#fenixtj

"I'm pretty sure when I was there, I heard goats - and baby goats are the cutest things on hooves after you and me. " And she gives Ellie an impulsive hug as well. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I'm sure being a Countess it's tough. You're important, and all, and can't go flittin' around like some common folk might. But I bet there's perks, too, hm?"

"I don't know.. her OLD place didn't even want her getting messy EVER " Ariel makes a face

Clearly, Ariel is of the opinion that sometimes you need to get some grass stains and maybe even a touch of mud on your hooves

"Oh, I like it here lots..."

"It's dangerous outside." Resigned.

"True, but if you're up in an ivory tower, how will you ever grow?" A smile. "I'm glad you're here now, though. You're sweet, Miss Ellie. Now, do you sing at all, or play? Is Ariel heading up your classical music education?"

"Ellie dances very prettily... she's like a star in the sky" Ariel declares

perhaps not remembering the question was for her friend

"I like to dance, and singing is fun..."

"I had harp lessons before..." Nose-wrinkle.

"You're not a fan of the harp?"

She shakes her head.

"I mean, I guess it's pretty? But it's not very fun."

"Elias has an electric harp, it sounds nice"

"Well, what do you find fun? Do you like just dancing? Or would you like to sing, or try another instrument?" Curious, now.

"And it IS okay to just listen and enjoy music, too."

"Oh! His harp isn't boring!"

"I don't know... all the strings are confusing..."

Leaning in, she says conspiratorily, "I'm not very good with woodwinds. I keep trying, but even though it's a sweet sound, I want to be singing."

"Then you should sing." So it is declared!

Thoughtfully, she digs into her bag, and brings out a hand-sized, round wooden... thing. Ellie may not have encountered something like it before. It's not a cup, it's full of holes, but it isn't shaped right to be a hair ornament. It's on a thong, but too big to be a necklace. "Have you ever seen one of these before?" Offering it over to Ellie.

"No..." She reaches to take it, tilting her head like a curious little bird.

Piper watches Ellie turn it in her hands, and when she happens to have a few spots covered by chance, the Satyr leans in and puffs a breath of air into one of the other holes, and it gives a bright "Toot!"

Ellie laughs. "Oh! It's a funny flute!"

"An Ocarina" Ariel says

"Indeed! See, if you put your fingers over some of the holes, it makes different sounds. Want to give it a try? Ding! A point for Ariel, too!"

Ellie nods, and gives the instrument a toot.

Then another, noodling around to see what noises it makes.

"And the more your hands cup it, the less echoey it sounds. So hold like this, and it's a brighter note, or like this, and it sounds almost sad. Like a depressed Owl, hoooo."

"Neat" Ariel says

"hoooooooo" goes the ocarina.

Giggle!

"I'm Piper. Whoooo are you?" She jokes back.

"Is part of the reason for a troubadour to help with your music education? Or was it just time for Fenix to grow?"

"Oh, more to make things merry, I think. Countess Jessica has many responsibilities, and they weigh heavy. Even troll shoulders get tired."

"That is very true." A grin, though she notes the time. "I should probably be getting back to my Escort. Otherwise he might get lost in your Scribe's eyes, and have trouble explaining that to Mr. Coy.

Ariel says "I'm Ellie' and Salmas Troubadour, so I'll keep her happy... maybe the wilder or grump troubadouar's can keep Miss Jessica happy?"

"Oh, not good... make sure to check on Mamacita, too."

"Will Mamacita also get lost in a DeBuke's eyes? They are more romantic then I had heard!" She jokes.

And then a boggan's voice - "Contessa, Ariel, it is time for lessons!"

"I have an awful lot to carry, and you helped me decide to use the guitar for my songs this time. Will you hold onto that for me for now?" She asks the little Countess.

"Oh we gotta go" Ariel hops up

"I will take very good care of it, yes!"

"We have to go, but good luck!"

"Let me know what you think! And maybe you can show me some tricks when I see you later." She grins and waves as the girls go scampering off.

A wave. Piper hears it tooting as Ellie heads down the hall.

And, heads back to the library herself, though not in a rush - admiring the hold as she goes.

Ariel races off... slowing down so she doesn't leave her friend behind

(End scene)

In the throne room, Bevera ap Gwydion tunes her lute.