Lessons

Suggested Audio Medieval Library

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Albert dawdles before the library doors, reluctant to crack them open. He plays over his memories of Tia, ivory patterns appearing across his scalp, peaking past his hairline and framing his face. He pours over her slightest expressions, her choice of words, her reactions but still can't make up his mind or figure her out. He rubs his palms down his face and tries to brace himself before finally making his way inside. Tia peers out an open window with particularly tired eyes and poorly masked anxiety. She jumps as he places his bag on the table but relief washes over her expression as she realizes it's him.

Albert! Tia greets him with relief, her voice cheery but holding uncertainty as well

Albert maintains uniform neutrality as his eyes flicker to hers briefly, her anxiety amplified as Albert neglects to mirror her greeting. He settles into his seat and prepares a scroll at the end of the table.

Today, we're going to cover the Downfall of the Erlithmanil. Albert explains, jumping right into the lesson with a stern tone

Albert, um... Tia tries to begin, hesitating as she considers her words and scrounges up the courage to question him

The Erlithmanil had ruled over Emynea as gods for untold ages. Albert continues, glazing over her attempt and remaining focused But humanity suffered under their whims. Zalikar, the Dark King, was especially prone to mass human eradications! It was at this point legend claims Luxis chose a hero to stand against them: Accia Syltharis, patriarch of the Syltharis line. Tia's timid silence lingers, mulling over Albert's disposition Armed with a unique blessing from Luxis, he allied himself with ten beasts and Sylthari herself. They were able to overcome the Erlithmanil one by one with both clever ruses and legendary battles. After destroying their bodies, Sylthari sealed their immortal souls into syltharian crystals and-

Albert is forced to fall silent, Tia bouncing her leg so drastically that it rattles the entire table. He regards her with a deadpan leer and she sucks in a breath, staying the motion.

Did I do something? Tia blurts into the silence

Tia... Albert grumbles

Because if I did Tia reasons hastily, her words bursting from her mouth I-I'd at least like to know what it is that I did!

Tia, I am here as your tutor right now. Albert remains firm Not as your peer or unit-mate.

But I thought we were friends! Tia divulges with more candor and desperation than Albert was prepared for

He blinks as tears form in her eyes, uncertainty washing over her features and she balls her fists on the table

If-If I was w-wrong and assumed...! Tia splutters, swallowing before speaking more slowly I understand if you were just doing your job and I'm being pushy. I just need to know!

Albert draws in a long breath, watching her expression carefully for validity, and releases a sigh before speaking

You laughed Albert attempts to state clearly At Orin's cruel joke about Longwei.

Tia blinks away tears in response, seemingly dumbstruck. She interlocks her fingers atop her head, replaying the events of the previous day in her head. Her face scrunches, unable to scrounge up any memory that matches his assertion.

I... I don't remember... Tia confesses meekly

Longwei didn't deserve that disrespect. Albert scowls, starkly contrasting his usually timorous behavior, and his tone only grows more firm And I don't tolerate bullies!

But I have nothing but respect for Longwei! Tia insists, recalling his wordless aid If anything, he's the coolest member of our unit!

What...? Albert breathes, baffled by her seemingly arbitrary statement

Tia... Duff cuts in

Not now! Tia rebukes, squeezing her eyes shut momentarily

Albert squints at her, noticing the misplaced expression

You were speaking with me, not the boy. Duff informs her briskly, realization washing over Tia's face

I... Tia begins, her eyes darting as she tries to find a way to explain herself without divulging Duff's involvement Sometimes... I get distracted or space out.

Albert watches her, his skepticism plainly displayed

I know its weird! I-I know that I'm weird she breathes, her voice unsteady But I don't know how else to explain it. I wasn't paying attention when... um... Orin made a bad joke?

That... Albert mumbles with a squint Is extraordinarily convenient.

Tia winces but otherwise lacks further explanation, Albert leaning back in his chair as he contemplates.

If you don't have any more moments of cruelty or disrespect he states with some reservation Then, maybe, we can be friends.

Despite this complicated and dizzying condition, hope sparks in Tia's eyes and she offers him one fervent nod.

Now, back to the less- Albert grumbles, refocusing, but the bell tolls and his sentence drops away It'll have to wait until next time

I'm sorry! Tia winces I promise I'll stay focused next time!

Albert gives a snort of a laugh and they both depart for the next phase of their schedules

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Suggested Audio Treacherous Path

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Despite her sleep deprivation, Tia approaches the obstacle courses feeling invigorated by hope! She lines up alongside several other aerial recruits, donning her division uniform. The outfit is tightfitting, a blue-green top and khakhi jacket which leaves her upper back exposed. This is paired with equally tightfitting khaki pants with the same tail mechanism she was accustomed to and boots with talons set behind the heels. Martia and Danut are present, nodding politely to her but otherwise keeping their distance. As she looks over her peers, she sees recruits with bird talons as legs, wings as arms, those with tails and those without--most are avian but those with reptilian, bat and even insect wings are among them too! Some lack any wings at all, displaying colorful patterns on their hands and feet instead. Tia herself only manifests her wings and tail, tending to avoid flying with her lynx ears exposed if she could due to their sensitivity. She also tries to mimic the militant posture she sees but it still feels awkward to her.

The senior recruits stiffen suddenly, standing erect with severe focus in tandem. A woman in a blue uniform strides out before them, petite but having a fierce temperament and commanding presence. She scans the class, particularly scrutinizing her newest students. As her eyes land on Tia, she is clearly unimpressed. Even Tia finds herself averting her eyes as the woman's gaze sears into her. Something about her face seems familiar.

I'm not going to waste our time with introductions because, to be frank, I don't care who you are or where you come from! she speaks curtly, reminding Tia of Modeste We'll be seeing each other every morning, every day for the next two years! So I'll keep this simple. You will call me Miss Felicity, you do what I say when I say it and when you don't... you'll learn the consequences for yourself. Isn't that right, rats?

Yes, Miss Felicity! Senior echo together, saluting in unisions.

Felicity levels an expectant leer onto the newest recruits until, one by one they salute her as well.

You'll find the only way for you to earn my respect -and believe me, you want it- is equally simple: perform and improve. Felicity continues, her eyes finally falling onto her new roster I cover half of our aerial courses but if you are truly unlucky, you'll see me for auras and dual blade techniques.

Felicity releases a quiet sigh, glancing over the document as if she might toss it aside but thinks better of it. Rather than taking a roll call, she plans only to confirm their numbers. But then her eyes fix onto one particular name, a scowl growing steadily as she eyes it. The senior recruits are clearly fearful of the expression, bracing themselves with anxious anticipation, yet Felicity remains calm.

Faaya! Felicity barks, not tearing her eyes from the roster

Yes, Miss Felicity! a senior recruit answers her

Faaya is slender and discerning, having a warm golden complexion and bright lilac extensions to match the vivid feathers sprouting into wings from her arms. These feathers are also green, yellow and orange along her head and neck while her wings alternate between flourescent light and dark blues. It's clear she has the features of some beautiful songbird!

Run the new rats through the course Felicity orders, Faaya gesturing so that the rest of the class files towards the starting platform Except... Felicity continues, everyone freezing as her voice burns with distain Tia Minx

Tia's eyes widen and Faaya gives her a pitiable glance before moving on. Felicity waits until the others have departed before giving a sharp laugh, her eyes narrowing.

Is there... something wrong? Tia asks, nearly holding her breath when Felicity laughs again

Tell me. Felicity invites with a measure of amusement Who put you up to this? Berenger? Tia openly displays her confusion and Felicity's amusement instantly runs cold, a dour frown presenting itself as she chops her hand over Tia's name Because this stunt is distasteful at best!

I don't know what you're talking about. Tia insists

There are no other Minx left! Felicity hisses with gritted teeth

Hot orange hues spill into her amber eyes and actual fire swallows up the parchment crumpled between her fingers, quickly reduced to ash! Wisps and embers manifest all around Tia, brief but hot enough for Tia to feel them.

My name Tia matches the heat in her instructor's tone despite her fiery display Is Tia Minx!

No. Felicity barks, raising her voice as more substantial fire swirls around Tia's feet. Her voice carries hidden wounds. The only Minx left are me, my mother and my brother. Azryth would take us all before that lout has a child! If you don't drop this disgusting charade...!

Tia blinks, suddenly realization washing over her face which is quickly followed by disblief. But she does recognize the similarities. Felicity is petite and has Evelyn's ferocity in excess but she also shares Allen's slate hair and sharp eyes.

You're my Aunt Felicity? Tia questions in disbelief

The reserved teenage girl in the portrait Evelyn had shown her had carefully maintained, waist length hair and was fastidiously draped in frills and make-up. Meanwhile, the woman before Tia now had chopped her hair astoundingly short, fiery patterns shaved along one side of her scalp, and a bare freckled face. It is hardly a surprise Tia didn't recognize her. At Tia's suggestion, her temper peaks sending orange ember patterns flaring across her body! But before Felicity can grow any angrier, Tia manifests her father's full form and all of Felicity's anger drops away all at once, succumbing to a messy tangle of emotions. Her expression cycles between emptiness, confusion, realization and finally bitterness.

Baa-ch- I mean, grandma... Tia speaks carefully Said she'd sent you a letter, but, she didn't tell me you were an instructor...!

Ha! Felicity sneers explosively I stopped reading that hag's letters a decade ago! Tia gasps, further fueling her aunt's bitter amusement I see she hasn't shown you her true colors yet. No, your still too young. Her "precious granddaughter", right?

Felicity mocks Evelyn's words before frowning. She releases a long sigh through her nose, looking Tia up and down one more time.

Well, as lovely as this has been she drones sarcastically before swiveling back towards the obstacle course We're done. Join the rest of the rats!

Oba, w-wait! (Auntie) Tia gasps That's it? We're supposed to be family!

Felicity halts, shifting her weight and pivoting towards Tia. She shoots her niece an absolutely hazardous leer!

Not even five minutes into my class and you've brazenly disregarded my rules... Felicity growls, embers flickering to life far hotter than before--she isn't holding back. To Tia's surprise and horror, Felicity gestures with each sentence, flinging fire all around her. When I say jump, you jump. When I say fly, you fly. And when I say go, you go now!

Tia jumps back on instinct but in the end, she decides to stand her ground. Without flinching, without hesitation, flames breifly sear across Tia's skin. Tia shouts out in astonishment and is quick to assess the burns once the fire disipates. While her clothes are singed and her skin is reddened, there are no blisters or melted flesh--only pain. Her eyes flash back to Felicity nonetheless, flabberghasted and wary. Felicity doesn't blink, doesn't waste an ounce of sympathy, rather proudly using her magic as punishment. Even the surrounding aides are unphased, her actions apparently ordinary. Tia realizes she can do whatever she wants to enforce her authority!

Seems you're the type who only understands pain. I'm only going to repeat this one more time: I don't care who you are! Felicity drones distinctly Family, House, homeland. The only thing that matters here is your performance, up there! She gestures to the obstacle course Family is worthless. If you want my respect you have to earn it yourself, so... let's see what you're capable of!

Tia hesitates and Felicity juts her chin to the others with an exaggerated leer, summoning a pocket of flame behind Tia which hovers ever closer.

Now! Felicity barks, dragging the fire just behind her back

She watches Tia jump and flee, her own expression laced with discomfort, pity and disbelief. Just what kind of nonsense has been dumped into her lap?

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