Curiosity [Midna]

[Zenethil]

Something was off. He couldn't tell you what, or why he knew, but something was definitely up. Something in his bones told him. A similar feeling to the one he got every time a Gerudo raid was imminent, or a legion of Stalfos was about to burst from the ground. Though in this instance, it was more of an 'out of place' feeling. The darkness of the night, though the festival was well lit, made shadows jump, twist and leap. Despite all the preparations he had made for the security of the place, right down to making sure the Gerudo were as FAR away from the Hylians as possible, and ensuring they provided their own guard, he couldn't help but feel on edge. Because SOMETHING wasn't quite right.

Not least because of the rumours of strange, blue-skinned Hylians and imps wandering. He'd put it down to farmers gossip and people jumping at nothing. But he could almost sense something watching him. Following him. His eyes flicked left and right, his hand lingering a little closer to his blade than it would do normally. His wanderings took him to the outskirts of the grounds, where he stood, looking out across the field. The feeling of being watched had only intensified, and his hand drifted onto the pommel, fingers wrapping around it, eyes wary once again.

He stood stock still, closing his eyes, finding a meditative state, clearing his head. And still the feeling remained. His eyes snapped open once again. He could hear it, his elevated hearing picking out the faint sounds of skin on cloth. So faint most would miss it. Behind him. Right side. Next to the guide ropes on the tent. He cleared his throat, before speaking, confident that his voice would be heard by whatever was watching him.

I hope your skulking in the shadows is merely waiting for the right moment to speak.

His tone was dispassionate, level, almost bored. He was confident it was no assassin. An assassin would have attempted something far sooner. Not to any effect. But attempt it, nonetheless. This however, was more akin to curiosity. Unless of course, this was a phenomenally skillful operator. Hence why his hand never moved from the pommel, as he turned to face whatever was following him.

[Midna]

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[STYLE=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 23px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -3px;]i'm everything you can't control ,[/style] [STYLE=font-family: times medium italic; font-size: 16px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: lowercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -13px; margin-right: 120px;]tear down the walls and free your soul[/style]

[STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px; margin-top: -13px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style]

[STYLE=background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); margin-right: 120px; margin-top: -450px; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11px; width: 280px; text-align: justify; padding: 5px;]It was a gorgeous evening tonight with a sky filled with stars, and families began working their way back homes. Tired little children who couldn't stay out late were sent back home, and back to beds. The evening was beginning to take a turn for a more adult-oriented participants. The liquor was finally open and available for consumption, and everyone was getting loud and rambunctious without having to worry about children getting hurt or traumatized. Goddesses forbid~ "My my~" said a feminine voice giggling, "Aren't we a bit tense tonight?" That was the understatement of the year. Midna tilted her head slightly to the side curious as to what this man will do. A devious smile curled upon her lips as she folded her hands into her kimono sleeves. The soft silky material felt nice against her fingertips. Carmine eyes danced with amusement of this man's discomfort. She never understood why people could be so uptight, but they were certainly easy targets to tease. "You look like you're about to go to war~" she snickered. ooc. click here for Midna's festival costume[/style]

[Zenethil]

A single voice answered his words. More unusually, a single female voice. One that was as confident as it was teasing. He exhaled slightly, though still a little irritated at her words. Tense? Of course he was. He was still technically on duty. He'd had to deal with a local making some... Improper advances on one of his Knights. Three more Knights had been up in the medicae because of face wounds. And he'd endured Titania tonight. And that had been the hardest struggle. Not a particularly hard one, but still a struggle that he really didn't want to have to deal with. Not least because she... Affected him somehow. He shook the thoughts out of his head, turning in the vague direction of the noise.

It has been a trying day. Not least because I've been followed by a woman who refuses to show herself.

He stepped carefully, his hand never leaving the pommel of his blade, looking left and right, searching for the source of the noise. He heard her skin move against the material, to left of where he was looking. He still couldn't see anything, but he paced around to the right, eyes tracking for the mysterious woman who lurked in the shadows. She spoke again, and he turned to face the source of the noise.

And you don't look like anything at the minute. One of the virtues of hiding in the shadows.

He stepped forward, slowly, each pace measured, closing the space between him and his invisible female stalker. He stopped for a moment, before speaking again.

Well? Won't you show yourself?

[Midna]

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[STYLE=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 23px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -3px;]i'm everything you can't control ,[/style] [STYLE=font-family: times medium italic; font-size: 16px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: lowercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -13px; margin-right: 120px;]tear down the walls and free your soul[/style]

[STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px; margin-top: -13px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style]

[STYLE=background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); margin-right: 120px; margin-top: -450px; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11px; width: 280px; text-align: justify; padding: 5px;]"So not even the mighty captain of the Hylian Knights has a day off from work," she said with false sympathy, "What a shame." So the saying goes, 'ain't no rest for the wicked.' Those who served for the greater good would always be hot on their trails to bring justice forth to the land. Evil had to be on their toes nonstop in order to battle out the forces of good. Or at least that is what some people wanted to believe. Like a parent telling their children to close their eyes, and sleep away the night. Dream until morning light so they would see another day. Though it was quite entertaining to see the unfortunate knight in this sorry state. His mind left guarded behind solid steel walls barricaded by blades, and a cold glare searching for the mischievous woman~ "Now now~ No need to get testy," she giggled, "Perhaps you might enjoy some company for the evening. Someone to help you relax, and actually enjoy the festival. All work, and no play turns a man dull, and gray." Special events such as the Festival of the Gods were always enjoyed the most when in the presence of company. Zenethil seemed like he was lonely so Midna thought it wouldn't hurt to see if he wouldn't mind her company for a bit. If not, no real loss on her part, then she could just pick on him until she got bored and move on to her next victim of her playful antics. Life's no fun without a few surprises thrown in your path, right? "Where are you looking at?" she smiled, "I'm right here." She took a few steps out of the darkness that veiled the night. Illuminated by the gentle light the torches provided the blue skinned woman was revealed. Dressed in an elegant kimono suited for the festival and carmine eyes glimmering with amusement. "So what do you say... Captain?" she grinned.[/style]

[Zenethil]

How the events of an evening could flip head over heels on the drop of a hat. Or, in this case, at the appearance of, despite his almost superhuman reserve, an awe-inspiringly stunning, blue-skinned, orange-haired, young woman. He had become somewhat annoyed by her teasing words, all up to that point. Relax? Enjoy the festival? If he was relaxing, then who exactly would keep everything in line? He was supposed to lead by example. To slack would give a terrible impression to his men. Surprise however, shocked his train of thought off the rails. Blue-skinned Hylians... The rumour was true... Unless she simply had painted herself for the effect. He looked on, confused, hand still lingering over the pommel of his blade, assessing her more as a threat than anything else.

Forgive my wariness, but when one is followed to the darker parts of a carnival by a blue skinned woman, only two things cross my mind. And one of those is 'assassin'.

His tone was clipped, almost dangerous in the softness of voice, the level cadence of his voice as balanced as the best of throwing knives. The precision of his speech was like a finely honed blade, cutting through the near-palpable tension that he could feel in the situation. Of course, in the grander scheme of things, as he would learn, he was merely reacting strongly to a non-existent threat. Something he realised as he contemplated her stepping out.

But, as you are in fact wearing a kimono, and have revealed yourself to me, it is somewhat doubtful that you are as such. Even so, your antics in the dark do trouble me.

His eyes never left her, watching her movements carefully, getting the measure of the strange young woman, marveling still at how she seemed to have materialised from the shadow from which her voice had emanated, that almost playful, teasing voice, that entirely fitted the frame upon which it was projected. He looked at her intently, not speaking for several seconds.

[Midna]

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[STYLE=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 23px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -3px;]i'm everything you can't control ,[/style] [STYLE=font-family: times medium italic; font-size: 16px; color: #4b1f25; text-align: right; text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px #222; text-transform: lowercase; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-bottom: -13px; margin-right: 120px;]tear down the walls and free your soul[/style]

[STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px; margin-top: -13px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style] [STYLE= background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; padding: 5px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 300px;][/style]

[STYLE=background: url(http://i41.tinypic.com/1jt5l2.jpg); margin-right: 120px; margin-top: -450px; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11px; width: 280px; text-align: justify; padding: 5px;]"Any type of assassin, novice or trained professional, would know first hand," she explained, "When you go for the kill you don't dilly-dally around. A blade would be at your throat by now~ Even if I was an assassin, your death gains me nothing of interest." Midna was pretty sure there were plenty of trained mercenaries/assassins/body for hires who wanted to pick a bone with the Hylian Captain simply for all of the perks it held. Those silly little rewards meant little to a princess who came from another world entirely. She had her own agenda to see towards, and by any means, it did not involve killing anybody. Not unless they got in her way~ However since she was enjoying herself in the festival she put her mission aside for a few days of relaxation. As far as she was concerned, who said you had to be a role model for someone to follow? If someone was expected to be a role model, it would have to be the parents raising the children. Not the people they come to be influenced by. Parents were always the prime models in a child's life. Without it, well, they might as well be screwed. A dark, but amused thought ran across her head thinking that for all the crazies out there, did they ever feel the love, and affection of a mother or father before? She was digressing. It would appear that the old man was still not showing any means of lowering his guard. Not that she was surprised. While it was indeed a bit troublesome, she merely grinned at his statement. "Not everyone revels in the light like moths attracted to the flames of a torch," she said in a playful singsong voice. Her carmine eyes turned to one of the lit torches that kept the dark at bay, and to prove her point, she saw moths fluttering around the dancing flames.[/style]

[Zenethil]

He was almost amused at the notion of an assassination attempt against him. Trying to sneak up on a man who could hear three times better than any human was folly. Catching him off guard was next to impossible, as he had little to distract him from his duties. Even now, and even earlier, in the presence of Titania, he was and had been supremely alert. A blade may well be at his throat, but he was no stranger to such a situation. The last attempt had lead to a very long process of interrogation. Unfortunately, it led nowhere.

Perhaps. But who can say how the fates would shift, were I to die by the blade this night? To say it would not benefit you would be shortsighted, rather, it is as likely to affect you for the worse, as it is for the better.

He nodded curtly, before his hand drifted away from the blade, somewhat more at ease, the openness about assassination somehow making everything feel... Easier. Assassins skulked in shadows, and cloaked themselves in secrecy. Without secrecy, they were nothing. Without surprise, they were weak, frail. He was still wary, but no longer did he appear slightly hostile. He cross his arms at the wrists, behind his back, looking with casual interest at the unusual woman before him, as she spoke, while she turned to look at the torch.

A point I concede. Just as there cannot be dark without light, nor shadow without both, so the same can be said of each of their respective denizens. I, however, would like to correct your statement slightly.

He smiled slightly, before pacing to the torch, the moths flying close, before heat drove them away, before repeating, an endless, mindless cycle. He paused, his hand cupping around the flame, moth wings fluttering against his fingers, as he looked at the strange woman.

To liken us to moths is somewhat crude, while effective. Where a moth may bask in the light of the torch, it does not respect it's power. In the same way, as some creatures of the night fear it utterly, the moth is drawn inexorably to it, to the point of pain. We, as higher beings, have a greater understanding of both light, dark, that which lies between, and the dangers and benefits therein. Would you not agree, miss...?

He smiled, feeling more comfortable with the conversation, as deep as it may be. It was partially that depth that kept him at ease. She clearly, from her comments and manner, was an intelligent woman. It intrigued him a little. Though certainly not as much as the bizarre skin tone. The tailing off of his words was the unspoken question, as to her name. Or possibly her title.