City Square, Public Place

[Lamila]

Lamila Lamiki, aspiring hero-to-be, climbed up onto the lip of the old stone fountain in the center of the bustling square, and sat down. It had been a tiring flight, but thankfully a rather dull one. Feeling the gentle spray of misted water against her back, the soothing coolness of it, eased her tired arms greatly. She leaned back on her hands, felt the cool, rugged stone under her palms, and kicked her taloned feet against the sides of the behemoth piece of artistic plumbing. Both the water and the stone from which the fountain was hewn were calm... Lazy, dreamy, repetitive, and calm.

All around her, people wandered about, at times crowds, at times little more than shifting masses of humanity. And human they were, mostly, though occasionally little Lamila spotted a pair of pointed Hylian ears. Others were present, too, in much smaller numbers- a pair of rock-solid Gorons here, a Zora emissary there, several Rito... still, they only added to the crowd's charm, rather than being spectacles. No crowds formed around them, no gawkers or curious onlookers pestered them. They were just another part of the crowd. A crowd that constantly shifted as display stands were set up and taken down, as salesmen hawked their wares in the cobblestone streets, as shops and parlors opened and closed. All the voices blended into one communal chatter. It was almost a quaint scene.

Almost.

No crowds or little shops or street magicians could undermine the absolute majesty of Hyrule City. Sky City was just as tall, just as towering, just as incredibly built, and bizarre to boot, but where Sky City appeared as though something phantasmal, Hyrule City made no attempt to hide that it was built by the sweat and labor of thousands. Every block had been cut, every stone had been hauled into place and sealed there with sandy cement. From any point, one could see the even more massive towers of the Castle itself and the city's universities looming overhead. The aerial view had been just as spectacular.

Lamila had always wanted to see Hyrule City.

There was a lot to take in.

[Morgana]

One of the guards had departed with Selkie and her group while the other accompanied the druid and her brother. From what she had understood, Selkie would go first and the other soldier would inform the Commander of the situation. This would allow Morgana a bit more time to gather her thoughts and clam her nerves. Joscelin, a scowl on his face, walked a bit behind her, and behind him, was the knight.

Heaving a sigh, Morgana directed her path toward the Town Square. If anything was going on, it would be there and it would take her mind off of this whole army recruitment thing for a while…and hopefully it would do the same for her disgruntled sibling.

As the trio entered the square, Morgana was relieved to find a few performers. One man was juggling, a woman was performing a few contortionist tricks, and there was another man near the fountain strumming a lute and calling out to the crowd. Next to him was a yellowish creature with three fluffy tails. Every so often, the animal would scratch its ear or yawn. Morgana turned to her brother and the knight. “Um…I’m going to go sit at the fountain and listen to the musician,” she purposefully let her gaze fall on the city guard. “I’ll be back, I just want some time to think to myself and relax.” The man nodded understandingly and her Joscelin crossed his arms. “Don’t get lost like last time…” Morgana, now free of her two escorts, made her way to the fountain and sat down.

“A call to men and women everywhere!” the long haired man shouted as he played a few chords. “Step right up for a chance to audition as one of your favorite—or least favorite—nobles.” He strummed a little more as he described the cause for his exclamations. A few people became interested and stepped forward to sign their names on a piece of parchment and to provide a few details of where they could be found. The actor turned bard, Wei Li, smiled and nodded at them as they came and then began to play a song upon his lute.

Morgana shut her eyes and smiled contently. Concentrating on the bubbling waters, she became at ease. It was her favorite element after all…so fluid and flexible, not to mention almost mystical. The music also uplifted her spirits and she grinned at the chance of auditioning. “It would be quite the experience,” she thought to herself, “so long as I didn’t forget my lines or anything.” She, like many others, was quite fond of the arts, but she had never truly had a chance to dabble in them. Maybe now that she was away from the forest, she would gladly take advantage of the opportunity should it arise. Had it not been for having to meet with the Knight Commander later, she had half a mind to sign her name to the audition parchment as well.

Opening her eyes and taking in a deep breath of the misty fountain air, looked over to the man and contemplated it. She also noticed a young Rito on the other side of the fountain who seemed to be enjoying herself as well. The Druid glanced about to see if her parents were anywhere, and though she was able to locate a few of the bird-like beings, none of them resembled the child. “Maybe she’s lost or came here by herself.” Morgana, though nervous, moved to the other side of the fountain and sat about two feet away from the girl. “Nice music, huh?” she said pleasantly as she cast a glance back to the bard. The Keaton that had been with him was gone, but as she looked back to the Rito, she found that the vulpine creature had positioned itself at the girl’s feet. It looked up at her expectantly.

[Lamila]

Lamila had been so lost in the dreamy mists of the city air, cheerfully bubbling fountain, and the soothing melodies of a street performer who had set up next to the fountain, she had not noticed the woman sit down next to her. It was not until the woman actually spoke that little Lamila became aware of her. She opened her bright blue eyes with a start, to find that the woman had addressed her. A very odd happening, no doubt, but the woman simply seemed to want to make polite conversation. Lamila, alone as she was, was glad for the company, though slightly wary of the stranger.

"It is, ma'am. I haven't heard much like it. It's very pretty, though it's kinda strummy."

Wierd, thought Lamila as she studied the woman. A human, she was tall for a female, and even taller when compared to Lamila's tiny stature. Her elegant red hair and almost ethereal green eyes were striking to Lamila, but they were not what the Rito girl found interesting. The woman practically exuded an aura of noble wildness, of communion with nature. Lamila could feel the fading presence of a few calm spirits of the forest, clinging to the woman and slowly dispersing around her as flower-scented perfume might. The woman was clearly special, but Lamila decided it would be best not to mention anything. As her parents had oft reminded her, the mystically inclined were the ones most likely to attempt to use her gift for their own purposes.

She appeared to be no longer looking at Lamila, who followed the tall woman's gaze down to where a bright yellow creature had sat. It was staring straight at her and it's attention brought a smile to her face. She reached a hand down so that it could sniff her and so she could test it's temperament, but regarded the creature with glee. With a gentle flick of her braided hair, Lamila turned her head back to the woman.

"It's adorable, ma'am! Is it yours? What is it?"

Between the charming creature and the soothing air of spiritual energy around her, both from the woman and from ever-gurgling fountain by which they sat, Lamila's guard had been lowered. And Lamila knew it was for good reason- the spirits were calm. Incoherent, as always, but calm. And Lamila knew she could trust the spirits.

[Morgana]

As the hand was placed before her, Desi stuck her neck out and began to lick at them. Her tails swished happily at the attention and she moved closer to the Rito. Rising on her back legs, the Keaton placed her forepaws on the fountain and gave a short bark to indicate she wished to be petted. The creature had always been friendly toward women, which was perhaps due to the fact she was female as well. With the exception of Li, she was often hostile toward the opposite sex—at least until she knew them better.

“Aw, you don’t have to call me ma’am,” Morgana blushed and smiled. “I’m not that old yet.” The girl’s courtesy was refreshing and the druid thought it nice that she had received good raising. Most children her age, or at least those Morgana had encountered in the city thus far, were quite rude and snappy. “You can call me Morgana.”

“It is, isn’t it? But it’s not mine, it’s the musician’s,” she gestured toward the man with her thumb. The druid’s eyes drifted back toward the little yellow creature as it expressed its desire for affection from the Rito. The young woman had heard of it before, but she had never actually seen it in person until now…the problem was that she couldn’t quite remember what it was called. Cursed amnesia. “I can’t remember exactly what they’re called…but I think they’re kinda rare.” She reached over cautiously and scratched the beast’s head. “I think it likes you though.”

Desi snorted softly as the other beings talked. She was a she, not an it… But as long as she was receiving a few pats and scratches, she would let it pass.

For a moment, the music faded as “Desi!” was called out. Li looked directly at his companion with a slight frown. She ignored him and continued basking in the love. “DESI,” the actor called out again, sternly, as he snatched up the parchment that he had set out. The Keaton shook her head and paid him no mind. A few passers-by, however, cast a curious glance in the dark haired man’s direction. Rolling his eyes, Li took up his items and came to Desi himself.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” he gave as low and sweeping of a bow as his stitched side would allow him. “I am Wei Li; traveling thespian and amateur musician at your service.” He cast a glare to the yellow vulpine-like animal. “I’m terribly sorry if Desi is bothering you. She has a knack for getting into things…” The Keaton looked to him and issued a soft growl.

[Lamila]

"She isn't, Mister Wei Li."

Lamila was quick to reply. The creature was fascinating, clearly quite intelligent, and was certainly not bothering her any. And it was the apparent truth that she was friendly as well! Desi had come to them unbidden, seeking seemingly no more than a little affection.

"She's really sweet, sir! And your music was lovely."

It struck Lamila odd that so many people and things would come greet her here. Hyrule City folk must be friendlier than everyone says, she thought. But they were neither a diversion nor a distraction- the company was quite welcome, and Lamila had little planned aside from exploring. Both people seemed well-traveled and friendly to boot. It felt like good company. Lamila began to scratch Desi behind her ears.

"Miss Morg-ana," Lamila tried her best, but couldn't pronounce the soft 'a' of the woman's name. It made her feel a little bad, as she wanted to get it right out of respect for the woman with the aura of nature. She continued, "and Mister Li, do you both live here? The city is beautiful. I mean, where I come from is beautiful too, but in a different way. And there are so many people!"

She unslung her pack and glaive from about her petite shoulders and set them next to herself on the fountain, leaning the long shaft of the graceful metal weapon against its stone rim.

"I came because I wanted to have an adventure, but I just don't know what to do now that I'm here. There's so much going on!"

[Wei Li]

Li smiled at the Rito, but gave a warning look to Desi, who was trying to lick at the girl’s hand. There was nothing like a good scratch behind the ear. “Well, so long as she’s minding her manners.” He cleared his throat and nodded appreciateivley. “Why thank you, I do try. After all, there isn’t much one can do during recovery, but that’s beside the point. Thanks again, little lady.” He bent slightly at the waist into a small bow. “Ah what an adorable child! So bright and bubbly… and armed, apparently.” He had almost failed to take notice of the weapon until the Rito had moved it.

The thespian squatted down so that he could be at eye level with the girls. The Phoenix Talons at his side scraped against the sidewalk slightly, which caused Li to sigh a bit as he adjusted them. He crossed his arms over his knees. “To be perfectly honest with you, I’m here and there and everywhere; but I suppose I’m in the city enough to be counted as a resident.” He shrugged and gave a friendly smile.

Morgana played with a tendril of hair as her gaze shifted away from the Rito and the actor. Though she was seemingly drifting off into her own world, her lips curled into a soft, but fleeting grin as the Rito mispronounced her name. At least she had made an attempt. “I, uh, I’m from Faron Forest, actually.” The Druid returned to reality and said slowly, as if unsure of her origins. Had it not been for her brother explaining what had happened to them, she would have not have remembered at all. “Well,” Morgana started, “I’m going to see the Knight Commander later if you want to come.” She purposefully left out the details as she felt a bit nervous discussing them.

Li, however, was not as shy. “There is, isn’t there?” He took a knee and snapped at Desi who, at last, came to him reluctantly. “The world’s a stage, and let me assure you, its beauty is worth exploring.” He winked. “If you’re up for it, I could still use a few actors in my play. How good is your acting?”

[Lamila]

"Uh..."

Lamila contemplated both offers for a moment. Truly, people were friendlier than she had been raised to expect. Of course, the suspicious side rightly developed by her parents warnings about strange people questioned the motives of both individuals, but...

Morgana seemed trustworthy enough. The spirits around her were calm and at peace, and she seemed innocent. The little Rito wondered if Morgana thought she didn't know where Faron was. It was the only explanation she could come up with, and she felt a tad insulted even though she knew it was a reasonable assumption to make about someone who was just gawking at new scenery.

Li also seemed to be quite honest. He had made the same offer to all the passersby, so Lamila felt safe that his offer was an honest one. She didn't feel quite so safe about putting herself on a stage, nor did she feel that her dignity was safe there either.

"I've never acted, Mister Li. I do dancing, but not acting. I think I'd be pretty bad at it. I'm sorry, Mister Li, I don't think I can help any."

Lamila nodded her head sadly. She wanted to be able to help, but... truth be told, Morgana's offer also seemed more interesting to her anyways. Knight Commander sounded like someone who was in charge of Knights, and Knights were iron-hard warriors and protectors of peace. She wanted to meet this fellow, and learn as much as she could... Li was right, the world was a stage. Lamila had danced on it before, and whispered to it, and lived upon it. And above it, too. Lamila wanted to try on a new act now, and what better example to study for the role of a hero than one who commanded an army of such people? Maybe someday she'd come back to Mister Li's offer. She certainly would keep it in mind, for he too seemed fascinating. His offer was one handed out on the streets for anyone to accept, though. Morgana, too, was incredibly interesting but her offer was once in a lifetime.

"Miss Morg-ana, I would like to go with you, if that's alright?"

A bright smile shone from beneath her beaked nose as she addressed Miss Morgana.

[Wei Li]

“Hm…well, that’s a shame, I think I would have had the perfect part,” Li sighed and picked up Desi, cradling her—though the Keaton would have preferred to stay with the girls, she did not object to this action. The thespian gave Lamila a soft smile. “Perhaps next time, then, if you are around. Maybe by then I can get a dance troupe so you will be more in your element.” He leaned over to her and said in a hushed voice, “To be honest, I fancy dancing as well, though I may not look like it.” Li then turned his attention toward the druid. “I suppose I couldn’t convince you either, Mademoiselle Morgana?”

Morgan blushed a bit as she shook her head. “I doubt I will be able to this time around. And I’m not so good at dancing either…” She scratched at her stone seat with her fingernail. “Sorry, Master Li…” The man nodded understandingly.

Though she had never actually acted, the young woman felt that she could do well. After all, it couldn’t be terribly hard, could it? All one had to do was adopt a different persona and not forget the lines. The latter was perhaps the thing that worried Morgana most should she ever act; she didn’t mind being in front of others so long as she wasn’t entirely alone, so the thought of being onstage in front of a large audience didn’t bother her much. Lost for a moment, she turned to her thoughts and contemplated the situation. “If I hadn’t agreed to accompany the soldier back to his Commander, then I would have been free to participate in this man’s play. Then again, I might not have found herself presented with the opportunity had she not been on her way to meet with the Knight. Gah…complications…”

Noticing that the Rito girl was still having trouble properly pronouncing her name, Morgana turned to her and addressed her. “That would be fine, and really, if you want you can just call me Ana. I probably won’t be going to see the Commander for a while. One of the soldiers was supposed to come and get me when it was time—which is perfectly fine, ‘cuz I kinda wanted to look around at the shops.”

“Well, in that case,” Li adjusted the lute’s strap on his shoulder, “I should be off as well. I suppose I should start looking for a few other actors and interviewing the ones that have shown interest already. Take care ladies.” He bent slightly as he bid his farewells, but did not perform a full bow for fear of dropping his instrument and Desi. The Keaton gave a short bark, which one could interpret as a goodbye as the two departed.

[Lamila]

"You too, Mister Li! I hope your show goes well!" She waved goodbye to the thespian, and turned to Morgana. "So we're going shopping, Miss Ana? Sounds like fun! I wanted to see the city, too."

It was another good opportunity, shoveled gratuitously on top of an armed escort to see a military leader. Miss Morgana had very quickly become somewhat of an inspiration to the impressionable young girl, someone clearly influential and in good standing. She was a good role model.

Lamila stood up from the fountain, dropping onto her taloned feet with a soft thud. She slung her messenger bag over her shoulder, and her glaive quickly followed. An idle thought caused her to wonder if she should name her weapon. All heroes named their weapons... It was a thought that passed quickly, but one she would consider again later.

"Where to, Miss Ana?"

[Count Ludovic von Eldrick]

The city buzzed with energy as the large mount pushed through the crowds in the City Square. A voice or two could be heard shouting a greeting to the steed's master, who largely ingored the salutaion save for a short glance or briefly lifted finger. Tyr’s tail swished to and fro as he clopped passed the hubcap of the town and down one of its many streets. His rider, whose jaw was clenched tightly shut kept his eyes forward and his thoughts focused. These events that had unfurled around him, while they were partly his fault, had begun to tax his nerves and severely agitate the silver-haired nobleman. Everything was going fairly smoothly, but in the Count’s mind, there were still several bumps in his road to victory and these bumps needed to be smoothed out. Elimination was a possible and permanent answer, but of course for some subjects this method would bring more harm than help to the situation…at least at the moment. Instead, Ludovic was determined on using alternative methods to achieve his goals.

The muscular shire stallion halted in front of one of the streets: the infamous Noble’s Corner. It place of despicable and unwholesome activities for the elite. Ludovic’s nostrils flared as his golden eyes shifted to its streets. He had never graced its filthy streets and he never would. The Hylian Count would leave its avenues company to be explored by lustier aristocrats. Ludovic nudged Tyr onward without another look.