Partners

Suggested Audio Forgotten Forest

Several more days go by and the road pulls them away from the mountains, into the heartland of the valley. More uniform fields roll out before them, pocked by quaint farming villages and rocky knolls dressed by dinky forest glades. Broad rivers and tender brooks lace through the verdant valley as well, leaving the rural atmosphere picturesque. Martin seems to believe they were only a day away from the capital and they camp for what was presumably the last night of their journey. Tia finds her mind drifting often, questioning what her new normal was going to look like at the end of this disastrous journey. She struggles to envision a life with her mother absent, despite her anger towards Mina. Nearly every memory of her life in Nippon is touched by the woman, a soft and comforting presence amid a cruel and lonely existence. How will she endure isolation without her mother? Tia also chafes under her father's suffocating guard and consideration, feeling he treats her like delicate pottery which has already cracked. Euan and Allen clash often as he baits or teases Tia at every opportunity, further triggering her father's overprotective nature. Tia's density and lack of experience doesn't deter Euan's flirtation and neither does his uncle's scolding.

You'd best learn who you can talk to and how, quickly. Martin prattles on, recapturing Tia's attention You're lucky his Grace is more tolerant now than in the past!

Tia snorts, finding that assertion ridiculous. Her father hardly seemed tolerant towards Euan.

Jus' hevin a bit o' fun! Euan insists with a chuckle Or dae ye no' want me talking t' her because Am a bandit an' she's a noble lass?

Ex-bandit. Martin emphasizes If you want any kind of life now, learn and earn your place!

An' ye earned yer place? Euan scoffs Forgetting yer kin an' licking th' King's boot?

Martin shakes with derisive laughter before Euan even finishes

That "kin" threw me away, just as it's thrown you away, to save their own skin. Martin chides and Euan falls silent They're not a family, they're a business! You're better off this way. They live like animals, wallowing in filthy caves and picking scraps off travelers. If you can prove your strength and serve your King, you'll never want for anything!

Euan's face reddens at how Martin describes his lifestyle while Morris, the smaller boy they picked up, listens intently behind them.

You'll all have that chance now. Martin claims, looking to the other captives

Tia shifts around, unsure of why his speech leaves her so uncomfortable

Tia Duff calls out to her. She stares into the fire, waiting to hear what he has to say You have a decision to make.

What kind of decision? Tia asks him

That man, these soldiers, their conversations... Your future is more tumultuous than I believed. He explains and she can tell he's been considering this for some time And when we reach the city it will become difficult to follow you.

What are you suggesting? Tia asks

I will let you decide. Duff becomes solemn, his voice heavy I can stay out of your life for as long as possible, regardless of what dangers you face. You can live as normal a life as possible for as long as you wish or...

Duff hesitates, clearly reluctant

I can stay close to you and act as your guardian. Duff suggests to Tia's surprise This will skew the course of your life if it isn't too late already. Your fate will darken and secrets will burden you. Change you. All I can promise is that you won't face it alone.

Tia's mind spins trying to make sense of his foreboding offer. Fate, secrets, burdens. It all sounded too intense and melodramatic but Tia could feel he was completely serious, that he knew more than she could understand. She draws in a long breath, steadying her mind.

If all of this is going to happen, if everything is going to keep changing more than it already has, I don't want to face it alone. Tia's clarity surprises him but there is also fear I don't think there could be anything more terrifying than being alone. Especially when I don't know what's coming!

She closes her eyes, remembering the night they met with a pinched expression

I was never more scared than in that moment, up on that mountain, when she was gone. I've always been alone and I'm done with it! I'm not strong enough to make it by myself. Her words waver with her uncertainty I mean, I would already be dead without your help!

There is more to you than you believe... but I understand. Duff responds Come find me in the grove.

Tia rises from the campfire and they all look to her. She gestures to the small forest they camp beside.

I, uh, need to go, uh... Tia rambles and looses an awkward smile, Euan coughing on a stifled laugh I gotta go.

Martin grunts and gestures for Ben to escort her. Tia grimaces but says nothing. Ben follows her into the forest and she holds a hand up for him to stop halfway in.

You don't need to follow me this far. Tia argues and gestures at the size of the wood Where am I gonna go?

Ben releases a sigh and leans up against a tree

Be quick! Ben calls out as she wanders further in

Tia presses here back against a tree trunk once out of sight, trying to stifle her quivering hands. Further into the glade, she enters a small clearing on the top of the knoll and glances about. Her eyes struggle to adjust to the mix of shadows and moonlight, shuffling as a breeze rattles the trees.

Are you here? Tia speaks softly, unsure of what to look for

If she weren't able to read his mind, Tia would worry this was some elaborate ruse to eat her, feeling exposed on this isolated hummock. And she practically jumps out of her own skin as an umbral silhouette slips out of her own shadow. Keen yellow eyes lock onto Tia as he paces to the other side of the clearing, solidifying into a physical body.

D-duff? Tia squeaks

Lined in obsidian fur, a moonlit sheen contrasts his sizable but lithe body. Tia squints trying to identify his shape.

You're a... dog? Tia questions, uncertain

I'm a wolf! Duff snarls, incredibly offended by her suggestion. As he lowers his head, an audible growl matches the rumbling in her mind.

Tia resolves she wouldn't make that mistake again, backing away on instinct. Duff huffs at her reaction, sitting abruptly with a tinge of indignity.

It hardly matters. You don't need to be afraid of me. Duff assures despite his annoyance We are... partners.

You could have told me what to expect! Or at least be less creepy... Tia chides in a shrill tone, embarrassed, and begins to whisper I've never seen a wolf in person!

I have my small pleasures. Duff gives a deep laugh, flicking his ear

Can I...? Tia asks and moves to pet him

I am not tame! Duff warns her clearly, a growl rumbling in his chest again, and Tia can sense his discontent as he relents But... We need to become comfortable with each other. I will allow it—but only you!

Tia reaches out again, running her hand over his head and down his neck. The outer hair is course but when she runs her fingers through his fur, the undercoat is soft.

If anyone else touches me Duff grumbles I'm taking fingers!

I'll admit... Tia praises with raised brows You're much cooler than any dog!

Duff tries to stifle his pride but his vanity radiates through the link and Tia can't help but snicker. She hadn't expected him to be such a proud creature. She jumps again as Ben calls out to her.

I'm almost done! Tia answers him and looks back to Duff How are you supposed to stay close to me? You're huge!

I already told you, our link made you into what I am. Duff explains with a tinge of annoyance, rising to his feet Your abilities imitate my own.

Tia watches, doubting her eyes as he shrinks down. The long body of a ferret takes his place, pink ears and a white muzzle off-setting his dark coat. Duff scampers up her dress and stops on her shoulder. A deep breath sticks in Tia's lungs as she looks him over.

Kawai! (So cute!) Tia gushes and strokes his tiny head rapidly

Tia halts only because she can sense his urge to nip at her fingers but this anger is quick to convert to smugness. Duff changes again, his fur falling away to reveal the bright sheen of smooth scales and his legs fade as he takes the form of a rat snake. Tia lets out a yelp but is quick to covers her mouth.

Are you alright?! Ben calls, ready to charge into the thicket

Hai- er, yes...! Tia calls back abruptly and glares at Duff for the surprise I just... saw a snake!

Duff slinks into the sleeve of her dress as she grins, wrapping himself around her shoulder and hiding under her cloak. Yet as she shivers, he fades back into a shadow form, merging with the shadows her clothing provides. Despite his lack of physical mass, she can still feel he is there alongside a cooling sensation.

That's definitely something I'll need to get used to! Tia breathes as she departs the glade

Despite his strange serpentine form, she actually feels safer with him on her person. In fact, Tia is finally able to approach Ben without quivering. After all, who knows what her new partner is capable of!

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