Confession

Suggested Audio Court of the Count

After her introduction, Tia dives into her lessons with a new fervor. Her anger and determination driving her through the exhaustion. She spends every moment training or studying, seething and silent, avoiding or ignoring her father entirely. Days speed by all too fast. She's thankful, at least, that her exhaustion seems to save her from further vivid nightmares. Tia paces her room now, assessments just around the corner, reflecting on the argument.

I need to tell her Tia blurts, directed at Duff

It's a bad idea! Duff states emphatically, as she knew he would, tired of the argument himself

I can't keep lying to her! Tia insists It's exactly like -if not worse- than what my father did!

Every person who knows puts you at risk! Duff rumbles She won't be as accepting as your father. She barely knows you.

But we don't know that! I just... Tia insists, a sigh bursting forth She has been so supportive and helpful and... and I'm not comfortable lying to her anymore! It doesn't matter if she's disappointed. Duff leers at her, doubting her resolve for the latter sentiment, causing Tia to frown Besides. I'll still technically have the family magic!

One day Duff chides, sensing her resolve You will understand the necessity of secrets.

---

Tia, dear, is something the matter? Evelyn questions as she takes a seat

Evelyn wraps a shawl around her shoulders and settles into the sofa of Tia's private quarters, a cozy nook by the entrance which soaks up the heat of a fireplace. Tia decides against sitting across from her, far too anxious, and alternates between pacing and squeezing the top of the opposite chair.

I was thinking about what I said to dad Tia admits, bringing a quick smile to Evelyn's lips I was angry with him for keeping things from me. I still am mad at him for that but it isn't right for me to accuse him when... Tia watches Evelyn's face carefully When I've been keeping something from you since we met.

Surprise passes over Evelyn's face briefly, a gentle warmth chasing the expresion away

I appreciate your consideration Evelyn responds cheerily And it's good you're thinking over what happened with your father. But everyone keeps small, harmless things to themselves here and there. When you came here, I was still a stranger to you. I couldn't be angry with you for that!

Tia retains her grimace and Evelyn's concern builds as this doesn't assuage her granddaughter's anxiety

It isn't... a small secret Tia admits Those who know about it keep telling me to keep this a secret but... you are my family and you deserve to know.

Evelyn finds herself beaming briefly, thrilled by Tia's acceptance and familial bond so early into their relationship, but concern creeps back into her expression as she tries to fathom what kind of secret Tia could possibly be keeping.

Come here, sweet girl. Sit. Evelyn instructs and waits for Tia to sit across from her. She holds Tia's hands in hers as she speaks Whatever is eating at you will not change how I care for you. You are my precious, one and only granddaughter and I love you deeply!

Tia steadies herself, leaning back in her seat

I told you that my mother left us Tia begins and Evelyn nods One night, on the way here, I heard my mother slipping away. I followed her into the forest and I-I caught up to her but... soldiers started chasing us up the mountain! When they attacked, I was hurt and I lost my horse. And when I reached back up for my mother's hand... Tia chokes and has to clear her throat, not having voiced any of these events yet She was gone.

Evelyn is aghast, hands held tight over her mouth, and then rapidly furious. She already had a measure of disdain for this mysterious woman and Tia's tale only embitters her further. She barely restrains herself as Tia continues.

When the soldier attacked again Tia's tone is high and sheepish He, um, he knocked me off the mountain. Tia presses her lips together recalling the harrowing memory. The pain and injuries she endured had made the experience seem more nightmare than something that had actually occurred. I... I should have died

Who was this soldier?! Evelyn seethes, shaking with anger I'll have him-

Please, let me finish Tia interjects, gesturing for Evelyn to stop

Evelyn falls silent, quashing her own anger but still brooding over her threat. Tia is quiet, contemplating how to continue the story.

My memory is a bit hazy Tia admits, her voice jumping again My injuries were really extreme and I was barely alive but... someone saved me.

Tia chokes as the words catch in her throat, her resolve buckling as the moment she had envisioned too many times closes in. Evelyn is patient, offering her a reassuring smile. Tia takes a breath, her heart pounding.

But when he saved me Tia explains stiffly He made me... he changed me... she gestures with her hands while she battles with the words Into a... shape shifter...

Evelyn's smile drops and her face drains of color. She stares at Tia, disbelief rendering her expression vacant. Tia waits, biting her lips and seeming to hold her breath. Evelyn's eyelids flutter, breaking away from the stupor of her initial shock. But she is still pallid as she tries to rise to her feet, stumbling back into the chair. Evelyn's thoughts race through her own knowledge of shape shifters, the legends and folktales. Tears spring into her eyes and Evelyn is quick to cover her face with her hands. Her mind buzzes with the feeling of exposure as her emotions begin to overwhelm her.

I'm sorry... Evelyn croaks meekly I-I need a moment. I just... I need a moment

She rises and slips out of the room swiftly. Fear springs through Tia as the door clicks shut. She takes in a harsh, raucous breath and nearly follows after Evelyn. Her hand freezes on the doorknob.

Wh-what if you were right? Tia squeaks, her voice weak and empty What if she wants nothing to do with me... or... or...?

Tia begins pacing the room, wrapping her arms around herself as though she might fall apart

Calm down! Duff directs, only amplifying her anxiety

Sh-she must be so disappointed! What if she never speaks to me again? Tia's voice is a discordant squeak, pausing in place as tears trickle over her cheeks You told me so many times...!

Tia crouches down, wrenching her eyes shut and squeezing her head between her knees. Duff watches as her shadow expands, creeping out from beneath her and swallowing up the room. The frigid pall sucks all warmth from the air and as her breath quickens it wavers violently across the walls like fingers of a roaring fire.

Tia! Duff shouts, approaching cautiously and eying her manipulations

She doesn't notice his presence, even through their link, hyperventilating. The room grows colder as her panic drags on, frost forming across various surfaces. Strange black shards materialize throughout the room and vibrate violently. Duff hesitates once, unaccustomed to providing comfort, but finally pushes himself into nuzzling his snout into her hand. Tia gasps at first, stiffening, but still finds herself relaxing into the gesture as his genuine concern cuts through her panic.

Breath deeply Duff directs steadily, his familiar baritone voice soothing, and Tia embraces him

Tia runs her fingers through his fur and tries to match the tempo of his breathe until she feels in control again. The shadows and shards fade as she calms, the room slowly returning to normalcy before she opens her eyes.

Thank you Tia wisps, still shaky, and glances to the door It's been too long...

Evelyn slips into her own chambers and finally lets the tears flow freely. She weeps, sobbing as she falls to the floor. Orange embers leap across her skin as her emotions flow and she digs her claws into the floor, ripping at the carpet. Her despair transforms into wrath and she begins tossing furniture out of her way, searing all she touches as the flames rush over her skin. Evelyn shouts into the empty room, raging over the utter injustice--her only grandaughter, her only hope! But as a knock sounds on her door, she freezes and the rage goes cold in an instant.

Baa-chan? Tia calls to her and Evelyn gasps Please, let me explain!

Tia's voice is taught with anxiety, tugging Evelyn to the door despite her hesitation. Evelyn clears her hoarse throat before responding.

Just a moment, dear, I'm... um... Evelyn's mind goes blank, shame giving her pause I'm a bit indisposed.

Please Tia's voice cracks Can we please just talk? I-I didn't want to disappoint you... I-

No, dear, no! Evelyn gasps through the crease of the door I'm not- her lungs deflate and she tries to compose herself I'm not disappointed, sweetie. I just... I didn't want you to see me like this...!

A silence persists between them as Evelyn awaits Tia's disgust, her anger, her disapointment. She winces and awaits the worst, succumbing to a deep set fear. Yet Tia is simply speechless.

I don't care about anything like that! Tia reassures her and Evelyn shudders out a breath. Tia pleads with her Can we please keep talking?

Tia's heart jumps as Evelyn cracks the door open--just a sliver at first. With another pause, Evelyn musters her resolve and opens up the door fully. Her ears lay flat against her head and she is unable to look into Tia's eyes. But Tia's eyes take in the state of her grandmother and the mess behind her, aghast.

I... I'm sorry, Tia. Evelyn whispers wistfully

Is this... my fault? Tia peeps

No...! Evelyn denies instantly, holding Tia by her shoulders before embracing her I'm not upset with you, I'm upset for you!

Relief washes over Tia, crashing over her like a wave and comforting Evelyn as well as Tia relaxes in her arms. Evelyn wipes at her face and sniffs once Tia pulls away, glancing at her room with a thoughtful expression.

Why don't we return to yours? Evelyn suggests, a hint of laughter lingering between them

They both settle into their chairs tenuously, still shaky and emotional. Evelyn orders some tea to be left by the door, fetching it once the staff is gone and they both sip at chamomile and lavender.

I'm so sorry, Tia. Evelyn breathes emphatically That is far too much for you to carry alone!

Dad already knows but... I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away... Tia offers her apology softly That I lied to you.

It was probably for the best Evelyn admits, amusement wriggling its way into her voice

I'm still sorry... Tia insists timidly You were so excited about me having my father's magic! I didn't want to disappoint you.

"My father's magic?" Evelyn echoes and Tia flinches Please, dear. Tell me about the real you. I promise it won't change how I care for you.

Tia sighs and closes her eyes. Evelyn watches, fright and wonder touching her face as Tia's features revert back to her true appearance. Her wild, bone-white hair billows down her shoulders and as her eyes open, Evelyn is struck by the indigo swirls.

The soldier saw me, before I fell Tia explains meekly I had to change my appearance so they wouldn't suspect me but this is my real face.

Oh...! Evelyn gasps White hair...?

Evelyn's eyes drift, losing herself in contemplation, but Tia doesn't meet her gaze

That's from my mom... Tia answers, eyes glued to her tea She was unbelievably beautiful. Before all of this, we were really close...

All the beauty in the world doesn't pardon betraying your child! Evelyn bites resentfully

Oh! Her kaithur, m-my kaithur... Tia gasps

Allen wouldn't believe I said this Evelyn chuckles But it doesn't matter, dear. Caring so much about that now... seems very silly given what you can do Evelyn muses but Tia cocks her head to the side, confused You don't know?

I think there's a lot I don't know Tia admits He can be really cryptic.

Well... Evelyn draws out the word Shape shifters are able to steal the magic form of those they touch Tia eyebrows shoot up and her mouth hangs open just slightly Effectively, you can collect the Kaithur of all those you come into contact with!

That's...! Tia breathes That's amazing!

Accians hate and fear shape shifters, Tia Evelyn wears a cynical expression Many believe these beings rob us of our kaithur--something so very personal to us. Though, given I still possess mine it seems more superstition than fact! Evelyn sniffs Either way, someone with so much power naturally invokes fear... and the legends about shape shifters are dark, terrifying and rife with betrayal, imprisonment and torture! Not to mention their connection to-

Evelyn blanks and sucks in a breath. Tia turns and finds Duff emerging from the shadows, approaching Evelyn with his head low and his hackles raised.

Duff! Tia scolds Don't scare her like that, you spooky bastard!

Duff releases a huff but ceases his ominous posture. Tia waves him over and he sits at her side, staring at Evelyn blankly and garnering fright still.

This... is Duff Tia introduces him simply

Is he...? Evelyn wisps, her tone timorous, and Tia nods

I don't really understand how it all worked Tia explains, running her hand over his head But Duff saved my life. If not for him, I would probably be dead.

You would definitely be dead. Duff corrects her flatly

"Definitely be dead" Tia quotes him sarcastically He likes to be weird and mysterious but he's also really protective. In fact... Tia frowns He sounds like dad when he talks about protecting me.

He's that intelligent? Evelyn questions and Duff gives a low growl, making her eyes pop. Tia gives a bark of a laugh

Yeah, sometimes he's smarter than I am! Oh Tia pauses But he isn't tame. At least, that what he keeps telling me.

Evelyn shifts uncomfortably hearing this

Regardless Evelyn reasons, despite her discomfort I'm very grateful, Duff His ears pop forward and she speaks gently, albeit nervously If not for you, I never would have met my granddaughter. Thank you!

Hm. It's rare I'm wrong about people. Duff praises her in his own way. Tia smiles in response and Evelyn notices the silent interaction.

Oh um. We can talk to each other Tia notes bluntly In our minds.

Are you going to give away all of our secrets? Duff complains and Tia grins at him

I wish! Tia proclaims to Duff's chagrin

However did you... Evelyn mutters but her eyes slide to the moon outside Oh, it's far too late, dear! We should both get some sleep!

Ok, um... Tia stammers, rising out of her chair with Evelyn Thank you for hearing me out!

Thank you for your honesty, dear Evelyn sighs Preparations are going to be far more effective knowing... this. I have quite a lot to reconsider...

Evelyn offers her another smile before departing and Tia slumps into her bed, overcome by relief.

---

Previous Scene Next Chapter!