Ash and Dusk

Chapter 11

Genya was right, she knew a way. She guided me through a secret passage that led us outside the palace. After some minutes we were on the streets of Os Alta.
"How did you know about that tunnel?" I asked.
She rushed to a booth with color pigments and painting articles, without hearing my question.
"Look at that shade of red! I need it" she said ecstatic giving the man who sells them two coins.
Genya turned to look at me with a satisfied smile on her face.
"What? Have you even seen it?"
I started to laugh. The first real laugh after so much time. It felt strange.
She grabbed my arm and we walked together.
"Let's go there" she said pointing to a crowd standing near a fountain. I made my way through the people to see what are they looking at.
Some grisha were offering a show. The Inferni and the Tide-Makers were spinning their flames and water creating a shining globe. Then, they threw it to the sky and the globe exploded into red and blue fireworks. The people exclaimed amazed.
"I didn't know it was a show this night" Genya said next to me.
Some Squallers appeared to move the water into lines that flew above our heads. The wind wanted to take my scarf from the neck, but I held it thight.
A sphere of water was now covering us. After some moments the sphere opened like a flower and the people exclaimed once again. The wind blew stronger and I forgot to hold my scarf this time. I tried to catch it in the air but it flew further.
"Genya" I said panicked "we have a problem."
She turned to look at me and her eyes widened with terror.
"Oh no. We need to go. Now!"
I started to push the people out of my way. When I almost reached the end of the crowd an old woman grabbed my arm.
"Sankta?" she asked with disbelief.
I looked at her. She stared at me until she looked closer at my collar and her face lightened with recognition.
"Sankta Alina!" she shouted.
Some people heard her and turned their heads at me with curiosity. That was the moment when I needed to run.
I curved the light around me and Genya so they couldn't see us.
After we left the crowd I looked back to see their confused faces still searching for a false saint.

***

The servants were rushing everywhere in the palace. It was the day of the party, but I was still at the training arena. Nobody but me was there. Not even Lyov.
Is better this way. I can train in silence.
I started to attack a straw dummy with repetitive strikes. Punch. Kick. Avoid. Punch.
After some moments the puppet was left with no head.
I wanted to battle another one but I heard fast footsteps behind me so I stopped.
"Alina! I've been searching for you everywhere!" Genya shouted.
I turned around. She was certainly dressed for the party. The golden details on her white kefta were forming flowers and her hair was caught up in a bun that looke like a flame.
She had diamond earrings and a matching necklace.
"Come on! We have just an hour to get you ready!" She pushed me from my back to move faster.

After I took a shower she told me to wait on the bed while she opens her tailor kit.
"Genya" I tried to get her attention. When she didn't reply I said again. "Genya, I don't even know if I'll go."
She looked at me sending a warning glare.
"You will go."
"But..."
"No" she cut me off with a move of her hand. "You need this party so you will go. Closed subject."
I sighed. She always have that power over me.
"Now, tell me, which dress will you choose?" she asked pointing at the two dresses standing behind her.
My face fell when I saw them. One was a beautiful combination between gold and white with loose sleeves that left my shoulders bare. Below my waist the dress was shining like real sunlight.
But the other one was gorgeous.
It's true, it was black, but the way everything combined left me speechless. Its sleeves were creating twisted designes on the arms and the top was made entirely from lace. The dress was without any back, the crop of it probably reaching my waist. The rest of it was ending in a light material that looked like real shadows.
"I think I'll better wear a kefta" I said suddenly.
Genya sighed frustrated.
"Alina, come on. Firstly, you don't have an elegant kefta, and secondary, only servants and men wear them tonight.
"But you are not..."
She silenced me again with a move of her hand.
"You will wear one of them."
I stared at the dresses. Then back at Genya.
"Saints, Alina! If you don't know which one to pick just try them both" she said impatiently.
I got up from the bed and moved toward the dresses.
"Try the golden one first" she said with a small smirk on her face.
I looked questiongly at her.
After I put it on me I examined myself in the mirror. As a real Sun Summoner should look.
I nodded and said "I'll take this one."
"Try the black one too" she said a little too glad, her smirk growing on her face.
I sighed and put the dress on me. Then I turned to look at Genya.
Her eyes widened and her mouth was open.
"What?" I asked.
Suddenly, she jumped off the bed and said "You look perfect! You really need to take this one!"
"I don't know..." I started hesitantly. It's black. Remember what you promised to Mal? Never wear black again.
"I'll take the other one" I said.
She hit her head lightly pretending not to notice my objection and pushed me to a chair.
"We don't have time. I need to do your hair and bring your beauty to surface."
I shifted in my seat. This was her plan all along.
"Genya..."
But you already broke that promise, didn't you?

After she finished her work, she told me to look in the mirror.
My white hair was caught into a loose, but still elegant bun and some strands of hair were falling free. My eyelashes were longer and my lips were painted with a dark red.
"You look so stunning. Everyone is going to stare at you" she said with a proud smile on her face. "Oh, and I used that shade of red from the town on you. I told you it's beautiful."
I gave her an appreciative look.
"Thank you" I said.
"You're welcome. Now you really must to hurry." She looked lost in thoughts for a moment. "If I'm thinking better it's alright you are late. You're going to have a spectaculous entry."
I sighed tired.
"Just what I wished for."

Yay, another chapter! I really enjoyed writing this one.
The next chapter will contain the party.
Sometimes I wish our contemporary parties were like the old ones. They are much more fun.
Anyway, this story has already over 250 views and I don't know how to thank you! When I started writing it I never thought it will have any.
Thank you so much :*

All my loyalty,
Annie