Criston sighed as the question was asked. When [i]would[/i] his mother come back? It was a good question, one he really didn't know the answer to. [color=yellow]"She'll be back in a few days. I apologize on her behalf but she had some things to attend to before meeting you all."[/color] 

As he turned to speak to the girl, Criston noticed a female with a camera taking a snap shot of the group. An eyebrow raised, he waited for the camera to lower. 

...

[color=yellow]"Kathy!"[/color] He shouted, immediately getting up to rush over and give the girl a hug, ready or not. [color=yellow]"It's so good to see you well. You... are well, aren't you?"[/color] He asked, a smile on his face. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy seeing Carmen, but he honestly hadn't expected to see Kathy. It was a refreshing surprise. 

He chuckled as she stared at his hair, a grin on his face. [color=yellow]"My hair's longer than yours now, huh?"[/color] He remarked, pulling his long white hair over his shoulder to show it's length. [color=yellow]"I took an oath that I wouldn't cut my hair until this conflict was resolved. Though... I might have to uh... skirt myself around that one. I mean, it wouldn't be good to trip over my own hair in the field of battle, now would it? Wait... Maybe someone can braid it for me..."[/color] Criston rambled, a hand up to stroke his chin in thought. 

[color=yellow]"Ah, well. I'm just glad to see that you're back."[/color] He shouted again as he wrapped his arms around her and picked her up slightly. Putting her back down, he continued, [color=yellow]"Have you heard from anyone else, Crash? Alex?"[/color] He asked, his eyes soft as he looked down on her. [color=yellow]"Crap, where are my manners!"[/color] He suddenly shouted and then motioned for Kathy to follow him to the bar. 

[color=yellow]"Carmen, you might want to turn around now."[/color] He spoke, a playful tone to his voice. It had been a very long time since he'd seen those that left and he was very, very happy to see them alive and well.