My apologies about the delay between each chapter, although it is my hopes that you enjoy this one.

Chapter XIV: Fallen Astray

A low groan escaped Shadow's lips as he awakened, instinctively shifting. He gasped in astonishment as agony tore through is side, aching and torn muscles screaming in protest. The dark warrior's jet gaze snapped open as recent memories flooded his waking mind, jerking into a sitting position.

Placid gray stone met his startled stare, a gentle but startlingly firm grip closing on his shoulder. "Hold, please. You shall only tear your wound," a soft, wearied but unfamiliar feminine voice cautioned quietly from behind him.

Shadow immediately twisted, tensing. The young man hesitated upon recognizing the pale mage that had allied them earlier; But flinched away when she moved to touch the trio of gashes that tore through his aged chain mail and tunic, his dark eyed gaze hardening by engrained reaction. "And whom might you be?" Shadow queried, a low snarl accompanying his words.

She hesitated briefly, her soft cobalt gaze observing the warrior's rigid stance. A small sigh escaped her lips, slowly extending a hand. "... It's all right. I've no reason to harm or distrust you, despite what you apparently think ..." the electrum tressed maiden reasoned quietly, her level tone maintaining neutral grounds despite the alert hostility that lay claim to him. "... And my name is Selena," she offered softly, her gaze boring into him.

The dark warrior nodded after a long moment of edged indecision, slowly beginning to relax. Remaining vigilant enough, however, not to drop his guard entirely. Leaning back slightly, his eyes flicked about the structure they resided in. Fresh dawn light crept through the high arch of a window, casting its faint warmth about the room. Polished and smooth gray flagstone patterned the floor, whilst lighter marble decorated the sweeping walls of the entire large room.

Oddly motionless Hylian forms were visible no more than a horse-length away, resting on their backs. Varying articles of extra garments padded the backs of their heads, although the combined amount of scarlet stains drove what had happened 'home'. The steady rise and fall of the trio's torsos assured him of their vitality, though dormant as his penetrating stare returned to the mage.

Although silent, something inclined him to place a margin of trust with her now. "… You cared for them?" he inquired quietly, brow arching in bemusement.

Selena nodded in return, her eyes falling to the floor. Hands now clasped in her lap, the mage in a kneeling position, a larger and gustier sigh reached his ears. "… Yes … But we do not belong here. None of us … Our essences do not dance to this tune, to phrase it simply …" the young maiden added softly, eyes closing as she pushed herself up. Yet, not without noticing Shadow bristle once more, wary.

"Essences – You can sense them?" the dark warrior snapped, unnerved. Why she did not smite him at first opportunity confounded him, if she truly could. Yet, the levelness of her tone held conviction and calmness.

"It is true, yes. While it is also true, as well as unchangeable, it sets no specific path," Selena offered by way of explanation, apparently referencing him as her eyes reopened, turning. Crimson tainted her façade when she noticed both the Princess and apparent Knight that Link had identified as Kent had awakened, now in a sitting position, observing in near silence. The latter nodded to them, before pushing himself up.

"You needn't concern yourself of falsehoods," the onyx tressed Knight murmured to Shadow after a moment, offering a hand to Zelda. The Princess grasped it after brief hesitation, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet. "… What did you mean, earlier? Our essences not belonging?" Kent queried quietly, his tone carrying bemusement.

Selena sighed as her gaze moved back to Shadow, whom was pushing himself up with a groan. "… Here, allow me," the electrum tressed mage intervened softly, lightly touching her palm to the arm that covered his wound. The young woman nodded slightly when he reluctantly complied, moving her hand to hover over it. Flickering silver-blue aura appeared, a soothingly gentle magic slowly seeping into it. "… One might say that we are outsiders. We simply do not belong," Selena murmured, her petite frame wavering slightly.

The dark warrior winced as he pulled away, brushing her hand aside. Although a fair amount had been tended to, it was still sensitive. "While I appreciate your concern, you're about to fall asleep on your feet. When this weary, you are little more than a self threat," Shadow said brusquely, tone guarded. His jet gaze narrowed slightly when the Knight's brow arched, silently regarding one another.

Zelda stepped forward after a moment, intercepting before the exchange turned. "Perhaps we should move Link elsewhere?" the Princess inquired pointedly, motioning towards the archway as well as the coming sounds. Although outwardly calm, a subtle mix of emotion belied the guise, visible even to Shadow.

"Of course. My apologies," Selena whispered, scarlet once again touching her features. She paused when she noticed Kent's quizzical gaze, her own falling to the floor once more. "… What is it?"

A somewhat bemused sigh was audible from the Knight as Shadow moved towards Link, habit alone causing him to watch out of the corner of his eye. Kent took a step forward, though it was apparent he was favoring a leg slightly. Judging from the thin scarlet streak and grip in the thigh of his trousers, it was obvious he remained a bit sore from having the wound closed so abruptly. "Selena, why are you apologizing? … We did not even know you held affinities towards healing. I appreciate your efforts …" Kent said gently, briefly bowing his head.

The jet eyed swordsman shrugged in independent half agreement, though quirking a brow when Kent lifted the green-clad warrior onto his back as he knelt; only pausing as he started to stand. Sighing, Shadow turned towards Zelda. "It would probably be a wise idea to depart, now. The sooner we find out where this is, the better," he pointed out nonchalantly, though his tone was edged with impatience as he shifted his weight, left hand toying with the smooth hilt of his weapon.

"Quite true, as I would rather avoid trouble," the mage commented, nodding to her companions. Outwardly calm, though clearly musing as they fell in step behind Selena. The heels of their boots resonated on the stone as they began moving, blending and somewhat muffled from their mismatched strides.

Shadow's dark stare traveled with their motions, vaguely interested in the delicate runes that curled around the arched doorway. He continued with another shrug, however, upon deciding that they did not appear similar in design. Wondering at the back of his mind if the 'unreadable' runes held importance or simple happenstance. The young warrior paused when their female companions lightly pushed against the elegantly carven wooden door, iron bound hinges creaking through the morning. Now strong amber light pierced through the pale white swaths of clouds, soothing heat dancing across Shadow's skin as he emerged. With another slight creak, the door proceeded to swing shut as Kent joined them.

His gaze momentarily sweeping over the Link once more affirmed his thoughts, although admittedly reluctant to pursue them. Shadow's jaw clenched at the proposition of requesting assistance, or anything of the like, jet eyes hardening. Inability in healing arts only seemed to prod him, hardly assisting the warrior's temperament. Yet the mild simmering all but ceased when an unfamiliar pair of voices reached his ears, footsteps audible on the well tended cobblestone path.

"Move!" he hissed, urging their group towards the near cluster of towering pines. Fresh wounds being brought to attention was hardly was they needed. The young man stiffened slightly when the voiced neared, taking matters into his own hands by promptly pushing them forward. Thin undergrowth rustled as the group stumbled into it, the short green sprigs of wild mint coming as a welcome revelation. He slowly inhaled the refreshing scent as he ducked under a low branch, though pausing upon hearing Link's low groan.

The dark warrior turned after a moment, listening intently. Shadow could feel his companions eyes upon his back, nodding to himself when the voices all but vanished. "… While I realize your point, Shadow, we cannot remain in the wood. We have naught to finish tending the wounds with, unfortunately," Zelda said pointedly when he turned back, glancing at Kent and Link's half conscious frame across his back. Concern was readily visible in her sapphire gaze; although her tone made it clear she was taking responsibility for the group in some manner or another.

Shadow nodded again in acknowledgment, his jet stare immediately shifting when the pale mage stepped forward. He shook his head before Selena could speak, silencing her. "Do not waste your energy more than you already have. I would rather not have another out of commission; Especially seeing as it weakens us as a group and separately," the young man said blandly, though pausing when her gaze fell.

"I only wish to help, Shadow," Selena said quietly, idly tapping the heel of her boot against a sturdy, moss blanketed tree trunk as she spoke. She hesitantly glanced back up, feeling his bemusement. The young woman's gaze flicked to the right as Shadow started to speak, piquing his interest.

Link had now fully awakened, observing his surroundings as Kent lowered him to the ground. The tan fabric of Kent's shirt slid back some as he did so, the young Knight flinching when he started to straighten. A livid crimson scar was carved into both sides of his shoulder. Kent quickly finished pushing himself up upon noticing his companion's steady gazes, specifically avoiding Selena's as he shifted the material back over it. "Are you all right, Link?" Kent inquired after a moment, meeting the swordsman's steady gaze as he spoke.

"Well enough, I suppose … Where are we, might I ask?" Link added, shifting as to relieve the pressure of bark against the only partially closed wound in his side.

"Hyrule proper, naturally," an unfamiliar feminine voice returned, causing the entire group to tense as they pivoted to face it. Puzzlement clouded the mage's eyes as she glanced at her companions, shaking her head. Shadow immediately drew his blade, nodding in silent agreement as Kent withdrew his longsword from the sheath at his side.

"Would you care to show yourself now?" Zelda queried calmly, golden-white aura briefly flickering at her palm.

"Oh, come now. I was only answering your question, outsiders. If you insist, though …" she said, her tone carrying equal calm as her voice trailed off. Branches not far overhead suddenly began bobbing, leaves rustling as a slender figure dropped down from them, landing in a kneeling position. Dark ebony locks fell to her shoulders in a single smooth wave, a long fringe almost reaching her umber eyes as she looked up. A slight smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she stood, vaguely amused. "I would not lower myself as to attack the wounded. You may lower your weapons," she scoffed, half commanding as her eyes narrowed at their offensive stances. One bronzed hand warningly hovered over a long, curved dagger tucked in her belt.

Selena stepped forward in response, holding her palms upwards at her sides. "We learn naught with aggression … Please, do as she says …" the young woman murmured, nodding to her companions. Whilst her tone was firm, bemusement still clung to it, lost in thought.

"… You do make a fair point. However, we cannot risk it entirely. Kent, Shadow," Zelda added, nodding. The Knight slowly complied, allowing his readied stance to relax as the tip of his longsword tilted downwards. Shadow merely lowered his sword arm, shifting his weight. "Does this meet your satisfaction?" the Princess queried, levelly observing the arrival.

Although the woman's stance was lax, her alert umber gaze said nothing of the sort. Oddly enough, her ebony tresses were sliced even with the tops of her shoulders and loose, like that of a male noble. Late morning light danced across her almost bronze skin as it darted through the thick canopy of leaves. She then nodded, allowing her hands to simply hang at her sides. A light breeze toyed with the rough material of her sleeveless black tunic and trousers, thin chainmail underneath the former clearly glinting.

"Yes, it does. I am curious, however – How is it you do not know where you are, in such a well known place, yet your whole company is clearly wounded or utterly exhausted?" she queried, brow arching as she shifted her weight. "You clearly came from battle; there is little point in denying that."

Selena paused at her words, glancing back. "… You do realize what this could mean?" the mage whispered, gesturing to their surroundings. None of which that were familiar. They slowly nodded, Shadow himself running his gauntleted fingers through his still damp locks.

"Where is Kain, Selena?" Kent inquired stiffly, finally speaking of what was weighting his mind. Shadow hesitated, his gaze remaining trained on the arrival. The mercenary would still seek bloodshed if he knew they had survived. Of that, he was certain. After all, had he not known similarities?

"… I can only assume. It is possible that we were separated during the jump, considering our distance when I first awakened," Selena shrugged, only further garnering the arrival's interest. She turned back to face her, though vaguely flustered upon noticing her bemusement.

"Well, if you're through, do keep in mind that your wounds may become infected if left open. I would advise that you follow me," the ebony tressed warrior added, her tone calm but admittedly curious. Even so, her point was painfully clear.

Zelda moved forward after a moment, motioning for the others to remain. "I do offer my apologies, but would you consider it wise to immediately follow the first being one encounters?" the Princess queried, levelly meeting the arrival's gaze.

"True enough. However, does anyone in your company have the slightest idea of this area? Apparently not."

"Might we know your name, then?"

"Lynnette," the bronzed female returned, unfazed by the exchange.

Shadow moved to the side after a moment, pulling Link to his feet. "As much as it pains me to intrude, useless banter does not get us anywhere. If we are going, then we may as well depart some time in the near future," the dark warrior said bluntly, tone comparable to that of a dull axe. He winced when the green clad warrior deliberately trod across his boot, glaring at him as he rested all of his weight on it. "Off," Shadow hissed under his breath, annoyed at his counterpart's hinting to control his tongue.

Link chuckled shortly, before shifting his weight. "I suppose it would not hurt, providing it is not somewhere we must go unarmed," he said to Lynette, nodding. The warrior briefly inclined her head in acknowledgment, turning on her heel.

* * * * *

Kent straightened when the arrival turned, having caught himself slouching. A small sigh escaped his lips as he combed his fingers through his still damp onyx tresses, edged frustration only growing. It was clear he should have ended the duel when he had the chance, rather than let himself be manipulated like a fool. Kain may have known which barrel held the fish, but he himself had a fair idea where the second barrel was.

The young Knight paused momentarily when Selena had fallen to the back of the group with im, before picking up the pace once more. His gaze remained on the sparse but apparent trail as Lynette wound her way thought, listening to Shadow aimlessly kick a rock along with them. He flinched when her hand touched his already tender shoulder, before finally meeting her eyes. "What is it?" Kent queried, quirking a brow.

Selena's eyes fell to the roots as they ducked under a low branch, allowing her hand to fall. "… I may not be able to heal an already closed wound, but I can soothe it to a certain point …" she murmured, hands now clasped in front of her.

"You have already tended to everyone's wounds, Selena. I cannot ask that you use more energy simply for comfort purposes," he returned quietly, although a bit bemused by her offer, considering her clear weariness. If she used much more magic, there was a faint possibility of what had happened the other day returning.

"Perhaps that is so. However, there are hardly an herbs at hand … I do realize that I am not much help to your troubles, but please allow me to assist where I can," Selena said with equal softness, barely audible. "Here …" she whispered, gently resting her palm against the back of his shoulder, a pale silver-blue aura flickering into existence.

His pace slowed slightly when it began taking affect, stiff and knotted muscles beginning to relax. The once spliced section gratefully clung to the wisps of magic, despite Kent's attempts to ignore the soreness. Although the perpetual ache was receding, it seemed as it some of Selena's aura was actually setting in. The young mage's hand slid from his shoulder after a moment, falling back at her side as they continued. Kent gingerly rotated his shoulder, before briefly bowing his head towards her. "… Thank you, Selena," he murmured, offering a small smile.

Crimson lightly brushed her pale features, before fading as she mutely dipped her head in acknowledgment. Though apparently concerned, it was clear their situation weighed heavily upon her mind. The matter of return was certainly an issue … As was not eliminating oneself by accidentally altering the past. How they had fallen astray, into the tides of time, was a delicate question.

Kent's gaze drifted to the path ahead of them, observing his companions. Wounded and weary, their entire group suffered vulnerability. At the moment, all he could do was wait. Hope that the winds of sweet Farore would turn in their favor, before what little light they had was snuffed.