Ezra climbs out of the hammock and joins them at the hearth. Like the others, he is barefoot, but wears a brown leather jacket and a pair of muddy beige trousers which look as though they haven't been washed since their last meeting. He kneels over the crackling firewood and proceeds to tell them all about his adventures since his departure.
"I remained in the city of Anther for a short while after our mutual separation. I operated a Potion Shop and made my income curing citizens of ailments and disease. I was something of a medicinal magician, and business was booming. But it wasn't fame or Rupees that I desired. I was in love with the museum curator."
"Who would've guessed…" Ningan rolls his eyes.
"We dated for a while, but ultimately, she chose another man close to her heart. I was heartbroken to say the least. So I gathered my herb collection and left Anther to pursue further research into the field of botanical science. That's how I arrived here, in Eriva."
"How did you end up with these guys?" Laurel gestures to the Deku family around them.
"I was exploring the depths of the jungle when I became dehydrated. I found a spring and took a gulp of its clear waters. I discovered that the water was contaminated, but it was too late. Fortunately, Cinnopo and a few others found me, and brought me here in their Deku village. They nursed me to health and I healed rapidly. They insisted that I remained in their village, and I saw the perfect opportunity to do some research on these peculiar plant-people."
"And remain here you shall." Cinnopo nods. "The jungle is no place for a lone Hylian, especially ones with such limited knowledge of the wilderness."
"So what about you?" Ezra asks the group. "You still haven't introduced me to our new member."
"Imogen." she says politely. "I met Ningan in the town of Oblimos. We're both members of the Sheikah tribe."
"What an honour!" Ezra exclaims. "I have the privilege of knowing not one but two members of a rare tribe!"
They shakes hands over the smoking fish just as Dhilta removes it from the spit. She cuts off the head using a sharpened stick, and hands it to Ezra. Laurel, Ningan and Imogen watched enviously as he devours the rest whole.
"The four of you are welcome to stay here in our village." The Chieftain chirps. "We promise to provide you with all the fresh water and fish you could wish for."
"Thank you, but we're actually on our way back home to Hyrule." Laurel declines graciously.
"No, you must stay!" Cinnopo insists. "Any friend of Ezra's is a friend of ours! Besides, the Eriva jungle is much too dangerous to wander at night!"
Laurel looks to Dakota. Dakota looks to Ningan. Ningan looks to Imogen. Ezra licks the fishy oils from his fingertips and wipes his hand on his trousers.