It didn't take them very long to find a good spot. Within a few minutes of the decision to stop being called they came upon a large hill with an outcrop of blue crystalline stone that protected the base from the storm. It was sheltered, relatively dry and provided a decent vantage point over the nearby swath of forest. They set about making camp as best they could. None of them were willing to bring up the obvious necessary changes to the evening routine. Hyrule got a fire going and began to lay out bedrolls. He had offered to cook as well but due to the sheer number of protests that had erupted at that suggestion that duty had fallen this evening to Sky. He decided a nice hearty pumpkin soup would hopefully help lift everyone's heavy spirits. Time removed his armor and began the tedious work of cleaning and drying it. Wars and Twilight had elected to go on a short patrol in the surrounding area. Four was trying to clean the mud out of his, well, everything. Everyone seemed to be on autopilot.
"Soups on!" Sky called to his companions, and took a small comfort in the series of tired smiles that greeted him. He filled each hero's bowl and took a seat next to Four who had, for the time being given up on his boots and was simply warming his bare feet closer to the fire while he ate. Sky looked at them and winced. The poor mans feet were raw. Blisters of every size hung open and exposed or sat still terribly full and vulnerable all over them. they were swollen and bruised from the arduous days travel in wet boots and almost blue with the clammy cold. He shivered visibly.
"Smithy.." Sky said gently, trying to mask his mild horror. He nodded to the man's feet with his nose. "Why didn't you say something?"
"Hm? Oh.." He pulled his legs up closer to him and tucked them underneath him in a cross-legged sit making him wince. "That… I just. I didn't want to cause a fuss… We've got bigger concerns right now. You know?" He gave a wan smile. "Besides its not the worst I've had..or any of us, I'd wager.. " a small mirthless chuckle left his throat. "You should see our Hero of Hyrule's." Sky looked over to the hero mentioned to see him sitting with a grimace of concentration on his face. A soft blue glow between his hands hovered over his own feet. His boots were off, but he still had his socks on and they were covered in red spots of an alarming size.
"None of us wanted to stop until we found the others.." Four continued quietly. Sky suddenly felt quite selfish for thinking that his silly soup would offer any comfort in this awful moment and hung his head a little at the thought.
"Mm." said Four. "This is really good." He smiled at his friend, a real smile and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. "Thank you.."
"A-anytime my friend." He squeezed the smaller mans fingers in his own and returned the smile.
Just then Twilight and the Captain returned and took their own seats by the fire. Scooping bowls for themselves. "Wow!" Said Twilight, "This smells incredible... Is this your doing Sky?"
Sky nodded and both Wars and Twi looked visibly relieved. They enjoyed their hot meal with gusto. Even the old man seemed to relax a little once he'd joined them and eaten. He patted his stomach and muffled a belch with the back of his hand before leaning back with a sigh against a log.
"High praise indeed!" Sky laughed, which in turn caused the others to laugh as well.
"Does Malon let you get away with that at home?" Teased Wars good-naturedly.
Time didn't even bother to open his eyes to reply. "She knew what she was getting when she married me.." He chuckled. "Besides…" he yawned "What makes you think she's not worse?"
Wars looked momentarily aghast, having this mental image of the ladies of the court in his own Hyrule and what kind of reaction that would cause before he busted up in laughter as well.. "You certainly found a treasure with that woman.. Don't ever let that go."
"I don't plan to.." Time said, still smiling wistfully. "I don't plan to."