The raspy voice that had startled Milo before didn't speak again, only grunted in place. Maybe they were hurt?<span style="font-style: italic">Dangerous things don't usually say hello do they? </span>Milo's curiosity was piqued and would almost have been enough to make him peek out if a sudden thundering crash hadn't made him tense his entire body tighter. His arm started to hurt badly from all the tension he'd been holding and his stomach grumbled in protest of his exertion. The commotion was over quickly, replaced by the slow but very audible sound of something fairly large moving and punctuated by a much deeper thunder clap of a voice.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="font-weight: bold">"Rocks?</span></span>it boomed.<br/><br/>It wanted to know about rocks? Was it looking at him? Milo thought about it and tried his best to stay still, but worrying about the amount of movement he made only served to increase his trembling. He tried to put up his bubble but nothing happened. Not even a flicker. Milo couldn't remember a time he'd felt so terrified. Where was Vota? She was supposed to come. She promised she would. Maybe she couldn't spot him so far away. Usually, he would start to sing his song but his throat was too scratchy. Even if it hadn't been, his voice would've been caught in his throat; she was never going to find him and it would be all his fault. He was going to get eaten by a monster. His face burned and his breath came to him in short gasps as his mind wandered into a dark place, a panic setting in.<br/><br/>Then suddenly, laughter.<br/><br/>It was a joyous hearty sound that dropped a blanket on all the terrible thoughts running through Milo's head.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"My, my my. I was not expecting such dramatic entrances. Please, calm yourselves and join an old man for a while. Your journey was most certainly strenuous. Please, sit an-"</span>his voice cut short and the boy nearly jumped. He could<span style="font-style: italic">feel</span>the man's gaze on him.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"> "Well now there's our fifth. Come young one it is safe here. Join me won't you?"</span><br/><br/>Safe.<br/><br/>It's okay. The boy's body relaxed as if on command and after a moment's hesitation. He unfurled, his blue eyes looking up at the man for confirmation. The man's earnest smile and calm wise demeanor chipped away at Milo's worries, his own mouth opening in a surprised but ecstatic smile. The boy slowly got up and tread toward to the man, his movements eager but not careless. The old man stayed as his focal point as he plodded forward, his eyes darting from him to the ground and back up with each step. Only when he was a foot or so from the man did he dare to look elsewhere.<br/><br/>Milo's eyes swept over the landscape behind the man a bit. A lone tree towered over the small saplings covering the field, a serene expression colored an unmoving face on its trunk. It was weird, but not scary, maybe even calming to see the slumbering giant surrounded by its children. In front stood a smooth raised stone with a triforce emblazoned on its pale colored surface. There was a faint glow about the stone. A warmth that seemed to emanate from it. Milo's eyes were transfixed by the holy symbol. His hands held close to his chest as he relished in the feeling it gave him. He felt... safe. Like everything would be okay. He would've stayed standing as he was, but something much more important caught his eye.<br/><br/>Milo sucked in a breath and his legs moved automatically as he spotted the familiar blue-grey skin. He scampered and bounced with uninhibited glee as he made his way toward it.<br/><br/>"Vota!" he chirped in his weak voice as he went. In all his excitement, the boy managed to trip over his own feet and tumble forward, accidentally rolling toward his target for several feet before knocking into a nearby tree. After coming to a halt, Milo sat up, blinking until his eyes readjusted before turning to look for the Zora.<br/><br/>"Vo-" he'd finally spotted the Zora, and his heart sunk. This Zora was much taller, and had a harsh face. She wasn't like his Vota at all, save for the similar hue. His face dropped and his hands grabbed at the ground uncomfortably as he tried to find the courage and strength to speak.<br/><br/>"U-um, hello," his soft shakey voice was directed at the ground "do you know... u-um" he wanted to finish but his voice cracked and wave of sadness washed over him. He sniffled, trying his best to compose himself as he looked at the plants below him. Small droplets fell into the grass and he let out a small noise as he gave in.