Ruto

Ruto is the overbearing Zora princess and keeper of the Zora Sapphire. She is used to having her way and that's how she likes it; orders disobeyed resulting in a tongue lashing. Ruto often hides her feelings behind her tough exterior and has trouble giving compliments. However, when she decides she will do something she is unwavering and will see it through to the end. Her intentions are pure, but her attitude is another story.

In-Game

After discovering a note in a bottle written by Ruto, young Link ventures into the belly of Lord Jabu Jabu to rescue her. However, once he finds her, she refuses to come with him until she recovers the item she lost within Jabu Jabu's stomach. Link agrees, and Ruto demands he carry her throughout the passageways. After much searching, they finally stumble upon the Spiritual Stone of Water and Ruto happily goes to get it. After it is in her possession she yells at Link to take her home, but the ground begins to move and Ruto is lifted into the room above. Link destroys the octopus-like monster that falls from the ceiling and quickly goes to find Ruto.

After traveling through more tunnels, Link happens upon a terrifying monster, Barinade. He uses his new-found weapon, the boomerang, to defeat it and once it is gone, Ruto appears. She pretends to be angry, saying he was horrible for leaving her alone, but also mentions that she was worried. Link steps into the bright light surrounding Ruto and the two float to the top of Lord Jabu Jabu's lake.

Ruto's attitude has completely changed now, and she smiles, leaning in to look at Link. Link falls backwards, landing in the lake, and Ruto jumps in after him. She admits that he looked cool, even if it was "just a little." She asks him what kind of reward he would like and Link responds that he needs the Zora's Sapphire. Although it is her most precious possession, she doesn't hesitate in giving it to him. She tells Link that her mother gave her the stone and that she is only supposed to give it to the man she will marry. Link takes the stone, only thinking briefly about what she said.

Seven years pass and Link returns to Zora's Domain to find it frozen over and the Zoras trapped beneath the ice. He ventures into the Water Temple to destroy the evil there and awaken the Sage. A grown Princess Ruto greets him early in the Temple. She expresses happiness that it truly is him, and then becomes quite angry that the man she is going to marry kept her waiting for seven years. Link steps back in shock, confused as to what she means. Yet there is no time for conversation and Link continues on his quest.

After traversing the temple and defeating the boss, Link is taken to the Chamber of Sages where Ruto is revealed to be the Sage of Water. She expresses disappointment that they cannot be together as she is now responsible for the Water Temple. She knows he is searching for Princess Zelda and has a momentary burst of jealousy. Once she recovers she gives Link the Water Medallion and wishes him luck.

Final Note

First of all, I do not think Ruto actually loves Link. She may love him as in care about him, but not romantically. One sign, I'd say, is when she tells Link she cannot offer him her eternal love. If she truly loved him, she'd be much more upset over the matter, yet she more or less shrugs it off. Ruto, in general, has a hard time expressing emotions. She does not want to appear weak and so she puts everyone down. She needs someone willing to put up with that; someone emotionally stable and perhaps a bit pig-headed themselves. Link is not that person. He's too agreeing, and I think he would get frustrated before he even thought of hitting back.

Race. Too many differences there. The only mention of race mixing in OoT is between Gerudos and Hylians - both peoples having mostly similar traits. It's obvious none of the other races have interbred. And I must say I'm thankful for that.