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Dear Mitth’ali’astov,
I hope this missive finds you well, but let us skip the pleasantries. I am sure you’re aware of my summoning to the Chaos. Thrawn has always been the warrior and I the diplomat so I am wary of these summons. But we all must serve our duty.
Per our last conversation, I was glad to know that my brother has someone else within the Mitth who he can rely on. He has spoken highly of you and your aid on many of his—well let’s call them adventures. It is why I am trusting you with this. Attached you will find records and data I have gathered to track down Thrawn’s lost sister. Her name is Cohbo’rik’ardok.
I have yet to speak of this with Thrawn and am still wary if we should. Thalias, I fear there is something more at play with my sudden summon to the war. Should things go badly, I am entrusting this secret with you as you too are a former sky-walker. The Syndicure has been and is weaving some kind of web. I cannot see it yet and this is one area in which my brother cannot untangle as well. I believe Borika has a piece of the puzzle. Find her if I am unable to.
Mitth’ras’safis
****
Questis Chat Log - Mitth’ali’astov
Thalias: Please explain why the Syndicure is in a panic right now.
Samakro: Don’t know yet but I know he’s done something.
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Samakro: Frost Thalias. He gone too far this time.
Thalias: What do you mean? What happened?
Samakro: He took down several major Grysk warships but he’s pretty badly injured, it’s not looking good. Ar’alani won’t even let me in medbay.
Thalias: How did he get so hurt?
Samakro: Usual stunts and disregard for his own life. Let a client slash his throat before turning the tides.
Thalias: What!
Samakro: Ar’alani’s pissed. If his stunt didn’t save a whole group of sky-walkers, I think she would have killed him herself.
Samakro: Hold on I’m getting an update. Something’s wrong.
•
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Thalias: Samakro? It’s been an hour. Everything okay?
Call with Ufsa’mak’ro - One Hour
Questis Mail Log - Mitth’ali’astov
1 unread message:
King Thurifian - Service for Prince Mitth’ras’safis
Read Messages:
Samakro - Cheri’s Adoption Request
Thrawn - RE: RE: Grysk Art Holos are not part of the recovery process!
Thrawn - RE: Art Holo Request
****
Thalias sighed as she exited her shuttle and walked onto the Mitth Palace grounds. The servants bowed and ushered her in. She did not recognize any of them. Thurifian’s takeover had been swift, not a trace of Thrass was left in these halls. Apart of course from the large portrait of him along the wall. She frowned at that. Thrass had been classy, he would never have put up something like that. No, that was Thurifian trying to spite Thrawn.
Thurifian had gotten everything in one swoop. King Thooraki had mysteriously died and Thurifian was named successor. And then the last barrier of Thrawn’s protection had disappeared and was considered dead. Thurifian couldn’t get rid of Thrawn, not while the public saw him as a hero for his recent victory. But he certainly could make the prince’s life hell.
Not for much longer though. Thalias quietly smiled to herself as she thought of what she came to do. If Thurifian thought he removed all of Thrawn’s allies within this house, he was wrong. She had done her homework. Within the Nine Ruling Families, there could only be three figures of royalty at any given time. The head of the house, and two princes or princesses. With Thurifian’s succession and Thrass’s death, it left a spot open. One that she would take.
However, first she would be comforting a friend. Thalias made her way towards Thrawn’s room but paused when she saw a very unfamiliar servant walking down the hall to the prince’s room as well. It was a young, presumably human, man with wild brown hair. His eyes flickered over to her in surprise. The young man bowed out of reflex.
“My lady.” said the human, clearly unaware of who she was.
Thalias giggled. “No need for that, I’m not royalty. I am Mitth’ali’astov.”
The human perked up at her name. “Oh, Thrawn said you were coming.”
He gestured for her to follow him as he opened the door to Thrawn’s room. Thalias blinked in surprise. The young man’s tone went from very formal to casual in reference to Thrawn. Not something one would expect from a servant to the prince. It was even more startling how the young man addressed the prince as they walked in.
“Hey! The doctors said you weren’t supposed to be working for hours. Turn the projector off.”
“I am close to solving this piece and Ar’alani needed my help.” Thrawn replied not even turning to see who came in.
Thalias watched the human sigh heavily and walk over to Thrawn. She thought at first he was going to turn off the projector himself but instead he stood next to the prince and asked him a question in another language. Thrawn responded in kind, gesturing towards the holos of art projected on his desk. They then started whispering. She clocked the way Thrawn’s body had shifted minutely to welcome the human into his space. The familiarity in the way the pair moved with each other. How interesting.
Whatever the human was saying clearly helped Thrawn as she watched the Chiss begin rapidly sending a response to Ar’alani. The human’s gaze darted back to her and he spoke up.
“Sorry, we’re being rude. Thrawn, your friend is here.”
Thrawn finished sending the report before turning around. He gave a slight bow to her.
“Thalias. It is a pleasure to see you again. A bit earlier than expected though?” he said in Cheunh.
Thalias smiled. She took in the changes in her friend, the good and the bad. There had always been a sadness within Thrawn’s eyes but now it dominated his gaze. The black turtleneck he was wearing didn’t fully cover the scar that now marred his throat. But there was also an odd sense of renewed purpose coming from him. It was the same as when she watched him deduce his enemies and their art. Almost like something new had sparked his interest. Her eyes flickered over to the human briefly.
“It is wonderful to see you as well, Thrawn. I regrettably missed the service so I wanted to at least come to you personally.”
Thrawn nodded solemnly but then tipped his head to the side. “You have other business here as well.”
Thalias gave him a wry smile. “No point in keeping secrets from you. Yes, I’m also here on….official business.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I must. Before Thurifian can put someone else in that spot.”
“Um what’s happening?” the human asked.
Thrawn turned to him and then finally introduced him. “Ah my apologies, Eli. Eli, this is Mitth’ali’astov, my friend and fellow merit adoptive of the Mitth. Thalias, this is Eli Vanto, my aide, translator, and companion.”
Thalias gave a polite nod and remembered Thrass talking to her about finding someone to help his brother. She had assumed he would have found a Chiss, but then again Thrawn’s history of “companions” were far ranging in species.
Thrawn spoke again. “We are discussing the matter of Thalias taking the empty slot in the Mitth royalty.”
Eli nodded. “I see. Then I agree that you should let her fill it. Better a friend than a potential enemy.”
“I will have to undertake the trials as no merit adoptive can immediately ascend to royalty. but I believe I can do this.” Thalias said.
Eli frowned. “Didn’t Thrawn do that though?”
“Yes, it was a special case. King Thooraki was often an unorthodox man. But one that has been part of the reason why Thurifian hates him.” Thalias responded.
Eli sighed. “This would also put you in Thurifian’s crosshairs.”
“Oh I’m sure. But better a united front against him.”
Thrawn had been quiet throughout this discussion. Thalias was unsure if it was his laxk of understanding of politics or if he did not want her to do this. She understood it was a little soon after Thrass’s disappearance. Filling his seat would only hammer home the idea that his brother was truly gone.
“If you would prefer me not to do this—“
“No. It is a sound plan.” Thrawn said holding his hand up to cut her off.
Thrawn continued. “I am just concerned for you. As Eli mentioned, this will place you against Thurifian. We both know Thooraki’s death was not as it seemed.”
Thalias blinked in surprise and then internally scolded herself for thinking otherwise. Of course Thrawn’s main concern was the safety of his friends. This bolstered her resolve. As he had once done for her, she too would try to find a way to help him. Besides she was also Mitth now and she refused to let Thurifian destroy them.
“I am touched by your concern, but I fear this is our best option.”
Thrawn looked at her for a beat. “Very well. I will not stop you. Let us then catch up on things beyond the estate.”
****
Thalias sipped her tea quietly as she watched Thrawn lay Eli down on his bed. It was late and the human had fallen asleep at some point during their long conversation on what to do about Thurifian. Apparently the pair had been up all night yesterday going over another report needed by Ar’alani. This definitely went beyond the normal relationship of prince and aide.
“Thrawn.”
“Thalias.”
She sighed. “You know it is not possible with your standing at the moment.”
“I don’t know what you are referring to.” Thrawn said coolly as he walked away from the sleeping human.
Thalias stood up and met his gaze. “I am not the only one who needs to be careful here. Thurifian may not be able to hurt you directly but that doesn’t mean he won’t find other ways.
She gestured to Eli. “He’s a very fine and intelligent young man. And I am very happy you have found a friend, but he is not untouchable like you.”
Thrawn frowned. “Thrass’s contract—“
Thalias shook her head. “Will only hold him back for so long. Do you really think that you can outsmart Thurifan for long in this sphere?”
“What are you suggesting then?”
“Nothing yet. As you say, he’s just a friend, right?”
“Yes. Of course.”
Thalias sighed. “I don’t know if I believe Thrass is truly gone, but as it stands he’s no longer here to clean up your messes in this space.”
It was harsh, but she knew this was a warning Thrawn needed to learn. She didn’t know if he could. For all the claims that the younger prince of the Mitth was cold and heartless, she knew that it was not true. No, Thrawn felt deeply and believed dearly in doing what he thought was right. Even if it meant breaking societal rules. Thalias was not blind. It was clear that this Eli’van’to had and is keeping Thrawn afloat here. But even moreso, they needed to be careful. Thurifian would love nothing more than to drown Thrawn.
“I know. I’ll be careful.”
Thalias nodded. Thrawn’s gaze turned distant as it flicked back to Eli.
“I wonder why he stays. Eli is adept in the ways I am not.”
“He’s your friend. Why would he not?”
“Is that a good thing?”
Thalias paused. “I believe it is.”
“I am not so sure.” Thrawn murmured, inaudible to Thalias’s ears.
****
Questis Chat Log - Mitth’ali’astov
Samakro: Thalias, why did I wake up to the news reporting a new Princess of the Mitth.
Samakro: What are you and that royal blue growser up to?