Rot ━ Mal Oretsev ✓

009: DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER

   Thalia has concocted a plan.

After her small setback in Zaria's room yesterday, Thalia has officially declared herself as Not Okay. While she has known that may be the case for a rather long time, it was a big step to finally admit that she may need to seek some sort of help. As she had heard from an Alkemi named Mimi, the Little Palace had some sort of therapist. Not a qualified one by any means, but apparently this person had took it upon themselves to devote their spare time into helping other people in need. People like Thalia.

Now, don't get it twisted: it's not that Thalia can't cope alone. It's just. . . her definition of alone has never really meant alone. Zaria was always somewhere near, waiting to hear a cry for help with her arms ready. Or she would have the presence of the wind, which had not left her since she left home. But not even the wind was here to give her company today.

For the first time since she was eleven, Thalia was well and truly alone.

But she would have to get used to it eventually, so Thalia (and Zoya) thought it best that she get a head start. Get it over and done with, all that good stuff. She had an appointment to see Ludmilla on this very afternoon, and until then, Thalia would hold out.

Today was the day that Alina Starkov was due to meet the Royal Family, more specifically King Pyotr. It was his verdict that would determine whether or not Alina would be allowed to continue her stay at the Little Palace. He who would decide whether or not she was really the Sun Summoner they had all prayed for, or if she was pulling some elaborate hoax.

Of course, Thalia knew first hand what the answer to that question was. Could it even be classified as a question anymore, when she had seen Alina pour light into the tent with her very own eyes? You would have to be a fool to deny the evident truth.

Alina Starkov was the Sun Summoner, and it was she who would bring down the Fold.

Thalia could not imagine how Alina must be feeling. Having been dragged away from everyone she knew, being told she had a power that many believed did not exist. Going from a meagre Cartographer who had by some mishap ended up on a skiff to the other side of the fold to the Sun Summoner in a matter of hours.

Had she been in Alina's place, she might've thrown herself overboard as soon as the light died down. It takes a certain willpower to go into a battle blinded, Thalia supposed. None the matter, this wasn't about Thalia. It was about Alina, and it was about the promise she had made to Mal.

She wasn't entirely sure when she would have the opportunity to get Alina alone again after today, so she was taking the opportunity by the reins and getting word to Alina as soon as she could. Mal couldn't wait forever, and Thalia didn't want this responsibility weighing her down any longer than it had to.

Thalia gives herself a final once over in the mirror as a knock sounds at her door, puffing air into her cheeks. Her Kefta is the same as ever, hair swept back into two small braids at the sides of her face. She looks alright for someone who feels as if they are falling apart.

Something about her hair is rather peculiar, Thalia thinks. She isn't sure when she learned the skill nor when, but whenever she thinks upon the memory, it feels as though someone is. . . missing.

Weird.

But soon, she will begin to piece herself back together. For now, she would follow the motto of Fake It Till You Make It.

"You got this," she whispers the encouragement, plastering on a smile, "You totally got this."

   Another knock. "Thalia, we have to go. Now."