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Suggested Audio Antiquarian Study

Tia wakes with a start, gasping and springing up. She finds herself alone inside the inn, tucked away into bed. Her hands seek out her injuries, patting and scrounging around her body, but she finds only healthy, unmarred skin. Her fingers quiver as they graze torn and burned cloth but she finds she is free from any injury. Even the soreness she had acquired over their journey has left her. Despite the empty room, she can't shake the feeling she isn't alone.

Was it... a dream? Tia considers at a whisper but her eyes fall back to the singed edges of her clothing. She notices then the voices just outside the room and pads to the door quietly, pressing her ear against it.

--n't found her. We've set out trackers but she is surprisingly elusive. Martin explains, his voice dripping with wariness We haven't found your daughter either.

My daughter is still asleep in her bed, Martin. Allen states, letting annoyance touch his tone. Martin laughs at this suggestion but it fades quickly as Allen doesn't budge.

You're joking. Martin spits, more a statement than a question My man saw her! The fool blasted her down the mountain before I could see her, yes, but-

And I would have his throat if that were the case! Allen seethes through gritted teeth But she never left the inn.

A silence lingers between them

Bring her out then Martin replies carefully Unless... she's injured? It was a brutal tumble. Allen doesn't deign to reply to this suggestion Either way, I need to see for myself.

Fine. Allen's answer drips with disdain I'll go wake her then.

Tia practically leaps away from the door, bare feet skittering across worn wood before she plunges back into bed, throwing the blanket over herself. The door clicks open and shut, Allen sitting on the bed after a near silent approach.

I know you were listening, snowdrop. Allen's voice is like a gentle breeze. Tia turns to him and her tears flow immediately.

It-it wasn't a dream, was it? Tia squeaks, barely a whisper

Allen shakes his head and wipes at her tears, his gentle expression exposing how he shares her wish. As his fingers graze her face, Tia feels a ferocious shocking sensation, as if she had been electrocuted, drawing out a gasp.

What happened? Allen inquires softly, seeming not to have felt it. Tia tries to find the words, her chest heaving as the distressing events flash through her mind.

Mom left and-and I followed her out Tia huffs, more tears pooling in her eyes There was an explosion and mom she... she-

Tia chokes, her throat contracting as she pushes down tears. Allen places a hand on her shoulder, his eyes darting as he observes her distress.

They still haven't found your mother. Is she alright? Allen questions and Tia scowls, instant bitterness rising in her

Tia is astonished by how cross she becomes with his innocent, ignorant concern for Mina. Allen waits eagerly but Tia can't bring herself to tell him about her mother's betrayal. Martin raps at the door, urging Allen to hurry. Tia feels around her body again, baffled by her pristine condition.

What happened? Allen questions again, more urgently

I... I fell down the mountain... Tia answers in an empty tone, shivering as fear creeps up her spine from the memory I fell and then... I'm here? How did I get here?

A young man brought you back Allen states carefully

He was real?? Tia gasps

He saw what happened. Allen explains And brought you out of the forest before they could find you. I saw him carrying you into the village. He was also surprised you weren't hurt. Ah! Allen pauses and then groans to himself I didn't even get his name!

I was injured. Tia insists, producing one hollow laugh before whispering again I should be dead!

They both fall into a bleak silence

He mentioned... a creature. Allen's words are slow and deliberate, holding his daughter's eyes with a strange expression Do you remember anything else? Tia shakes her head, his reasoning unclear to her There are legends about certain creatures, of them changing people.

I passed out. Tia states clearly. Martin begins knocking on the door again.

Come on now, Allen. I don't care for stalling. Martin's voice rumbles as he complains Either she comes out or I come in!

Allen places a hand on his daughter's shoulder again and offers her a quick smile

Wait here. I'll handle this. Allen reassures her

He opens the door wide, allowing Martin to barely glimpse Tia over his shoulder -the briefest flash- before shutting it again. Martin's expression is blank, stuck on the door with genuine shock.

I've just told her about her mother, Martin. Allen reasons Give her some time to collect herself.

Martin shakes his head in disbelief, blinking wide and mumbling an agreement as they both shuffle downstairs. Tia moves to sit at the vanity, looking over her disheveled appearance and wiping away remaining tears. Her body may be whole but her hair is a wild, matted mess and her clothes are tattered beyond use—each tear, hole and burn a reminder of the nightmare she had endured.

I look terrible... Tia grumbles to herself, giving her reflection a gruff scowl

You looked far worse last night. Tia jumps up, hearing an unnaturally deep voice echo about the room. She scours her surroundings but still finds herself alone There is no time for explanations, you are still in danger.

Who are you? Tia breathes, hands over her ears Where are you?

It's always the same questions... the voice complains with a sigh, Tia jumping as a shadow darkens and expands in the corner of the room Who's there, who are you, where are you.

A self-indulgent chuckle sounds in her head, Tia's eyes widening as the silhouette of a four-legged beast saunters along the wall, watching her all the while. He stops just adjacent of the mirror, two red orbs gleaming where his eyes ought to be. Yet despite Tia tensing, ready to dash for the door, he sits himself down unceremoniously, otherwise remaining motionless. She cannot make out the details of his true appearance, staring at what seems a living shadow.

One would think humans to be more creative! There is a brief and awkard silence as Tia stubbornly waits for him to answer her question, not budging an inch even as he leers at her, tilting his umbral head. She even earns a dark chuckle from this ominous presence. Fine. My name is Duff. The rest can wait.

Tia swallows the lump in her throat, hesitantly reaching out. But as her fingers graze him she feels... nothing. She wasn't sure what she was expecting but she now understands he is nothing more than a shadow. Much of her fear falls away and she settles back into the chair, wary but calm.

You... saved me didn't you? Tia questions after some consideration

Yes. Don't let me regret it. Duff warns ominously but simplistically

How? Tia replies quickly, her thoughts drifting to her father's questions

He was correct Duff confirms I changed you.

Changed me...? Tia's questions anxiously, looking herself over in the mirror more carefully Changed how?

It's astonishing how little you know. Duff comments and she can sense his annoyance as well as a hint of something more I made you into what I am, I linked us. Your form, your... Briefly, Tia can sense an awareness pushing into her mind, seeking out the words Your kaithur has become fluid.

What does that even mean? Tia breathes, ambivalent such a thing could be changed

There's not enough time! Duff growls You need to erase suspicion.

You mean... from that soldier? And the General? Tia questions, her eyes landing on the door Dad won't let them hurt me!

He didn't stop them last night. Duff reminds her, his grim tone rumbling in her head. Tia shivers, the memory of her helplessness still frightening her.

H-he wasn't there last night. Tia reasons halfheartedly, shaking her head as though she had any understanding of last night's events He would've stopped them!

Your father is only one man. Duff denotes more carefully Thankfully... it was only one man who saw your face. The one who attacked you.

How did you- Tia begins to ask

There is no time for your endless questions! Duff barks and Tia falls silent You can alter your appearance now. Change enough for him not to recognize you.

Tia opens her mouth to question him again but snaps it shut as a guttural growl echoes in her head.

Fine, "no time" Tia huffs, mocking him What do I do?

Focus Duff directs her See yourself in your mind and picture what you want to change. See it, feel it. It will happen.

Tia examines herself in the mirror again. Her eyes catch on the features she shares with her mother: white hair, indigo eyes, porcelain skin, dainty features. She seethes at her mother's face, quickly deciding on the changes. Tia pictures it in her mind and, as she opens her eyes again, her mouth hangs open.

Tia had felt Duff's claims absurd or even fanciful but, despite her doubts, an unfamiliar face reflects back at her. Tia's skin possesses far more color than before and her face was more rounded. Her eyes and hair are a deep chocolate with green touching the edges of her irises. Feeling oddly emboldened, Tia takes a knife to her hair too, cutting it to chin length. She felt lighter. Whether it was from the change or from the gaggle of hair she rid herself of she wasn't sure.

---

When I rounded the corner I saw her Ben continues his explanation reluctantly, his anxiety palpable The girl I spotted riding into the forest. I needed to stop her from getting away s-so I aimed at the road ahead of her.

As he recounts the night's events in the first floor of the inn, Ben's nervous eyes flit between Martin and Allen. Allen is cearly constraining himself to a mere scowl, his arms crossed tightly in front of him--a dam restraining his wrath. Yet it is Martin Ben's eyes stick on, the one he truly fears.

I missed and hit her by-by accident! Ben stutters and a spike of disgust passes over Martin's face She used her form to protect herself but was pushed down the mountain.

What was her kaithur? Martin inquires and Ben averts his gaze Well? Martin insists, making Ben jump

She had... Ben hesitates, knowing his claim would sound dubious Ithisda's Body and some kind of... light Aura.

Martin is holding back laughter before Ben finishes and claps him on the back once

And I thought you didn't have one joke in you! Martin chortles, receiving a sharp look from Allen and diminutive silence from Ben Bullshit!

Allen gives a long, drawn out sigh through his nose and Martin squints hard into his eyes.

That's what I saw... Ben mutters, knowing how ridiculous it sounds

The point is, Martin grunts We pursued two horses up the mountain. This fool blasted one woman and my men pursued the other. They didn't find either one but they did find your daughter's horse. He squints, observing Allen carefully Now I saw her upstairs, I'll give you that, but she still could have fallen down the mountain and gotten back here some way or another.

Allen and Martin stare each other down, neither man willing to buckle. But before anything else is said, Tia makes her way downstairs with a fresh set of clothes to match her fresh new appearance. They watch her cross the room in silence as if a specter drifts before their eyes, Allen just as flabbergasted as the rest.

Morning! Tia breaks the silence with an invigorated albeit nervous tone Sorry I took so long. She runs her fingers through her hair significantly.

Allen grins as he turns to Ben. Tia feels her body lock up and her breath catch standing before him again, her face twitching as she battles to keep the fear from touching her expression.

Is this the woman you attacked? Allen questions Ben with a smug tone, placing an arm around Tia. He can feel her trembling, pulling her closer to him in response and positioning himself between the two of them.

N-no...No it isn't... Ben stammers, jarred by Allen's unexpectedly ruthless expression

Allen is struggling to restrain his anger now, Tia quivering in his grip

Hold on, now. What is this? Martin blusters, eyes on Tia I've been travelling with your family for nearly a week. This is not the same girl as before!

He looks from Tia to Allen for an explanation, his face growing red

I-I didn't want to look like her anymore! Tia blurts, catching them all off guard. She looks into Martin's eyes and continues with genuine emotion I've always looked up to my mom. She is beautiful and elegant and calm. I-I wanted to be more like her so I normally wear make-up and enchantments so I can look just like her.

Tia casts her eyes down before continuing, eyes glazed with moisture

When dad told me she just... left us! Tia gives a sharp gesture, resentment washing over her face as she clenches her jaw I-I didn't want to look like her anymore...!

Her voice cracks, tears brimming just behind eyelashes. Martin averts his gaze, her open display emotion making him uncomfortable.

Now I would rather be more like my dad! Tia states honestly and smiles at her father

Well... Martin grumbles quietly at first, deflated At least you look more like a real Minx now. Women and their make-up. One of many reasons I didn't want to marry!

Tia snorts despite feeling emotional and dabs at her eyes

Wh-what about her form? Ben cuts in, uncertain at first but then gaining confidence Like she said, makeup and enchantments to alter her appearance. She could've done that this morning to fool us!

An uncomfortable silence lingers as they contemplate his suggestion. Meanwhile Ben becomes indignant, furious at being made the fool.

But you can't change your kaithur! Ben's statement is firm and Martin releases a grumbly sigh

Fine, boy, one last test. Martin concedes with a measure of agitation If you're wrong, we let this go and get on with the escort. We've wasted enough time already!

All eyes land on Tia, much to her distress. She feels her body locking up and sucks in a steadying breath, glancing to her father for rescue. But she can see Allen's thoughts racing too and she hesitates.

Don't panic. Duff's voice echoes in her head again and Tia has to stop herself from jumping. She cannot see him anywhere but senses he is near. When your father touched you, you gained his magic form. You've sensed his magic, feel it again. Focus on it.

Tia closes her eyes and recollects the feeling she had when her father wiped away her tears: a ferocious, jolting shock. Duff was right, she had sensed his magic. Martin looks to Allen, running out of patience.

Is this really necessary or are you trying to embarrass my daughter? Allen blusters with annoyance. He turns to Martin as Tia tries to concentrate. I don't think you understand the cultural significance of what you're asking her to do! You know how the court in Nippon is...

It's okay, dad. Tia reassures him and gives a lopsided smile, admittedly nervous to expose her form I just need a minute to concentrate.

Tia focuses on the sensation she had felt, letting the energy grow and roll over her body. Once she could feel herself change, she begins manifesting her form in the way already familiar to her.

Instead of her body converting into water and light, feathered wings emerge from her back. They form over and destroy the fabric where her wings meet her back but leave the rest intact. Everyone takes a step back as she spreads them out and when she opens her eyes, she looks at them with green, feline orbs. Her new chocolate wings match her hair but white spots speckle the inside and bright yellow feathers are interspersed throughout. Feline ears emerge from her head and her human ears fade away, sharp tufts of black fur tipping them while the inner fur is also yellow. Tia extends her palm in front of herself and finds glowing yellow stripes covering her hands and arms as well as less concentrated streaks across the rest of her body in jagged lines.

A real Minx indeed...! Martin mutters breathily, eyebrows raised, before turning to scoff at Ben Ithisda's Body...!

B-b-but that's im-impossible. I saw- Ben stammers, cut short by Martin's sneer

I know what you saw, boy. Martin spits and sucks in a long, steadying breath This is what happened. Lady Minx took two horses in order to confuse our trackers. Your first attack threw her from her horse. The second blast threw her down the mountain. He glances at Allen, somber sympathy marking his face and voice She's either dead or, somehow, she managed to slip away despite her injuries.

Allen's face is blank, playing the suggested scenario over in his mind. A flush of red creeps its way up his neck as the reality of what occurred sinks in, what his daughter had gone through. His anger spikes dangerously at the thought of Ben assaulting Tia as he had described and attempting to assault his wife. He knows that Ben would have killed Tia if not for the price she paid to survive.

You! Allen seethes, his voice tremoring with a vicious tone

Static rolls over Allen's body, arcing in Ben's direction and casting violent shadows as thin white branches dance all around the man. Allen blinks once and sharp yellow eyes lock onto Ben's throat. Allen shifts his weight slightly, just barely lowering his body, and yellow streaks crackle to life across his left hand. He holds this hand just out of Ben's sight behind his back and Martin's breath catches at the sight, sliding between Ben and Allen on instinct. Their eyes lock, Allen oozing a pitiless, murderous intent which threatens to spill forward with the slightest provocation. Martin begins to sweat, his body rigid, and a hint of fear creeps into his expression as Allen's gaze drifts to his neck. Only Martin is aware of how keenly lethal Allen is in this moment. Only he recognizes the tells of Allen's fatal technique and he questions just how many men he's seen fall to it. Was he fated for the same end?

Don't do anything reckless Martin husks slowly, his voice uneven That wretch isn't worth the consequences!

His words visibly lash at Ben who doesn't seem to understand Martin's fearful reaction--he had never seen anyone make Martin sweat like this before. Tia is also jarred, hardly recognizing the man before her who is unblinking and merciless in the face of Martin's apparent fear.

Dad? Tia's voice squeaks and Allen inhales sharply as if he'd forgotten she was present.

His eyes flash to Tia and he curses. Allen grits his teeth and forcibly recomposes himself. As he does, the sparks and yellow patterns fade and he steps back from Martin. Martin releases a held breath all at once and his shoulders drop.

Out of respect for your House Martin breaks the silence after clearing his voice Your services to the kingdom as well as for your loss, we will dismiss your wife's desertion. It will have been a horrible accident. Martin offers to Allen's surprise before leering at Ben One you will still be responsible for!

Fine! Allen bites, giving Ben a spiteful glance and putting an arm around Tia. This serves to comfort himself more than anything else. Fine. I expect you to see that through! Allen repeats more calmly

If you want to hang onto any dreg of dignity, Martin grumbles at Ben You'll keep your mouth shut for the rest of this escort! He looks to the door and juts his chin Get out of my sight.

Ben's entire body tenses at once and he averts his gaze with a pained expression before saluting and absconding. Martin looks at Allen again, shame washing over his face.

Reason two I didn't want to get married... Martin admits and spits in the direction Ben fled

Allen raises his eyebrows, aghast, and points after the young man

That's your boy? Allen questions, aggravation deepening his tone.

Unfortunately. Martin grunts and nods with further shame Spineless, stupid, reckless. Thinks he's hot shit 'cuz he has half o' my magic—the wrong half. Fool takes after his mother too much. Martin shakes his head and looks at Tia Sometimes family can disappoint us.

Her jaw clenches but she gives him a firm nod

We need to pack up... Allen sighs, tired, and guides Tia upstairs

Martin watches after them, scratching at the scars on his arm

Make-up... he mutters, shaking his head

Remarkable…! Allen breathes as he clicks the door shut, appraising Tia's new appearance You really are a shape shifter... Allen's voice becomes wistful, sitting on the edge of the bed with wide eyes and hands cupping his mouth

Shape shifter? Tia echoes. Her father nods to her with eyes shut

I'm so sorry, snowdrop... Allen laments As if there isn't enough happening already... and now this…!

I mean, yes, Tia answers in a curt tone but then laughs It's a lot to take in... but its kind of exciting too? I mean, out of everything else this seems like the only good thing! Tia pauses as her father frowns, her smile wavering What?

Having these abilities is amazing. Allen agrees, excitement touching his face briefly before it drops away I mean, now I get to teach my daughter how to fly! But this is something you are going to need to keep very secret.

Secret? Why...? Tia questions in a muted tone

He pats the bed beside him and she plops down, letting Allen look her over again with wonder before continuing.

The people of Accia have a long history and many legends, the two blending together over the centuries. Allen explains gently Shape shifters have a role in that history that makes people… uncomfortable, afraid and superstitious if not garnering actual hatred and violence! If the wrong people find out what you've become, things could get really bad, really fast. He cups her face and she watches the worry pull at his expression We've already lost your mother. I... I can't lose you too...!

Tia's face wrinkles as she squeezes her eyes shut, face trembling as she holds back tears, and she places her hand over his.

Okay, Dad. Tia chokes I understand. I'll keep it a secret for the both of us.

So much... so quickly... Allen sighs, closing his eyes as his hand falls away from her face But I'll always be on your side, snowdrop, and I'll help you adapt to whatever else is coming our way, okay?

Tia nods, pushing back tears again, and he searches her face. His hesitation is palpable.

What… happened last night? What happened to your mother? Allen questions tentatively

An acrid anger bubbles into TIa's expression, warping her face into a scowl as she squeezes her eyes shut. She stands abruptly with her back to him, shaking her head and turning enough for Allen to see the side of her face. Despite the changes, Allen still sees Mina in that instant and it churns his stomach. Tia begins packing up into his silence before any more can be said.

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