The day was cold but bright, and the market square lively as usual. The air was filled with sound: chatter, the cooing of pigeons, water splashing in the square's large fountain. Anala walked along the fountain's rim, arms held out for balance. Her wings flickered and flared with each step, burning especially bright each time she teetered towards the water. She talked to herself too, speaking quietly so she wouldn't be overheard."I'm so bored; what's taking them so long? It's been twenty--shhhh, Ben, it's just a little fountain, it'd barely come up to my shins--it's been twenty minutes. That's not quick, and Alek has a limp but I'm so booooored."