An Old Friend
Niro finally arrives at his destination, gratefully landing at his father's front door. He nods to the guards, their familiar faces a welcome sight. He slips on a new set of clothes hidden away by the door as he enters, surprised to hear the murmur and laughter of conversation further inside! The fresh scent of wood, rainfall, leaves and cured leather greet Niro as he follows this sound, just as familiar and welcome as the faces at the door. Lofty, open and spacious, there are no walls enclosing his father's home which allows the refreshing sights, sounds and smells of the forest to bleed inside unfettered. Living wood acts as its collumns and posts, embellished with vibrant flowers and countless animal pets, bones and horns. |
Whoa Niro breathes, spotting his father's guest as he meanders inside Deja vu...! |
There he is, my son! Supay grins into his greeting, spreading his arms out as Niro joins them with some trepidation Pachacutec! |
Dad... Pacha groans as Supay wraps an arm around his shoulder, Mina marveling at the pair Niro is fine! |
You don't have to use that name here. Supay insists, his smile dropping into a serious frown |
You and yer guys are the only ones who call me that! Pacha complains, quick and sharp like a whip. He shifts his eyes away in prickly annoyance, his remaining words a sigh 'Sides, Niro is shorter |
Bah, names! Supay dismisses, lumbering back into his lounge and crashing into a hammock overlooking the jungle |
At least your son has the decency to wear pants! Mina's complains in apparent disdain, extracting a snicker from Pacha |
You have any idea how many he goes through? Supay complains and gives a sharp laugh, annoyed by the mere idea of attempting the same Stashing them away everywhere... too exhausting! |
He inherited that ability? Mina questions, eyebrows raised |
Of course! Well... Supay confirms with a proud smile Half of it! |
Soooo... Niro hums, looking between them |
Right! Supay gives a barking laugh This is a very old friend of mine Ch- No... what were you using now? |
Mina she reminds him patiently |
Mina Supay echoes And she's got a favor to ask. |
Have anything to do with a little sister or a daughter? Pacha questions, catching them both by surprise Tia? |
You've seen her? Mina gasps, rising swiftly and flitting to him with teary eyes Is she alive? Is she safe?? |
Whoa, slow down! Pacha responds, throwing up his hands She's fine, I just saw her. |
Mina's shoulders drop with relief and Pacha guides her back to her seat |
Please Mina entreats him once settled, Pacha perching across from her Tell me what you know? |
Pacha's eyes slide to his father as if seeking his input but Supay answers with a single nod, seeming to trust Mina a great deal. This weighs his lips down but, despite shifting his eyes away, Pacha agrees. |
I only hear so much in my position Pacha notes with a shrug But there was a lot of talk about her big Introduction to the Houses as an official heir and all that. |
Supay's face sours hearing about Accian politics but Mina is attentive |
And she enlisted like all the rest of us. But... well... Pacha can't help but frown She isn't really... human anymore. |
Not... human? Mina questions in a high tone and Pacha presses his lips together, held up by his own hesitation. Mina's fingers tap her chest and she closes her eyes, steadying herself with a deep breath before continuing in a firm voice Tell me, please. |
It... happened the night I met her. Some heavy-handed, idiot soldier knocked her off a mountain. Pacha narrates grimly, Mina tensing as she immediately realizes the circumstance I knew it was bad, the way she fell. But by the time I got to her, she had already been changed. What he did managed to save her life but... Pacha sighs, averting his gaze She's a shape shifter now. |
Shape... Mina peeps and struggles for breath, shuddering, her eyes dashing back and forth as if studying the whorls in the wooden floor The beast she questions in a high, rushed tone--fear of the worst hanging over her What did it look like...? |
A black wolf. Niro answers warily, holding Mina's gaze until she squeezes her eyes shut. |
She appears frozen, not even a breath passing her lips, her face slowly tightening as she digests every implication and consequence. Mina knew better than most what lay ahead for her daughter now. |
It's all my fault... Mina's voice is quiet but shrill and she shudders, holding herself as though she were on the edge of shattering Not my Tia, not her...! |
The air within Supay's home begins to thin and chill. Supay glances around as loose items begin to rattle. |
Shit! Supay curses, leaping to his feet as his eyes dart to his son Out! |
Wh- Pacha begins to ask as Mina quivers, her skin blackening and hair searing with a hot white glow! |
Now!! Supay booms, rushing across the room and ushering his son towards the exit |
Pacha glances back, gaping at Mina's full form on his way out |
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