She bows to no one.
Thal sat silently and listened as Maea laid out the story. Although she could see why Maea would feel guilty, she so no reason for blame. How was she to know that danger was befalling her family? Were there signs? She asked as much, in a more blunt and scientific manner, "Did they not have the option to go with you? Did you hear news of their struggles while you were away? How did you know of their passings? Were you able to determine how the monsters got in?" She was trying to keep the conversation clinical, talking out the deaths as a case to be investigated rather than the very real end of five lives.
The presence in the corner continued to remind her the reality of the situation, but it would only make Maea feel worse to coddle her emotions and this being was obviously feeding off that pain. They needed to sterilize and analyze the facts before turning to the underlying admission of guilt and blame. Thal had no current reason to believe Maea was responsible for their suffering. They just needed to prove that there was no way she could have known or stopped the outcome, especially if they could find fault in the actions of her sister-in-law. Turning the tables may be their strongest play.
The presence in the corner continued to remind her the reality of the situation, but it would only make Maea feel worse to coddle her emotions and this being was obviously feeding off that pain. They needed to sterilize and analyze the facts before turning to the underlying admission of guilt and blame. Thal had no current reason to believe Maea was responsible for their suffering. They just needed to prove that there was no way she could have known or stopped the outcome, especially if they could find fault in the actions of her sister-in-law. Turning the tables may be their strongest play.
Thalassa
