with a reverence unimpaired

It is Amalia's turn to listen, rapt, leaning forward on her elbows to catch the creature's tale. "Like starwhales!" she contributes breathlessly in response to his songs, delighted to have made such a connection. It makes sense that this and those should bear some level of connection, both mystical, ethereal, beautiful things. But Starwhales are a reminder of Jyoti, and Jyoti is a reminder of the outside world, and everything she has left behind. Chewing anxiously on her lip, Amalia looks back over her shoulder as if hoping to find the child there. "I should go soon," she says half-wistfully. "I need to get my friends... I don't understand why they threw us in a pit. We would have helped if they explained." Turning back to the tulmhainar, Amalia smiles bashfully at the now-youth. "I am sorry I was so afraid... I wish I could do more for you." And then, a thought: "What about books? History is just written memory passed through time." Amalia Her eyes, they know too much. She'll treat you like somebody but you just can't touch.