Out of respect for his dignity, Valeska did not draw further attention to his sorrow; she only pressed into him a little bit more firmly, hoping her presence and force of will might drive away the tears that spilled gently down his cheeks. Cyrus did not strike her as a man who wept easily, and so she tried to treat the situation with as much tact as she was capable of*.

Even if we must leave Fate's Respite for a time, we are still Elysium, and home is wherever we are, she said. You will never not be wanted, dear friend.

Impressively, Cyrus pulled himself together, rallying enough to calmly - although perhaps no less painfully - say his piece in the way of moving forward with Aelia. Her daughter was wild, willful; but she was not intentionally cruel. Like the sun she was named for, it was her nature to burn hot.

That is very kind of you, she said admiringly. I do not know where she wanders now - she is old enough to have such freedom, although I cannot help but worry - but perhaps she will return with a lighter heart.

Valeska smiled, although her features remained etched with concern.

If you need a distraction, I have intent to soon visit my grandchildren who reside with Avon, she said, rising to her paws and shaking out her coat. They could use an outlet. But! Ah, watch for the one that bites.

(That was most of them, but he didn't need to know that.)

---