each other tightly and keeping their bodies pressed together. Their fins flared excitedly as their emotions rose, and their gills moved rapidly to take in more oxygen and positive energy their acts induced into the water. It is said a male and female Zora in intense courtship for the first time would give off a strange but wonderful energy that would help them in later love experiences. Ruto could think nothing less of Misu than that he was the most handsome and loving Zora she had ever known, and ever would know. It was strange to feel so strongly for him, but it was destiny...
They performed such acts for at least an hour, but during that time every twist and turn of their bodies made it something new and exciting. There actions were flamed by love, but it was a courting love and nothing more...yet. Zoras mated underwater by doing similar acts, but their intentions were also fueled by a need to reproduce, as well as love. For now, they were satisfied with how things were going.
Finally they were ready to head back to Zoras Domain, after swimming peacefully underwater around Zoras Fountain in a contented silence to relax their muscles and slow their heart rate. Misu's gold scales shimmered under the moon, which made Ruto wonder why his scales were different from all the other Zoras. Perhaps that was why he was considered sort of a loner, but it didn't matter – that was probably why he was the champion diver out of any Zora in Zora history.
Ruto and Misu walked out of the water, still holding hands, and together they left Zoras Fountain. No one would be told of what they did, but Ruto secretly hoped to experience more of that kind of love from her husband. Never in her life had she felt so alive, so wonderful...especially after the pain and fear she had gone through. A time of peace settled, and perhaps it would last for a while longer...
**Author's end of chapter note** hehe! I hoped you liked that. Don't worry; I won't make it go much farther than that. Anything suggestive would force me to make the rating higher, and I'm not sure if that would be a good idea unless I get reviews telling me to go a bit deeper into their relationship, which I can do if you want. I hope you didn't think it was corny or predictable; I tried to make it in depth so hopefully it worked out...as for the falling of the tree thing, that was to add a bit of humor ^_^