Underhanded Innocence

[Eltana Remathia]

“My dear, I don't own anything that could be considered unacceptable – these are all my designs, after all. But that would look quite nice on you. You'll be spending most of the day in it, so make sure it's comfortable.”

Eltana walked to the bureau and frowned when he saw his hair. It was a mess. Spending a night on the town usually did a number on him, but he could see that the alcohol really got to him this time. He started fixing it, wanting to look his best before he went to bed. “The maid will wake you up at eight in the morning; I'll expect you at the table by eight thirty. Your first lesson will focus on fine dining.”

He faced her again. “Tomorrow will be a long day. My servants will train you in manners and sophistication until late afternoon, by which time I'll hopefully have a speech therapist who can assess your situation. Some might find that litte impediment of yours endearing, but quite frankly it's trying my patience. Work on it.”

Turning, he walked to the door and placed a hand on the knob, then stopped and frowned. Ah yes, the rules. “Before I forget, I'm going to touch on a few ground rules,” he said, glancing back at her. “Do not borrow me after I retire to my chambers unless it's an emergency – that's my private time. And under no circumstances are you to enter the locked door at the end of the west wing. We'll go over the rest as we move along. For now I need sleep.”

Eltana left the guest room and headed toward his own. Even with his servants helping, he could tell that tomorrow would be stressful – and not just because of the girl. Hopefully he'd be able to unwind a bit before he went to sleep, otherwise he suspected he'd snap and strangle someone over breakfast. And that little twerp better have the damn bath ready.

[Seona]

She watched her master leave, still holding the dress to her. Somehow, suddenly, she felt as though she was imprisoned. Gently setting the dress to the side for a moment, Seona allowed herself to cry - silently of course - but it was a long, good cry. Sniffing, finished, she dressed herself and couldn't help but to be surprised by how well it fit. A brush sat on the dresser, and so she took it and brushed her long curls until they were silken. She turned to the mirror without thinking and dropped the brush, her jaw dropping with it.

So much had changed... the dirt was gone, her eyes were clear and her hair... it was shiny and soft looking. Healthy. The dress brought her eyes out, made them seem like two huge sapphires, glittering with innocent wonder and terror. Who was that woman? The woman standing there... it wasn't her, but it was. She slowly approached her reflection, her face pale as a sheet. Who was this woman?

Pain seared in her mind as a similar visage wavered before her eyes - a younger her, a petty dress, but she was smiling. 'Coming Daddy!' Her vision swam and she staggered to the bed. 'Come on my little owelette!' dreams - those dreams! She was dreaming again! Why was she dreaming awake!? It could be memories but she had none! She fell to her knees, clutching her head, bowing in an attempt to see past the pain.

Dress - the dress - it was important, take it off, take it off takeitofftakeitoff!!! Eltana would be furious! She managed to wriggle her way out of it, her eyes rolling in the back of her head. Chair, chair... chairchairchair! The dress was thrown to the chair in an effort to avoid wrinkles. She fell onto the bed, sobbing silently as searing agony blinded her and robbed her of her hearing.

The woman in the mirror had been her. The woman in the mirror had not been her. Who was she? Who was she? Whowasshewhowasshewhowasshe!? Seona bit a pillow to muffle herself, pain wracking her body now, muscles convulsing and nerves sending strange signals to her already overwhelmed mind. Her hair fell around her body, both caressing and biting, her movements pulling her scalp. Pain, pain, pain, make it stopmakeitstopmakeitstop! Blackness.

"Don't you want to go boating with Daddy?" Her vision bobbed - she was nodding. "Yes but I smell rain Mommy... could be bad!" "It's okay dear - this is a very important job, and Daddy needs you help! Don't worry so much, little owlette, Daddy's a strong sailor!" "Okay Mommy!"

It was raining - the ground beneath her feet rocked wildly as the wind screamed. She could hear her Daddy yelling - what though? She was about to turn when something hit her and she was falling, falling, falling... the violin in her hand, and she landed with a crack of thunder- right on the floor. Grunting in pain, Seona sat up and rubbed her head, checking her hand for blood.

She'd had that dream again. She had it a lot. She didn't like it. She got up stiffly, only to hear someone at the door gasp. Looking over Seona saw the boy from last night, blushing and looking away. "T-the master says we're to w-wake you up?" "Seona will be out in a minute." She hooted, watching as the boy left. She bent and quickly dressed, having found undergarments, stockings and shoes by the door. She moved back to the mirror, taking care to only look at her hair as she brushed it. Satisfied with the way the curls fell down her frame, the girl moved to the door.

She opened it to the still blushing boy and smiled. "Seona is ready." The boy nodded and led her down the hall, down the stairs, and to the dining room. There sat her master at the head of the table, another man standing just behind and to the left of him. His lover maybe? She entered the room, trying to seem elegant, walking as she'd seen other noble ladies walk. Not sure on how to curtsy, Seona inclined her head to the pair before sitting where the serving boy indicated, looking to her master for instructions.

He didn't give them, a woman did. Clearing her throat, the woman caught Seona's attention. Stern and tight looking, the old woman glared sharply down at Seona. "I can hardly see why Master Eltana would take in such a thin street brat such as yourself. However." She seared Seona with a look. "You are slightly attractive and Master Eltana does not make mistakes often. I hope this is not one of his few. Let's begin!" The last part was barked.

The breakfast was not a meal, Seona quickly decided, but a training drill much like the ones she'd seen at the guards barracks. "Sit strait girl!" Seona straitened further, almost until she felt as though she were arching backwards. "Not that far you useless twit!" A smack on the table had Seona jumping and straitening properly. "Now take the fork in hand- stay strait damnit girl!" Seona fought to obey, managing to do as the woman demanded, though barely.

She learned how to eat properly, sit properly, drink properly. Which utensils to learn and when. It was all so confusing... why rich people made themselves suffer through this was beyond her, but she would do it for Master Eltana. Why though? She wondered, as she managed to take a 'proper' bite of her egg. Why serve him so willing? She glanced into his eyes. Right, those. Resolution burning through her veins, the girl sat as strait as a board and ate as the teacher demanded, refusing to jump when the woman reprimanded her. She would become a lady.

[Eltana Remathia]

Morning always left him in a sour mood – it meant another day of dealing with the insipid nonsense life loved to throw in his face. He wished he could stay curled up in bed with a good book and a bowl of sweets, but sadly there was work to be done. The child was starting her training today – and more importantly, he needed to brief the wraith on his upcoming assignment.

Eltana entered the dining room in his usual graceful manner, dressed in a chocolate brown robe decorated with black silk. He took his seat at the head of the table and surveyed the servants sitting before him, frowning slightly when he didn't see the girl. She still had a few minutes, but it was good form to arrive at least ten minutes early. Of course, a street rat like her had no way of knowing that, so he wouldn't hold it against her; she still had much to learn. But there would be trouble if she failed to arrive in time.

A few moments later, Narain strolled into the room with his hands in his pockets, wearing the same ratty outfit from the other day. He hummed to himself as he took his place behind his master's chair.

“A bit overdressed for breakfast,” Eltana said as the butler handed him his coffee. “It's impolite to outdo the master of the house's outfit. Doubly insulting when he's a fashion designer.”

Narain laughed. “I'm sure you didn't hire me for my wardrobe, boss - only wear those weird outfits when I have to. Somethin' not right about a guy's outfit having all those frills, I'm tellin' ya.”

“When I want your opinion on my designs, I'll ask for it.” Eltana sipped his coffee. “Just don't forget that you have a certain parcel to deliver to my associate today. As useful as he is, he's utterly clueless if I don't spell out my orders for him.”

His newest project arrived as he finished speaking. The transformation truly was remarkable – she had gone from a frumpy little urchin to a lovely young woman overnight. And as he had suspected, her dress looked wonderful on her. If only training her could be that easy. As Seona took her seat, Eltana glanced at the stiff, grumpy-looking woman standing near her. He'd told Agatha about his intentions last night, and she wasn't exactly eager about teaching a street rat. But she had never disappointed him before, and she was quite talented at getting the results he desired.

“I'm sure you enjoyed sleeping in a comfortable bed for once,” Eltana addressed her as he began cutting his eggs. “Its frame was made from an incredibly rare tree in Tian Xia. You'd be surprised how many natives died cutting it – “

His eyes narrowed and he stopped chewing his eggs. Grabbing a nearby napkin, he spit them into it and drowned the taste with his coffee, then glared at the cook. “These are far too runny,” he snapped, pushing the plate onto the floor. “You know I can't go through the day without a decent breakfast. Go bring me a bowl of fruit and pray to Theogios that you don't fuck up dinner, or else I'll be roasting your balls over the fireplace.”

The cook rose from his seat and rushed back to the kitchen, nearly knocking over his chair. Eltana sighed, then glared at his boy servant. “As for you – you ran my bath too cold last night, so you can eat those eggs off the floor. And make sure you clean your plate – some homeless brat would be thankful for that.”

Frowning, the boy stood up and walked over to the side of the table, then knelt down and started eating the food off the floor like a dog. Judging from his silent acceptance, he seemed to be used to being degraded by his master. The rest of the staff ignored him and continued eating their food.

Eltana turned back to Seona and smiled. “You're learning quickly, darling. Dinner will be more complicated, of course, but we'll worry about that later. We'll move on to something else once we finish eating.”

[Seona]

Seona had managed to eat most of her breakfast and was agreeing to Eltana's comment when he suddenly seemed to go mad. She watched in horrified fascination as the boy did what Eltana bade him to and vaguely wondered if he'd expect the same from her. Agatha snapped her back to attention and had her rigidly eating once more. Changers this was uncomfortable...

She returned Eltana's look as he called her darling and smiled at her. Remembering her speech bothered him, she smiled and nodded enthusiastically before finishing the dinner as rigidly as before. The meal done she stood once her master had and followed him like an obedient dog, her dress whispering with every move. Truely she felt as though she were a real lady in this dress, a perfect picture of elegance, and so with that, she did her best to uphold its elegance.

Agatha chose to follow and teach her how to walk properly, lovely. "Back strait! Sway those hips! We want you to draw eyes, brat!" Draw eyes? Seona paused a moment before moving as she'd seen a lady move before. Back arched proudly, her hips swaying suggestively, her hands held before her as though she were holding something. Her chin high, she followed Eltana and did her best for him.

[Eltana Remathia]

Soon breakfast finished, and the servants hastily returned to their duties, pointedly ignoring their punished co-worker as they left. While some may have felt sympathy for the poor boy, they knew better than to challenge their master.

Eltana dabbed his mouth with a dainty napkin once he finished eating, his eyes once again falling on the owl shifter at the other end of the table. Though he hadn't spoken with her over breakfast, he had been paying close attention to her progress. She seemed to be doing well, especially considering Agatha's draconian methods. Still, even the simplest fool could learn fine dining with enough effort. Acquiring the grace of a truly sophisticated woman would be a much more difficult challenge.

He rose from his seat and glanced down at the boy, who was crying softly as he ate off the floor. “Oh, come now – I've put you through far worse. I expect this mess to be cleaned up by when I return, otherwise I'll rub your nose in it.”

Chuckling, he stepped over the servant and headed down the hallway, accompanied by Narain. He led Seona down the hallway to his study – a small library decorated with paintings of models – then sat down in his armchair and motioned for her to sit on a nearby couch. Narain closed the door and stood against the wall, remaining silent.

“You performed well enough at breakfast, but you still have a long way to go,” Eltana began, crossing his legs. “Models are held to a higher standard than the common rabble, so I won't tolerate any slobbishness from you. I expect that you remain dedicated to your training; if you disappoint me, I will nullify our agreement and return you to the streets. You have potential, but right now you're as expendable as that little wretch eating off the floor. Now before we begin, I need to know just what I'm working with. Are you able to read at all? And is there a reason for your speech impediment, or have you always been that way?”

[Seona]

At least she was doing well, she reflected almost uneasily. The fact she was expendable hurt her slightly, surely he'd hesitate... no. One look in his eyes told her he meant every word. Well... just meant she'd have to work extra hard. Reading and writing... "Seo-... I know how to read." She spoke slower, wincing as a headache clawed at her mind for the effort. "Seon... I can write as well, but not nicely." She closed her eyes against the headache and dropped her grammar a moment, trying to get some reprieve.

"Seona doesn't know what causes her talk problems. She knows how to talk proper, hears it, but can't get it out." She clicked her teeth in frustration. "Seona no remember if past problem, no memories." She hesitated before rubbing the back of her head. "Was bleeding when woke up... back here. But that furtherest Seona can remember. Speaking proper... is hard for Seo-...me." She tried again. She'd almost told him that the effort often left her blacking out from the pain, but decided against it. That knowledge could be dangerous in his hands. The fact he'd throw her back to the streets if she failed him simply told her how cold he was. She looked into those listless eyes and felt her resolution grow, baffling her. Why was she so damn loyal to him!? She'd never even met him before... yes the eyes made her want to hold and comfort him but- still!

"Damn girl speaks like a fool-" "Seona is NOT a fool." Her voice snapped over the old woman's surprisingly easily and with a heat that shocked her. But she continued, because it felt right. "Seona can and will learn. Old woman is a fool to dismiss even before she can see what Seona can do." her temper bubbled a moment before popping, causing her to blink. What in the name of Theogios was that? She looked to Eltana. "I am sorry for the outburst, but not for what I said." Slow, soft words that caused shrieking agony in her mind. "I can and will learn everything you wish me to. You will not regret giving me a chance, Master Eltana." Blackness swam in her vision but she ignored it, unaware of how tightly her fists were clasped or how pale she'd gone from the pain.

She moved to sit on a chair, attempting and almost succeeding in doing it elegantly. "What is Seona's next lesson?" She'd just muscle through this... she could manage it... hopefully.

[Eltana Remathia]

His lips twisted into a soft smile when she snapped at the maid. So it seemed the fluttery owl had a backbone after all! Here he thought she was a complete pushover. Perhaps teaching her to harness that anger would be useful, but he'd dwell on that later. They needed to focus on the basics for now.

“Agatha, please leave us,” Eltana ordered her, his eyes fixed on Seona. “Make sure the boy has finished his breakfast. Give him a few good kicks if there's so much as a spot on that floor.”

After Agatha left, Eltana returned his attention to Seona. “Models are meant to be seen, not heard; however, you'll be expected to show some degree of sophistication when I present you to colleagues and clients, so it is imperative that you can read, write and speak correctly. If you're constantly stumbling over your words, people will laugh and you and say nasty things behind your back. And we wouldn't want that now, would we?”

The fashion industry could be incredibly brutal. Though the public might find her speech and naivete amusing, his fellow models and designers would tear into her if they sensed any weakness. Fortunately, Vayusha had purged him of his before he entered the industry, but he had seen more than a few breakdowns in his time. A few years ago, one of his models took her own life after her peers made one too many shots at her appearance. The girl was fairly average, but he held his models to a higher standard. At least the dogs ate well that night. A little grisly, he knew, but he couldn't let something like that hit the papers. Bad publicity and all that.

Yawning, he leaned sideways on the chair and draped his legs over the armrest. “I'll expect you to read one book every two weeks and write up a summary for me to read. I also expect you to read the paper and keep up on current events. If a client tries to make small talk with you, he won't want to hear about your silly violin or your time on the streets. The goal is to impress, and your appearance can only take you so far, my dear.”

Eltana motioned to Narain, who was still standing near the door. “I want to see how well you can improvise. Approach Narain like he's an influential client and strike up a conversation with him. Introduce yourself, speak fluently, and talk about something that won't scare him off.”

[Seona]

She saw his smile and wanted to melt into a puddle of relief. So snapping wasn't bad... she sensed this wasn't entirely the case but, it was close enough for now. The old hag scowled as she left, muttering something about a rat brat acting as a rich bitch even as the door closed behind her. Seona hid a smile before concentrating on Eltana, willing her headache away as she listened.

At his question, she shook her head slowly. She'd had that before, hadn't enjoyed it at all. Some crueler street-rats had laughed and stuttered mockingly, chasing her off their turf. For awhile, she'd taken to simply not talking. She could remember trying to desperately tell a young thief that a guard was coming - to move - but she hadn't got it out, had been chased away, only for the guard to catch the boy.

Her attention snapped back to Eltana as he yawned and reclined, allowing Seona to look him over once more before her gaze snapped to his eyes. She couldn't help she found him beautiful - actually a tune came to mind whenever she saw him, but she couldn't play it. She would later, she decided, on the rooftops of Marn. Her eyes, however, widened in delight at the prospect of reading. She couldn't stop the couple of clicks excited owl-chatter before clapping her hand over her mouth, drawing it away to reveal a bright smile.

"Seona looks forward to this!" She smiled, only for her eyes to darken slightly at Eltana's next demand. She looked to this 'Narain' fellow and sized him up. He wasn't overly scary looking, rather rugged and attractive if you were into that sort of look... but still. She looked back to the expectant Eltana, knowing if she collapsed without him understanding, he'd be far more upset than if he knew her flaws. Still... hopefully this wouldn't be cause enough to throw her to the streets again.

"Seona will try... but... If Seona tries too hard, too long... the concentration gives Seona a headache... sometimes, the pain makes Seona sleep." She stood though. "But Seo- I will try." Pain hissed, she pushed past it. She moved to Narain and eyed him. What to talk about... client hmm... she wanted the client to want clothes. She wanted the client to feel favorable towards her and Eltana.

"Good morning Narain." She smiled, her voice lilting. He cocked an eyebrow, but responded. "G'morning." Think Seona think!!! She tilts her head before clicking her teeth. "Forgive me for being forward, sir, but you are quite handsome..." "Narain was smirking and about to respond when Seona cut in fluidly. "Too bad your clothes make you look like a street-child."

Narain's eyes narrowed. Too bad an insult? Shit, shit, shit.... She slid closer, acting purely on impulse - she needed to sell the clothes. As a model she was advertising her Masters merchandise. But she could take that a step further. All but touching his chest with a shoulder she smiled innocently up at him. "My master could help with that. He makes clothes, beautiful clothes. Perhaps even has something for you-" The pain that had been hissing in the back of her mind had steadily been increasing with every word as she fought to get the words out unjumbled.

And now, they took their toll. Ringing in her ears even as the light burned at her eyes. She tried to ignore it, fought to push past it. "-not bad. She could sell your stuff, Eltana." Narain was talking. Loud, too loud, but she could barely hear him over the ringing, hardly concentrate over the pain. She stumbled to a couch, closing her eyes against the light and hiding in the arm for a moment, unaware of the tears of pain streaming down her face.

[Eltana Remathia]

Eltana watched with indifference as his protege began her next test. Honestly, he completely expected her to crash and burn, but he at least wanted to see how far she had to go. After a few more attempts, he'd dismiss her and take his morning nap. If he didn't rest for at least an hour after breakfast, the whole household suffered his wrath.

Closing his eyes, he waited for Seona to stumble over her words and embarrass herself. But he snapped back to attention and fought off a laugh when she insulted Narain's clothing. That was unexpected. He didn't think that nervous little owl had it in her to insult anyone, let alone his bodyguard. Obviously it was the wrong approach to take, but he had to give her credit for amusing him.

“Perhaps if she were selling my clothing to peasants, Narain, but not to influential clients,” he said with a yawn. “Subtlety is the goal, sweetheart. When I take you to parties, I want you to impress the important guests with your style, grace, and wit. Sell through your behavior, not an actual pitch. And I'm the only one who can get away with the insults, so don't try that.”

He raised a brow when Seona stumbled over to the couch, tears streaming down her face. “Don't you dare get any tears on that couch – it's an antique. Now what's the matter? If you're feeling ill, simply go to the bathroom and we'll resume when you're better.”

Narain, sensing something was wrong, rushed over to Seona and helped her down on the couch. “Lay down and stay still. How bad is the pain? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“Don't be so dramatic, Narain – I'm sure it will pass. I still haven't had my nap, so we don't have time for the hospital,” Eltana said tiredly, closing his eyes again. “Just get her a glass of water and let her rest for a minute. She isn't getting out of work over a migraine.”

“Eltana, this looks serious.” Narain frowned as he examined her closely. “This isn't just a headache. I think she needs to see a doctor.”

Eltana waved him off. “My pillows aren't going to fluff themselves, Narain. Maybe I'll reconsider if she starts having a seizure or something, but until then we're sticking to my schedule. And you know how I get when my bed isn't just right for my nap. Oh, and bring up one of those chocolate truffles I like so much.”

[Seona]

She hadn't heard Eltana and Narain. Had barely felt the help. She was shaking, her eyes clenched shut. Narain sad something - hospital? Eltana's tone suggested he didn't care. She could head vague sounds. Pain... so much pain... Blackness continued to threaten her sight when she tried to open her eyes. She'd pushed herself too far, too far. Up, time to get up. The world moved in slow motion it felt as she rose - when in reality she was moving at a normal speed, her eyes blank.

Everything blurred as she moved, sliding across her vision. "Sheoona shleeep..." her voice - so far away... her speech impediment worsened considerably, causing her words to slur and her tongue to fail to work. She staggered when upright, leaning heavily against something-? Narain supported the owl. "I'll go get your bed ready once I get her to her room, but really, I still think she needs to see a doctor."

Underwater... they sounded like they were underwater... lightning. Thunder... a crunch as something hits her head, then blackness. Narain caught her as she collapsed and quickly scooped her into his arms, already moving to her room. He set her on her bed, dragged the covers up over her to her chin and moved out the room, though not before studying her a moment. If he felt the need was great enough, he'd take her to the hospital once Eltana was asleep. Hopefully it was nothing...

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

She was on a tall peaked roof, her toes and her wings the only thing keeping her from falling. Why her wings were out as a human, she didn't know. Half form, she realized as she tucked her violin under her chin. She rose her bow, watching feathers drift around her, and began to play.

It was a sad tune, melancholic, calling to someone. Her vision wavered and she saw herself, her back to the moon as she played, a gown of white swirling around her, her hair and the material teased by the wind. She was just finishing the song when a raven blocked the moon.

She woke with a start, her breathing harsh. A dream... an odd one. She turned her head to see a feather in her hair, and another... and another. Shit, she'd shifted. She sat up, half owl and clicked her mouth-beak. Her legs were covered in feathers - well on their way to becoming a tail, her arms feathered, her hands clawed and scaly. She glanced over her shoulder to see - yup, her wings. Changers she hated shifting halfway. Owl-chatter escaped her as she swung her legs over her bed, only to hear the clicking of her door opening. Her head rotated on her shoulders (quite a sight considering she still looked mostly human) to see Narain standing at the door. She stood, still wobbly, and pushed herself back human.

She was plucking feathers from her clothes as she moved to him. "Seona is sorry she fainted, is Master Eltana upset?"

[Eltana Remathia]

“Am I upset that you collapsed on my couch, disturbed my schedule, and wasted a day's worth of training? Why, my dear, I think you know the answer to that.”

Eltana entered the bedroom right after his bodyguard, then stopped across from Seona and folded his arms at his stomach, giving her a disapproving look. At least the child wasn't dead – Narain's employer was the only one who would help him dispose of a body on such short notice, and he didn't want to bother him at work. Besides, he would have been especially annoyed if the brat dropped dead after he agreed to take her into his home and sophisticate her. This wouldn't be happening again.

He glared down at her. “We didn't take you to the hospital, but rest assured you'll be seeing a doctor later this week. If you were just another employee, you better believe I would've fired you for disrupting the day's agenda. I expect all my subordinates, whether they're models or servants, to work at the pace I set – and they don't get excused for fevers or tummy aches. Just last year, one of my best designers worked through a mild heart attack because she knew we were approaching a deadline. If you don't have that kind of dedication, I have no interest in you.”

Pausing, he glanced back at Narain. “As for you – don't think I've forgiven you for making me late for my nap. Now go drop off the orders for you-know-who before he starts making his rounds. This assignment is especially important, and I can't handle another disappointment today.”

Narain nodded and left without a word, closing the door behind him. He knew his boss was being incredibly hypocritical considering his own sickness, but wouldn't dare to call him out on it.

Groaning, the lord sat down on a nearby chair and rubbed his temples in frustration. His entire day was derailed just because this silly little owl couldn't deal with a headache. “Oh, and by the way...” Eltana looked up again. “You aren't to be doing any of that shifting nonsense while you're associated with me. That ridiculous hooting stops now, as well. Only certain races do well as models, and no one's interested in looking like an overgrown chicken. Humans are the most marketable race in Marn's current political climate, so you'll be passing off as one.”

He rose from his seat. “Your speech therapist is in the parlor. Do exactly as she says and don't disappont me again. You slept through dinner, so feel free to look for rodents in the basement once we finish.”

[Seona]

Seona all but jumped out of her skin when Eltana slipped in behind his guard. She paled, knowing he was angry simply from the tone, and so bowed her head submissively. She took his berating, took his wrath, and allowed it to roll off her back much like rain would off of her back as an owl. The fact she'd gotten the nice guard in trouble though... she sent him an apologetic look as he left, a half smile tugging her lips as he shrugged and moved away hurriedly to obey. She looked back to Eltana and listened as he continued to chastise her, her temper swelling before popping.

It wasn't worth it to get angry, she knew that much. She should be grateful she was still there. But still... "Seona is sorry, but she doesn't faint from just a little headache." Her voice was quiet with a level of calm steel behind it. She was obedient, but would not be walked on like some floppy rag. "Seona will learn, as Master Eltana wishes, and will follow his whims, and push herself as far as she can go." She looked up, eyes sad. "But Seona does not pass out like a stupid, prissy rich woman when her head is a little hurting." She was moving to go behind a changing screen when Eltana told her of her therapist and the rodents. She was about to point out she wasn't allowed to shift anymore when he left, the door closing behind him. Maybe Master Eltana wasn't as bright as he seemed. Hmm.

She undressed quickly and shook out her gown, feathers drifting before pulling it on. She pulled a comb quickly through her hair before all but dashing to the hall where she paused, composed herself and moved down them as a lady would. She ignored Eltana, not wanting to get angry at him should he decide to berate her in front of the theripist, and sat across from the surprisingly young woman. "Good of you to come, Miss Seona, Eltana here told me you had a rather long nap." The bite in her voice made Seona sigh internally. Another bat?

"Seona fainted. Talking proper gives her very bad headaches." The woman frowned before moving to stand in front of the girl, taking her chin in hand and forcing her to look her in the eye. "How bad?" "Seona can not hear or think beyond the pain. Sometimes... just... passes out." "Do you have any previous head trauma?" Seona looked to her, baffled. "Head what?" The woman sighed.

"Did you bang your head hard?" "Seona can't remember, Seona has no memories-" "Well then that answers my question. Eltana darling, I can only work with her so much, her brain's damaged. A magic user may be able to fix it, but I don't know for sure. In the mean time, we'll start with your grammer. There is no excuse for that!" And so they got to work, the woman correcting Seona at every misstep, forcing the girl to concentrate despite the raging headache that was building again already.

She wanted to tell the woman, to tell Eltana, but... well if someone could work through a heart attack, she could work through a headache. So she continued. She fought through the pain, making more mistakes but fighting to correct them. She never noticed the thin trail of blood running down and out of her nose. She didn't notice the woman stop correcting her mistakes as she repeated an exercise over and over, now correcting herself.

She'd get this right, she wouldn't let Eltana down again-!

[Eltana Remathia]

Satisfied with the scolding he'd given, Eltana turned away from Seona and left the room. As he headed to the parlor, he began reflecting on whether taking the girl in as an apprentice was truly a wise idea. After seeing her in that dress, he didn't doubt for a moment that her looks could sell his clothing. But was dealing with her numerous deficiencies worth it? It would take a while before she could function properly in high society, and now he had to worry about her fainting in front of clients and causing a scene. He really needed to keep Narain around on his drinking nights to keep him from doing something stupid like this again.

But he'd already put some effort into her, so it'd be a waste of time to kick her out before seeing how well she could peform. If she sold well enough, he could convince himself to overlook her shortcomings and put up with her annoyingly bubbly personality. And if not...

Well, at least she was used to Marn's streets.

Eltana entered the parlor and greeted his guest with his sweetest smile. Usually he saved pleasantries for special occassions, and this was certainly one: Miss Amelia was one of the few speech therapists in the city, and her close friendship with one of his models was the only reason she'd agreed to come on such short notice. He walked over and shook her hand. “Good evening, Miss Amelia. I can't thank you enough for coming in tonight.”

Miss Amelia smiled. “I'm always happy to help, Lord Remathia. So, how is James doing these days? He's told me so many nice things about you.”

“James is doing wonderful. One of my top sellers, in fact. He's quite popular with the ladies with Marn these days.” Actually, he'd been planning on firing him due to his slowly-expanding beer gut, but it seemed he'd have to hold off on that for a while.

“Not surprised – he was always a hit with the girls back at school.” Amelia chuckled, then glanced around. “By the way, where is your little friend? And I don't believe I've caught her name.”

Eltana's smile fell right off his face. Son of a bitch – he'd forgotten her name! “Well, erm...” he hesitated. “She's been napping for most of the day, but she should be down shortly. And her name is, ah...Samanth--Sallll--”

“Seona,” Narain called from the doorway as he passed by, just as Seona entered the parlor.

“Sallyyy—Seona! Seona, please have a seat. Miss Amelia has been waiting for you.” Eltana composed himself and sat down in his chair to watch the session.

Eltana frowned when the brain damage came up. Well, that made a lot of sense. He'd feared as much, but they could work with it. Models weren't expected to talk at length -- all she had to do was answer simple questions for her clients and impress them with her grace and beauty. It wasn't like she'd be arguing a thesis or anything. "Such a shame. I'll have to make a few visits to see if we can work on a long-term solution, but any help you can offer now would be greatly appreciated."

The grammar lesson continued, and fortunately Seona seemed to be learning. At least she wasn't a totally unsalvag -- was her damn nose bleeding?! Eltana shot up from his seat and grabbed a box of tissues, tossing them over toward Seona. "For the love of Theogios, don't just sit there while your nose bleeds! Clean yourself up and continue with your lesson."

[Seona]

Amelia watched the girl continue to talk, her eyes glassed over, not even noticing the box of tissues. Reaching over she snagged a tissue, catching the blood herself, a frown marring her face. "Seona, that's enough." She continued the exercise perfectly, but unaware of anything. "Seona. Seona? Seona!" The woman spoke louder and louder, but the owl continued, eyes glassed over, blood dripping from her nose and partially from her ear. "Narain, come here and catch the girl, she's going to fall over." Amelia barked before reaching back and applying pressure to a nerve she knew of, her face grim. Sure enough, Seona's eyes rolled into the back of her head as she slumped into the waiting bodyguards arms. Force shutdown.

"You'd think the idiot girl would stop when her head started to cause her agony." She looked to Eltana, her eyes dark with concern. "You can feel free to follow your schedule, I'll take the girl in myself, free of charge. I want to know what caused her to work past screaming agony. If her brain damage was to the extent that blood was coming from her orifices, I can't imagine the pain she was in." Normally she didn't speak to her clients like this. Normally, she just made fools with stutters talk for insane amounts of bishani. Normally she'd milk the hell out of the client. But this... this was serious. People didn't just start bleeding from their ears and nose from a simple grammar exercise.

Narain scooped the owl up and lifted her for the second time in that day, knowing his master was going to be furious later. "At least she tried." He told him when the woman left. "Shouldn't take long, chances are they'll want her to stay there or something. Gives you some free time." Narain grinned before moving after the lady, unwillingly concerned about how pale the girl had gotten. That wasn't normal...
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Seona didn't remember much after starting her exercise, so it was a bit of a surprise to find herself in a building of white. Even more so to find that her headache was gone completely. She must've been asleep for awhile- Master Eltana! The girl shot upright in bed and swung her legs out, pale and concerned. He'd be furious! Twice! Twice in one day! Changers she'd told herself she'd learn, told herself she'd be better for her master!

She still wore the dress, thank Theogios for small miracles, and it was stain free, another small miracle. She got up, failing to notice the clipboard at the end of her bed.

Trauma Brain Injury:
Patient suffered sever concussion, increase in blood pressure due to unknown elements reopened wounds. Partially healed magically, will require bedrest to finish healing. 2-3 weeks. Chances of re-occurrence high.

She wove past nurses and doctors until she was out in the nighttime air, panting. A day, a whole day, gone. Oh Changers... She just about cried, looking left and right before running to the alley she spotted. Taking care that she wasn't seen, she shifted and took off, failing to notice doctors running from the building, looking around frantically. She flew hard and fast back to the house, praying she could make up the time somehow - reading maybe? She could read a book and write a report! She'd practice! She landed in a nearby alley, once more looking to be sure she was alone and remained unseen before shifting human. Shaking her dress free of feathers, Seona hurried back to the house and slipped inside silently, unsure of the hour.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Prior events*

Narain returned, after being told the girl would stay at least the night, Amelia promising to return when summoned by his Lord. Lovely. Eltana would not be pleased. He managed to track the man down, relaying the information the doctors had given him. "Some old and sever head trauma caused her to basically have an aneurism. She's fine though, they healed her magically and shit, should be back on her feet and ready to please in no time." He sat back and waited for the reaction he knew was coming.

[Eltana Remathia]

As if on cue, the little brat collapsed yet again. This arrangement was looking less promising every second.

Eltana sighed and shook his head. “Do what you want,” he conceded, not in any mood to argue. At least Amelia had offered to take the girl in herself. Rather unlike the woman from what he'd heard about her, but as long as she was willing to handle it, he coulldn't care less. His frown deepened as Narain walked out after Amelia, carrying Seona in his arms. Narain had orders to give Vanyusha, and now he was playing caretaker for the winged rat. He trusted Narain knew enough to finish his mission after he dropped her off, but Seona's incompetence had again muddled up his schedule.

Standing up, he grumbled something under his breath and started for the door, but stopped when he felt something sticky beneath him. He looked down and grimaced when he saw a small pool of blood beneath him. “Wonderful! It took those sweatshop children two weeks to make this for me.” He huffed and stormed out of the parlor to find a servant. “She'd better hope to Theogios that stain comes out, or else I'll be in line for an owl feather rug in the near future. AND SOMEONE RUN ME A DAMN BATH!”

A bath was just what he needed after that disaster. Eltana disrobed in the master bathroom and sank into the warm water, closing his eyes. The curtains were drawn, and strawberry and vanilla-scented candles filled the room. Soaking in the tub after a stressful day always put him in a better mood, though he would've preferred a companion. Still, he couldn't stop thinking about that pesky little owl. Was keeping her around even worth it? She had potential, but perhaps it would be easier to find a less annoying girl – preferably one without brain damage. He'd only been in Marn for a short while, so for all he knew there could be plenty of pretty girls who would jump at the chance to replace Seona.

After soaking for a couple of hours, Eltana put on his violet bathrobe and went downstairs to wait for Narain. His bodyguard arrived a short while later and explained the situation to him: Seona had collapsed because of prior head trauma, and the hospital would be keeping her overnight. He'd expected as much. “Exactly how long will it take her to recover?” Eltana asked, his tone icy.

“Doctors said close to three weeks.” Narain put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the ceiling. “They also said she'd need a lot of rest and that it'll probably happen again. Recommended we keep a close eye on her until she's all better.”

Eltana went silent for a long while. “Does Vanyusha have his orders?”

“Dropped them off after I took care of Seona,” Narain answered. “The usual stump right outside Shim. Creepy bastard should get them by morning, I guess.”

“Then you're dismissed for the night.” Eltana reached for a book on the coffee table and opened it. “I will see the child personally tomorrow morning and let her know that her services are no longer required. Whatever usefulness she may have isn't worth dealing with this nonsense for a month. I'll find some other way to reach Marn's market.”

Narain frowned. “She can't really help – “

Eltana waved him off. He offered Narain more freedom than his other servants, but if he continued to stick up for that girl and question his judgment, he'd lose it quickly. “I didn't ask for your opinion. If you're so concerned about her, give her a box out of the storage room. I'm sure she'll appreciate a place to say.”

His bodyguard wisely left without another word. Eltana remained in the parlor for another few hours, silently reading his book and dwelling on his plans. If he was going to cut Seona loose, he needed to find another way to kickstart his business in Marn before he continued using Vanyusha. Seedier projects required a strong alibi, and he didn't have one yet. Before he could think on it at length, he glimpsed the shadow of a certain owl girl creeping past the parlor. Leave it to her to ignore the doctors and sneak out at the eariest opportunity.

“Take a seat,” Eltana called to her. “I want you to convince me that I'm not wasting my time on you.”