Lady Claire
Getting home after helping Jim get the second stone needed from the Quagawumps, Claire went right to her room and flopped onto her bed, instantly asleep. A hour after she let sleep take her she curled up in a ball, whimpering as her body changed in small ways. Her ears lengthened and grew more pointed, her hair growing in length as well and she gained almost a foot in height.
The next morning she woke up and stretched before climbing out of her bed to get ready for school. Upon glancing into her mirror she noticed her new appearance and screamed, bringing her parents into her room.
“What’s wrong?” Her father exclaimed as her mother went to stand behind her. “My ears, what happened to my ears!” Her mother heaved a sigh, her hopes that Claire would be skipped over by the change shattered. “Claire, I need you to be honest with me, did you come in contact with any form of magic lately?”
Claire opened her mouth to speak but closed it and lowered her eyes before she went to retrieve her staff from under her bed. “I used this to save several others from a dark troll last night by opening a portal, what does that have to do with my body changing.”
“Everything, you using magic brought out a part of my family that has been kept secret for many generations. Two of my ancestors are from different races, one human and the other, his wife, was…well she was a elf. One I’m sure you might recognize.” Her mother told her as she went over to her bookcase and pulled out one of Claire’s favorite books, holding it out to her.
“You mean we’re descended from characters from Lord of the Rings. But I thought it was just a fictional story.”
“It’s not, Aragon, Arwen and the others were real people.” Her mother patted the bed next to her and Claire took the invitation, sitting down beside Ophelia, Javier joining them on Claire’s other side.
“What about school? I can’t exactly hide the length of my hair as well as I will be able to hide my ears.” Claire met her mom’s eyes as she spoke.
Her parents shared a look before assuring her they’ll figure something out and that she can skip school for today. Claire nodded in agreement and finally calmed down enough for her parents felt comfortable about leaving her alone.
A hour later Ophelia left for her job while Javier got ready to go shopping. “Is it alright if I go to Trollmarket?” Claire asked.
Her dad looked over at her and stared at her for a minute before answering. “Yes, I could drop you off on my way to do the shopping.”
“Thanks that would be great just let me get my things.” She let him know as she stood up and went to her room.
“I’ll see you at dinner tonight.” Claire said as she stepped into the portal she had opened leading into troll market as he watched her, the portal closing once she was through.
Blinky was cleaning his library when Claire entered. “What are you doing here Claire? I thought you had school today.” He was confused when he noticed her.
Without a word she turned her head, tucking her hair behind her ear causing Blinky to gasp.
“Apparently my mom has been keeping this a secret.” She whispered, scared. “What if Jim doesn’t want to have anything to do with me when he finds out.”
“Nonsense, Master Jim will love you no matter what you look like.” Blinky lightly scolded as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Claire raises her gaze to Blinky’s and attempts a smile but can’t. She is training in the forge when Jim and Toby find her, having gotten out of school. She doesn’t notice them in time to make sure her ears aren’t showing and they all stare at each other, Claire in fear and the boys in shock.
“Please say something.” She finally manages to get out, tears in her eyes.
Jim quickly strides over to her and pulls her into his arms. “Your new ears make you more exotic and beautiful.”
“You think so?” Her question makes Jim smile softly at her.
“I know so. Claire, I’ll always love you no matter what.” He assured her as Toby joined them.
“Yeah, you’re stuck with us sister.”
“Thanks guys, I guess Blinky was right.”