Lila
Chapter 3
Raggs and Lila were walking through a side street of Tirovna a few days later, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. As they strolled past a group of street performers, one of them caught Lila's eye. The woman was playing a beautiful melody on a lute, and Lila began to play along with them. Her voice was so pure and clear that it seemed to fill the air around them.
"That's incredible," Lila said, nodding towards the performer. "I wish I could play like that."
Raggs barked in agreement, wagging his tail excitedly. The woman noticed them watching and smiled, beckoning them over to join her.
"Thank you," she said, beaming. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You're very good yourself, dear. Have you ever considered studying to be a bard?"
Lila's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I've thought about it, but I don't really know where to start. Do you have any advice?"
The woman nodded. "Actually, a friend of mine is a teacher at the Institute of Lyricism. I could introduce you, if you'd like?"
Lila couldn't believe her luck. "That would be amazing, thank you so much."
Raggs barked excitedly, running circles around them. The woman laughed, clearly amused by the little dog's enthusiasm.
"He's quite the character, isn't he?" she said, scratching him behind the ears. "What's his name?"
"Lila and Raggs," Lila said, introducing herself and her furry companion. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," the woman replied. "My name is Isadora. Let's arrange to meet later to perform in the park near the Seafarers' Quarters. My friend, Magister Thorian, will be there to watch. I'm sure he'll be impressed with your talents."
After the other performers left, Lila looked around, her eyes taking in the impressive architecture of Tirovna's grand cathedral. It was a massive structure of stone and glass, looming over the rest of the town. Raggs, ever at her side, sniffed at the base of one of the massive pillars. They took their time walking around the cathedral, admiring the intricate carvings that adorned the walls. They enjoyed the sunny afternoon, before heading to the docks by the Seafarer's quarters.
A bustling marketplace was the first place they crossed along the way. Lila couldn't help but be drawn in by the sights and smells of the various vendors selling their wares. The sounds of haggling and friendly banter filled the air, and Raggs even made a friend with a stray cat that seemed to be the unofficial mascot of one of the stalls. They spent a while wandering around, picking up a few small trinkets to remember the experience.
Eventually, they made their way to the outskirts of the town, where they could see the imposing walls of the Institute of Lyricism. The school was a sprawling complex of interconnected buildings, with ornate towers that seemed to reach up to the clouds themselves. As they walked, Lila couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension at the thought of studying here.
As they made their way to the northern docks, Lila kept her head down and her focus on the ground. Raggs sensed her unease and stayed close, his reassuring presence comforting her. They passed by dilapidated buildings and broken-down carts, evidence of the poverty that still lingered in the less populated parts of Tirovna.
When they finally reached the seafarer's quarters, Lila's heart sank. The area was rundown and dreary, and it smelled of saltwater and fish. The people who walked by were rough and worn-looking, with sun-browned skin and calloused hands. Lila tried to keep her head up, reminding herself that this was an opportunity for her to make a better life for herself.
They arrived at the spot near the north docks that Lila's friends had arranged to meet, and she immediately recognized the spot where she had first arrived in Tirovna. Memories of her past flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and longing.