1Saya picked up the glass fragments, wondering what had possessed Kaala to break it. That might explain, Navi had said, using her magic to mend the bottle, why the Wolfos had refused breakfast.
Saya smiled and looked at Kaala, who was running her claws through her thick fur. Kaala paused. Was the green Wolfos mad about the whole white-stuff incident? Maybe she wanted it. Where did white-stuff come from? If only she knew, Kaala swore she would find some for the green Wolfos.
"All right, Kaala," said Saya, "Let's go! Link said that the Gorons know they're the only race who eats rocks."
Kaala yipped excitedly and raced ahead. Saya was about to chase her and stop the cub before she broke something, when an older Goron stopped her. "Let your kaala run while she is young. She will not come to any harm here. Besides, Link would like to see you." Saya nodded her head, and followed the elder to see Link of the Gorons.
"Welcome, Daughter of Link. I fear I must ask a favor of you."
Saya looked up at the gentle Goron leader. He seemed to be embarrassed about asking for help, or perhaps, Saya decided, what he was about to say next.
"I...do not wish to bring your father and his deeds into this conversation, but I'm sure you have heard about the Dodongo's Cavern?"
Saya nodded. That, and the Fire Temple had been her favorite stories about her father's doings in the land of Hyrule. Maybe it was because Saya was a bit of a pyromaniac, and a lot of creatures in those stories breathed fire in one way or another.
Link continued, "We have been having...Dodongo problems lately, and were wondering if you might be willing to help us."
"What sort of 'problems?'" Navi questioned, "Are they keeping you out of the Caverns like last time?"
"No..." Link told her, his head bowed, "They have been leaving the Caverns, and...taking...our kaala. They feed them to their young, and new ruler...the Queen Dodongo..."
'Queen Dodongo?' One, wouldn't that be a bit redundant; two, isn't that a little cliche, and, most importantly, three; Dodongos have discernable genders? Saya thought to Navi.
Well, we've already had a 'King' Dodongo. I admit, it is a tad cliche, but Gorons aren't exactly geniuses. And yes, they do. If you know what to look for...
Eww! It took all of Saya's self-control not to make a face.
The number of horns on their head, child! Navi snarled, By Din's flames, you have an interesting mind.
I'm ten. Wait a few years, Navi. It'll get even more 'interesting,' as you say. But, I digress. Should I help them?
Navi's reply took Saya by surprise. It carried none of the usual sarcasm. In fact, the fairy sounded almost gentle, as if she had a soft spot for the Goron race. Yes.
"We'll help!" Saya declared, standing up, "I just need to call Kaala, and..."
"Is that your kaala?" Link asked, pointing behind Saya.
Saya gave a soft howl. It was returned, and in a pile of fur, claws, and puppy drool, came Kaala. "Yup. That's her."
A few hours later, Saya stood at the entrance to the Dodongo's Cavern. Four bottles of milk, a Goron's bracelet, a fairy, and a White Wolfos cub were all with her. With those, along with a shield and sword as her only possessions, Saya walked down the path.
Her hand was still buzzing from high-fives of the remaining young Gorons as she looked at Navi, then Kaala. "Let's go," was all she said.
With that, Saya entered the Dodongos Caverns.