S a l e t é I I

XIII - Cheveux - Quatre

"We'll be getting things together and then heading our shortly. Hopefully, we'll get our hands on some useful things during this first trip, because then we'll be able to stay inside for the rest of the day, as we have been doing lately."

Monet was continuing to explain proceedings as she picked up that old backpack of hers, rugged and well used. Although Cassia observed, she didn't really process anything she was seeing in that precise moment; her mind was too busy, too rushed, the idea of actually being able to leave the warehouse - even if it was just for a while - sweeping through and dislodging many of her other thoughts, including a good portion of the sadness her haircut had drawn up.

"If we don't acquire anything handy or valuable, then we'll have to head out again later. Different people will show up over the course of the day, you see, so it may be possible to find better things on a second visit." Monet was saying, her tone back to its usual form, as she put her pack on. She adjusted her necklace afterwards, making sure it was level.

"I don't like spending too much time out there, it's unwise. A short trip, with a clear purpose, will always suit us best."

The older girl turned to her now, apparently taking note of the lack of replies she was getting.

"Cassia?"

"I'm l-listening, I um..."

Now that the moment had actually arrived, it was quite overwhelming - unexpectedly so. She'd been so eager to get moving, to make herself useful, and now that she would have her chance, she felt a sudden surge of pressure.

"Don't worry, you'll be with me. I'm picking Uliana to accompany us as our third member. Always move in threes."

Cassia got up now, slightly shaky on her feet very briefly, and Monet moved the chair she'd been using out of the way. The remnants of the younger girl's long hair remained, present across the floor around the area, and would have to be swept up later.

Cassia almost felt inclined to do it herself.

So, she had short hair now? Like the others? What did it actually look like...?

She approached the small mirror present to one side of the room, taking it in one hand, forcing herself not to hesitate as she inspected her appearance.

Her hair was... It was kind of messy, and rather choppy, but... It wasn't awful. It certainly could have been tidier, and yet... It wasn't bad. Not really.

Monet folded Cassia's clothes - her blazer and her tie - into her backpack, after which she handed Polina back to the girl, Cassia glad to be holding her again, the sensation taking her away from her reflection. She couldn't take her with her though, could she? Not for this. At least, not at first. That was okay though; she had an idea.

As she followed Monet towards the door to the walkway, the older girl suddenly stopped, looking back at her. Cassia was surprised by the sudden pause, but that only allowed the girl in red to say what she wanted to say.

"Always move in threes."

She didn't wait for any kind of response, and she opened the door and continued on her way afterwards, leaving her reiterated point imbued deep in Cassia's mind.

Monet moved with a sense of purpose, and Cassia had to skip for a moment in order to keep up, their footsteps again ringing out against the near silence as they crossed the metal path. Such sounds drew the attention of those below, and as they descended to the ground floor, Klavdiya and Uliana - who were sat by the fire - were already looking their way.

"Uliana, you're with us. Klavdiya, will you guard again?"

"Sure thing." Klavdiya replied in a fairly proud voice, as if she was more than happy to be offered such a duty, whilst Uliana quickly got to her feet - the sight of Cassia spurring up an obvious intrigue, visible in her expression.