Twisted Wonderland 2

Quite Fearless

Group one wanders the streets as they find what to do next.

Malleus hums. "Where to next? According to the map, the shopping district is right up ahead."

Something bumps against Malleus's leg. He looks down as the little thing bleats.

"It's a white goat." Jamil says. "And a small one at that."

Riddle quirks an eye. "A goat, in the middle of town? It doesn't have a collar, either. Does that mean it's wild?"

Malleus bends to one knee and pets the goat. "Look again, it has a golden earring. It doesn't appear to be wild."

Riddle nods. "Oh, you're right. It's friendly, too. It's clearly used to being around people."

Sebek bristles. "Do not cozy up to Malleus, goat!"

Jamil rolls his eyes. "Now you're jealous of a goat? This is so pathetic to watch. I wonder if it ran away from its owner. Though a goat is an unusual choice for a pet."

"That goat is no pet."

The boys whirls around to see Rollo approaching.

"It's not wild either, mind you."

"Oh, hello there, Rollo." Riddle clears his throat. "Are you making your rounds?"

Rollo nods. "Just so. I was slightly concerned about how you all were faring. Is Y/N with you, by chance?"

Jamil shakes his head. "No, you just missed her."

Rollo hums. "Pity."

"If the goat isn't a pet, and it isn't wild, then what is it?" Malleus asks.

"It's cared for by the whole city. You might call it a community goat. Its name is Djali." Rollo answers.

Jamil eyes the goat. "I've heard of community cats, but never goats."

"We consider goats to be bringers of good luck here in Fleur City. We treat them with care." Rollo informs. "They say if you're kind to one, it will come running to your aid when you're in trouble."

"Interesting..." Riddle tilts his head. "That fact wasn't in any of the books I read before coming here."

"They're considered ordinary animals here, the same as cats and dogs. It hardly merits writing about." Rollo shrugs.

Malleus chuckles. "If they're highly regarded here, then we must be careful in how we treat them."

The goat bleats and trots around Malleus.

Riddle laughs. "It seems to have taken a shine to you, Malleus. Look at the way it follows you around."

"How unusual." Malleus smiles as the goat nuzzles his leg. "Most animals tend to be afraid of me. You must be quite fearless, little one."

"Wait a minute..." Jamil trails off.

"What is it, Jamil?" Sebek asks.

Jamil shakes his head. "Nothing."

"You clearly stopped yourself from saying something. It makes me wonder what you're hiding!" Sebek quickly escalates.

"I was just thinking... maybe the goat saw Malleus's horns and thinks he's one of them."

The goat bleats as if to answer.

"WRETCHED GOAT! HOW DARE YOU!" Sebek whirls on the goat. "You presume to treat my liege as one of your brethren? Your piddly horns are NOTHING compared to his!"