ALAR-174 perched near a fountain as crowds surged past him. He posed for maximum effect with one booted foot against the concrete, his tunic and cambric shirt glistening between the waterfall and the sun. It was one of many suggested poses and positions loaded into the database for this type of task, weather considered. He ought to have stared ahead with an opaque expression. Instead, he kept glancing at and recording images of the guests. Some of them wore period clothing and sported tiny pointed ears, masks, or wigs mixed with the fashions of the outside world. Almost as if they wished to be part magical creature themselves.

After twenty minutes at his location, he roused himself from people watching to either find a new area or walk among the guests until an opportunity presented itself. He fitted more or less seamlessly into the throng of people, despite glances and pointed fingers. He only smiled at those and offered a considered nod or a gentle 'hello,' and elvish greeting to anyone who addressed him directly.

Then, suddenly, a young woman ploughed into him. Her head was turned and she seemed to be regarding the crowds with some tension. Perhaps she had become separated from her family or friends? To him, she appeared to be yet another part-elven guest with her pointed ears and purple hair dye. Although her accoutrements were far more seamless than the popular clay ear molds from the shops.

Alar leaned down to greet the guest with a smile. "It's all right, I was not harmed. Are you lost, miss? Shall I escort you to the central office?"