It took Sasha longer to find a place to make herself more presentable than it did to find the entrance to the area called 'The Cove' - then again, it wasn't as if Sasha was frightened of asking for help when it came to directions. Thankfully she'd rapidly regained control of her sense of memory, in the short-term, at least. Sasha didn't really know what to expect when she began her descent into the room. There was a chill in the dank room that seemed to instantly seep into Sasha's bones, causing an ache deep within the marrow. Sasha rubbed her hands along her upper arms where goosebumps peppered her skin. There was a lone torch casting an eerie golden light across the room; aside from that the only lights that Sasha could see were small runes that graced the walls around her.

Drawing up closer to the runes, Sasha became aware of a low hum that insistantly buzzed in her ears. It wasn't an offensive sound, really. It was just... there. Slender brows creased as they drew together and Sasha moved closer to the wall. The hum transformed into a softer sound. Something beautiful, almost... a song? The beauty of it caused an ache deep in Sasha's chest as she listened. The song seemed to take voice, lifting and arching throughout Sasha's mind. It was one of the most beautiful things that the young woman had ever heard in her life. She paused, bracing her hand against the wall.

The song abruptly stopped.

<Not there, sweetness. So close, and yet!>

Sasha's eyes widened as she pulled her hand away, holding it to her chest as she glanced about wildly. The song instantly began again. Sasha was not able to make out the words, but in honesty it was not the words that mattered. It was the voice behind the words, trilling sweetly into Sasha's mind. The same voice that had spoken to Sasha with such flowery cadence. It was beautiful, so lovely the way the disembodied voice seemed to lift with such emotion and feeling.

The song stopped once more.

<Finally! Someone to understand me, to understand my art, my gift!>

The same lilting soprano lifted once more in song with victorious beauty. Sasha was hesitant to interrupt, but there was a pressing question that the young woman needed answered. She would wait until the song was complete, perhaps, before interrupting.

The song trailed off suddenly.

<You needn't be afraid to speak, little bird. I am Nona, and we are meant to be as one!>

"Nobody mentioned anything about... about..."

<Ahh, my little treat, they never do! Are you not pleased by me? Is my song not enough to bring tears of happiness to your eyes?>

Sasha cleared her throat, her own inner monologue running alongside that of the voice in her head.

Perhaps I am in the wrong room and this is merely a simple understanding.

<Oh, little bird. My sweet! I too prefer conferring in here. It is much more private, do you not agree?>

Sasha choked, blinking rapidly. So... apparently Nona could hear her thoughts.

<Of course I can, sweet girl. Now come, come to your Nona. I long to see the light of day once more! It is disgusting, how they keep us here! In this... this pit!> The voice sounded utterly disgusted, offended, even.

Where... where are you?

<It is so simple! Come to me, follow the sound of my voice!>

The voice that spoke so eloquently in Sasha's mind lifted once more in song. There was such power behind the voice, and Sasha could not help but softly hum along. Nona seemed pleased.

<Yes! My Sasha is a songbird, hmm? Perfection! Come, you are so close now. My darling, so close!>

Intrigued now, Sasha followed the sound of Nona's song. There was a rune that seemed to flicker like a beacon, enticing Sasha closer and closer. At Sasha's approach to the rune, Nona's voice lifted in triumph. Sasha could feel the excitement as it thrummed almost tangibly in the air. Excited now, Sasha reached forward and grasped the tablet that was marked by the rune.

The vibration in the air seemed to intensify as Sasha pulled the tablet away from the wall.

<Finally!>

The instant the tablet was free it seemed to crumble and morph before Sasha's very eyes. A fine point languidly curved into a delicate handle, the perfect size for each of Sasha's hands. The points, impossibly sharp, glittered dully in the torchlight, and Sasha could not help but smile at the weapons she now grasped.

Meathooks, Nona?

Nona laughed softly. <Delicate, hmm? And yet so deadly at the same time, so very deceptively deadly!> Her voice rang with pride. <And you, with such lovely, graceful hands! We are the perfect match, my little bird.>

What are you?

Nona replied with a soft, scoffing sound. <Would you believe me if I told you, sweet Sasha? Hmm?> The weapon gave a dark little laugh. <I am one of the monsters, Sasha. One of the monsters, waiting for you to set me free!> Nona hummed quietly for a moment before continuing.

<An Alkonost! Siren-like, hmm? And it is also said that my voice, my voice! Is it not the most beautiful you have ever heard, sweet Sasha?>

The most beautiful, Nona. Sasha briefly wondered if she'd have to see about some sort of harness for the hooks on the off-chance that she ever wanted to use her hands again. Before she could even complete that thought the hooks shifted once more in her hands, moving so fast that Sasha nearly dropped what was left behind when they finished morphing.

<Oh!>

In Sasha's palm rested a small treble clef barrette, the silver smattered with various gems. Opening the clasp, Sasha placed the barrette in her hair.

<At last.>

At last. Sasha had a fleeting thought of her father. How would he have felt about all of this?

Nona was silent for a long moment before whispering quietly.

<You know the answer to that.>