Arrival

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Suggested Audio

Trireme

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The sea is restless, a steely slate pricked with frothy white caps. Despite stark winds the sky is clear, crisp air filling the lungs of a teenage girl as she watches the horizon and uncertainty hangs in her eyes. Tia feels mirrored by the tumultuous sea, leaning against the railing at the bow of the ship and brooding more the further they sail.

When letting out a sigh one might mistake she had grown weary of being at sea, hair thrashing past stormy eyes. Instead, Tia counted each day, tallying how far they sail from the life she knew.

A man approaches her with a bright greeting prepared. Slate hair streaked by grey and the worn lines of his face express his middle age and he appears very average and unassuming. Tia severs his amiable attempt with a barbarous glare, pressing her lips into a uncompromising frown. The expression comes easily to her, far more dour than one might expect from such a gracile girl. Tia maintains this only briefly before dismissing him entirely, turning back to the sea.

Still punishing you?

a lilting voice welcomes Allen back as he retreats

I doubt she plans to speak to me again!

Allen jests with a wry smile, his response comically dramatic

She will, in time

Mina reassures him as laughter slips from her lips, a knowing expression settling into place

As the ship cuts into a large wave, briney mist is splattered by the wind and washes over Tia. Mina catches the hint of a smile play on her daughter's lips despite her sour performance. Tia sneaks in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh scent, and her eyes close as another bout of mist and wind whip about her.

I think, despite the changes

Mina insists, turning back to her husband

This will be good for her!

She gives Allen's hand a squeeze before striding to Tia's side

Tia is silent, her eyes flitting to Mina only briefly. Tia has always struggled to remain cross with her mother for very long. Mina had a way of soothing those around her and could be surprisingly disarming. Tia believes it is her lissome beauty and adroit elegance, the girl possessing the utmost admiration for her mother. With almost idyllic beauty, Mina's porcelain complexion is pierced only by her cerulean eyes.

While Tia inherited Mina's dainty features, framed by billowing snow-white hair and cut by eyes swirling with indigo and violet clouds, Tia feels these are awkward and gawky on her by comparison. She is also far more petite than her long-limbed mother but has never treated herself as delicately as she appears. Tia had tried to match her mother's feminine mannerisms for some time but never succeeded. She is far more wild, brash and straightforward than Mina and possesses a contrary, almost forlorn quality unusual for her age. Tia sighs as Mina glides to the railing, musing about their unfortunate differences.

It's quite a beautiful day, isn't it?

Mina questions, watching her daughter's face tighten with another frown

Our home was beautiful.

Tia gripes stubbornly

I think you may be surprised

Mina replies breathily

Accia is diverse and cultural. Every day is going to bring you something new!

Mina brushes matted alabaster locks out of her daughter's face but Tia swats her mother's fingers away, attempting to gather the brine-caked hair herself.

You were so bored and frustrated, lonely even. Always sneaking off...

Mina chuckles but Tia keeps her gaze planted firmly forward

Coming home painted with mud—your father horrified you ruined the silks!

Tia peeks at Mina's horrified expression and finds herself snickering at the memory.
Her joy falls away quickly, fading like a shadow cast by a passing cloud.

I just...

Tia begins, her breath carrying aggravation

I don't understand how we could leave now. At the worst possible time! I keep thinking about him.

her voice begins to quiver

I-I don't even know if he got out! He could've- h-he could be...

Tia trails off, staring in the direction of her old home, her lungs expanded with a held breath as she struggles to acknowledge the worst possibility.

Your secret friend?

Mina questions carefully

Neither Mina or Allen had met the mysterious figure but they avoided prying, happy she had finally acquired a companion. Tia's nod is barely perceptible but tears spill down her face.

I'll never even know if he's okay...!

Tia croaks. Mina slides an arm around her and Tia leans into the gesture despite her obstinance.

I know, snowdrop

Mina croons, rubbing Tia's shoulder, and a frown overtakes her face as she continues

We all wish we could've stayed but with the state of things...

She looses a sharp sigh

A diplomat has no place in war. Your father has to return to his country—our country.

"Our country"

Tia mocks, growing disdainful as she shrugs off Mina's grip

You barely talk about it most of my life and now, suddenly, it's "our country"?

Your father didn't think we'd ever return to Accia...

Mina reassures her

She seems intent to keep speaking until her expression drops, her eyes drifting past Tia. Tia turns and sees for herself. The outline of land pierces the horizon in one long streak. Mina releases a drawn out sigh before meeting Tia's gaze, her lips pressed together.

Allen!

Mina calls without turning to look

Tia's father pops his head up from behind a mess of crates and barrels.

Dad!

Tia exclaims, accusatory

Mina gives them a fluttering laugh and gestures to the growing coastland. Allen steps forward, clapping a hand on each of their shoulders and staring out. Tia observes his mixed reaction, his home on the horizon after decades. It falls into a grimace in the end.

Well...

Allen breathes, bracing himself with a chest full of air

We'd best get ready!

The ship slides along the coast and Tia watches as they sail parallel to sheer cliffs, depriving the land of sandy beaches for miles. Gulls dive into the sea, the jagged heights marked with their nests, and the ship maintains a cautious distance as the waves crash violently into this natural barrier. This continues on for some time until the coast finally breaks open. Atop the cliff's end is a stony, sun-bleached fort populated by soldiers in gleaming armor. It flies a flag unfamiliar to Tia—the flag of her homeland. Another fort on a mirrored cliff forms a pincer at the mouth of a vast bay. The two cliffs drop back until meeting sandy shores and a maze of docks, bridges and islands lay inside. The largest and closest island is cluttered by a sprawling city, taking up every available inch with different layers of architecture from various eras. The bay continues behind it, embracing a few smaller islands before the true coast hugs the water. Two massive bridges stretch between the first island and the mainland, north and south. The boat slows to a halt between the two forts.

Shadows flutter overhead and, at first, Tia believes gulls to be passing overhead until the shadows expand, rapidly swallowing up sunlight. Tia loses all breath as she turns her attention upward, backing away from the railing with faltering steps. People glide overhead, leathery wings the length of their bodies supporting them. They linger briefly before swooping onto the boat. Two men land in the ropes of the main mast while one woman steps onto the tip of the bow, her wingbeats causing Tia stumble further back. The woman searches their faces as she steps down and the captain is quick to rush forward, brushing past Tia to greet her while Tia continues to gawk, dumbfounded. The captain produces a handful of parchments and the soldier shuffles through them quickly. Tia glances to the men above, scanning the boat with their hands lingering on the hilts of their weapons. Their armor is strange to Tia, very unlike the ornate plates she was accustomed to. They eye Tia and her mother in their Yaxiyan silks with suspicious unfamiliarity. Allen, the only one of them in Eluzian clothing, steps just behind Tia and places a hand on her shoulder which she hadn't realized was gripped with tension.

Ah!

The woman exclaims, her eyes snagging on Allen

We were expecting you much sooner!

She bows her head to him, her smile oddly proud, before waving to one of the men above. He swoops down to meet her and, as she points to something in the paperwork, astonishment washes over his face.

See that they are ready for his arrival!

She instructs. He salutes to her, a fist to his chest, and leaps off the railing to fly into town

We'll escort you ourselves!

the woman proclaims

The captain calls out orders and the ship comes to life again. Tia squints at her father, confused but suspicious.

Well, I might've told you more if we were speaking

Allen teases, unable to keep the laughter from his voice

But I guess now it'll be a surprise!

What-

Tia begins but he holds up a hand to her

You wont have to wait long!

Allen assures her playfully before stepping to the bow

I'll be right back

Allen gives Tia another smile before approaching the winged woman. She gives him a small bow again and they begin to converse, her wings shrinking until they fade entirely.

Mom?

Tia calls and looks around

Mina remains in the background, keeping to herself. She stares at the soldier remaining above, her eyes fixed just past him, dazed

Ka-san? (Mom?)

Tia calls again. Mina startles before looking to Tia as she continues

Do you know what dad's up to this time?

Up to...?

Mina mutters

Daijoubu ka? (Are you okay?)

Tia questions, a bit concerned, but Mina musters a smile

Hai, daijoubu. I'm fine... (Yes, I'm okay.)

Mina breathes, seeming dizzy

I... I think I'll go get our things together!

Mina splutters uncharacteristically before disappearing into the cabin

Tia!

Allen calls her over

Come take a look at this!

Tia follows after her father and he directs her attention into the water below.

Deep down, far below the boat, an underwater city wavers below the surface. Tia squints, the wind-tossed water obscuring a clear view, but can make out the outlines of stone buildings assembled along the sandy floor and colorful aquatic plants hugging flagstone streets. She is even able to spot the silhouettes of people moving along and pointing up at their boat. Tia nearly leans over the railing at the sight of them and Allen has to pull her back.

How...?

Tia questions breathily, garnering barking laughter from Allen. The winged woman seems befuddled and maybe even suspicious of her awe.

The people of the archipelago are very reserved with their magic.

Allen offers a quick explanation to the woman before turning back to his daughter.

You'll find Accians to be the polar opposite!

Tia finds herself ogling the underwater inhabitants again. She had read stories about underwater cities and was aware of the racial magic which makes it possible -she has her own after all- but seeing the shadows of people actually hover below the surface in person was another experience entirely. As her father said, the people of Nippon consider their magic forms to be private—particularly among the elite. It was poor etiquette to show your form in public, vulgar even. Those of high rank or wealth rarely ever expose themselves in that way to anyone outside their own family. Tia couldn't help but marvel watching this underwater world flourish below her and feels a tinge of jealousy. They had a whole world of their own to experience! She wonders just how different their lives must be. Tia notices her father watching her with a grin and forces a frown.

Noooo

Allen teases in a drawn out tone broken up by laughter

I caught that smile, you are enjoying yourself!

Tia grumbles and retreats to the cabin to help her mother pack up but not before Allen gets in another laugh. He looks to the soldier and sighs before throwing up his hands

Teenagers!

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Fishing Village

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They arrive at the pier, bustling more than Tia had ever witnessed before. She had been to market with her mother but it was nothing like this. The pier is so crowded there is hardly space between each person to move about. Her senses are assaulted by the smell of brine, fish and spices but also by the clamor of vendors hawking their wares or the shouts of sailors calling out to each other. As they board the pier, strangers rush forward and begin taking up their few belongings. Tia jumps forward to stop them in a panic but Mina impedes her. Tia watches, alarmed, as they carry everything away to pack animals and begin loading them up without a word.

Allen descends to the pier below ahead of his family where he is met by a stout but brawny man and a tall portly one, both seemingly Allen's age. They are dressed in clothes unfamiliar to Tia but noticeably rich in color and quality. Rings line the fingers of the taller man with excessively large gems and his dark hair is oiled back carefully. The shorter man is strapped with leather armor and scars litter his body including old burns mottling his arms. He keeps his graying ginger hair long and mostly braided, though he's begun balding at his temples.

Lord Minx!

The portly man calls out, hands held out as if to embrace him

Edwin...!

Allen half gasps, clearly surprised, and holds out a hand to shake with a laugh

The years have treated you well I see!

Yes

Edwin chortles, grasping Allen's offered hand and shaking vigorously,

I have the privilege of being Governor of Sicilia now. You look well too, old friend!

Allen's eyes slide to the ornery looking man, recognition and surprise lighting up his face and his mouth hangs open in speechlessness. Before Allen can muster a greeting, Edwin looses a raucous gasp, his eyes catching on Tia and Mina as they make their way down and he appears stricken. Surprise touches the face of the second man too despite his dour frown.

My word...!

Edwin gapes, hand to his chest

Allen Minx, a father and husband? I never thought I'd see the day!

Lord Minx...?

Tia whispers, leaning to her mother

You know your father

Mina whispers back and gives a breath of a laugh

He loves his surprises!

Yes, I know...

Allen answers Edwin with a curt sigh and some embarrassment, fading as he spots his wife. He eyes Mina with an expression of unabashed affection.

But Mina has a way of bringing out the best in me!

Mina descends, her movements flowing as gently as the silk she dons, and bows her head at the two men. She offers a modest but polished smile as she raises her head. Tia follows behind her mother, gawking wildly at the colorful pier. She slips and half skids her way down the damp wooden plank before catching herself on Mina. She masks her embarassment with a contrary pout.

And this is my daughter, Tia, the light of my life!

Allen continues, stifling his amusement.

Allen pulls Tia forward with an arm around her shoulder and Tia's eyes jump between her father and the two men, her face pinched with uncertainty.

She looks absolutely plucked!

Edwin guffaws. Allen shrugs in response, squeezing Tia's shoulder as a strained smile drags across his lips.

Well

Allen states, a bit more solemn

There have been quite a lot of changes for us recently.

Edwin's smile drops into a somber expression, nodding into Allen's words all too quickly

Yes, there certainly has. I'm glad you all made it out safely!

Edwin sucks in a big breath before continuing

Let's get you to the inn then! General, if you would be so kind, could you escort them while I wrap things up here?

Martin, who had been leering at Allen in brooding silence, shifts from one foot to another with a grunt as his gaze moves to Mina and Tia again. Uncomfortable with his expression, Tia scowls back at him on impulse before looking to her mother. She takes some comfort from Mina's composure.

Follow me.

Martin drones, his voice rough like gravel

He swivels without another word and begins walking through the crowd, Allen falling in behind him automatically. People part before the grim man, awe on their faces, and he moves swiftly despite the crowd. Heat creeps up Tia's neck as all eyes pull to them, unaccustomed to such conspicuous public attention, but she is also astonished by the assortment of people. They all wore different styles of clothing and had varying eye, skin and hair colors. Tia had never seen this level of diversity before including within the stalls they passed containing food, clothing and trinkets wholly unfamiliar to her. As they delve into the city the stench of people and filth becomes overwhelming, emanating from the narrow alleyways which spill out rot, sludge lining every crevasse. Tia's face wrinkles and she tries to block her nose with the silk of her sleeve. She could see doors lining the alleyways and found it baffling anyone would live in such an appalling place. Children smeared in filth peer at them as they pass by.

Not everyone is as fortunate as us, Tia.

Mina whispers, following behind her daughter and urging her forwards as they fall behind. They were already struggling to keep up.

Try to remember that.

Slow down, Martin!

Allen entreats him

Oh, you do remember me after all!

Martin scoffs and his gait doesn't waver, to Allen's ire

Those lofty moonheads rob you of all your manners?

I see your twice as rotten as I remember

Allen bites at first but a smile twists back onto his face

Since when did the King's Blade care about manners?

Allen leans forward to tease Martin just behind his shoulder

Is that supposed to be a joke...?

Martin rumbles, turning to Allen and levelling an imposing leer onto Allen.

Passerby give them a wide girth as Martin resembles a storm about to break on a far flimsier looking man, somehow unperterbed. Few had the gall to give Martin lip these days but his leer carries an old anger, an old hurt unhealed. He scours Allen as if the man before him were completely unrecognizable. His eyes narrow fruther as Allen only cracks a fond smile, almost taken aback.

That used to be your shtick. Prodding me with jokes when I became too serious!

Allen muses, the nostalgia in his voice softening Martin's anger. But his eyes catch on the girls, finally catching up, hardening his gaze.

You're completely backwards

Martin spits with disgust as he spins back around, plodding forward as cantankerous as ever. But Allen is quick on his heels, Martin readying another sneer as Allen leans in to speak.

Its not like Edwin gave us much of a chance!

Allen's voice drops with his own amusement

Better backwards and rotten than anything approaching that windbag!

Martin chokes on his own unexpected laughter, lighting up Allen's face as they continue on in silence. Mina and Tia skitter behind, mystified by their snickering.

The buildings become newer as they continue past the slums, cleaner and of better construction. Walkways open up and fewer people travel about. Town guard are stationed at every conjunction, nodding or saluting to Martin and Allen while eyeing Tia and Mina. Finally, they arrive at a large plaza. The streets are bright, seemingly marble or granite, and crafted into geometric patterns leading up to an excessive fountain in the center. The fountain has a statue of a beautiful woman and water pours out from her cupped hands. As Tia looks closer, she notices silver scales gilded into her face and arms along with bat-like wings folding behind her. The whole fountain seems carved of the same stone as the plaza. The buildings that line the square are each grand in their own right as well. Tia is astounded by the difference between here and the rest of the city. She finds herself craving the simple wood and paper walls she was accustomed to or the serenity of quiet forest paths rather than the bustle of this place. They approach one of these buildings, large with many windows and floors, and Martin motions for them to wait. He approaches the guards posted outside and begins to speak to one of them while Tia ogles plaza with a lost expression.

Keep your eyes peeled and alert me immediately if they wander. Pursue at a distance if you have to.

Martin holds the guards eyes which veer to his scars

Understood?

Martin grunts, the guard catching himself and nodding back

Martin calls them to the entrance after this interaction. The inside of the inn is bright and gilded, much like the plaza outside. Beautiful flowers line the walls in golden vases, gifting a delicate aroma to the entrance. A comely woman behind the front desk greets Allen and Martin with a smile and even bows her head.

Minx

Martin denotes, curt with her

She flips open a carved box on the counter and runs her finger over a thin parchment. Finally, she plucks a key from the box and is about to hand this to Allen when her eye catches on Mina trailing after him. She looks from Mina to Tia and closes her hand around the key.

I'm afraid we only serve Eluzians here, sir.

She states with a sing-song voice

We have very particular clientele.

I am one of those clients!

Allen insists with a stormy tone, producing a large ring with an elaborate emblem from his pockets and slapping it on the counter. He gestures for Tia and Mina to come forward and places his arm around each of them as he continues with an empirical tone Tia finds unfamiliar.

I am Duke Allen Minx of the Ten Houses and these two lovely woman are my family, Mina and Tia Minx!

Tia stares vacantly at the ring and the woman eyes it as well, her face pale. She attempts to speak but her voice fails her while Martin explodes into laughter.

Well you can hardly blame her, Allen!

Martin cackles and Allen whips around with a heated expression. Martin's laughter only grows.

These two are all wrappd up in Yaxiyan silk,

Martin points to them loosely

And the young lass is gawking about. No one would place them as nobility. I'm more appalled this wench didn't recognize your name!

]Tia ruffles and matches her father's scowl

She doesn't even look-

That is enough!

Allen demands with an authoritative tone that surprises Tia. Martin's glee drops into an instantaneous glower, giving her a chill. Allen meets him with a glower of his own and the room becomes deathly quiet.

I believe...

Mina speaks gently despite the hostility

We are all quite tired

She places a hand on her husbands arm. Allen looks into her eyes and sighs, shoulders dropping. Mina looks to Martin as well with a warm, disarming smile and continues

You must excuse my husband, it has been a long journey with many challenges for our family.

Martin's glare softens with her words, surprising Allen

Besides, you are quite right that Tia is in need of new clothes, we lost almost everything when we fled!

She pauses to appraise Tia's appearance

We're quite excited for our daughter to experience all Accia has to offer. We ought to get some rest so that can happen.

Martin reexamines Mina and Tia

That's good to hear.

Martin hums in satisfaction

Allen regards Mina with pride while Martin faces the attendant again

Well, girl?

Martin barks

She startles in response, dropping the key on the counter. Martin snatches it up and passes it to Allen.

Follow me...!

The attendant squeaks, stepping toward the hallway.

Martin's eyes linger on them as they trail after the woman, leaving Tia uneasy—uneasy of numerous revelations the day had brought her.

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