Palace, Found (Titania, Nairore)

[Merik Dragmire]

On the twenty-fourth day of their journey Merik hacked through some brush blocking the path and revealed they were only a short distance from the Fairy Palace. He was quiet for a minute as he concentrated and soon it wasn't the Gerudo King that walked into the Grove but a tall, slightly built man with curly brown hair, the light touch of a tan, and bright blue eyes.

"See, I told you it would only be a few more days before we found the Palace." he said quietly to Nairore as they walked forward.

His eyes searched for the least mean looking of the guards to approach with his request (which was a little difficult to do as he didn't think he's ever seen a truly mean Fairy). Finally he just approached one of them without any sort of preference and offered her a sparkling smile.

"Good afternoon miss my name is Bolt Michaels, renowned bard of Westport, and I would like to request an audience with her grace, Titania the Fairy Queen.

[titania]

Titania was looking out a window when she saw the renowned bard of Westport approaching her palace. She looked out carefully and it didn't take long for her to recognize his old disguise. She knew he'd be coming, but he brought company no less. Wait a sec...was that? No? Oh for the love of Nayru...

Before the guard could say anything Titania leaped from her window and landed gracefully, wings outstretched. Making a beeline straight for Bolt she stopped within an inch of his face, clearly livid. The guards immediately assumed he had wronged her in some way.

"Inside. Now." The guards asked no questions, they simply opened the door as Titania stormed through, and the two of them hopefully not far behind.

As soon as they were somewhere private Titania has the doors shut and the windows closed, she turned to Bolt with a look in her eyes never seen before.

"I need an explanation for this. You show up here, in my palace, which is enough for the entire court to throw a fit. Not only that, you bring Zenethil's adopted daughter with you? There had better be a damn good, and I mean damn good reason for why you came here you...you..." all of her anger turned to frustration than anger then back until she couldn't stand it any longer and jumped into his arms, planting a sloppy kiss right on his lips. This continued until she had settled down, if she could under these circumstances, and released herself.

"You are impossible sometimes, you know that?"

[Nairore]

x x

Nairore was feeling weary after all this traveling. Actually it wasn't the travel, as she'd done a fair share of travelling in her time. Nor was it the training. She could handle the weariness that created and if anything it should help her sleep better at night. No, she was suffering from sleep deprivation, and it was noticeable in her features if one were looking for it. There were bags under her eyes and her posture was nowhere near what it normally was. But she kept up. She had to keep going, even if she was finding it hard to find a reason why.

If anything it was to keep from wasting Merik's time.

She didn't even blink twice when Merik's appearance suddenly change, so groggy and fogged was her mind. She grunted as he spoke something, trying her best to maintain her typical stony demeanor, though it was remarkably difficult. The Gerudo woman stood behind Merik as he approached the fairy guards and gave his speech. Bolt Michaels. She considered the name, for lack of anything else to latch onto. It was simple, and she kept it in mind. She wondered if he really was a renowned bard in Westport, or if he was simply relying on the fact that fairy guards probably didn't get around.

But then Titania herself came out and ordered them inside. Nairore followed behind without much thought, straight into their private area. Titania seemed frustrated and, of course, recognized her immediately. Great, that was all there was to avoiding her or going undetected. "I . . . uh . . . he's . . . training me," she commented to Titania's anger, her wit failing her in her weariness. Maybe some time in the Fairy Court would be good, perhaps it would allow her privacy to sort things out and get some proper rest.

But then once that was over they would be on the road again. Inevitably they'd be going to Castle Town or near enough that she had to visit Lori and her father. Lori wasn't a problem, it was her father. With the fog of doubt constantly creeping across her mind, keeping her up at night, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to look her father in the eyes anymore. The disguise would be blown and he would figure her out, he would see right through her.

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[Merik Dragmire]

As the guard was about to respond, Merik suddenly saw Titania leap from a window and run to them...and from the look in her eyes he could tell she was livid, a very rare look to see on her. Nodding mutely, still struck by her anger, he followed her inside and just listened until she took a breath and gave him an opening.

"One, I did tell you I was coming before the festival AND I consented to disguise myself as you wished. Two, I di..." His words were suddenly cut off as she jumped into his arms and began kissing him. When she broke the kiss he took a second to collect his thoughts again before resuming. "Ahem...two, I didn't kidnap Nairore if that's what you're thinking; she asked me to give her weapons training, and she told Zenethil that she was training with...well I'm not sure who. But your guards only saw her with a man who wasn't me and that's what matters here. Also its nice to see you again too, I realize we didn't have much time to socialize at the festival."

(OOC: short post is short because I'm on my phone, I'll code it and maybe add a few little bits (nothing game changing so go ahead and respond as available) later)

[titania]

It took a moment for Titania to collect herself. This was all very stressful, she wasn't expecting him to bring company. Bolt Michael was fine, Bolt Michael and guess was unexpected.

With a deep breath she finally entered a state of relative calmness and a soft smile escaped, a welcome sight for her, especially after her little tirade.

"I...I'm sorry for the outburst. I wasn't exactly expecting company, let alone the daughter of a well-known Gerudo hater in a position of power. Doesn't exactly fit the list of things I was looking forward to." She gave her female company a once-over and smiled much wider. "Though I do appreciate your taste in women, and her sense of style." She wasn't sure if Merik had briefed her on the ways of the promiscuous, radiant fairy queen. She could expect a bit more gazing, amongst other things.

Her gaze then returned to Merik, which was another gaze of approval. "So. You're here. I assume you didn't just come to say hi. So tell me, why did you come?" Right back to business. Titania had some work to take care of.

[Nairore]

x x

Nairore remembered just a few days before when she had wondered what Merik would be like when he was around his typical company. She had figured she might've been seeing a rouse, a disguise thrown on to try and crumble her defenses. Which was happening whether he was trying it or not and that was the cause of all the turmoil going on in Nairore's head at that moment. Yet even through the fog that old curiosity decided to poke its head out and examine the scenario.

Quite frankly she hadn't expected Titania to be so open with Merik, greeting him with a kiss that was far more than courtesy. Nairore cocked an eyebrow and threw Merik a look, though she figured there wasn't going to be much more on that matter. The two knew each other quite fondly which, as it were, might work out to Nairore's advantage, to keep word from getting to her father. "Which is why I'd appreciate it if word of my time here didn't get back to father. He knows I'm out training, but he believes it's with a swordsman by the name of Rwaht Orin. If he found out . . . well Hyrule would shake from his rage," she remarked, finding energy from somewhere.

She was used to courtly mannerisms, having spent much time observing Zelda's court and even meeting the princess once or twice, though she doubted the Hylian woman would remember her. She had been raised knowing who was who among the races and the political situation in Hyrule, and Titania was spoken of with respect by her father, quite contrary to Merik, so Nairore found her voice came easier to the Fairy Queen than it had at first for Merik. It was actually kind of relieving.

Nairore watched as the Fairy Queen sized her up and felt more than a little awkward. Nairore was used to getting such looks from men, but for a woman, for the queen of the fairies, to observe her in that manner was a little uncomfortable, though she didn't show it. Instead she just cocked an eyebrow to Titania's statement. "No matter his tastes, our relationship is strictly a student teacher one," she said, though she didn't have much conviction behind it.

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[Merik Dragmire]

Merik started laughing when Nairore finally revealed who it was he was supposed to be.

"You told him I was Rwaht Orin...? And he bought that? Rwaht hasn't been seen around these parts in years, what are the odds he'd show up now." he said once he had calmed down enough to respond before looking back at Titania. "Oh and Nairore is right we aren't together...or anything like that, you know how Kotone is; and that isn't an invitation for you to move in either Titania."

He knew the Queen well, very well, and he DEFINITELY knew the look that passed through her eyes when she looked at his student. He gave her a warning gaze for just a few seconds before coming back to her original question.

"You're right my visit is strictly for business and not more diplomacy. I'm on a religious pilgrimage but the exact information I seek has been thought lost for centuries. I believe that the location I'm trying to find is here in the forest and seeing as your people have been here as long as there has been a forest I figured I might be able to find a hint in one of the books of your library."

He actually had a theory that the place he sought was here in the Sacred Grove, probably nearer to the ruins of the Temple of Time, but close nonetheless.

[titania]

Titania did not laugh, as she actually thought that made sense.

"Better to use the name of someone who won't show up again rather than a man who could come and ruin things." The looks she received were enough that apparently her initial feelings were based in her own fantasies. Well, she tried.

"You mean like the time I showed up and she jailed me and tried to kill me? You might want to consider putting her on a leash, for more reasons than just that but...no no no, this isn't a social call." She tried to get the ideas out of her head before she got upset about their lacking willingness. You can't just bring a body like that and then expect her to ignore it. Though there was that scar. Oh well, no one is perfect. Pouting, she continued to his point of business.

"Well aren't we feeling boring today. Either way, I'll make sure you and your student are given access. Feel free to browse, but don't take any. I know how your people are." Obviously said in jest, she nodded to him. She had her ways of persuasion, and besides, she was doing them a favor. Sure he could take a look at the library, but she was doing him a favor, and Kotone wasn't around for the first time in ages.

"Follow me. I shall take you there." She opened the door and walked out, heading towards the library.

[Nairore]

x x

Nairore was thankful for Titania picking up on her logic. It saved her the trouble of explaining it herself, a task that seemed quite daunting with her wearied mind. She grunted her acknowledgement to Titania's theory and let that little ordeal drop. It wasn't that important what her story was, nor her reasoning. She just remembered her father speaking of Rwaht and the respect in his voice was enough that she knew he wouldn't say no if Rwaht suddenly reappeared and offered to train his daughter. Rwaht's elusiveness was also a contributing factor.

She was also glad Merik also seemed to have his head about him and dissuaded Titania. She seemed particularly eager to do many things that didn't involve the business they were there for. Nairore was quite the opposite. She found she wanted things to be finished there fast. Not because of the company, but rather because she wanted to get back to her training. Her training was the only thing that kept her mind off of the fog of doubt that crept through it.

Though when Titania included her in Merik's little outing to the library Nairore couldn't help but splash the smallest signs of a smirk at Merik. She was growing more curious toward his business, this ancient secret, and to her own surprise it was not curiosity based on what her father would like to know. This curiosity wasn't born out of any loyalty, but rather her own, as she found herself wondering what the King of the Gerudo would be seeking so vehemently that he would travel out here just to search.

So she didn't say anything when Titania included her and started after the Fairy Queen when she started to lead the way. Of course Merik would object, she was certain, but until then why not try to stick her nose where it didn't belong? Wasn't that part of being a Gerudo? Her father had always complained about them doing so, though he referred to their banditry on the main roads.

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[Merik Dragmire]

Merik wasn't against the idea that Nairore had marked him as Orin, he was mostly just trying to force some life back into her. He wasn't completely sure what was going through her head but he knew that she hadn't slept in nearly a week.

"Well when I finally figure out a way to get you into Kotone's good graces, I'd recommend giving it some time before you try to get her onboard with that leash idea." He replied with a smirk as they started walking towards the library; shaking his head vigorously to get rid of the images conjured. Once he finally pushed them away he took on a mockingly affronted look. "We can't all party all the time Titania and I take offense that you think I'd stoop to stealing a book, especially after everything I've done for you."

The King hadn't planned on letting his student near when he was in research mode, but he wasn't going to push the case to avoid any suspicions. Luckily with all the books he knew the Queen had he'd be able to spend a little extra time digging through a few more books if he found what he was looking for.

[titania]

Well, it was all worth a try. Better to ask and be denied, since the idea was opened up.

"I can't be too careful with you. I need to make sure everything is covered while you're around. You have a tendency of leaving things in an unfortunate circumstance. Don't think I've forgotten what happened to my previous adventuring outfit." She liked that outfit, and it was gone forever. One of a kind too.

"Anyway, feel free to browse. I'll make sure you have full access, no one should be in the way of your search. But you owe me for this." She walked into the library to talk to some of the keepers, letting them know the visitors were given permission from the top to look around.

[Nairore]

x x

Nairore followed along and Merik didn't object. Whatever he was searching was obviously something he didn't want to draw much attention to. Titania wasn't asking many questions about it and Merik probably liked it that way. Nairore couldn't help but smirk to herself as she realized she might actually get to go to the library with Merik for his research. It had been a foolhardy plan to say the least, and she still expected to get told off by her teacher when they were not around Titania, but for now it seemed entirely like he had to keep his tongue bound around the Fairy Queen.

Of course she was also risking quite a bit just by doing this. Merik could easily just cast her aside and give up on her training, or even kill her. Though the first would be even worse, because she would have to return to her father with incomplete training, and was easily susceptible to Merik just straight out ratting her out to Zenethil. If he found out she had been spending the last month, thereabout, training with Merik she would be in a lot of trouble, especially after all he had done to keep her from this sort of lifestyle.

The library itself was marvelous to behold, even for one like Nairore who preferred to spend her time with her sword in her hand instead of a book. Her thoughts fell immediately to Lori, and what her sister would say if she ever visited the library. Frankly Nairore couldn't imagine the girl's exact words, but she would almost definitely become more lively than she had been since she was orphaned. It was like a strange mesh between civilization and nature, yet all the books remained unharmed by the latter.

She stepped in and looked around, then turned to Merik and Titania. This was Merik's business, it was Titania's library. Nairore was not even supposed to be there, but then that seemed to be the defining line of her life. She was never supposed to be anywhere, a Gerudo in Hylian society, and Knight, as much as she could be, among Gerudo. She grunted and let her hands find the curves of her hips, resting on top while she waited for Merik to tell her where to go. She was there now, she might as well help.

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[Merik Dragmire]

"And if you wanted your clothes undamaged you shouldn't have challenged me to see how fast I could get them off you..." Merik countered with a smirk as they got nearer to the library before adding. "Besides at least I gave you a new outfit to replace it, didn't make you go home naked... Though who can say, you might've enjoyed that."

When they entered the library he was struck, as always, at the fascinating setup of the room. He smiled and gave Titania a slight bow in appreciation as she walked off to speak with the keepers. Turning to Nairore he indicated the size of the room.

"As I've seemed to have forgotten how big this place is I will be able to use your help. I'm going to find a clear table, or clear one off, I need you to start bringing me every book you can find on the history of the province and the forest itself. Hopefully it'll be quickly and easily found..."

With that he walked further in to prepare himself a workspace.

[Nairore]

x x

(OOC: Milk said to keep posting since Titania doesn't have much of a role in this part of the thread)

Nairore pretended not to hear what they were discussing. It wasn't really her business who ripped whose clothes off, after all. Instead she busied herself by looking around the library further, trying futilely to understand exactly what sort of system there was to organizing them. She wasn't the academic sort, however, and she couldn't recognize half the titles for what they were as some could. To her it all seemed like a wild mismatch of every sort of topic imaginable.

And then Merik set her to the task of making heads or tails out of it all. She blinked, then turned to the mass of books that was a library. There had to be some reason to the madness, so she headed off and scanned titles of leather volumes, looking for something that resembled history for the Faron Woods region. She had no idea what Merik was looking for, wanting something that vague, but honestly she was eager to find some way to help him, or to occupy her own mind. She wasn't sure of the difference.

She began to pick a few titles from the walls, stacking them on a table until she had a large stack. She grabbed it and brought it over to wherever Merik decided to set up camp and set the books down, then ventured off and began to scan the titles again. It was routine work, but it required just enough cognitive effort that the fog never had a chance to enter her conscious thought. She had to analyze titles, because those old authors liked to make incredibly long-winded titles, or titles that were too vague.

After a few trips back and forth she had created a pile for Merik to start on. Of course she felt almost certain he wouldn't find what he needed if he gave her vague instructions like that. Of around twenty books she'd found, maybe two would be useful, but then she wasn't a scholar either. "What is it you're looking for? It's not like I'm going to run off to my father tattling at this point," she asked upon the delivery of a fourth stack, taking a moment to breath as her muscles, still sore from training, screamed at her to at least let them catch up.

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[Merik Dragmire]

As soon as the first books hit the table Merik dove into his work. Scanning through he soon set the first book down as worthless to him. Soon enough a second joined it before he realized that Nairore had asked him a question.

Well she won't be able to figure out what I'm looking for with just the location I suppose... he thought as he worked through the third book.

After setting that one aside as well he looked up at his student.

"I'm trying to find the original resting place of the Master Sword, I believe it's somewhere around here but I don't have complete proof. I believe that if it was here in the forest it will have been recorded in one of these."

After he spoke he returned to the next book...and soon enough the next book...and not long after he had removed a stack from his workspace. With a faint sigh he cracked his neck and set into the next stack.