The Missing Stone

Snapped Back

Despite the late hour, Ingrid escorts her to Mercedes' quarters for new clothing. Mildred feels as though she is about to collapse into a food coma as Ingrid knocks on the door. A rustle of fabric and the sound of metal against wood before Mercedes opens it. She beams at the sight of them.

"Oh come in." Mildred can hear the tiredness in her voice and feels guilty. She's probably been up since Mildred saw her this morning.

The room is small, lightly decorated with a flower vase and sewing equipment. A stuffed bear sits at the far end of the bed, next to laid out pieces of fabric and a pin cushion. A dresser near the door with jars and small bowls with semi-dried liquids inside. Intricately handled brushes lay in neat rows beside them.

Ingrid sits in the chair by her desk, leaving Mildred standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. Mercie smooths the sheets on her bed beside her and motions for the hybrid to sit. She does, tucking her hands under her thighs nervously. There's something unsettling about her...

"I hear you are in need of new clothing?" She asks, sorting through the pile of fabric at the foot of the bed. Mildred nods. "It would also do no harm to you Ingrid if you try freshening up!" Mercedes added, flashing the blonde a blinding smile. Ingrid laughs nervously.

"As much as I would be delighted to try your new makeup Mercie-" she starts, then stops abruptly when Mercie whirls around with a string and a large piece of dark fabric.

"Oh great! I'll let Annie know that you're ready!" She declares suddenly, and Ingrid stifles a groan. Mildred now understands the unsettling feeling. Mercedes and Annette share a special trait; they're aware of their own charm.

She turns back around and motions for Mildred to stand, holding the string up against her and tying knots in various places, wrapping the fabric around her shoulders, then her chest.

Afterwards she sets the materials down at her desk. "The clothes will be ready in a week's time!" She says brightly, waving as Ingrid and Mildred leave the room. With another set of clothing secured, Ingrid escorts her back to her room, bidding her a goodnight before heading upstairs.

Sitting crossed legged on her bed, Mildred recalls how her cloak came off when she transformed. Curiously, she takes off her gloves and boots, then poofs into a cat. They remain on the bed and floor respectively, unbothered. So that's how it is. No wonder her load was lighter at Ailell, but where does it go...?

Mildred snaps her head down at her amulet, glowing a blue-green. Certainly mysterious indeed. She sits back on her bed in her first form, taking a random book off the bookshelf next to her.

This room used to be lived in, what with the various empty vases where flowers must've resided and the piles of books stacked on the desk and dresser, along with a watering can beside them. Most are about plants and gardening tips she finds as she leaves through the pages, setting them back when she's done.

Mildred lies back against the old pillow and stares at the ceiling. Who used to live here? Are they gone now? The thought fills her with sorrow, knowing she's in a place where someone used to live out their days. Her fingers trace the edges of the now purple necklace around her neck, eventually changing into a cat for a better sleeping position, curling up in the blankets.

-

Mildred picks up a routine. Wake up early and train with Felix and occasionally Ashe, go to the dining hall for brunch, sometimes assist Gilbert in delivering vague messages, then eventually spend her time following the professor around as a cat in her free time. She finds out the following morning that her room is next to his.

She also discovers that it's quite convenient being a cat. Navigating the huge monastery by walking along the walls or fences gives a great view- oh, and also a tactical vantage. Either way, she enjoys being carried around in Annette's arms as she greets Mercie for teatime, enjoys the way His Highness lets her come close to offer the comfort of her presence, enjoys how Felix is a little more open with her, enjoys how Ashe continues telling fantastic tales of chivalry as he gardens.