with a reverence unimpaired

Something grabs her, wrapping around her like an embrace, warm and welcoming air. As the calf falls into it Amalia lets herself be caught up to, attention still on the falling child, wings still extended to act as a shield. It is only when the burning stops that the owl pulls away, drawing back in wondering awe at the starlit creature beside her. It is a pinpoint of starlight brought to earth, cosmic and galactic in its splendor, childlike and pure in its joy. Amalia has never seen anything more beautiful in her life. At last they crash into the net of air, which bows and bends beneath their weight before springing lightly back up. Extending her wings Amalia catches a current of air, gliding down and around the whale as she reassures herself it is healthy, safe. Then the owl descends to the ground, coming to a stop behind Delah before resuming her human form. "Thank you," she murmurs to the chief, sincere and ardent, before looking back at the calf. "Is there any way to return it to the stars?" Amalia Her eyes, they know too much. She'll treat you like somebody but you just can't touch.