-Lake Hylia; Madeline's POV-

I stared out over the sea blue lake as the sun set in the sky. I sat at the edge of the water, my feet dipped in the fresh, clear water. It was getting colder, but I didn't mind. The cold never bothered me much. I slipped the silver scale into my pocket and dived into the water.

I swam through the tiny tunnel and came up at the surface. I was relieved to find the Zoras swimming and giggling as normal. Winter brings snow, and snow is not good for the Zoras. They were frozen under the ice until spring, and I couldn't visit them because of the tunnel blocked by ice. The freeze isn't foreign; it happens every year, but I still fret about it, even now. If the lake had been frozen as well, I would have lit a fire.

I climbed out of the water and climbed up the ladder to the ledge. They say the water is enchanted so that you dry immediately once you get out, but I'm pretty sure it's just the scale in my pocket. Tip of the day: never leap off of a fifty foot ledge, even if it's into the water. Unless of course, someone bribes you with a Zora's Silver Scale. That fisherman stills owes me a golden, though.

Queen Ruto sat in front of the exit to Zora's Domain. She was the most beautiful of the Zoras, but I would have preferred she wear clothes every now and then. "Madeline," she pronounced. "Where have you been?"

"You know, here and there. How have you been, Ruto?"

The queen smiled. "Never better. But, I'm a Zora! We are quite peaceful creatures. I don't even know why you ask anymore."

"I brought you some medicines from the forest. I assume your supplies are short."

"Typical forest girl. Always so observant about those around her. Why don't you join us? We're having a little contest tonight. Niko is participating."

I yearned to stay. Niko was the most graceful swimmer in the domain. And the feast was bound to be delectable. "You know I'd love to, but it's getting late, and I promised the Gerudos a meeting tomorrow."

Ruto sighed. "Always coming, but never staying. Ah well, I have no say in the matter. We wish you well." I nodded goodbye and left the domain through the waterfall, and then dived under the stone to my left to the Lost Woods.

.

-Entrance to Zora's Domain; six years previous-

I played my ocarina as the frogs hopped and croaked to the notes. I played the song that the Windmill Man had taught me.

C, D, A, C, D, A, B, C, B, C, B, G, E, E, C, D, E, F, E, C, D, E, D, C, D, A, C, D, A, B, C, B, C, B, A, G, E, C, D, E, F, E, C_

The frogs hopped and croaked happily as I played. "Wow, that melody is so cool! Ribbit! Siiiiingin' in the pooooond! Oh, what a feeling! Rrrrrribbbit!" They tossed me fifty rupees as they dived back into the pond. My wallet is getting full, I noticed. I should talk to that guard sometime. I'm sure he can help me.

As I turned to leave, I heard a splash in the water. I turned. A young Zora, no older than I, had emerged from the water. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said. "I just...heard you playing, and I thought you were...him..." She quickly dunked her head back under.

"Wait...!" I called, running towards her. She popped her head up again. "Who are you talking about?"

"Oh, just some fairy boy I met about four years ago. He left on this big quest to save Hyrule..." she trailed off, as if she suddenly remembered that I was there. "Sorry, I've said too much. But...do you know him?"

"Uh, I think so. At least, there was this one boy that saved me in the forest last year when some Stalchildren attacked me. He didn't have a fairy with him, but he rode a horse into Kokiri Forest. He must have had rupees to burn; he tossed me a red potion."

The Zora smiled. "Was he wearing a green skirt and a knife?"

"Yeah, he - wait, isn't it a tunic?"

"Ah! It is him! And his trusty Kokiri butter knife! I thought everyone would have forgotten him by now. You met him last year, you say?" I nodded. She smiled at me again. "Come with me."

"Wait, uh...I didn't catch your name."

"Ruto!" she called over her shoulder as she dived back into the water. Without thinking, I decided to do the same.

I followed close behind her. I had never been so much as a fast swimmer, but I do love the water. Water is my life. The discovery of Lake Hylia was the best day of my entire life. Especially considering how sucky it is now.

Ruto climbed out of the water. The droplets slid off her scaly skin like pebbles in a landslide. She watched curiously as I wrung out the ends of my dress. "You should get a silver scale sometime. I'd give you one of mine, but they have matured yet, so..." I knit my eyebrows. "Come on," she dwarled.

I followed her up a tangle of pathways leading to a waterfall. "Watch this," she declaimed. She raised her chin and began to sing a sweet tone. I felt my fingers tap the notes on my thighs. E, G, D, E, G, D, E, G, D, C, G... The waterfall inched the flow to the side and she gestured me inside the tunnel behind the parted waters.

I couldn't suppress a awe of amazement. "Whoa," I breathed. It was beautiful. Shimmering walls as if they were made of crystal, endless flowing water falls, fish, and, of course, more Zoras laughing and swimming together.

Ruto giggled and grabbed my arm, pulling me up the pathway. A huge Zora, and I mean huge Zora, sat on a tiny ledge in front of a gate. "Princess Ruto!" he grunted. "Where have you been all day?"

"Just out swimming, father," she answered in annoyance.

"Wait, wait, wait," I said quickly. "You're the princess?"

"I see you've made a new friend," said Humpty Dumpty.

"Yes, father, she knows Link!" Ruto exclaimed.

"Link?" I inquired.

"Yes, he's the one who saved you a year ago. You know, short, green forest boy on the horse?" She told her father, "Father, can she take the challenge? Please?"

"Of course. You know where it is."

"Come on!" Ruto exclaimed as she pulled me under an arch. An older Zora stood at the top of the waterfall. "Hey, Niko!" Ruto greeted him. "Uh...what's your name?" she asked me.

"Uh, Madeline."

"Yes, Madeline would like to take the challenge!" She held out 20 rupees for him.

"Sure," Niko responded dully, taking the rupees. "You have 30 seconds to fetch all of these rupees. If you can get them all, I'll give you a special prize." Ruto stepped back. "Ready?" Niko asked.

"No," I squeaked, looking down over the ledge.

"GO!!!" he bellowed.

He flung the rupees over the falls. I hesitated. I was terrified of heights, even if I was falling into water. Ruto, clearly getting impatient, pushed me, and I tumbled over the falls. "Go!" she yelled.

I yelped as I hit the water with a loud splash. Ouch! I scowled. "Come on, Madeline!" Ruto called. "The timer's ticking!" I shook my head and dived under the water. I guess this is the start to a friendship. I thought to myself as I snagged the first two rupees.