1Later on, relieved of her Hylian Shield, Saya sat on the beach talking with Runi. The Zora seemed very interested in how Saya had gotten here, and all about her travels. She had introduced her traveling companions, one with a very interesting response.
"I don't know if you'd know Navi. She's my father's fairy." Runi nodded. "She knows a lot of things, which is why she came with me. And this is my Kaala."
Runi's eyes widened. "Well, I"m glad you found her," he said earnestly.
"Wait...What did I say?"
"'Kaala.' It means 'once-lost child,' doesn't it?"
"To you, maybe. The Gorons said it meant 'precious one.' I took it to mean 'misunderstood.' Now you're telling me it means 'once-lost child?'"
"That's how I learned it."
Saya glanced at Navi. The fairy was settling down in Kaala's neck fur. "Something to tell your father about, no doubt," she said. Saya nodded. 'Once-lost...' Kaala was lost to her mother, wasn't she? But she was found by me... This was disturbing. "Runi, can I ask you something?"
The Zora smiled. "You're going to anyway."
"Can you teach me to swim? I have a feeling it's a skill I'm going to need, and it's better to know it now than later."
"If you're going to be spending any time in Zoras' Domain, that feeling is dead on, Saya. I'd be glad to."
Saya looked at her two friends. Kaala had lain her head on her massive front paws. She could make out a bluish glow from Navi, half-buried in Kaala's thick fur. She put her sword, notebook, and Ocarina in a pile, and walked to the water's edge. Runi grinned even broader, then suddenly cried, "Saya! Look out!"
Saya, who had heard the crunching footsteps in the sand behind her, paused. They had been steadily speeding up, and were now faster than ever. She waited for the right moment, then leapt to the side. Tiro, sneaking around with intent to push Saya in, flew past the Hylian girl, and into the water. Runi laughed and yelled, "Give it up, Tiro! She's too good for you!"
The Zora Princess surfaced, looking furious. She spat out a mouthful of water and snarled, "Just wait! She wants to try swimming? Let her try! No one bests a Zora in water!"
"Yeah, but no one 'bests' a Hylian on land," Saya retorted, "And guess what I am?"
Tiro sunk back down and swam away, a dark blur under the waves. Saya shrugged hopelessly. "I hate to make a politically powerful enemy, but you are a witness. She was so asking for it!"
"Tiro's that way sometimes. Now, get in the water, Saya. I think I know a thing or two about swimming."
Saya laughed as she walked into the water. It wasn't all that bad, not warm, not cold. She waded until she was about neck deep. Runi moved in closer and sat on the bottom. "Ready?" Saya nodded. "Come out a little deeper. Tiro's gone. She won't try and pull you under."
Well, that's nice. But that's still not my reason. Saya had said it herself: "I don't swim, I sink." Runi won't let me drown, though. All right, I'll try. Here goes...
Runi back-paddled, forcing Saya to swim towards him. He checked the depth. About two fin-lengths deep. Perfect for diving. Runi stretched an arm out for Saya to hold onto as she treaded water. "Good, although I think you'll be much better under the water. Ready? Just listen while you're down there. And ignore any other Zoras you see. They'll try to leave you alone, but some might want to cause trouble. Especially if it's two little ones..."
With that, he ducked underwater. Saya took a deep breath and followed him. Once underwater, Saya opened her eyes. Runi was in front of her. "All right," he said, "Now, I want to see your stroke. Swim to that rock-." he pointed to a column of stone about 5 feet away, "-and back. Go for it."
He was right. Saya found moving under the waves much easier than above them. True, there had been other Zoras, but like Runi said, they avoided her. One swam beside her for a few strokes, giving encouragement in a stream of bubbles. After a few more challenges, Runi told her they were done. Saya's relief and pride turned to horror when she reached the shore.
Someone had stolen her sword and Ocarina!