Girl's Day Out
The following day, Tia manages to wake in the morning with some prompting. Evelyn greets her, sitting at the long table in the great hall.
Good morning, dear! I hope you're well rested, I wanted to take you into town today! |
Tia stretches her body in response and is relatively satisfied with her diminished soreness.
I think I can handle it. |
Your father told me you had to leave most of your belongings behind when you fled. |
And that just won't do! A girl your age, and of your station, should have a whole retinue of clothing, accessories, trinkets and what have you. |
I'm not really into, uh, pretty clothing and jewelry. |
Well, that hardly matters |
You're going to need these things sooner or later. |
Well... |
I do need to replace a few things. |
Mm hmm |
As such, we're going to head to the market below today. See if any of those artisans have something suitable for you, put in a few commissions. You're going to learn the joy of shopping! |
Tia titters nervously, wondering if this was some long-held fantasy of hers, but pauses to fetch her cloak and boots before they set off. Duff rises and stretches as if to join her when she enters the room.
We're just going into town |
If we want to keep this secret of yours, we can't let baa-chan see you. |
It's your secret.
Duff sasses, approaching the window
Just... stay out of trouble.
Where are you going? |
I'm not your pet!
Duff rebukes in a cool tone, leaping out the window in one swift movement. Tia watches as a songbird flits away in his place.
Evelyn fusses with Tia's hair while they wait for the platform, Tia swatting her fingers away with an open scowl. Evelyn is ornately dressed, fine embroideries overlaying heavy fabrics, and she sparkles with jewelry. Her hair is set to perfection, not a strand out of place. Tia feels quite underdressed beside her but doesn't find herself envious of the excessive attire. Their carriage rolls onto the platform and they descend into the town below.
Here, at least use this. |
The day speeds by quickly as Tia and her grandmother hop from storefront to storefront, grabbing up or commissioning shoes, clothing and various other goods. Tia is excited, at least, to learn it's common and acceptable for women to wear a great variety of clothing compared to what she was used to. Even walking the streets, women wear garments exposing their legs, arms and even torsos which would have been considered far too immodest or worse in Tia's old home. Tia gapes as one particular young woman with an ochre complexion passes by with a peculiar appearance. A gold band around the base of her neck secures red leather, stretched to cover her chest before attaching to another gold band hugging her ribs. Various jewels and golden chains swing about her face while a skirt of gauze sways around her waist. Burnt umber scales dust her body, particularly focused along her spine where reptilian wings emerge.
Well, dear, |
We certainly have our own traditions and expectations for formal settings but one must also be practical! However is a woman to move properly if she is always in a full-length dress? Just try fighting or flying in a gown, its disastrous! |
Every form is different, too. Many Accians enjoy displaying or even showing off their magic forms and expressing their aspects with their own style. And of course we can't have our clothing destroyed every time we use our abilities! |
So I can wear whatever I want? |
Of course! |
Well, depending on the circumstance. Not anywhere of importance, mind you, but certainly casually. I'm sure you'll find your own style eventually but for now we at least ought to make sure all of your clothing can accommodate your wings and tail |
I can't tell you how many times my Felicity left holes in her bottoms without thinking ahead! |
The carriage is stuffed with packages by the time they stop at the open market. Tia can't keep the smile from her face, enjoying her newest outfit. She picked out a dark blue backless tank, the front hugging her body tightly as a strip of cloth buttons around her neck, halfway down her back and a final one at her waist. Tia also settled on chocolate brown shorts reaching halfway down her thighs with a number of pockets. The shorts dip below her mid-waist in the back, where her tailfeathers emerge, while another cloth is secured loosely over this and drapes down a few inches for her comfort.
Tia loves how liberating the apparel feels and how freely she can move, looking forward to exploring more natural settings unimpeded. Evelyn is mostly satisfied the clothes are practical for flight and hopes they might encourage Tia to manifest more often, insisting on colors which compliment her yellow markings. Most of her new clothes were similar in backless design or at least mechanism and were primarily shades of blue, brown, green or even purple. They peruse the goods on display, Tia quickly picking out a few personal items before Evelyn pulls her to a jewelry stand. Beautiful crafts of silver, gold and glittering gems lay before her and Tia frowns, hesitating.
Tia loves how liberating the apparel feels and how freely she can move, looking forward to exploring more natural settings unimpeded. Evelyn is mostly satisfied the clothes are practical for flight and hopes they might encourage Tia to manifest more often, insisting on colors which compliment her yellow markings. Most of her new clothes were similar in backless design or at least mechanism and were primarily shades of blue, brown, green or even purple. They peruse the goods on display, Tia quickly picking out a few personal items before Evelyn pulls her to a jewelry stand. Beautiful crafts of silver, gold and glittering gems lay before her and Tia frowns, hesitating.
Don't be shy, dear. |
Get whatever you like! |
I-I don't really like these kinds of things…! |
Oh, don't be silly! |
You have such a delicate face, it would be a shame not to dress it up. |
They just don't suite me. |
I'm not feminine or elegant. That was more my mother's thing… and I'm nothing like her. |
That's nonsense! |
Evelyn sighs and turns back to the jewelry stand. Tia watches her grandmother purchase the earrings before turning to her again.
No one else gets to decide what does and doesn't suit you. If you like these, |
Then you wear them! |
Evelyn turns abruptly and begins scanning another stand. Tia stares down at the jewelry, the color reminding her of her true eyes.
Oh, Lynny! |
How fortunate I ran into you! |
Ah, Marla. |
I'm sorry to bother you while you have company... |
But I had just overheard something you might find concerning! |
I suppose, if we are brief. |
Whatever is it? |
Well, |
I'm not sure how she found out but I overheard Beatrice mentioning a distressing rumor. |
From what I've heard, a minx is for sale in the black market! |
I had planned to have the town guard take a look but I know how you feel about these things. |
Thank you |
Don't bother with the guards, I can handle this myself! |
Come along, Tia. |
We're going to take a little detour. |
Tia follows after Evelyn, surprised by how swift her grandmother is despite her size and age. They move from street to street until very few people could be seen at all and the buildings become dilapidated, squeezing closer together and dimming the atmosphere. As Evelyn turns the corner, she lets her form fade completely, which Tia hadn't seen once since they'd met. She pauses suddenly and turns to Tia.
Stay close by, dear, and don't say a word. |
Tia blinks but Evelyn waits for her to nod before they continue. They follow a set of steps at the end of an alleyway and a different kind of marketplace spreads into the street before them. With tarps blocking out the sunlight above, torches line the street and those around them wear inconspicuous or even conciliatory clothing.
A rack waits at the entrance, a slew of masks of various kinds hanging and, as her grandmother selects one, Tia imitates her.
The merchants here don't hawk their wares or call out to customers. They speak in hushed tones and watch all passerby with suspicion.
About halfway through, Evelyn turns before a doorway with a symbol unfamiliar to Tia on its sign but no name—the emblem of Lunil. Evelyn checks to make sure Tia is just behind her before making her way inside. The building reeks of urine and musk as they enter, wrinkling Tia's nose. Chirps, hisses and growls sound from further inside as they stroll to the counter and Tia's heart drops at the miserable cacophony. A thin, crotchety looking middle-aged man waits inside. Behind him, in the next room, cages line the walls stuffed with creatures of every kind. He looks Evelyn over, wary but appreciative of her wealthy apparel.
About halfway through, Evelyn turns before a doorway with a symbol unfamiliar to Tia on its sign but no name—the emblem of Lunil. Evelyn checks to make sure Tia is just behind her before making her way inside. The building reeks of urine and musk as they enter, wrinkling Tia's nose. Chirps, hisses and growls sound from further inside as they stroll to the counter and Tia's heart drops at the miserable cacophony. A thin, crotchety looking middle-aged man waits inside. Behind him, in the next room, cages line the walls stuffed with creatures of every kind. He looks Evelyn over, wary but appreciative of her wealthy apparel.
What are ye in th' market fur? |
I've heard you might have a particular creature for sale. |
You wouldn't happen to be offering a minx for sale, would you? |
Am sure yer aware o' how expensive these beasts are? |
Temperamental and vicious creatures. |
Of course. |
Money won't be an issue. |
Are you buying an animal?? |
Evelyn places a finger to her lips as the man returns, toting a cage smaller than she had expected. He hoists it up onto the counter with a grunt. Inside, a winged kitten shivers and hisses at them. It is also missing a leg, seemingly amputated. Evelyn finds her temper peak as she lays eyes on pitiful the creature. She grasps the cage and hands it swiftly to Tia before turning back to the man.
Oy, ye cannae- |
His voice trails off as Evelyn manifests her wings and spreads them out ominously. She leans over the the rickety counter into his hesitation, clutching his throat with her claws. Evelyn begins dragging the nails of her other hand across the dry, half-rotten wood and it curls as she easily carves it away.
Ordinarily, I understand the need for this market... |
I do. But this shop and this creature crosses the line! |
The man watches as orange marks in the shape of fluttering embers begin to race across her skin and Evelyn pauses to remove her mask as her full form exposes itself. His eyes widen with realization, glancing between Evelyn and the creature Tia still shelters. Flames begin to pop out of Evelyn's markings and they dance outward into the room in an otherworldly dance, catching on the walls and ceiling. Tia leans closer to Evelyn with wide eyes and her grandmother shelters her with a wing as tendrils of fire spread hungrily throughout the room. Curiously, the flames halt at the door to the next room, impeded by some invisible force. The man attempts to pull away from Evelyn but her grip tightens, the tips of her claws puncturing his skin dangerously close to his jugular. He begins to quiver, the inferno closing in on him rapidly.
But your lucky. |
If my granddaughter weren't with me today I would let you burn! |
But I expect this shameful business to be gone by tomorrow and I will be back to see for myself! |
As Evelyn hisses her warning, the fire goes out all at once. The building creaks and smokes as Tia and Evelyn leave with the young minx in tow. They make their way out of the market, all those present dodging out of Evelyn's way and avoiding her gaze as she storms brazenly through the street. Once back to the main roads, they pause to examine the poor kitten.
What do we do with it? |
Can we let it go? |
It wouldn't survive. |
Not with that injury or without its mother, it's too young! |
I'll have it sent to the manor, for now. |
I have some experience with beast taming and its still quite young. |
You're keeping it? |
We'll have to see how it adjusts! |
It won't be tame by any means but the manor grounds are large. We will see. Oh! |
And let's not tell your father you were with me, hm? |
They both laugh as they make their way back to the carriage and up to the capital city. Evelyn brings Tia to one last location before they call it a day and has everything else sent to the manor. As they enter the illustrious building, Evelyn holds her ears erect and her posture is immaculate. Tia trails behind her, looking nervous and feeling wary of prying eyes. There are a number of women waiting in the lobby who attempt to identify this unfamiliar face. What teenager would be accompanying Dowager Minx? The receptionist greets Evelyn enthusiastically but her eyes catch on Tia, seeming apprehensive. Tia's glare challenges her in response, despite her anxiety.
Ah, you haven't met my granddaughter yet! |
All heads in the lobby swivel conspicuously and some even peek over from the next room.
We'll both have the full service. And uh... |
Perhaps a cut? |
They are escorted into the main room immediately where women are sitting in cushioned chairs, soaking their feet in steaming water. The staff attend to customers according to their forms, grooming, massaging or using strange devices on them she didn't recognize. Tia hesitantly settles into the offered chair. This reluctance fades as she dips her toes into the steaming water and sighs at the warmth, sinking into her seat. As Evelyn materializes her wings, staff adjust the chair to accommodate her. Hinged mechanisms swing back to alter the shape of the seat so her wings can lay comfortably behind her while still supporting Evelyn's spine and head.
And how did you manage to materialize a grandchild overnight? |
At her leisure, Evelyn casts her eyes at the woman. She is older as well, appearing close to Evelyn in age. She is receiving a pedicure along with the teenager beside her whose eyes remain shut.
Audrey |
What a pleasant surprise! |
Tia looks between them, Evelyn seeming less than pleased to see Audrey. Tia waves politely to the woman, receiving a plastic smile. Audrey appraises Tia unabashedly, looking her over before engaging Evelyn again.
Where has this one been hiding? Or... did Felicity adopt? |
Evelyn's smile is too keen, exposing fangs, and her feline eyes constrict
No, no. Don't be silly! |
You remember my boy, Allen? |
Why, yes! |
I haven't seen him in decades! |
Yes, he's been overseas for some time. His majesty asked him to establish relations with Nippon, if you recall. |
He's just returned the other day |
And what a surprise, he brings home this lovely girl! |
That is quite the surprise |
I remember that boy swearing he'd never produce an heir. |
What a rebellious young man he was! |
Evelyn smiles but doesn't laugh. Staff begin Tia and Evelyn's pedicures. Tia feels awkward about a stranger touching her so casually, the energy which rushes through her obscure and difficult to parse, but the staff smiles warmly to put her at ease. Tia wonders if rejecting the exchange was possible but reluctantly consents, not wanting to create difficulty for them.
Yes, well, us Minx are always very spirited |
And Tia is no exception! |
Staff begins cleaning Evelyn's feline ears and she leans her head against the chair, eyes closed.
Well, Tia, |
This is one of my grandchildren, Lucy. |
Lucy is still ignorant to their conversation and Tia realizes she has fallen asleep. Audrey frowns and jabs at Lucy's shoulder with her narrow fingers.
Hmmm? |
Oh... hello! |
What did I miss? |
Honestly! |
Lucy this is Tia. She's Evelyn's granddaughter. |
Tia... Minx? That has a nice ring to it! |
But you don't really seem like a Minx, just by looking. How haven't we met before? |
You're not in your form either? |
Oh, our family's form isn't quite as... physical as yours. |
Lucy blinks and, upon reopening her eyes, they appear to glow with a silver light. The same silvery-white lines stab outward along the skin surrounding her eyes and just her lips stain teal. Tia recalls the woman from their escort as Lucy blinks again, her form fading away.
Besides, |
It's too much to keep those eyes going all the time! I see everything. |
I-I'm still not used to people walking around like this. |
I... grew up in Nippon. |
Oh! |
His Grace raised you out there? |
How unfortunate! Deprived of your homeland for so long... that's practically criminal. |
Well, you're home now, you can cast that shyness aside! |
Audrey gestures with a wide wave before waiting for Tia to shift. Lucy squirms in embarrassment thanks to her grandmother's theatrics before looking to Tia, silently apologetic. Tia looks to her grandmother and Evelyn answers with the slightest nod. Tia takes in a breath and releases her form. The staff adjusts her chair quickly and as Tia leans back they begin preening her wings as well. Tia finds it oddly satisfying.
It must be such a relief for you, Lynn. |
She so resembles you at that age! |
Yes, she's even inherited Allen's Aura. |
I couldn't ask for more! |
Guilt creeps up Tia's spine and she frowns.
It's for the best.
Duff chimes in, sensing her trepidation
Is it?
Tia echoes back, closing her eyes with a wry frown
It was so hard on you, trying to pass on your family's form. |
I do hope your House has better luck this round. |
Evelyn's eyes flash open and she gives Audrey heated look, orange markings lingering on the edges of her face. Audrey's mouth snaps shut despite her arrogance. Lucy grimaces at her grandmother's miscalculation while Tia doesn't quite understand what Audrey meant.
I was very fortunate with my own line but that's to be expected. |
My family's bloodline has always been so reliable! |
Yes, support roles are always a safe bet. |
But it hardly matters now. Everything turned out as it should in the end! |
Tia remains a bit confused by the whole exchange but finds it hard to concentrate beyond the pampering. All four of them fall silent and, moments later, the other two seem to have finished.
Well, Tia, it was wonderful meeting you! |
I hope you enjoy yourself here in the capital |
While you can. |
Tia head whips around, watching the pair leave and Lucy gives her an earnest wave despite her grandmother's parting words.
While I can? |
She just enjoys waggling her tongue! |
Tia focuses on relaxing, much in need of it, as the staff clean, preen and massage her wings, file her nails to a point and clean out her ears. Evelyn and Tia are thoroughly satisfied by the end of it. Another staff makes his way out then, people scurrying out of his way. He peers around with a sharp expression but flashes a brilliant smile at Evelyn.
Lynny, it's been too long! |
I know, I know. |
What have you brought me? |
This is my granddaughter! |
She's just arrived in the capital |
He gives Tia a once over and sucks in a breath through his teeth.
Oh, disaster! |
Did she cut this herself? |
She is your granddaughter! |
She's fresh off the road, Honey. |
From overseas. |
The man puts a finger to his lips before examining her hair.
Honey answers cautiously.
Tia gives Evelyn a nervous glance but she taps Tia's hand gently.
I think I can salvage it. |
Tia gives Evelyn a nervous glance but she taps Tia's hand gently.
Relax, dear. |
Honey is the best hairdresser in all of Accia! |
Tia releases a breath and concedes. She sits back and lets him brush, wash and clip away at her hair. Honey works quickly and looks at Evelyn when he's done with a haughty grin. She clasps her mouth before revealing a brilliant smile to Tia. Honey passes her a mirror and Tia examines it. It's cut to just below the chin. Her normally unmanageable hair is fluffy and layered both accentuating her features and complimenting her feline ears. Tia opens her mouth to respond but can't find the right words at first.
I love it! |
Of course you do! |
Tia and Evelyn emerge from the facility feeling refreshed and rejuvenated despite the interaction with Audrey. But as they step into the carriage, Evelyn releases a long sigh.
Knowing Audrey... |
Half the capital will hear about you and your... circumstances by the end of the week! |
What... does it matter? |
It means... |
Wild rumors about you and our House will spread like wildfire unless we introduce you to court properly. |
I... what? |
Her concerns are entirely foreign to Tia. Evelyn folds her hands into her lap neatly, her lips pressed together.
There are Ten Houses which rule over our kingdom in the interests of the king, Tia, and we are head to one of them. |
There are a lot of expectations placed upon us as a condition of that privilege. For one, it is important to be familiar with the members of the Accian court. Especially as you are a peer among them. |
There is so much you don't know! |
This... is really important to you? |
Yes, it is. |
There is nothing more important to me than this family. Well, |
This family and this kingdom. Both are inseparable, you see. I'm so sorry I have to hoist this onto you so quickly! |
Tia stares out at the capital as it rolls by, considering what she has seen thus far.
I can't say that I love all of the... weird politics and disingenuous people. |
I'll probably end up hating all of this eventually, if I'm being honest. |
But having a real family and having you go out of your way to try to help me become a part of it, to worry about me... I'm grateful to have that after losing what I have! |
Besides, I've had more adventures in the last few weeks than I've had in my entire life! So I'll give uh... whatever all this is my best! |
Well, |
If you're ready to challenge yourself I ought to begin preparations for your Introduction! Otherwise, everyone's impression of you is going to be based on gossip and rumors. |
So... |
Does that mean we're gonna... run around the town and say hello or...? |
Run around town! |
No, no dear. |
It means we'll be hosting an event at the manor so you can meet everyone, with proper etiquette, as we normally would have done when you were ten. |
Tia sucks a breath through her teeth.
You're gonna put me in a big dress aren't you? |
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