with a reverence unimpaired

"Offerings?" It is half a question, half a demand, hoarsely whispered into the air. "Offerings for what?" As Delah continues Amalia feels her hackles raise, ire rising with every word. Aware of the change in her bonded's emotions, Jyoti clicks a series of concerned notes, escaping to once more circle the pair, soothing stardust in her path. They are both her saviors now, the only things she knows in the absence of her family, and the starwhale's innocent affection has a strange effect on the girl. Confused yet calmer, she leans back against the tree, not sure what to do except drop her head in her hands and scream. She manages half of that. "You're right," she says through slender fingers, deep voice dark with exhaustion, frustration. "We were locked in there with the New Gods, and we were supposed to keep them contained, and we failed." She lets her head fall further, fingers twining into gold hair, her tone heavy with self-consternation and regret. Raising her head slightly, she looks back at Delah. "I don't know what to say to convince you. You're looking out for your people, and I'm looking out for mine. But we are not our ancestors. We did not make their mistakes." Amalia Her eyes, they know too much. She'll treat you like somebody but you just can't touch.