Shada slowly rises from her seated position and looks at Darkin's outstretched wing. Her eyes move upward to look into the Rito's, possibly searching for some sort of sign. Whatever it is, she seems to find it, as her normally cheery smile returns to her face. "Pals," she confirms as she shakes his wing and then pulls him into a gentle hug.

"Oh, and by the way," she says as she moves back to her original resting seat, "I don't think Keyru's mad at you. A little annoyed maybe, but with all he's been through it's probably very hard for him to accept new friends." Concern washes over her face, but she quickly shakes it away. "I'm willing to bet that he isn't really that comfortable around anyone, and as a result gets irritated easily."

Out of both of their sights, a grin forms on Alpha's face. 'At least Shada understands me...somewhat...'

Waddles enters the clearing, slightly out of breath. He takes a stance, placing both palms on each knee, and takes some breath in. After a short rejuvination he regains his stature and addresses his fellow adventurers with confidence.

"Wow, the stuff you guys went through. I practically got lost trying to follow you guys through there, all those rooms and little critters nibblin' at me along the way. Makes one a bit tired if ya catch my drift. But I finally caught up with you guys, lucky for me your takin' this small break. Anyway, it seemed like you guys were gettin' some serious work done from my viewpoint on this gathering, and I'm sure a little more help wouldn't hurt. But just in case, I'll mae it a point to ask, 'Can I get in on this action?'"

Dogura lifts up his head at the sound of the strange voice. He stood up, and emerged from the shade of the tree he was under. Welcome new comer. Are you a martial artist, mage, or scorcerer? What is your race, and what are you here for?

"Well first of all, my name is Waddles. I am hylian and a mage at that. I have come to assist you in your search to the extent that my help is needed. Otherwise, I have no purpose here."

"Nonsense! Everyone has a purpose here! Welcome to the team, Waddles!"

Eximius's head had appeared from under water to shout this greeting to the new newcomer, with another loose salute following close behind. After greeting the mage, Ex proceeded to bring his body up to the surface of the water, so that he was floating on his back. Closing his eyes, the Sheikah let himself begin to float freely, trying hopelessly to tan his pale skin.

However, his grey skin did not dull Ex's muscular body, now fully exposed from the waist up. Seeing this, Victor, who was about to dive into the water himself, stopped removing his cloak. Suddenly, the Bard realized that his slight flabbiness was not something he wanted to show off, and so he quickly put his cloak back on. Scowling just a bit at the Sheikah, and beginning to envy Ex for having another quality that he lacked (a quality that, as fate would have it, happens to attract women as well), the Bard turned and walked towards Waddles, quickly regaining his usual smile as he neared his fellow Hylian. Outstretching his hand like so many times before, Victor said:

"Hello there, Waddles! My name is Victor. Glad to have you in the group!"

Shifting in his sleep, Blank takes a sharp jab in the side as he rolls out of his outcrop and into the sun. Moaning in slight pain, he stands and brushes dirt, leaves and insects off his clothes (which are dry now) and leans against the rock face.

How long have I been out for... he thinks as he observes his surroundings. He sees Alpha leap into a nearby tree. Alpha... there's something disturbing him. I would not be surprised if he wishes to keep his future to himself when or if he sees it. Taking his eyes off of his mysterious ally, Blank glances at the small pool, to see Eximus greeting the newcomer. Not far away, he sees Victor's scowl, which Blank notices is far wider than the vagabond could realize. It's funny to him how emotions are so hard to keep hidden from others.So... The bard sings his silent song of envy... It'll be... interesting to see the relationship between them.

Finally coming out of his thoughts, Blank shields his eyes from the sun and calls out to Eximus, but not before nodding a subtle hello to the newcomer, Waddles.

So, Ex, would you care to tell us about yourself? As it is, you seem more shrouded in mystery than these three Sheikah put together. Surely you have an interesting tale about yourself, to pass the time?

OOC: I've established a new way for people to pick out Blank's thoughts. Any brown text from now on signifies Blank is thinking the words in color.

Still floating in on his back with his eyes shut, Eximius nonchalantly answered Blank's question:

"Well, my father was a Sheikah, but he died when I was three. My mother raised me; she was Hylian, believe it or not. She's still around, living in Mido Town. Anyways, I've always loved this land of Hyrule, so I became a Vassal. Serving the King and whatnot. I joined the Knights when I was... oh, must've been 16 or 17 years old. Pretty young for a recruit, I know, but my master was a high-ranking member, so he pulled some strings to get me in. Have I mentioned my master yet? Old Vryubo? Wily old coot, but tough as nails. He wanders around these days; maybe you'll see him, maybe you won't..."

Taking a moment to kick at the water, Eximius pushed himself away from the shoreline. Then, shifting his hands from his side to under his head, he continued:

"Anywho, as I'm sure you can tell, I inherited most of my father's traits, as well as his race... except for the hair. My mother had the most beautiful, dark red hair in all of Hyrule. In fact, she had to sell her hair every once and a while (OOC: Anyone read "The Gift of the Magi"?) to support us. Wig makers would pay big rupees for her locks. Eventually, I made enough money through oddjobs so my mum wouldn't have to do that again. Ever since, things have been going pretty smoothly.

But I digress. Under Master Vryubo, I learned how to handle a sword and hammer, as well as a few other things. Once he got me into the Knights, my training more-or-less ended. I've been serving in the Knights ever since, and every once and a while Vryubo finds me and we catch up on everything. Same thing with my mother, 'till Southern Hyrule was blocked off. Dear old Mum is probably still wondering whether I've given her grandchildren yet. Isn't it funny how mothers are like that?

Anyways, like I said before, I've been with the Knights since I was 16 or 17. I'm 20 now, by the way. Had myself quite a few adventures, of course. Mostly protecting the idea of Hyrule as a Vassal. Cross the King in front of me, and things can get ugly. Usually, though, I can be pretty sociable. I like to attend big parties, meet beautiful women, and ride wild horses. But hey, who doesn't?"

With his last statement, Ex chuckled, lightening the foreboding mood of the whole group. Under his breath, Victor mocked Eximius, muttering things like "pretty boy" and "glory hog". But otherwise, Ex had a friendly air about him, which caused most people to like him right away...

Blank can't think of why Victor would have anything against Ex. Was the bard really that bad with the ladies that Ex's physique would make his envious? The thought makes him laugh a little, but the grunt stops his chuckling when he remembers how rivalry can tear a person apart.

In the friendly vassal's story, Blank had learned a lot about Ex's past. But one sentence had struck him with a stronger force than a beating from the Sheikah's hammer would create. "Isn't it funny how mothers are like that?" I'm sure it is very funny. But I wouldn't know...

Your story is interesting, Ex. You aren't nearly as mysterious as I thought you were a moment ago.

His back growing sore from being pressed up against the edge, Blank stands and begins to search for sustenance.

Anyone else starving?

OOC: Coincidentially enough, had Blank not been taken away from Hyrule at birth, he and Eximus would have technically grown up together, unless Ex's mom moved there some time after Ex's birth.

These small conversations In-Character will probably make up a few pages of this quest, until Alpha gets back

OOC: True, but that's how most people's characters would be, and are, in some cases.

IC: "Well, I wasn't trying to be mysterious. I don't do the whole "shadowy past" thing. It's not me. I was raised the Hylian way, not the Sheikah way. Besides, I've got nothing to hide; I know who I am, and that's all that matters. The only people who hide who they are from others are the people who aren't sure who they are themselves..."

With this last, uncharacteristicly psychologicall statement, Eximius opened his eyes and turned over onto his stomach. In a few powerful strokes, he was back on the shore with the others, dressing. Once he had his tunic back on, Ex walked over to Blank:

"Yeah, I'm getting a bit hungry, too."

Then, taking a moment to look around at the others, the Sheikah called out:

"Anyone got any food?"

Realizing the hunger of the two, Waddles searches his small knapsack for any morsels of leftover meals. He rummages through and all around, feeling at the bottom for some bread or maybe a pastry. His hand eventually pauses in its search and Waddles reveals a piece of unusual fruit. Wondering where it could have come from, Waddles checks for more. In an outer pouch of the backpack-like sack, there is found yet another piece of the fruit. It is the color of a mango, diluted orange, looking as though it was washed up with cream color. Waddles returns a look to Ex, meeting his eyes and holding up the fruit.

"I've got a bit of fruit here from out of town. The name is Jackfruit. It may taste a bit weird, probably close to cantalope and a little like an orange. But it is very sweet. It should prove refreshing, although it will most certainly not fill you."

Waddles takes a small bite of one of his pieces shortly after handing pieces each to Blank and Ex. Waddles mood quickly lightens as he consumes the day old fruit.

"So... good?"

OOC: FYI - Jackfruit is actually a fruit found in India. I took a visit there during the summer, and we were given some Jackfruit to taste. It is extremely sweet, and although it won't fill you, the taste makes you not want anymore after but a small amount. Very different than any fruit from North America.

James eats his piece of fruit and says

Wow that was great.so what now

OOC: Hey, everybody, I'm back.

These small conversations In-Character will probably make up a few pages of this quest, until Alpha gets back

You know, I never asked anyone to completely stop their stories while I was away. Slow down, sure; then I don't have to catch up very much. But stop? No, never asked anyone to do that. You guys could've continued on without me...

Oh well; what's done is done. I suppose thanks are in order. Heh heh. Thanks for waiting for me; the wait is done!

IC:
While the others begin chatting, Master Zaris continues to meditate. Shada lays down in the shade of a tree and soon dozes off. And Alpha continues pondering in his tree.

None of the conversation pierces into the Sheikah's mind as his thoughts of the future drive forward. 'What will it be like?...will it be a luscious paradise? A desolate wasteland? Or somewhere in between?' He finally he forces himself to come out of this pattern of thinking. He stirs for the first time in a long time and looks down at the group. "I don't know about you all, but I think I'm ready to go see what the future has in store for us."

A small smirk appears on his face, as he starts thinking again. 'At least seeing it firsthand will finally quench my thirst for knowledge...somewhat...'

I'm ready for anything. believe it! Anything that stands in my way will surely dye!Jamesthen looks back at the others and asksHow about yall?

you must explain who you are and how you got here!! Dogura speaks impatiently.

OOC: Im ready to get this show on the road again!

This is the first Blank has seen of the newcomer, having tuned the man's presence out upon his arrival. Hearing that Alpha is quite ready to advance further into the mystery surrounding the time crisis, Blank turns away from Ex and Victor and glances at the rest of the prepared adventurers.

I wonder if our futures are connected...

Spotting Dogura, Blank approaches and pats the sword on his back.

I'm all ready to go, Dogura. Looks like we all are. Let's get going.

Finally noticing the new guy, the nomad raises an eyebrow and gestures towards him.

I don't know who you are, but you may as well come with us.

OOC: Just wouldn't have been the same without you, Alpha Besides, Zelda Veteran wasn't around either.