Novato and Sunhalter watched on in almost awe at the sight of Bloodbeak, lost for words as the reality of Bloodbeak's presence set in slowly. They were not expecting to actually meet one of the creatures, let alone one that seemed so... established? Comfortable among Xunari? They were so stunned, in fact, that they failed to realise that Bloodbeak was not alone. Entering the now crammed cave from behind them came two more Tsabhua. Sunhalter and Novato were now blocked in with no escape.
"This here is Njall" Bloodbeak introduced the dark coated Tsabhua "He has been most valuable to my own crew" Bloodbeak winked as if suggesting a deeper meaning. "And this here is Acnao - we have only just met ourselves but she seems trustworthy enough for me." with that, Bloodbeak let out a hearty laugh - but the joke eluded everyone else.
"It is great to see you again, old friend." Lilith moved to embrace Bloodbeak who returned it with familiar warmth.

The phrase 'old friend' made Novato take mental note - he was under the impression that these creatures were a new discovery, just how long had they been on world?

"I guess we owe you an explanation" Lilith started as she pulled from the embrace, however kept a paw on Bloodbeaks shoulder. "We had to make sure you were safe, but also not followed - I hope you understand. Hence why we needed to bring you here to this secluded space."
"We understand. This sort of information could be very bad in the wrong hands." Sunhalter agreed.
"Aye. We wish to make our presence known - since there is only so long you can hide an entire race of beings." Bloodbeak laughed again.
"How many are there? Here, I mean. On world." Novato asked, however earned a stern look and grunt from Njall.
"All in time. Not here." Njall said gruffly "Bloodbeak -"
"Yes yes I know. I hear you. A'ight, let's roll out." Bloodbeak announced, slapping Njall's shoulder fondly as he left.
Bloodbeak left closely followed by Njall who shot one last untrusting glance towards Novato before leaving. Acnao waved on everyone to follow and brought up the rear. Novato and Sunhalter followed on silently, not knowing where they were going or when they could contact the colony again was starting to get to both of them.

--

"Where do you think they are taking us this time?" Sunhalter whispered to her mate, leaning in close to try and not be heard by the others - especially Njall whom appeared to have decided Novato was untrustworthy.
Novato shrugged in response "Unclear. However I guess our best bet would be to just wait and see. We have come this far, can not back out now." Novato's eyes were moving between Njall and Bloodbeak who led the group, whilst Sunhalter appeared quite busy scanning the scenery to try and figure out where they may be headed.
The slippery, rocky pathway led them down the face of the cliff and eventually became apparent there was a rocky beach far down below. Moored was a medium sized ship, almost hiding among the rocky protrusions from the ocean. The revelation made Sunhalter gasp in awe.

"Do not get too excited" Acnao spoke from behind them, making Sunhalter jump - she had forgotten there was someone behind them "We are not going to be boarding that ship." Acnao's voice was flat, but almost as if she was trying to put on a facade to cover her real personality. Sunhalter didn't know why, but she trusted Acnao. Novato on the other hand had reservations about the silent follower.
"What is your deal anyway" he asked sourly "How do you and Njall know Bloodbeak and Lilith anyway?"
Acnao's shrug was non-committal, but before she could answer, Lilith piped up excitedly. "We are so close! I can feel it in my bones!"

This caused Bloodbeak to chuckle and almost tease Lilith "Trust an Aquatic Belemoid to get overly excited about going swimming!" and he laughed haughtily, causing much of his jewelry to jingle.
"Aquatic... Belemoid? You mean just like a Belemoid who likes to swim, right? We have a few of those..." Novato started, earning a very harsh glare from Njall.
"How dare you. Lilith is one of the few whom are filly adapted to an aquatic life. There are very distinct differenced between - "
"It is okay, Njall. Stay your anger, it is misplaced." Lilith cut him off before turning to Novato now that there was space on the rocky beach to do so. "What he claims is correct. There are only a handful of us, but we are distinct morphologically. Somehow different than the usual mutations we see - this goes deeper."

Novato had averted his gaze out of shame for being so crass, and refused to look at Lilith.
"Indeed. According to records, some profound changes have been happening to us Xunari since the arrival of the Tark'ee." Acnao added, crossing her arms in thought. "However the exact cause is unkown."
"Wait did you say Tark'ee?" Sunhalter asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Oh yes, that is me. I am one of them, a Tark'ee!" Bloodbeak announced, spreading his arms wide and throwing his head back, as if showing off his entirety.
"A Tark'ee? Is that what the creatures - err, I mean, you are called?" Sunhalter stammered.
"Yes, but more specifically, I am an Aquatic Tark'ee - just as Lilith here is an Aquatic Belemoid. We used to be called Wave's back in the day, but things change." Bloodbeak laughed once again, somehow finding everything incredibly amusing.
"Wait does that mean..." Novato started.
However Bloodbeak only winked and walked off, leaving the unanswered question hanging in the air.