While Sif had certainly learned a lot about the gods while listening to the temple lectures, he had just about given up hope on discovering how to transform into a human body.

It was on a day like any other that he came to the window, watching as the priest who annoyed him constantly unlatched it to let in cool air.

" The air's going to turn soon, we need not open it past next week," another man remarked, annoyed.

" I'm more used to the cool air," the annoying one responded.

So it was left open while they were lectured.

" Today we will be discussing how to detect animal spirits..." The lecturer's stern, hoarse voice began.

Sif's ears perked up. This could actually be of use to him.

" Few still lay about the land, and the grand inquisitor has slain nearly all foolish enough to challenge him," the lecturer said. " But it is the land itself that forms the spirits, and new ones may arise at any time..."

Sif had long since noticed that the way the lecturers spoke of the ether was not quite correct, so the discrepancy only bothered him minutely.

" Any animal that lives to a century may disguise itself as a human at will," the lecturer continued. " Some that are strong may even do so a bit faster. But you will be able to tell in three principal ways."

Sif had no idea how old he was, and he certainly didn't feel a century old, so he was disappointed by this. It meant he'd have to pursue the route of power.

" Firstly, most animal spirits cannot speak. This is the most common kind you will encounter in traversing the outer lands- wicked beasts that will try to entice men so that they may steal their tongues, as it is with only a stolen tongue that animals can speak human language. Second, they will all still have a mark upon them of what they once were; even a speaking spirit cannot hide the ears, horns, fur or scales. Thirdly-"

An unexpectedly strong gust of wind threw the window close.

Sif blinked at it stupidly. It would've been nice to know what the third thing was.

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