The sun was rising over the quiet little town. A couple of burly men worked together see-sawing a tree at the edge of town. A baker was preparing his bread at a stand. A group of builders and their foreman were hard at work building a house. A couple of children blew past Darkin as he entered the town. The mage smelled the sweet air of the quaint little town, and smiled. His smile soon faded however, as it brought back memories of Dogura. They had lived in a small cave west of here for a couple of years. He sighed wearily, wishing he could just forget the good times long enough to bring Dogura to justice.

Truth is... I don't know if I'll be able to do what must be done if the time comes for violence...

As he walked he watched as the children played, and closed his eyes.

However... The day will come when Ganon's orders will affect these children. I cannot and will not allow it. Dogura, my friend... You've chosen the wrong side. Why? For power?

He made his way to the giant tree in the center of town. It was the meeting place he'd encased in the letter. He'd paid top dollar for emergency delivery so that the notified parties would have their letters by morning.

I hope brother Swiftwind made good on that.

He thought as he reached the tree. He sat down cross legged in the soft grass as he awaited the arrival of those invited. He kept the team as small as he could, writing a few personal letters here and there.

His head lifted as he felt a familiar energy. Katsuro came running up the path to the tree, a look of determination on his face. Darkin couldn't help but smile.

You're going to do great things, kid.

Katsuro spotted Darkin under the tree and slowed to a jog. He stopped at the tree and placed a hand on it to keep himself upright.

"I... (pant) ran all the way (huff) here. Really (pant) high on this stuff the Deku Tree gave me (pant)."

Darkin lifted an eyebrow. "The Great Deku Tree? You went to him for advice?"

Katsuro nodded. "Where are the others?" He asked as he caught his breath, and sat down next to the Rito.

Darkin looked off into the distance, "They'll be here. We're an hour early.

OOC: Roll call.

The town of Saria was not one that Kasei visited often, even before a variety of events rendered the southern part of Hyrule inaccessible. Sitting on the edge of a river, in the south-most corner of the kingdom, the town was about as far away and different from Kasei's hometown as it could possibly be. To make matters worse, Death Mountain itself loomed ominously over the village, adding a sinister feeling to the air.

The rare visits he could afford to the town were caused almost exclusively by the need to investigate reports of strange events nearby. Thankfully, after the defeat of Gohma, the influx of adventurers traversing the southern regions made Kasei's job much easier. Less and less monster attacks on civilians were reported, and fewer of Ganons' lingering minions were known to dwindle in the area.

Which, I suppose, makes that mountain an ideal locale for Dogura to move in on. He mused, but thought it best not to jump to conclusions. After Jormunds' defeat, The Seven Stars, as well as various adventurers and Hylian knights, cleared out all of the tunnels they could find in the mountain. Weapons and supplies that could not be secured were destroyed; there would not be much left in the mountain's depths for the Samurai to use, unless there was some hidden chamber that no-one could find.

Instead, he attempted to focus on the present, on finding Dogura and bringing him down, through peace or power.

As he passed into town, Kasei was accompanied by two others, Silva and Xanatos, a Gerudo and Hylian, respectively, and both members of the Seven Stars. Kasei was dressed in what could be formal attire; an intricate black outfit with a red-gold design that simulated both fire and smoke at the same time. He held his cane, as he did before, and showed no signs of bringing any other items save a bag hanging at his side.

Silva wore what looked like a modified version of the traditional Gerudo garb; entirely crimson, with her navel covered unlike many other Gerudo. The outfit seemed designed to draw attention in on her ample busom, which was poorly concealed by her dress. She carried a bag similar to Kasei, and carried a curved sword, a scimitar, at her side, and held in her hand a spear-like glaive adorned with etchings of both the Triforce on one side and the Gerudo Emblem on the other.

It was difficult to describe what Xanatos was carrying with him, since a brown cloak covered much of his features. His messy, black hair and face were virtually all that could be seen of him. Yet, some odd folds in his cloak betrayed an object at the side of his waist. Perhaps a weapon, or a bag of sorts.

"So, where exactly are we supposed to meet them?" Silva asked, turning to look at Kasei.

"The note was wonderfully vague, but it's not exactly a large town, I'm sure it won't take time to find these two; just look for a Rito and an easily-excited kid." He responded, glancing around. As he did, he spied exactly that not far away; the two were already in discussion, presumably waiting for them.

"Darkin, hello." Kasei called out, as the trio wandered over. The shiekah glanced at Darkin, and at Katsuro. The boy looked tired somehow, as though he had been running. "Best not to get tired out before we begin, Katsuro." He said with a joking smile, before turning to Darkin.

"I'm sure you might remember them, but allow me to formally introduce my companions." He said, waving a hand to the Hylian to his left. "This is Xanatos, who represents Oulin the first star, and this is-" He was cut off as Silva stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Darkin. "Names Silva, hun, pleasure's all mine." She said, in a sultry voice, flashing a grin.

"Behave, will you? We haven't even started yet." Xanatos called out, while Kasei just chuckled, before addressing Darkin. "So it looks like your friend is a no-show after all, then? Where do you want to start?"

10:00AM in Saria Town

"Darkin, hello."

"Ah!" He called out smiling, "You're early!"
The Rito got to his feet and dusted off his feathers. Katsuro remained seated as he watched the three approach.

"Best not to get tired out before we begin, Katsuro."

He smiled widely, "I don't get tired." He boasted back as he scrambled to his feet.

"I'm sure you might remember them, but allow me to formally introduce my companions."

Darkin was quite relieved. He couldn't recall either of their names or abilities.

"This is Xanatos, who represents Oulin the first star.

"Pleased to meet y- err, good of you to come." He stammered, forgetting that he apparently already met them.

and this is-"

Darkin felt the press of her body against his and immediately blushed. Uncontrollably so.

"Names Silva, hun, pleasure's all mine."

Darkin struggled to form words. "I... My name is... I'm Darkin."
Katsuro laughed, holding his gut, "Oh geeze, you're as bad as Captain!" He managed to choke out between breaths. Darkin magically elevated one of the tree's roots to rise out of the ground behind Katsuro's feet, and gently pushed him backwards. Katsuro tripped over the branch, and hit the dirt hard. "I'm Darkin Blackwing. I'll be spearheading this search along with Kasei here." He smiled warmly, his face returning to its normal coloration.

"So it looks like your friend is a no-show after all, then? Where do you want to start?"

"Mh. I don't think Morgoth will be joining us, but it's quite too early to tell. We owe him at least an hour, seeing as how we're all an hour early. This isn't to say that we cannot get things started with sharing what we know." He moved back to the tree, and motioned for everyone to take a seat. Katsuro sat close to Darkin and crossed his legs, leaning back on his hands.

"I'll begin by assuming that, as members of the Seven Stars, you're all well aware of who Dogura Shadowclaw is and what exactly he is capable of. If you have any questions about him or his abilities, feel free to ask." He cleared his throat.

"Now then. The man Dogura likely went to speak with up there on Death Mountain is known as the Minotaur Shaman. The Minotaur Shaman is mostly an obscure legend here in the south, and near non-existent in the north. Most of the legends are greatly exaggerated. If you've heard any, you've probably heard of a man with the head of a bull who carries around a hammer larger than his body. If he smells, and finds you, he'll ask you a riddle, and if you answer incorrectly, he'll smash you to pieces and devour you." Darkin chuckled.

"Far from the truth," He continued. "The Minotaur Shaman is a wise kindly old man who lives in the mountain. His wisdom is matched only by his skill in hand to hand combat. In his younger days, he was so impressive that he earned even the respect of the Gorons and the minotaurs on Death Mountain. They herald him as a demi-god, and bring him food water, gifts and offerings on a regular basis. I know all of this because of Rendd Shadowclaw, Dogura's father and Shadowclaw's late king. You see, King Shadowclaw had heard of this man's prowess in combat, and sought his aid in a time of war."

Katsuro listened intently, wide-eyed. He'd never heard this story. "Incredible," he chimed in.

"Rendd returned to Shadowclaw and told everyone that there was no such man as the Minotaur Shaman, and that the entire thing was a legend fabricated by the Gorons of Death Mountain. Everyone was pretty disheartened, but Dogura told me otherwise. Supposedly, his father had met him. What had really happened, was that the Shaman refused to aid either side of the war effort. Rendd Shadowclaw made a deal with the man that if he could best the Shaman in combat, then the Shaman would in turn aid Shadowclaw in the war effort. The Minotaur Shaman accepted under the condition that if Rendd could not best him, then he would return to Shadowclaw and tell everyone that he was only a legend, and not to be sought out."

Darkin closed his eyes for a moment and smiled.

"According to Dogura, the Minotaur Shaman not only beat Rendd in hand to hand combat, but made a fool of him in the process."

Katsuro's mouth hung open. "Grandpa lost? To a guy with no weapon? No way."

The aven mage nodded. "A master with a sling and stone will best a novice with a cross-bow. The Minotaur Shaman had more experience than the young King Shadowclaw, and was better at his own craft.

I suspect that Dogura remembered the man, and sought him out for advice, training, or both. Its been years since that day; Dogura and I were only children. He might have succumbed to age already."

Katsuro turned his eyes towards the ground. "A man that strong... Wow. I've made up my mind. He needs to train me." He smiled confidently. "I'll become strong without a weapon like him."

Darkin stroked his chin, "Oh, is that so? Are you going to force him to train you? I think perhaps you should work harder on the skills you already have before you look for training in another area. You still have much to learn from Alpha as it is."

Katsuro's blood ran cold. He felt Kasei looking at him. He dare not look up.

Darkin looked around at the group, and then back to Katsuro. "What's the matter? Is it something I said?" He asked puzzled.

10:30AM in Saria Town

Silva smiled mischievously, before stepping back and composing herself, taking her weapon back in hand.

"I'm Darkin Blackwing. I'll be spearheading this search along with Kasei here."

"I don't mean to correct you so soon, Blackwing, but I'll be collaborating with you, not Kasei." Xanatos said curtly. He and Kasei shared a brief look at each other, before the Eloquent Shadow nodded without a word. Both then returned their attention to Darkin.

"I'll begin by assuming that, as members of the Seven Stars, you're all well aware of who Dogura Shadowclaw is and what exactly he is capable of..."

That's exactly why Xanatos is taking the lead...he doesn't trust my judgment, nor does he think I have the skill or gut to cut Dogura down if we come to blows... Kasei mused to himself.

"Now then. The man Dogura likely went to speak with up there on Death Mountain is known as the Minotaur Shaman..."

Darkin went on to explain much of the tale of Rendd Shadowclaw's meeting with the Minotaur. As he finished, and shared some words with Katsuro, the three Stars shared silent looks with one another; Silva, who was most familiar with the region, was likely the only one who knew of this tale, but if she did she wasn't saying anything about it. They remained silent for the rest of the conversation, until;

"..You still have much to learn from Alpha as it is."

Kasei cocked an eyebrow, glancing down at Katsuro. He had suspected, back when they sparred, that Katsuro had some relation to Alpha. Dogura would likely need a babysitter, after all, and he seemed to trust Keyru more than just about anyone. A part of Kasei wanted to ask, to demand where Alpha was, what he was doing, and why he allowed Dogura to go so far down this path, but he knew that Katsuro likely didn't hold those answers, and if Darkin did, he likely wasn't going to talk. No, Kasei chose instead to keep his eyes in front of him, and focus on the task at hand; finding Dogura.

"What's the matter? Is it something I said?"

"No, it's alright, it's a worry for another day." Kasei said, facing Darkin. He composed himself, arranging his thoughts. "I suppose it's our turn for storytelling, then." He said, as Silva stepped forward.

"After Dogura's, er, change in employment, I was assigned to keep an eye on him. Needless to say, that wasn't exactly easy; Mr. Shadowclaw was more than proficient at hiding himself, he only made small blunders, and even then only rarely, that let me get an idea of where he was and what he was up to.

A little more than six months ago, I actually had the fortune of finding him as he rested, in the loft of a barn on the outskirts of town, actually not too far from here. I had hoped to capture him as he slept, but it looks like he knew I was on his trail, and he wasn't exactly happy to see me." She said, pulling up the hem of her shirt to reveal a wide scar across her stomach, before continuing. "Don't worry, I think I got him back, too. There was a lot of fire. Anyway, he disappeared then, although I did manage to spot him, about a week later on the Mido Bridge. I wasn't in a mood to repeat my blunder, however, so I let him be.

Unfortunately, this let him effectively slip out of sight. None of us have heard any tale of him since, we were starting to think he vanished for good." She finished. Kasei turned to Darkin, knowing full well that he likely had questions. "So, then, it's up in the air now, what should we do first?"

Katsuro listened intently.
I can't believe all these people know dad. He really is amazing.

"I had hoped to capture him as he slept, but it looks like he knew I was on his trail, and he wasn't exactly happy to see me."

The boy listened, and contained his anger. He kept having to remind himself that these weren't allies of his. Darkin was the only one out of the lot that he felt he could depend on. He watched as she lifted her shirt to reveal the scar. She's lucky that's all that happened to her. But why did he flee? Something about this story doesn't quite add up...

"Don't worry, I think I got him back, too. There was a lot of fire. Anyway, he disappeared then, although I did manage to spot him, about a week later on the Mido Bridge. I wasn't in a mood to repeat my blunder, however, so I let him be."

I have a hunch that she wasn't alone. If she's at all as informed as we're to believe, then there's no way she would face dad in one on one combat. It'd be seriously stupid, even for the strongest warriors around. I would wager only a handful of people in the world could attack him alone and live to tell the tale... No. This doesn't make enough sense.

He turned to look at Darkin, who had a similarly inquisitive look about him. His eyes were focused hard on her as she spoke.

I can see Darkin has figured it out too. We're going to be working together with these folks though, so best not to call them out.

He turned his gaze back tot he woman as she went on.

Although... It is entirely possible that she really is that strong. If she's on the same level as Kasei, it's not out of the realm of possibility. I'll just keep quiet. I'm sure Darkin will do the same.

"unfortunately, this let him effectively slip out of sight. None of us have heard any tale of him since, we were starting to think he vanished for good. So, then, it's up in the air now, what should we do first?"

Darkin folded his arms and closed his eyes, deep in thought. "I would like to wait for Morgoth but he's just not here. We'll have to leave without him. If he wants to join us, he'll find us. He's an excellent tracker, and it's half of the reason he's so crucial to our success." He scratched at the bottom of his beak as he looked skyward. "But, he is his own man. I have little to offer him in exchange for his services, and he's quite busy. I suppose it can't be helped..."

He turned towards Death Mountain. "Very well. We're off then. Death Mountain trail isn't too far away. We'll take the bridge just east of the village. <a href="http://desertcolossus.com/adventures/vi ... 2">"Follow me."</a>