[center][h1]Aulus Granus, 9th Baron Eskandar[/h1]
[h3]Lord of Castle Cramz[/h3]
 
&
 
[h1][i]Híril[/i] Dyril Elian[/h1]
 
[hider=Post Summary]
[list]
[*]Alicja and Christian met up with Dyril and Kiseo in the Inn’s mainroom, in disguise. 
[*]Went up to the room and Dyril was informed about her family resulting in them coming up with ways of how to release Pearl from her imprison. 
[*]Kiseo has revealed a number of needed skills which are needed and finally, Alicja shows love toward her half sister and leaves with intentions to meet up with Dyril at the dock tomorrow.[/list]   
[/hider][/center]
 
[sub][i]Nyhem, 503 A.R[/i][/sub]
 
[centre][i]Remember our words, 'We Never Quit, We Never Give Up, And We Never Surrender'. You may have taken my life but I assure you my children will have yours in return. That I can swear to you.[/i][/centre]
 
Alicja sat quietly at the table, the crumpled letter in her hand. She had been so preoccupied with everything that had happened, with the complete destruction of all that she knew, that she had almost forgotten about the letter her father had pressed into her hand. It appeared that she had a sister who was, at this very moment, traversing the world's oceans to come and see her family. Something caught in her throat and the tears almost welled up. Almost. She had grown harder, it was true, but the idea that yet another Mazeltof would soon suffer by discovering the terrible tragedy that had befallen them, the obscene crime committed against them, saddened her deeply. Dyril was her name, and she would arrive in less than a week - their meeting place would be the Little Reed Inn. She would be expecting her father, but she would be getting Alicja. It would be good to see another Mazeltof given the situation, Alicja was certain that she would be a great help in their attempts to save Pearl. Not for a moment did she doubt that this distant, half-elven sister would help in rescuing Pearl. She was a Mazeltof after all, Mazeltof blood ran in her veins and that was all that mattered.
 
She raised a hand to her face and gently passed the tips of her fingers over the burned and deformed left side of her face. It did not hurt as much anymore. It just sat there on her face, an ugly reminder of what had become of the Mazeltof. This time, the tears did fall.
 
She quickly wiped them away when she spotted Christian enter the inn and come towards her. She lifted her pint to her lips as he sat opposite her and - looking around quickly first - leaned in to whisper about his and Sir Ramfrey's progress.
 
'Sir Ramfrey has spoken with a few of his trusted contacts and they'll keep an eye on Nyhem's keep. Sir Ramfrey reckons we could get a few of our agents on the inside, and that will make accessing the Nyhem dungeons far easier. But it'll take time.' Alicja stared into his pint before nodding slowly.
 
'We're not going anywhere. Do whatever needs doing.' She did not care enough to whisper - there was no one around, and anyone who heard would have a hard time understanding what she was referring to. Christian nodded.
 
'Have you eaten?' He asked.
'Not hungry,' she said shortly.
'You need to eat.' He insisted. She looked up at him tiredly.
'I'm no-'
'Gods, you look terrible,' he muttered.
'Yes, I know that - thanks for pointing it out,' she snapped. He looked at her in confusion before realisation dawned.
'No, Alicja, I don't mean the...the injury. You just look very tired. When did you last eat?' He did not wait for her to insist that she was not hungry, waving instead to the barkeeper's wife and ordering a stew for them both, 'put extra meat in hers.'
 
Little had changed by the day of Dyril's promised arrival. Sir Ramfrey's contacts had kept an eye on the keep to work out how often the guard changed and at what times, but they had not managed to get any of their agents in the Nyhem guard stationed in the keep. 'Just a matter o' time,' Sir Ramfrey assured Alicja. They set out in late afternoon for the Little Reed. Christian had expressed his suspicions about this so-called 'sister' of Alicja's, but Alicja had dismissed his misgivings.
 
'If you're so suspicious, keep and eye on her and tell me if anything strange happens,' she had told him by way of assurance, and he had seemed content enough with that. He walked into the Little Reed first, and Alicja made to follow him. She stopped abruptly at the sight of a bearded young man just beside the door. His cloak was torn and he looked altogether dishevelled - but it was odd seeing such a young beggar. Surely he could easily find some work if he tried? He looked up and his intelligent dark green eyes met Alicja's brown, and he smiled easily enough. She quickly turned her head away so he would not see her scars and lowered her hood further to cover her face. She threw him a coin before moving into the inn, and Sir Ramfrey followed her - giving the beggar a quick glance as he did. Once inside, she noted how active the place was relative to where they were staying. It was clearly one of the more frequented and reputable places.
 
'I think that's her,' Christian whispered to her, gesturing towards a blue lady sitting in a far corner by a window, 'hard to miss an elf, really.' Alicja gave him a reprimanding glare.
 
'Elf or no elf, she is my flesh and blood. Remember that.' Christian had his doubts about that, but he muttered a quick apology as Alicja swept past him and headed right for the table. She slowed to a hesitant walk as she neared her, clearing her throat to get the seated woman's attention as she continued at a slow walk.
 
Dyril had been studying the inn's quaint surroundings. Its interiors were made of mortar and stone, all tightly packed together to keep it warm during the fall atmosphere. Mostly thanks to the collection of body heat produced by the patrons like herself. Though modest looking, the cleanliness was obviously done with care and attention to prevent spread of sickness. She had chosen a booth nearest the window overlooking the front as she wondered idly which of the individuals that entered could possibly have been her birth father. 
 
There was only vague descriptions through letters and no possibly way to gain anything resembling a drawing, something that had seriously disappointed her in her youth. Thankfully it had faded over time while she made plans to meet the man who sired her. 
 
So distracted she was, Dyril barely noticed the occasional stares both her and Kiseo gained from numerous patrons. Their curiosity held back only by their obvious fear of the feline-like Mao currently residing with her mistress. Kiseo was mentally grateful for this because she already was gaining anxiety by the moment upon seeing Dyril's attention so absorbed by worries and nervousness. 
 
Having been with Dyril for eleven years, Kiseo could easily pick out the little ticks displayed in her mistress' body language. The slight tap of the foot shifting the dress’ lower hem, the first two fingers creating half circles over the mug's handle and pushed around food on her plate were all clear as day to the Mao, but anyone unused to Elven politics would easily have missed them. The awareness of the unsettledness had made her tail flick in unease, the tip skirted the floor then wrapped about the chair leg and finally pulled back across. It didn't help her peripheral vision occasionally caught the stares and idle whispers directed at them from fellow patrons. 
 
Kiseo was the first to notice Alicja's approach, even the man in her wake, as the Mao cocked her head in curiousity. Her head turned to Dyril, still staring out the glass window idly, before she decided to address the woman. It would become very clear she struggled with wording of the native language, "You excuse? Interest or business, you have in mistress of mine? Explain, please?" 
 
Interestingly enough, her paw like hands had made a few rapid gestures alongside her words. Her fingers pinched together then jerked to her forehead before twirling over her mouth and then extended toward the woman's posture. Another made a slight clap with her hands in front of her chest before moving her right to ear, her eye then once more flicked to the right side of her shoulder. It seemed to follow a pattern if Alicja or Christian looked closely. 
 
At Kiseo's address, Dyril's attention promptly jerked from her thoughts to hear the woman's answer. There was something vaguely familiar about her traits but she had trouble placing why since she had never met anyone here. 
 
Alicja had been so focused on Dyril that she had not noticed the strange cat creature. When it spoke and Alicja's gaze turned to it, she jumped slightly in shock but quickly composed herself. She looked from Kiseo to Dyril before speaking.
 
'I am here to meet Dyril Elian,' she looked uncertainly at Dyril, 'who I assume is you.'
 
"I am. If you will pardon me for being rude but how exactly do you know my full name? I've never met or even know who you are," Dyril's words were spoken in a guarded tone, her eyes still tried to place the source of the familiarity in her mind. There was nothing coming causing her some frustration though she let it linger under the surface and prevented her face from showing it. 
 
Kiseo noticed the reaction which seemed to be the norm now in this foreign land. Trying to put the young human at ease, the Mao gave a little disarming smile (which exposed only a bit of fang) and lowered her eyes to avoid seeming aggressive. Alicja gave the cat-like creature another look and smiled hesitantly- it seemed like it was trying to be friendly, she thought - before slipping into the seat opposite Dyril and looking her direct in the eyes.
 
'I am-' and she paused quickly and looked around before continuing more low, 'I am Alicja Mazeltof, your sister. Our father, Henry, told me that you were meant to meet with him here. He wanted to be here b-but...he's dead.' Alicja's eyes lowered sadly, 'murdered in cold blood because he was steadfast, loyal, and true.' She looked up at Dyril and pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes watering slightly, 'I am so sorry.'
 
Dyril just stared at Alicja. For several moments her body went unnaturally still and her eyes seemed to see past the woman, her mind a whirl of emotions she wasn’t prepared to experience when she arrived. For many nights she had actually envisioned this meeting, but it wasn't going how she had wanted it to. It was nothing like this. With Alicja sitting before her and delivering the news her father was gone, reality belted her middle with a sickening punch to the gut. However she managed to retain her composure as she formed her reply with great difficulty.  
 
The tone was hollow, almost empty of any emotion, "I see. This is not a good development, I’m…”
 
For once words escaped her grasp as she struggled to find the right ones. She wasn’t sure how to put her feelings on the situation since she barely knew the man, at least in a positive light. In reality, she had expected him to be prideful with no desire to admit siring her, but now any hope of knowing the man was dashed to the winds. She forced herself to relax then decided to utter the words in her head out loud, ones she worried she might regret, “How?”
 
 Alicja bit her lip at the question and looked around somewhat fearfully.
 
'I...I don't think speaking of it in this place is a good idea. Is there somewhere more private where we could go?'
 
The Magister’s background display over the toxic politics in Formaroth appeared suddenly like the warnings of a fire in Dyril’s mind. She couldn’t help but notice the woman had mainly focused on listing the major houses, especially the Blackwell’s, unknowing revealing a likely deeper than a casual affiliation towards, in the war. However, the minor houses were completely absence because likely were of little influence or importance to mention. Details were the devil in this situation causing her to immediately regret not seeing the foresight about collecting more information. Now it was biting her in the backside, a fact she hated deeply.  
 
There was little reason not to believe the woman because the information she knew was difficult to come across. This made it highly likely Alicja wasn’t exactly who she said she was and telling the truth, the odds in her favor. Even if Dyril found it hard to swallow. Inhaling again, she nodded to spare her from insisting on the answers now. 
 
Kiseo, observing the signs within Dyril, decided to speak on her mistress’ behalf, “Mistress. Room upstairs, best place for discussion. Depart we shall first, follow by you so no attention draw.” Alicja nodded, managing to grasp the meaning of Kiseo's words.
 
“Yes, thank you Kiseo. I think it might be ideal if you ‘get’ a room for a few days so it doesn’t look suspiciously like meeting,” Dyril managed to suggest as she rose from her seat. She left her mug and meal behind for the barmaid to retrieve shortly before she began to depart for her room. Dyril hoped the two could come up with an explanation over their reason for staying and brief interaction with Dyril, or news might get back to the wrong ears about their interaction. 
 
Alicja remained seated for a good few minutes before finally getting up, stretching in a display of tiredness, and stumbling towards the innkeeper - who was swamped by orders. She managed to request a room for the night, sliding him a coin. The busy man fumbled for a key and muttered something about 'upstairs, two doors to the left' before getting back to his other customers.
 
When Alicja turned to go upstairs, she found Christian looking at her quizzically. 'We're staying for the night,' she said as she got close to him and took him by the hand - causing him to sputter in shock and go bright red. 'Take me upstair, dear,' she said more loudly than she had to, 'I'm knackered.' He nodded quickly before marching towards the stairs with her, glancing towards Sir Ramfrey who had remained by the door, leaning against the wall nonchalantly. The giant nodded ever so slightly, to Christian before turning and leaving the inn.
 
'So who's your lady friend?' he heard as he left. He froze in place and his hand unconsciously reached for his sword hilt, and he slowly turned around. ...
 
When Christian and Alicja reached the room, they opened it and sat inside for a good ten minutes before Alicja got up once again and stealthily made her way to Dyril's room. The door had been left partially open and she closed it behind her once inside. Christian had wanted to  come with her, but she had told him that would not be necessary.
 
When the door opened, Dyril had lifted up from her seat upon her own bed and casually moved toward Alicja. She raised her five digit hands to take her half sister’s then guided her to the nearest chair in the corner. After watching the woman take a seat, Dyril followed suit and moved to the empty spot in front of Alicja before she spoke, "We're alone now. Please, either confirm or ease my fears. How did he die?" 
 
Deep inside her, Dyril felt that intense fear building enough to choke her. This dreadful feeling wouldn't leave until she knew the truth and only then could she act accordingly. Jumping to the worst possible scenario wasn't about to help her in any case.
 
Meanwhile, Kiseo was oddly staring up into the rafters with deep concern upon her features. Her tail flicked back and forth, her head bobbed side to side, but she seemed to give up after not finding what she was looking for. Her shoulders slouched slightly as she made her way back toward Dyril's bed and seated herself, her legs folded underneath, on the floor. She looked at Dyril with ears angled slightly downward then made her question known, “Strange Formaroth design, Mistress. Sleep place there isn’t for me.” 
 
Alicja was about to begin when Kiseo spoke, and she looked at the Mao distractedly. She found, to her surprise, that the cat's struggles with Formaroth was getting somewhat easier to understand. 'There's another bed over there, Kiseo,' she said with a smile, 'you really can't miss it.' With that, she turned back to her sister and her smile faded somewhat as she began. 
 
Kiseo blinked, her eyes turned upon Alicja with a subtle and horrified expression. It was as if the human had literally requested the Mao jump off the nearest cliff and into the very ocean. Dyril tried to hold back a snort of amusement upon her ex-slave's reaction to the suggestion. When Alicja began, any additional comment faded into the back of the Half Elf's mind.   
 
Alicja spoke first about the death of King John Remonnet without any heirs. Her father had suspected some kind of foul play, but there was no proof. She continued, speaking about the great falling out between the lords of the various realms and their inability to decide on a new king. War naturally broke out - on one side Andrew Manshrew who was known for his honour and bravery, and on the other the suspicious Duncan de Reimer and his allies. Their House, for long rulers of Ralda, sided with the Manshrew Alliance against de Reimer and the Imperial Concord. They paid for their decision: Ralda was invaded, their people were scattered and slaughtered, and House Mazeltof torn asunder. Her father had refused to flee the capital of Ralda, Fishgrove, when their forces were defeated in the Battle of Ralda. And so he was captured. Alicja mentioned that it was in that battle that she received the burns on her face which now marred her appearance.
 
When she arrived in Nyhem, it was only to discover that her sister was imprisoned and her father was due to be executed - and she had watched him die. When she got to this part and she remembered once more that sickening moment, Sir Ramfrey's arms around her preventing her from running to her father - from saving him or dying with him - she could not help but release a small sob. She stifled it quickly and did not permit any tears to leave her eyes.
 
'And that,' she said, 'is what happened.' 
 
When the tale finished, Dyril sat in her chair to digest the information given to her. She had already heard most of the history in relation to the war, namely from the Magister herself and who was aligned with the current 'king' presently. Inwardly she suspected that the Magister's loyalty might change in a heartbeat when certain conditions were met, her mind drifted to reflect upon the magical display earlier. Magic, interesting enough, tended to reveal more than most people realized at first.  
 
It seemed to Dyril that both Formaroth and Elven politics had more in common than merely treading a line that was given, a fact that caused a wave of depression to wash over her for an instant. She had hoped to get away from it but alas, it seemed that was impossible no matter where she went.
 
She could have pressed to skip over the repeating information, but it was useful in forcing her to become objective in understanding the series of events she had stumbled onto. Dyril believed having one piece of information that was told from various sources would often lead to revealing some motivation and the individual's point of views made clear.  
 
"You were lucky to have known him. I know I [i]should[/i] feel the amount of grief you do, but I can't," Dyril said, her face showed little to no emotion that Alicja could recognize. It could have been seen as cold and distant, even when that was the furthest from the truth. "This situation makes things much more complicated. Especially as my only worth is my connection with the Mazeltof and being able to trade through them for the dwarven metal within their land." 
 
Kiseo flinched at the mention of Dyril's life now hanging in the balance. The Mao's hands began to clench and unclench a few times to release the anxiety she felt, her tail stopped then rested close to her leg. The hairs bristled slightly to show her fear over this outcome should it come to pass. Alicja had begun to grow somewhat depressed at Dyril’s initial words, thinking that her newly discovered sister would now perhaps choose to leave - the Mazeltof were clearly of no use to a trader now. If anything, being associated with the family would pose a grave danger to her life were it discovered. She was about to say that perhaps it was best she return home and stay away from this mess when Dyril spoke again, surprising Alicja.
 
Ignoring the obvious fearful displays  in Kiseo, Dyril thought a moment, "Placing that concern aside, I can't leave my half sister in jail to rot... now can I? So what have you gotten in mind so far?"
 
Alicja opened her mouth in surprise. She thought to say something, but her mind was momentarily blank. All she could really do was launch herself at Dyril and hug her tightly. She did not pause to think that perhaps Dyril would not take kindly to physical contact with a near-stranger - even if her own sister. But then again, Alicja was a Mazeltof, and blood transcended all other things to them.
 
Upon feeling the younger girl make contact with her body, Dyril immediately stiffened in reaction. Her breath was held in complete shock at the open display of affection causing her mind to struggle with understanding how she felt. She lowered her dark eyes to question Alicja’s sanity at the same time while waiting patiently for an explanation and not to instantly shove the woman off her. Elves rarely, if ever, showed physical affection toward their blood relatives unless they weren’t past walking age.   
 
‘You really are a Mazeltof!’ she said, and in her surprise and excitement she did so louder than she meant. 
 
“Shhh!” Dyril hissed at Alicja’s outburst, fighting the urge to shove her hand upon the younger girl’s lips, “Only half and keep in mind, my reasons for being involved are purely selfish. I won’t be directly helping as much as you want to believe, but I can at least ensure you don’t get caught. Now… do you even have a plan for how to get her out?” 
 
Alicja largely ignored Dyril’s attempts to emphasise her selfishness as she returned to her seat - she had no doubt that she was just trying to be modest. Or perhaps it was a certain degree of pride and stubbornness - which the Mazeltof certainly did not lack! - that caused her to insist that her motives were purely selfish. As it were, Alicja did not truly believe it. It was good that there was one more Mazeltof in the world, that was for sure.
 
‘Yes, we do have a plan. Kind of,’ Alicja said, ‘we’ve been keep a close eye on the Nyhem keep ever since we learnt of Pearl’s presence there. We’re trying to get a few of our men on the inside - friends of Sir Ramfrey’s who are willing to help. We haven’t yet managed to get them on the inside, but hopefully soon. Once we do, getting in will be a far simpler matter. But we haven’t yet planned the details if I’m to be honest.’
 
“Details are certainly important,” Dyril inhaled then gestured for Kiseo to bring her paper and a quill, the Mao quick to obey her mistress’ orders. Upon rummaging through their belongings, the ex-slave produced the requested items and set them on the table before the women. The half elf pushed the parchment apart until it laid flat upon the surface before she reached for the quill, shook the extra ink and then passed it to Alicja, “This is best done in your own writing. The parchment, aged as it is, is sourced from Formaroth and has a very faint possibility of being traced back to me. However, I can arrange a few pieces to have gone [i]missing[/i] and this  isn’t enough to get me into trouble.”
 
Closing her eyes for a moment, Dyril thought, “Let’s make a list of what we need first of all. How well do you know the outlay of the city? Do you have a few safe routes out of it that can increase your safe passage out even if the guards are alerted?” Alicja furrowed her eyebrows for a few seconds before responding.
 
‘I know my way around Nyhem well enough, but it’s Sir Ramfrey who really know the various safe passages and contacts. Christian’s been learning from him and has joined him when he went to speak to our various…[i]accomplices[/i]. I’ve tried to stay out of the light as much as possible - it wouldn’t be good if someone saw me and recognised me after all.’
 
“As far as anyone knows, you and your ally came to inform me that my ‘family’ no longer had interest in our dealings. Merely passing travelers who owed a favor which allows me deniability should this plan go south,” Dyril cut in in order to cover an overlooked detail, through she inwardly hoped things would work out in the end, “So you have ways out. Do you have safe points along those routes in which you can pause, hide and avoid capture? I ask because I can’t imagine Pearl being in the best of health while imprisoned. She will need time to recover after a long period of running or she’ll falter and you’ll need places you can adjust your path when needed.”
 
‘Yes, Sir Ramfrey has it all taken care of. His [i]friends[/i] are fairly...uh, familiar with the more clandestine aspects of the city. They’ll be able to hide us if and when necessary. Though we hope to be out of Nyhem immediately after rescuing Pearl. While it may be a good idea to stay hidden inside the city for a while - something they wouldn’t suspect - I really don’t want to stay here more than absolutely necessary.’
 
“Do you have an idea what night, assuming you’re doing it at that time, you will be doing the actual event?” Dyril asked, hoping it won’t be tonight on the day she arrived. It screamed coincidence and likely would draw unwanted attention right to her causing her endless trouble, “I hope not for a few days. Are there any events, like celebrations or similar activities, coming up that could be used to assist your dealings?”   
 
‘As we haven’t yet got a man on the inside, we don’t have an exact date for our rescue attempt. I would say we would want to do it as soon as we have someone on the inside. And I really am not too familiar with Nyhem’s celebrations - I doubt there will be any celebrations given the ongoing war. There...there’s always executions though. They attract a fair bit of attention, that’s for sure.’ A small scowl darkened her face at this, and the light-hearted, sometime sad, Alicja seemed momentarily replaced by something darker and angrier. But only momentarily. 
 
“Tuck that emotion somewhere for later,” Dyril’s tone was nearly commanding in nature, but she quickly reined it back before she continued, “Right now, it won’t help you. Instead it will only serve to distract and hurt you more when it comes to saving our family.” Alicja nodded slightly, taking a deep breath and looking at the ground for a few moments.
 
As she eyed Alicja, waiting for her to calm, Dyril continued, “The grisly facts aside, an execution will work as long it is close to evening. The worry I have is that none of you can see in the dark and torch light is easily seen...” Alicja looked up at Dyril in confusion. An execution? She could not mean...
 
“Night sight, Kiseo can,” Chimed in the Mao, her eyes fixed on the pair. Looking distractedly at Kiseo, she eventually realised what the Mao had said.
 
‘W-wait, you can see at night?’ she asked in surprise.
 
“Shi,” Kiseo said as her left paw held up and fisted, the knuckles faced toward the woman. The Mao hadn’t realized she has slipped back into her native language until she caught the disgruntled expression from Dyril, her eyes immediately lowered in shame and her tail pressed against the back of her thighs. 
 
Dyril inhaled then firmly spoke, “Correct yourself.” 
 
“Mistress, yes,” Kiseo said then turned to Alicja for a moment and repeated herself in Formaroth, “Yes. night sight Kiseo has. Other skills I have too like climbing and jumping and navigating routes which is new. Help these would?” Alicja blinked a few times and a small smile spread across her lips. She looked at Dyril knowingly.
 
“I know that look...you have an idea?” Dyril’s tone was cautious but intrigued by this knowledge. 
‘I think that skillset is going to prove very helpful, yes. We have been struggling to get someone on the inside so they can open the gates for us, but if we have Kiseo that matter is sorted,’ she leaned towards Dyril, ‘look, we are going to get a report from our sources tomorrow, I am certain that by now they have some kind of idea on when it would be best to attempt the rescue. Once they have contacted me I will let you know and we will work out what to do from there,’ she smiled excitedly at her sister and looked at Kiseo as though the Mao was a ladder leading to paradise. She had slowly lost hope over the previous few weeks, but now at last it seemed like the rescue would be able to go forward. She looked back at Dyril, ‘where shall we meet next? We can’t meet here again or else we might attract unwanted attention…’
 
Dyril turned on her heel and thought a moment, her mind turning its gears for a moment. She stepped toward the window and spied the ships in the distance giving her an idea, “What about the docks? With a bit of filth and shoddy clothing, you could easily pass yourself off as worker who’s assisting in hauling off the goods from the ship and storing them. This gives you primary excuse to talk with me over ‘payment’ without arising suspicion.” 
 
Her eyes turned to Kiseo before adding, “Kiseo is going to be delivering messages to the docks daily. This means she can also deliver one to someone you trust and have it to get back to you. Each one will hold my next location and when, leaving it up to you to make it nature over how we meet. This should make a pattern difficult to detect when it comes to our meetings.” 
 
She inhaled a moment, “Does this sound suitable for you?” Alicja looked at Dyril with unconcealed admiration, she was so...calm. And gave off an effortless air of control and authority - as though nothing could happen without her knowing it or catch her unprepared.
 
‘Yes, very suitable,’ she nodded, ‘thank you Dyril.’ Alicja moved forward to hug her in goodbye but then paused uncertainly. She had not seemed too comfortable being hugged before. ‘Uh, I am going to go now, so...well. Mazeltofs are close, and...well, when we say goodbye we…’ she suddenly felt rather awkward. How did one explain something that came so naturally...and yet did not seem to for Dyril.
 
“So that hug was something the Mazeltofs do. Pardon my reaction, I’m not used to such gestures. In fact, any gestures of praise, acceptance or love are rather foreign to me because I’m the hidden shame of my family,” Dyril admitted, her emotions about it hidden well. Kiseo, however, edged closer and seemed to adopt a sense of sorrow over the mention. Her tail was stilled and a slight sound, muffled by her closed mouth, fell upon the air though Alicja might’ve missed the noise if she hadn’t been within the same room. 
 
“Know how to react she does not,” came the reply from the Mao. Alicja nodded slightly, though her eyes were wide with shock. The idea of...not being accepted by one's own family. It hurt. She approached Dyril and placed a firm hand on her shoulder, but went no further.
 
‘Dyril, you are not the hidden shame of this family. You are our discovered pride. We are honoured to have a sister like you - and I am sure father would have loved you very much had he lived to see you. Keep your chin up, you [i]are[/i] a Mazeltof.’ And with that, Alicja stepped back with a final smile, paused to wave goodbye to Kiseo, and swiftly left the room.