Just Another Day (OPEN)

[Ingrid]

The sun was still low in the morning sky, a few thin clouds stretched out across a pale blue and soft golden canvas. The gulls circled about high over the lake, mere shadows in the air as the dew sparkled on the grass that grew near the waters edge. There was a chill in the crisp air as the cold of night dissipated. Spring was well on its way, all the snow from winter had melted and flowers were beginning to blossom. The surface of Lake Hylia rippled softly from the waterfall on the far end that led to Zora's Domain, the movement shattering the suns bright reflection across the lake. It was a sight to behold for sure, but as Ingrid sat at the edge of the water it was just another day.

Having been born and raised in this very lake such a brilliant morning was nothing special. She kicked her legs softly in the water which reached up to her knees. Most places around the edge of the lake gradually dipped into the water so that one could easily walk from land to water and back, but there were a few places where, once water and earth met, there was a sheer drop off. The Zoran jester nibbled her fishy breakfast slowly as she stared at the lakes surface, underwater hundreds of Zoras were rising and going about their day, but with the glare from the sun it was impossible to see beyond the surface.

She yawned, bored, mornings were her least favorite time, it was far to quiet for her liking. Ingrid thrived in noise and crowds, but in so much emptiness she felt a bit... sad.

[Leoni]

Lightly stepping feet crossed through the dewed grass to its edge, stopping just before they could meet with water. Lake Hylia rippled peacefully under the light of the fresh morning sun, its waves only gently lapping against the bottom of fine Hylian shoes. There Leoni stood, his hair blowing gently in the crisp morning breeze, looking with shadowed eyes at the shimmering water. It was a brilliant sight that, even if Leoni cared to, he couldn’t enjoy. He had only ever been here once before, and it was the same now as it was before. Both the lake itself, and the sensation he felt while being here. He hugged himself and cringed in pain as the feeling of sharp needles pinched inside him. There was a temple here, and a spirit’s shrine—and who knew what else. It was as if the water itself could take the spiritual vibrations and conduct it to every edge, and in his experience, Leoni knew that he would have to be of a reasonable distance from the lake to feel comfort.

However, as it would often happen, Leoni was not here to enjoy the lake and its beauty. He took a deep breath, and dropped his arms down at his side. His face went expressionless as he forced himself to ignore the pain. Leoni looked around the water’s edge once more, and noticed what would be a Zora minding it’s own business by a ledge further up. He turned and walked in that direction.

The sun had nearly completed its rising by the time Leoni reached the Zora’s spot. He stopped walking to stand about seven feet behind the Zora, before calling out to it quite plainly.

“Oye, Zora,” he said, standing firm. “How can I get into the temple at the bottom of the lake?”

[Ingrid]

It wasn't unusual for other people to be around the lake which is more than likely why Ingrid had paid not attention to the man walking towards her which she would have only caught out of the corner of her eye any way. So she continued munching on her fresh caught fish and enjoying the weather as the sun rose. Though wouldn't you know he chose to address her just as she took a huge bite of the fishes head.

Mouth full and cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, she turned to see a well dressed Hylian... who wanted to know how to get the the Zoran Temple. She raised a leather skinned eyebrow and swallowed the food in her mouth without chewing which was a bad idea as now her throat felt horribly uncomfortable.

"Who wants to know?" She spoke Hylian fluently, most everyone did. Most of her breakfast finished she tossed the last of her fish into the grass, a wild animal would eat the remains later. She rested her hands on her bony hips, looking the man over, he was very well dressed, but there was something about him that didn't look... well noble.

[Leoni]

Leoni remained erect and firm as she addressed him, seemingly unaffected by both the grossness that was her present state, and her manners. However, in his thoughts he had observed that she was clearly of no impressive standing by both of these, and the way she spoke. Being able to understand and speak Hylian was nothing impressive, but without showing verbal respect to those of the language's origin was a sign of bad manners. Of course, this could be excused by the possibility that the Zoran woman just didn't like him. Leoni decided that she was no one that required respect, so he wouldn't go out of his way to show it.

"I do, or I wouldn't have asked," he answered coldly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That there is a temple at the bottom of this lake is no secret to anyone, and that one who can't swim to its depths can't necessarily reach it can only be assumed. But, as it is known by those educated well enough that you fish people most likely hold no secrets that can't be learned with enough noble trust and alliance, then there shouldn't necessarily be anything down there to hide. Therefore, to not tell me the means by which I can enter is merely a self-righteous attempt at trying to seem important in the preservation of your religion."

The lack of expression on his face twisted to into one of mild cruelty, as his lips curled into a mocking sneer.

"Unless, of course, you simply don't know the answer, by which I can assume from not only your appearance, but also your intelligence that you're of no special breed."

Having said this, his face went back to it's calm, emotionless form. He gently brushed his hair out of his face and sighed, looking back over the lake.

"I could always ask someone else, there's bound to be many of you around, if you're uninterested. But I assure you," he bowed his head, in what would somehow be both a reassuring, and respectful manner--similar to the manner in which a servant would bow his head to his superior. "I assure you, that I mean to cause no harm to your people or their history."

[Ingrid]

Ingrid flipped a few dark tentacles over her shoulders and stuck her tongue out at the man; immature, perhaps, but manners was never really her style. She crossed her arms and laughed, the Hylian obviously thought she was easily insulted, she'd been through school, mockery was no stranger to her.

"Oh~ I know where it is, the entrance is at the very bottom of the deepest part of the Lake, but it doesn't matter where it is, a Hylian has never stepped foot inside that Temple, ikt is impossible for any who is not Zora to get there," She laughed, a loud, abrupt and obnoxious sound that warrented a few stray glances from people with in yelling distance.

She moved forward a few steps, putting on a sweet smile and folding her hands behind her back, "Are you planning on growing gills, Mister? That's the only way you'll get there, that is, if the guards will even let you in," She gave another loud laugh, but it was higher pitched and teasing.

[Leoni]

Leoni lifted his bowed head, and showed no reaction at the Zora's behaviour. He only stared at her placidly, following her with his cold eyes as she walked towards him those few steps, continuing her childish attitude. He wasn't impressed, nor was he entertained, and he didn't feel the need to stand around talking with her any more if she was going to prove herself this useless.

"If growing gills was an option, I wouldn't need someone like you to suggest it to me, as the childlike obviousness would have made it the first thought." His voice remained quite monotone, and he turned his back on her.

"I've read all about something referred to as the Zora Armor that would allow someone like me to make it to the lake's bed. However, it's possible that knowledge may be reserved to the royal family. In which case," he glanced over his shoulder towards her, his eyes flashing with a sharp coldness that left as quick as it came. "...talking to the likes of you is worthless."

He turned away again and began to walk away, but stopped suddenly as he felt the pain again. He flinched, and instinctively lifted his hand to his chest.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid gasped slightly, this man was something of a pain in the ass. He turned to walk away and she pranced after him, he stopped and she took the advantage to step in front of him. She'd tell him a thing or two, the obstinate brat.

"Hey! Just cause you'd heard of something don't think you can just waltz around and use whatever you like!" She balled her hands into fists, placing them on her hips. She wasn't a guard or really of any authoritative standing, but it was up to ever Zora to do there part for the community and hers at the moment was to keep this guy from bugging more important folk about things such as the Zoran Armour.

"That armour isn't for just anyone! You think you're some kind of high and might noble-whatsit, it doesn't matter! Ask any Zora around, no one would ever give you that armour and without it you'll never make it to the temple!" She was actually a bit angry with the guy, thinking he was so important that he could have such an artifact, "So how about you just bugger off now, the Zora don't want a bad tempered nugget running around on our shores,"

[Leoni]

The sharp pain didn't subside, but Leoni had to force himself to look as confident as possible as the Zora ended up in front of him. He cringed, then with a sigh, managed to compose himself. He again stood straight, and looked at her with an empty expression, newly formed sweat from his inner struggle having formed on his brow.

He stood silently as the Zora spoke to him, her distaste for him clearly visible. She stood taller than himself, but his composure and manner held the illusion of him standing at her own height, at least.

"If there are terms to me acquiring it, then I'll find out what those are," he said. "I have no intention of thieving or causing trouble. I am not the Zora's enemy. However,"He narrowed his eyes. "If you choose to fight me here, it will only serve as an embarrassment to your noble people, and I will make it full known your assault."

Having said that, Leoni's expression returned to it's malevolent tease, and he took a step back, mocking precisely the way she stood.

"I'm clearly unarmed, and it would take every ounce of my own power to defend myself! I have no interest in fighting you, so to attack me would be completely unwarranted, fish."

Leoni dropped the mock and turned away from the Zora, gazing in the direction of the river.

"It is a bit troublesome to get all the way up there...I wonder if there's another way to go about it," he said to himself, rudely acting as though the Zora was no longer there.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid crossed her arms, taking a deep breathe to calm herself, this man was such an irritating person. So persistent despite her attempts to dissuade him. She didn't follow him as he walked towards the water, she needed to keep her temper, but she was listening while he continued to talk even though he spoke as if she no longer existed.

"Well trouble is the only thing you'll get if you want that armour, there is only one person in this whole world who's allowed to wear it and I highly doubt you're that person," She looked up towards the distant waterfall, if she swam up the river for awhile she'd come to Zora's Domain, she'd made the trip several times in the past. She wondered what the guards would think of this man, she knew a few of them who owed her personal favors.

She sighed, Ingrid had always been easy to let go of anger, though also easy to rile up. She laced her leathery fingers together and clasped them behind her head, "Sorry to dissapoint, but you wont be going to the Temple anytime soon," she laughed, this man must have a pretty arrogant attitude to believe he'd be allowed into a place that he surely only heard about in lore and legends. If he'd paid more attention he'd know that the Temple was a sacred place to her people and none of the outside, all aside from the great hero, was allowed to enter.

[Leoni]

Leoni continued to behave as if the Zora wasn't even there, even as she spoke to him. Though, he did hear her words, and his expression went downcast.

He'd done all his research. The only person who was entitled to wear the armor was a hero only spoken about by the legends of the people, and the Zoras were notorious for being far too thumped up on lore. He was certainly not that hero. Everything she said to him was true. It was all so highly unlikely that he'd find any cooperation within the Zora race. However...he couldn't afford to not try.

Leoni took his pocket-watch out of his breast pocket and opened it. The second hand ticked away like any normal watch would, but the other two hands were fastened in place. There was no way to read this watch and determine the time.

This hero, and all of the related lore, was precisely why he wanted to enter the temple so badly. He didn't quite understand what might have happened hundred of years ago, and what this day and age might have in common with that time regarding heroes and such...but if this temple happened to be that old...

Leoni turned away from the water and back to the Zora, holding up the watch by its chain. If he had swung it, he might have caused an illusion. However, he only said,

"Oye, oye. Look at the time."

He closed the watch and put it back in his pocket, then bowed his head respectfully as he had done before.

"My apologies for being a disturbance to your day," he said, his attitude neither vicious nor apologetic. If he hypnotized this Zora, he wouldn't get much information, and would only be wasting his own energy. However, it would be a great deal more difficult to get in the same situation with a member of the royal family. Perhaps a different approach should be called for. Leoni stood back straight, his eyes downcast.

"Perhaps there is some other kind-hearted Zora who will try to help me in this time of need," he said, placing his left hand over where his heart would be, To ease this pain and suffering. If you would excuse me.""

[Ingrid]

Ingrid looked at the watch that was shown her, the numbers were all wrong, there was no way it was near that time at all, but he snapped it shut and said nothing more of it. Was the watch supposed to do something? She didn't feel any different, but she turned her attention back to the man as he spoke.

"Perhaps there is some other kind-hearted Zora who will try to help me in this time of need, to ease this pain and suffering. If you would excuse me."

For a second she gave him the same cockeyed look she'd given him when he first arrived before she made an uncontrollable snorting sigh.

"Oh! Pu-lease! Are you kidding me? First of all, why are you so persistant about going to the temple? What could possibly be there that a Hylian would need? And secondly, why are you being such an obstinate baby about it?" Her hands moved back to her hips, this guy was just sooo annoying.

[Leoni]

As she spoke to him, Leoni stared at the Zora plainly, having reverted back to his empty expression and careless gaze. He wouldn't be affected or offended by her words. He'd be called worse things than a 'baby', and things that were a great deal more appropriate. He considered himself to be behaving nothing like what he'd consider to be an infant, so then only assumed that the Zora's intelligent vocabulary was limited and immature.

"Shut up," he said simply, as she just barely finished her last few words. He moved his gaze past her, his eyes shadowed by his dark hair that lazily fell in his face. He didn't show any distraction to it. Leoni began to walk past her, stopping just long enough to whisper "you're an annoying fish," before continuing on his way.

It wasn't her business what he was doing, and he had no intention on telling her. He had already told her more than once that he meant no harm, and that should be enough. The dew had evaporated from the grass, and the sun firmly hung in the sky above. Leoni looked towards the river again. Due to its current, he wouldn't be able to get up there very easily. The Zoras could swim up there without effort. Though he was a decent swimmer himself, he certainly couldn't manage it. He sighed. He'd need the cooperation and help of a Zora...most definitely.

"Oye, well, I suppose..." he looked around. He could spot a few other Zoras around the lake, and tried to determine quickly which would be the most beneficial for him. As long as it wasn't stupid, he could handle it.

Leoni took a few steps forward, then became shocked by the pain of his Spiritual Sense. His erect posture faltered and he bent forward, clutching himself.

"I don't understand," he said to himself. "Why is it so strong? It can't be this close..." He allowed himself to gently fall to his knees, and went pulled from his jacket a small bag that contained his medical materials. Ignoring everything else, he wiped the sweat away from his face while searching for something in the bag that might help with the pain. For the most part, all he had were healing medicines for illness and injury. He hadn't ever considered that his sense would end up this strong.

[Ingrid]

Ingrids jaw dropped, insulted as he walked past her. She'd never met someone so mean and irritating in her life, but she clenched her fists and held back the urge to chuck a handful of mud at the back of his head. She turned away as he head toward a few other zoras having breakfast along the lake shore. She peered over the edge of the lake, the drop off was good, she considered jumping in and going to see the Temple guards for herself, she could use a few words with a fellow Zora, or really anyone who wasn't as foul tempered as the Hylian.

She heard a small thud and turned around, the man had collapsed to his knees. She took a rushed step towards him, thinking of helping, then she remembered he was a big jerk. She bit her lip, contemplating just leaving him to whatever fate he had coming to him, but she was a better person than that and she kept moving towards him. She knelt in front of him as he was digging through a bag.

"Don't like the smell of fish? The lakes not the place for a soft stomach," okay so it was a little crass, but he was rude, he didn't even deserve her help let alone her respect, but she'd set her mind to assisting, "What's wrong pinky, need a doctor? You'll have to ask nicely if you want me to take you anywhere. That is if the action wont send lightening from the sky and kill you on the spot," The thought amused her, but she waited for an answer before saying more.

[Leoni]

Leoni looked up when he felt her shadow over him, wiping some sweat from his forehead. His face was no longer empty, but filled with a harsh mix of both pain and frustration. He would have preferred to never speak with this particular Zora again, and wished she had just ignored it.

"Shut up," he said sharply. She wouldn't have the slightest idea what was bothering him, and it wasn't her place to say anything about it. He didn't need a doctor, and especially not a Zora doctor. He had met said doctor before, as the Zora is considered a noble amongst its people. Though he hadn't given the Zora and reason to dislike him, he didn't ever plan on returning.

Leoni remained unamused, and pulled a small pouch from inside his bag.

"I don't need anything from you," he said. "Save your good deed for the ill or dying."

He opened the pouch, taking from it the last of what appeared to be dried seaweed. It was a type of plant that was harvested by some Zoras in order to reduce pain, which Leoni had taken from his Master's inventory before leaving. He put the plant in between his teeth, and began to grind it. It tasted salty, despite having originated from fresh water. He put the empty pouch back in the bag, and allowed himself to fall backwards into the grass. He stared up blankly, as he chewed. He needed to rest his body, and figure out how he was supposed to replace the plant.

"It is also very unlikely that an individual could get struck by lightening considering the location and weather circumstances of the situation," he said plainly. His tone was very matter-of-fact, but it was still an improvement from cold and emotionless. His body began to feel weak and tired, as if he had just taken a drug with effects. He sighed.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid gritted her teeth, even in a time of need he was too stubborn to take help. He laid back on the grass and she let her emotions get the better of her. She walked to the Lakes shore and scooped up an arm full of mud not in the least bit concerned for her own clothes. Stomping back to the man she promptly dumped the mud on his chest.

She felt no remorse and was in fact greatly pleased to see the large brown spots of dirt on his nice clothes. Caught in the moment she scrapped the remaining mud from her dress and arms and threw it at the man.

"Aren't I being helpful," She said bitterly, Helping with your grave! Since your sour disposition is going to send you six feet under in your earliest years," She finished flicking what dirt she could and began stalking off. Wretched man.