"Link," a voice was trying to pull the boy from his sleep.
"Link." Link rolled over ignoring it. There was no light coming in from his window, splashing against his closed eyelids. It was not time for him to wake up.
"Link, wake up!" Navi was persistent.
After a grunt, "For the love of the Goddesses let me enjoy my last seconds of sleep," Link growled in his deep, sleep ridden voice.
A stranger's voice spoke next, clearing his throat as he spoke. "Ahem, Master Link." The boy's eyes shot wide open. Link kicked off the wall and rolled off his bed. He hit the ground with his bare feet, crouched low and ready to fight. The Zora took a step back, surprised by the boy's sudden movements.
"Um, sir," the Zora stammered. "Excuse me for intruding upon you like this but Princess Ruto sent me." When Link spotted no weapons, and could see no ill intent in the Zora's nervous eyes, he allowed himself to relax and stand up.
"Princess Ruto is here?" Link asked. "And sent you to my home?" The Zora straightened his posture, relieved that Link was now awake and compliant, and lifted his chin.
"She did sir. The princess arrived earlier this morning and was piqued that you were not there to welcome her into your. . ." The water-man glanced side to side, examining Link's home. "Kingdom."
Link gave a good-natured chuckle. "I'm sure to receive an earful huh?" The man said nothing.
Link looked the Zora up and down, racking his brain for memory of this one. His first two days in the Zora kingdom he had insulted many a citizen by not being able to tell them apart. His guide had been a Zora named Barbel, a rather impatient man who had a tendency to stride around too quickly for Link to follow. He beat Link to a room by several strides once. When Link arrived in the room there were four Zoras standing around, all of whom looked incredibly impatient and annoyed. Was it truly his fault for wrongly calling two of them Barbel before his guide identified himself? As humiliating as that instance had been Link had made the same mistake multiple times during his stay. By the time he left though, Link thought he had a good grasp on what marks each Zora as an individual. He had made many friends and more acquaintances, and had been able to identify them successfully.
This Zora in front of Link was indeed unknown to him. The water-man was thin by Zora standards (especially compared to King Zora XVI) but was of average height, 5'10". His eyes were silver and black, a common color, yet his were smaller and closer to the center of his face. The dorsal fin, the appendage that protruded from the back of this species' head, of this man was long and wide until the flukes, which were on the narrow side of average. The rest of the man's fins were tucked away which, as Link had learned, was deemed proper when speaking in a formal audience. The man's skin was the typical white with a hint of light blue.
Link marveled to himself that he was able to pick up on all these details. Just over a year ago such attributes would have been overlooked due to ignorance.
"What is your name friend?" Link asked bringing his palm to his forehead, then extending it outwards.
The man looked pleased that Link knew the gesture of his people. "Dace Varden," he said, likewise touching his forehead then meeting Link's palm with his own. The man's hand felt like the skin of a fish, but warm. "Attendant and emissary of her highness, Princess Ruto."
The two pulled their hands apart. "It's a pleasure to meet you Dace. If you will allow me a moment to grab my boots and sword I will be happy to greet her."
Dace tilted his head, "Of course Master Link. I will meet you at the bottom of your. . . tree." He turned around and left, ducking to avoid the top of Link's doorway.
After the Zora messenger left Link looked out the window. Only just now was the sun beginning to rise above the horizon. This was an early morning even by his standards.
"What a great way to start the day," Link said pulling his right boot on. It was a tight fit now, he would have to find a way to secure a new pair soon. "You don't suppose Princess Ruto still thinks we are engaged?" Link asked Navi.
"I have wondered that myself," Navi replied in all seriousness. "She did say the Spiritual Sapphire had been dear to her mother. That it was how King Zora XVI proposed to his wife."
With a small exertion of effort Link pulled his left boot on. "For my sake let's hope her father found out about the engagement and called it off."
Dressed and armed with Din's Wrath Link descended from his porch and met Dace on the ground. Surrounded by the green scenery the Zora looked very much out of place. A smirk found its way onto Link's face.
"Something amusing?" Dace asked sensitively.
"Oh nothing," Link said, quick to wave him off. "It's just that there is a saying amongst the hylians that came to mind. 'Like a fish out of water.'"
Dace did not appear incredibly amused. "And I suppose I am the fish?"
"I mean no insult," Link offered. "Your people are blessed with grace on land and in the water. It is just strange seeing you so far from water."
His pride recovered, Dace turned away from Link's home and began heading through the village towards the woods. Link was grateful the Kokiri were still asleep. Sheik and Impa had been one thing but a Zora? That would prove too much for the curious rascals of this village. Link hoped the entire meeting would go undetected by the villagers, save for Saria.
"Your water is very clean," Dace said over his shoulder. Link knew this to be a great compliment from the water folk.
"Thank you. It was blessed by the Great Deku Tree."
Dace looked at the spring they were walking past longingly. No doubt he wanted nothing more than to be off this irritating grass beneath his webbed feet.
The Zora retraced his steps through the village and made it to the woods. Despite his best efforts he ended up getting lost only a few meters into the woods. A simple mistake for anyone who was not Kokiri, or Impa. Link offered to lead the way, assuming that the princess was waiting near the submerged tunnel Impa had spoken of.
"How did you find my house?" Link asked. "Did someone meet you when you arrived?"
"Master Impa and a Madame Saria met the Princess upon our arrival," Dace explained. "It was Madame Saria that gave me directions to your home. She and Master Impa are with the princess now."
Link noted that the Zora referred to Impa as "master". It was a term reserved for men of nobility/importance and warriors. The Sheikah may be the only woman to be recognized by such a title by the Zora.
The two found the clearing just as the sun's rays began to trickle through the trees. Saria and Ruto were standing near the edge of the pool that served as the entrance to the submerged tunnel. The water princess spotted them first. Immediately she donned a pouting expression and put her hands on her hip.
"Oh boy," Link said quietly to himself. Ruto strutted towards Link and her servant. Dace took a knee as his liege approached. Link just offered his friendliest smile. He didn't see the slap coming.
Smack!
Link reared his head and blinked in surprise. Ruto had just struck him! Before Link could protest the princess grabbed Link's face with her hands and pulled him into a kiss. Link was too stunned to do anything. Before his mind could recover from the shock of it all Princess Ruto pulled away.
The princess put her hands back on her hips, which were slightly cocked to the side. "How dare you leave your fiancée waiting like this in the forest?" She scolded. Link glanced away from her "angry" purple eyes to Saria, still standing by the water's edge. A look of true concern was on his friend's face.
Link started an excuse, "I . . . uh. . ." but he was still recovering from that bizarre moment. Sure the slap hadn't hurt, and the kiss had been so fast he didn't really feel how warm and soft her lips were, but it was still not the greeting he had been expecting. He turned to Saria for help. His long-time friend offered only an uncharacteristic shrug, leaving him to fend for himself.
"I was not informed you would be arriving so early," he finally managed. Then, quickly recovering, "I would never dream of leaving the beautiful Princess Ruto to sojourn through my forest unattended."
Ruto seemed pleased with the answer. "It is just as well," she said turning away, back towards Saria. She swung her hips side to side dramatically as she walked. "Your friend Saria met us as we arrived. We have made wonderful conversation."
Link looked at Saria and raised an eyebrow. A smirk and a giggle were all he got in return.
"Is it just you and Dace who arrived?" Link asked walking over to join the two girls. Dace was on his feet and heading for the pool. Without even a pause, the emissary dove into the water making only the tiniest of splashes. Only after Link had partaken in the Zora Games did he appreciate the grace of trained divers.
"Father would not send his heir with just one bodyguard," Ruto said in a condescending tone. "Cuda and Barri are patrolling the tunnel to ensure we were not followed."
"Of course." Link had learned it was better to pacify and agree with this one, rather than argue. He thanked the goddesses that Zelda was not such a needy or belittling princess. That being said Zelda had never kissed him before. . .
"Link."
"Huh, yes?" Apparently Saria had repeated the boy's name twice.
With a curious look Saria said, "Since Princess Ruto is already here, why don't we go meet Impa and Sheik. Impa headed for the Goron's tunnel just before you arrived."
"A great idea," Link said quickly. He turned to Princess Ruto who was back in her preferred stance, hands on her hips, hips cocked to the side. "If that is alright with the princess, of course."
Ruto flicked her fingers at Link as if shooing him away. "Yes, yes, yes." She said turning her head to the side. "Allow me a moment to inform my escorts." Even more gracefully than Master Angler, the officiator of the Zora Games, Princess Ruto effortlessly leapt into the air, flipped in midair, then descended into the water causing nothing but ripples. Link let out a low whistle. Saria did not seem impressed.
"What is a fiancée?" Saria asked Link. She cocked her head to the side and crossed her arms over her chest. She looked expectantly to Link for an answer.
Link shrugged innocently. "I don't know," he lied. "Must be a Zora term."
Saria gave a skeptical, "hmmm," but did not press the issue. Ruto and three Zora arrived before any sort of awkward silence could ensue.
The four Zora strode out of the small but deep pool not bothering to shake off the water droplets that clung to their bodies. Link assumed the two, tall, muscular Zoras were Cuda and Barri. Ruto walked up to Link and put her arm in his.
"We are ready," she declared. Without a word Saria turned around and led the way. Doubtful he would be able to get his arm back if he tried Link escorted Ruto. While he thought this gesture was unnecessary he was glad he would not be carrying the princess. Not yet anyway.
The three Zora men followed behind the children without saying a word. Link wondered what their race's policy was on this sort of relationship, Zora and non-Zora.
Impa and Sheik were waiting next to the cave that served as the entrance to the subterranean tunnel. As Saria, Link, Ruto, and the three escorts approached both Impa and Sheik bowed. Sheik was more disguised than usual today. She was wearing dark purple pants that gave way to solid black boots. Instead of her usual blouse the princess-in-disguise wore a long sleeve grey undershirt with a sort of parka draped over that. The parka had a series of brightly colored marks, which Link could only assume were Sheikah markings. Sheik also wore a scarf, which probably intentionally seemed to cover the lower half of her face. Her hair was also hidden. Instead of the usual ponytail Sheik had hidden all but her golden bangs under a turban. Obviously Link couldn't say if she looked like a true Sheikah, Impa being the only one he had met, but she certainly did not look like Princess Zelda.
"You seem to keep a lot of women in your company," Ruto said so that only Link could hear her. The boy chuckled nervously.
Link cleared his throat then gestured towards Impa. "Princess Ruto this is Impa, whom you have already met," Then towards Sheik, "And this is Sheik Prava, Impa's niece."
Ruto finally released Link's arm after nodding to each of the Sheikah.
"You have matured gracefully since last we met," Impa said to the princess. A childish smile spread across the girl's face robbing her of her authoritative demeanor for a moment. Ruto offered her most polite curtsey.
"You are too kind Master Impa." She turned to Sheik. "It is a pleasure to meet you Madame Sheik."
Sheik bowed her head slightly again. "The pleasure is all mine Princess." Then standing erect, mimicking Impa's posture, "Amongst the Sheikah we have a legend that the Zora Queen, Rasbora, was so beautiful men would drown themselves in the sea for a chance to be with her. Now I know the legends to be true as you are clearly her descendant."
Ruto's light blue face was turning red from the compliments. "Oh my," she said trying her best to regain her composure. She curtsied again. "Surely I am not worthy of such kind words." Ruto turned to Link. "Why is it strangers say nicer things to me than you?"
At a loss for words Link sighed and gave Sheik an annoyed look. If the girl understood the meaning of such a look, she did not show it.
Link addressed Impa, "When is Brother Darunia due to arrive?"
As if on cue, a low rumbling noise could be heard. All heads turned to face the cave, where the sound was originating from. From his peripherals Link could see Cuda and Barri discreetly maneuver in front of their princess. The rumbling got louder and louder until out poured the rolling Gorons. Impa was the closest to the cave and so had to leap backwards to avoid being bowled over. Reaching to the side with one arm she lifted Saria off her feet and out of the way.
Three gorons rolled out of the cave, Link could already tell which one was Darunia. Simultaneously all three sat up, then clambered to their feet.
Darunia threw his arms up, "Brother Link!" he cried. Link threw his arms up, smiling ear to ear.
"Brother Darunia!" Just before the two embraced Link prepared himself for the bone crushing hug. Not only were Gorons impossibly strong, Link had learned, their skin was tough. The skin on their arms, chest, stomach, and face were thick as tree bark, then their backs were solid as rocks. Darunia had bragged that not even Hylian Steel could pierce his people's hard backs.
"Ooooof." The sound was forced from Link as his ribcage was brought near its breaking point. The monstrous hug could not have ended soon enough.
"You've gotten stronger big brother," Darunia praised. Link would have beamed back but his sides were in too much pain. Link nodded to his sworn brother then turned to the other two Goron that were present.
"Tuff, Gabbro, it's good to see you two," He said catching his breath. The two were delighted they had not been forgotten.
"It's good to see you too!" Gabbro, the younger of the two, said. Tuff nodded excitedly to agree but his eyes were already devouring the scenery around them. The rock people had likely never seen such dense green foliage.
"Welcome to the Lost Woods," Link said opening his arms wide. All three Gorons' heads swiveled about.
"This is a fine home," Darunia said offering Link a fist. Link recognized the gesture to be the same as a "thumbs up" from a Hylian or Kokiri.
"I'm glad you like it," this from Saria. Darunia turned to the first true Kokiri he had ever met.
"You must be Saria!" he shouted. Out of nowhere the king of the Gorons started jumping from foot to foot, hands waving wildly above his head. "Oooo, Link played me your song and it was hot, hot, hot!"
Link threw his head back and laughed while Saria giggled. Impa looked just the slightest bit uncomfortable.
"Link didn't tell me he played you one of my songs," Saria said. "I'm glad you liked it." A genuine smile lit up her face.
As sudden as the crazed dance had started, it came to an end. King Darunia was facing Princess Ruto, or rather Cuda and Barri. He lifted his hands above his head as he spoke. "This must be the Princess Ruto. It is an honor to meet you and your kinsman on this historical day."
"Raising their hands above their heads," Link explained to the water princess, "is how Goron's bow. It's a gesture of respect."
"Huh," Ruto said thoughtfully, then stepped between her bodyguards. "The honor is mine, King Darunia. It is truly a delight to see your people with my own eyes." The Zora curtsied to the Goron king. Cuda, Barri and Dace all bowed. Tuff and Gabbro raised their hands above their heads.
"This is a glorious day!" Darunia cried striking his chest. "We have the royalty from every race of Hyrule except Princess Zelda herself." He reached outwards, as though encompassing everyone present in his powerful arms. "Warrior Princess Impa of the Sheikah, Princess Ruto of the Zora, Princess Saria of the Kokiri."
"Oh I'm not a princess," Saria started, but Darunia continued paying her no heed.
"Brother Link, with the blood of the courageous kings of old no doubt pumping through his veins." He offered the boy a wink. "And the humble King Darunia of the Gorons."
"The Bellowing King would be more appropriate." Everyone turned to find the stranger's voice. "It will be a miracle if Ganondorf cannot hear you from his bloodied throne."
Link saw, just a few steps in front of Nagina, stood the Goddess Din, hair aflame in the morning light.
Author's Note: Did you see what I did with the names? With the fish names? Every Zora besides Ruto is named after a type of fish. I did the same thing with the Goron names, but with rocks.
Anyway I have finally introduced every significant character from the game, OoT. The plot thickens.