House Minx

Suggested Audio Lorekeeper Grove

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Tia sleeps for nearly two days, waking in the afternoon. Still sore, she takes a much appreciated bath before making her way downstairs.

You can stay up here. Tia informs Duff before closing the door, who is hardly reluctant to remain curled up in the soft bedding

Tia is led into the main parlour of the manor. Branching out from the great hall, this far more private and modest chamber is still very spacious. The hearth is at the heart of the parlour alongside sets of lavish armchairs. Oak paneling and floral wallpaper embellish the walls alongside tapestries, shelves and paintings while light pours in through vivid stained glass windows and doors. Evelyn is waiting for her by the fireplace, seeming to have been reading. Her face lights up as Tia descends. Tia is still surprised and nervous, unsure of how to interact properly with her unexpected new relation, grasping and scrunching the cloth of her dress.

Oh, don't be nervous! Evelyn insists with an eager smile You can relax, dear.

She gestures for Tia to sit in the padded chair adjacent to her. The stuffing is thick and Tia sinks into the satin gratefully.

Thank you... uhhh Tia hesitates

My name is Evelyn she states politely, enunciating her words well at all times But you can call me Grandma, Granny, Nana or whatever you like! Evelyn seems overwhelmingly pleased with any of the suggested titles

Could I call you... baa-chan...? Tia questions with some embarrassment

Is that...? Evelyn questions with a wavering smile

It-it means grandma! Tia is quick to inform her In Nihongo. Is that okay?

Of course, dear. Evelyn agrees, stifling a sigh and regaining her smile As I said, whatever youl like!

Are you... always in your magic form? Tia questions, her eyes sticking on Evelyn's ears

Hm? Evelyn hums at first Oh, yes! I often forget the two are separate at all, really. Our family's magic is something to be very proud of, dear! she explains readily It's quite special. Has your father not told you anything about our family?

I didn't know I had more family aside from my parents and... and mom's clan, not that I ever saw them at all... Tia admits, frowning. She shakes the thought away and looks pointedly at their lavished surroundings. It's all been a surprise.

Evelyn makes a sour face thinking of Allen's predilection for surprises, closing her eyes and pitying Tia for that lot.

That boy… of course he didn't! Evelyn's sigh carries irritation I think he rather doesn't like being a part of this family, which is such a shame. Not everyone is as fortunate and blessed as we are! She pauses in consideration Here, follow me.

Evelyn rises from the chair and leads Tia back into the great hall at the center of the manor's ground floor. One long table is the centerpiece of the vacuous room and two grand stair cases lead to the upper balcony straddling the second floor, framing the main entrance to the hall opposite the fireplace. A single balcony hovers over the fireplace--a gallery for musicians. The hallways to the manor's bedchambers line the second story walls before giving way to a vaulted ceiling. Polished tiles make up the floor and are warmed by thick carpets. Much like the parlour, the walls are decorated with all manner of tapestries and paintings. The fireplace and mantle of the great hall is the largest in the whole manor, wood and stone carefully carved and detailed, eventually cradling one large portrait. Evelyn steps swiftly along the east wall, stopping before a tapestry. A large emblem is the centerpiece of the tapestry and Tia recognizes it as the family crest. She hadn't seen it so large before and could now make out a creature comprising much of the image. Evelyn reaches out and her fingers graze the two animals embroidered to the left and right of the emblem. On the right is a bob-tailed feline with fur-tipped ears and on the left is a falcon with spotted wings.

Do you know where our family name comes from? Evelyn asks and Tia shakes her head. Evelyn explains slowly and clearly. We are named after the creature our kaithur grants us the features of, the Scath Minx. It is native to the Lacuna Heath of the Tenebrous Chain, which is amid our holdings.

What is... a holding? Tia asks Duff

The King gave your family the land in that region. Duff offers a curt explanation after an irritable sigh but Tia has trouble wrapping her mind around the concept Their wealth stems from that.

Like a number of beasts in our world Evelyn continues Lunil blessed this creature with features of a secondary animal as half of its kaithur. It is called a Minx because it is a lynx with the features of a merlin, a kind of falcon.

That's where the ears and wings come from? Tia questions and Evelyn nods gently before plucking up a book from a desk below the tapestry. She flips it open and shows Tia an image.

While each specimen is unique, most minx have the hindquarters of a falcon, its wings and the front portion of a lynx. Interestingly, Evelyn continues, inflecting upwards The minx has the optical capabilities of both creatures. Excellent color perception, superb eyesight and night vision!

Do we always have the same features? Tia asks

Most of the time but not always Evelyn sighs, seemingly frustrated Most of us have two or more features, one from each animal, but which features you inherit are up to chance! The wings are fairly typical, however...

I once had a boy with nothing but whiskers and little bird legs! Evelyn chuckles, snapping the book shut

Evelyn replaces the book carefully and continues towards the fireplace at the end of the hall. The wall they pass is decorated with various portraits, presumably her ancestors, with different combinations of minx features.

The minx is an apex predator of the heathlands which gave our family quite the advantage! Evelyn continues, bragging shamelessly Flight, claws, fangs, excellent vision and hearing, aerial agility and speed—we could even inherent a second kaithur in addition to all of this! Our ancestors quickly distinguished themselves in battle and earned our current station.

She stops and stares wistfully at the final portrait above the mantle. In it, Evelyn places a hand on the shoulder of a teenage girl with slate hair. She stands between Evelyn and Allen, perhaps in his early twenties.

Is that...? Tia implies

Yes Evelyn answers with an appreciative smile That is your father, myself and your aunt Felicity—you'll get a chance to meet her later.

Tia frowns at the painting of her father. His expression is stern and his eyes are dark and lifeless. She had never seen him so grim, seeming even malignant.

When I married your grandfather, Evelyn continues, stirring from her own memory He contributed a very suitable magic to our family line—Beranok's Aura She half gasps with exuberant pride, as if Tia should understand the meaning

She motions for Tia to sit again and they both settle in before anything else is said.

Now then, do tell me about yourself, sweetheart! Evelyn urges, seeming anxious to listen

Um, I mean... Tia questions haltingly, running her fingers through the ends of her hair What do you want to know?

Well... what was your life like in Nippon? Evelyn questions We know so little about it here, they are so insulated! What was your mother like, what magic did you inherit?

Tia dons a grudging smile at the mention of her mother

My mom... Tia states, her tone higher She's very beautiful. She always knew the right thing to say and she was naturally graceful. I-I'm afraid I'm not much like her.

Evelyn is mystified by Tia's apologetic demeanor. But Tia hadn't allowed herself to think of or talk about her mother up until this point, she hadn't had the opportunity to process it in private during their journey. In fact, Tia doesn't particularly want to tackle that mountain of emotions but can't help when they spill out. Evelyn gasps at the sight of her tears and produces a hankerchief from her purse.

I'm sorry, dear! Evelyn apologizes quickly You don't have to tell me anything that's going to upset you!

She offers Tia the fabric and Tia takes it, scowling as she wipes her face while Evelyn shifts uncomfortably into the silence.

I'm sorry. Tia sniffles Everything has just been happening so fast...! Tia observes her grandmother's expression and is surprised to see so much concern Sometimes I forget she's even gone.

I know I'm a stranger to you Evelyn states But my ears are always open to you! Evelyn gestures to her feline ears with a charming smile, looking Tia over After all, it is such a treasure finding out you exist!

Tia blushes at the attention but laughs, staring down at the hankerchief

My mom left us Tia's words tumble out numbly before her voice gives over to resent I don't know why. When I looked up she was just... just gone.

Tia feels tears rolling down her face again and her breath catches. She glares at the teardrops as they wet the fabric. Evelyn's hand hovers over Tia's shoulder a moment, uncertain of the gesture as her hand moves.

I'm... so sorry, dear. Evelyn comforts awkwardly, finally letting her hand rest on Tia's shoulder. She speaks gently but her eyes conceal anger as well. Let's think of happier things! Evelyn suggests with a sharp breath and Tia nods, sniffing back her remaining tears.

You... wanted to know about my form? Tia asks as she wipes her face

Do not tell her. Duff stresses carefully, listening in from upstairs Keeping this secret will keep you safe. Besides… his tone shifts into stark bitterness She's an agent of the crown. She may even expose you.

Ummmm... Tia hesitates, feeling a chill from that possibility

Tia imagines how Evelyn might react while observing her eager expression. Would her grandmother be disappointed by her original form? Should she even show her birth form or reveal how she has been changed? How did her father expect her to present herself? Tia's eyes catch again on the portrait on the mantle while her mind spins with questions and uncertainties.

IIII've got… Dad's magic! Tia finally answers and Evelyn doesn't make any effort to hide her excitement

Oh, you must show me! Evelyn gasps, springing up quickly despite her age Come, come!

Evelyn steps to the left set of stained glass doors with Tia close behind her and flings them open. Wind bursts into the room and before them is a balcony which seems to hang off the edge of the city. Tia loses her breath, dizzy at the open height. She presses markedly against the wall, garnering confusion from her grandmother who stands comfortably against the banister.

I, u-um Tia stammers and tries to clear her throat I-I don't actually know how to, uh... She closes her eyes and focuses How to fly. I don't know how to fly!

Oh! Evelyn squeaks, genuinely shocked I... I'm sorry...

Evelyn looks side to side, quickly guiding Tia to their left where the balcony falls back into a patio garden. Tia's breath shudders as they enter and she sits on the lip of a simple fountain, recomposing herself. Evelyn gestures for a servant.

Some tea, black for me. Evelyn waits and looks to Tia

Green tea? Tia requests, the staff giving a slight bow and disappearing as Tia begins her explanation. In Nippon, or at least in the capital, people don't really show their magic form to others. It was considered, um... She snaps her fingers as the word comes to her Private. That's how dad worded it.

That's terrible! Evelyn exclaims, tightening Tia's expression

Dad was busy at the palace and mom can't fly so... Tia explains, not entirely a lie, and offers Evelyn a shrug I never learned how to fly or to use the other… zappy thing. Tia says, wiggling her fingers

Evelyn shuts her eyes, shaking her head slowly in disbelief with her mouth held open. The servant reappears, moving a small table closer and placing the tray before them. Evelyn stirs in copious amounts of sugar and cream before sipping her tea while Tia blinks at the staff, watching the man disappear without a word. She found such interactions unsettling.

Unbelievable! Evelyn states after placing down her cup Magic is a part of who we are, and you never learned how to use your own? I've never heard of such a thing... what a ghastly tradition!

As Evelyn waves her hand amid her derision, Tia meets her sentiment with a scowl

I'm sorry, dear, it's just so… so different! Evelyn's releases a curt breath In Accia we are proud of our kaithur, especially within noble families. Our ancestors were gifted these incredible abilities and we are lucky to inherit them. It is such an important part of our lives and vital to our very survival!

Tia drinks her tea as is and enjoys the familiar bitter flavor

I don't hate magic Tia states after drawing in a long sip I think it's amazing what people can do and some of it is really beautiful! It's actually been one of the better surprises of coming here. Tia's voice softens, eyes drifting over the garden while her thoughts drift into memory But I still miss my old life...!

I suppose Evelyn sympathizes reluctantly Everything has been flipped upside down for you.

Nothing is the same! But it's kind of exciting too? In a way, I'm surprised I miss Nippon at all... Tia imparts breathily. But she quickly becomes solemn, her voice and expression darkening gradually as she speaks That city felt like a cage. They all treated me like I didn't belong or, worse, like I didn't exist at all...! I only had one friend. Tia traces the lip of her mug I guess it's really him I miss... and my garden, the mountains, my books and my favorite places by the river...

People will always find something to enjoy no matter where they are, especially children. Evelyn states knowingly But perhaps you'll find things to love here, too. And if you enjoy books and beautiful places, the kingdom won't disappoint you!

Tia is quiet but listens intently

Our kingdom is vast and cultural, every corner holds something different. A bright young woman like you will be swimming in cohorts and comrades. Oh! The adventures you'll have when you come of age! Tia can't help but laugh at Evelyn's fervent imaginings but is uncertain if such a future awaited her Now then, no need keep being shy. Let's see your form!

Tia feels her face heat up but stands up and to the side regardless, letting herself shift. As her wings and ears emerge, Evelyn investigates Tia's form expertly. Tia is attentive, curious of the old woman's opinion.

Ears and wings have a suitable shape, despite the under-developed muscles. And Beranok's markings seem to cover most of your body... Evelyn muses, opening and tracing one wing carefully

She snaps her fingers behind Tia's ears and seems satisfied with the way they flick towards the sound. She walks behind Tia and pauses.

How fortunate! Evelyn breathes with relief Very handsome tailfeathers with spectacular length! Good, good...

Tia glances behind and is surprised she hadn't noticed them sooner, lifting and lowering the feathers poking out the end of her dress with fascination. Evelyn looks closely into Tia's eyes.

Brilliant hue! She exclaims and then gestures to the garden How do the colors look? Can you focus your eyes?

Ano... (Um...) Tia husks and studies her surroundings

Tia notices the increased vibrancy for the first time, giving a slight nod as she explores the intense hues.

Can you see the insects on the irises over there? Evelyn asks, pointing to the other side of the garden

Tia focuses carefully and her vision actually zooms in, gifting her incredibly detailed sight. Movements amid the flowers quickly draw her attention, honing in on a bee landing on the petals of an iris. Tia beams in response, Evelyn eying her fangs while her teeth are exposed.

Excellent! Evelyn praises, gleeful Now, let me see your hands. She opens her palms to Tia

I-I don't really understand how to do the um, sparks. Tia mutters but offers up her hands anyway

Evelyn applies careful pressure to her fingertips and, much to Tia's surprise, sharp claws extend out with the pressure.

Oh! Tia gasps

She flexes her other hand and gaps at her newfound, natural weapons. She wishes she had these much sooner. Evelyn admires Tia with immense relief.

You really are just like your father! Evelyn sighs dreamily Out of all of my children, Allen had the finest form!

Ah, praise from my own mother Allen pops in with a mocking tone, sneaking up behind Evelyn I never thought I'd hear it again!

Evelyn whips around with a disapproving frown, shocked she hadn't heard him approach, but Allen's attention is on his daughter.

Let me guess He questions Tia She's been pestering you about your form all day and going on about the family?

Evelyn glares at him, answered only by a deadpan expression

Something you've told her nothing about! Evelyn derides him, accusatory How dreadfully unprepared you've left her! However is she to catch up in t-

She's not some livestock you're putting up for slaughter! Allen snaps and Evelyn gasps at the analogy

Tia glances back and forth between them, alarmed by the rapid hostility

And I don't appreciate you inspecting her as if she were. Besides, Allen regards his daughter fondly She learns quickly and is very adaptable!

Well, we're lucky for our resources then! Evelyn bites She's going to need tutors and trainers and supplies... Evelyn lists while looking at the sky Heavens Allen, you didn't even teach her how to fly!

I'm right here! Tia snaps, aggravated by their exchange

There is a tense silence until Tia's stomach begins to rumble. Allen laughs into Tia's embarrassment.

Come on, let's raid the kitchens! Allen suggests in a conspiratorial tone I'll bet they still keep the sweets tucked away in the same place!

Tia grins back at him, to the chagrin of Evelyn, and they all make their way back inside.

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