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Although it wasn't conspicuous, the painting was the first thing that Asak noticed, and it captivated his attention to the point of rudeness. He lingered nearby, going so far as to traced the edge of the frame with his finger, reverently. Could this be ... ?

Hearing the girl and her mother preparing things in the kitchen, he reluctantly tore himself from the painting and followed them. He settled down in one of the two chairs. For a moment he forgot about the painting as Kulris poured the steaming tea onto his plate, making him clear his throat and glance to Ava for support.

"I ... I see," he said. "I've ... never tried it like this before." Now he just had to figure out how to drink it. He nibbled on one of the cookies and watched Kulris to see what she did before making a fool of himself. "I noticed the painting in the hall, with the Kyrka," he said, trying to sound casual. "An unusual decoration ..."
Ava took the other's expression and she quietly took another teacup to pour the tea into, sliding it over to Asak without her mother noticing. At least Kulris didn't notice.

Kulris was happily pouring one tea onto another saucer when Asak brought up the painting. The woman's expression changed and demeanour changed, she came to a halt at things as she stared off into the distance.

"Yes unusual," she said quietly as she stopped what she was doing. Ava moved into action at that point, quickly taking the teapot from her hand and guiding her mother to sit down. The worry was evident on the young Serra's face.

"It's all right Mother, I'm here," she said softly trying to reassure the older Serra. Kulris remained silent for a while longer before she seemed to snap back to herself. "Oh hello, sorry about that."
Asak tucked the offered teacup into his large hands, trying to keep Kulris from seeing it. He took a clandestine sip, though the woman's reaction to his comment about the painting made him forget all about the tea. "Mistress ... ? Are you--are you alright?" He cleared his throat awkwardly as he glanced at Ava. The girl was acting as though this wasn't the first time this had happened. He shouldn't have said anything, shouldn't have tried to satisfy his curiosity.

Then Kulris seemed to snap out of her trance, leaving Asak blinking and stammering for a response. "I--there's no need to apologize, mistress. Are you quite well? I apologize if I caused any ... discomfort."
Kulris studied Asak for a moment when he asked how she was. "Yes I'm all right, it tends to happen. My apologies... I... I think I'd go to my room for the time being. I'm sorry for being such a terrible host," she said quietly as she stood up.

The woman was clearly somewhat in a daze and Ava had to guide her mother to the bedroom when she realised the older Serra was heading to the closet door instead of the bedroom.

Ava came out some time later, leaning at the door of the bedroom before she wiped her eyes with her sleeve before coming over to Asak.

"I'm sorry about Mother. She's quite emotional about the picture. We haven't had a visitor in years and I had forgotten it was there. Um.... more tea?" the girl asked weakly with a smile.
Asak watched Kulris go. There was more to the woman than she or her daughter let on. He looked at the painting again, trying to commit every detail to memory. Maybe he could ask Laylar about this at the next hatching, if it wasn't too forward.

When Ava returned, wiping her face, the older Serra fidgeted awkwardly in his seat. Should he go to her? Try to say something comforting? He was far from skilled in these sorts of situations. "Erm ... no, no, I shouldn't have said anything." He cleared his throat. "No, thank you. I think I've overstayed my welcome, but I appreciate your and your mother's hospitality."
The girl nodded her head once Asak refused to stay.

"All right. I... I'll see you around then sir," she said quietly. She was disappointed. It wasn't often she had someone else who visited and could talk to but then this had to happen. The girl just started tidying the place, falling back into quiet routines.

Asak was quite free to go off.

Once the other had left though, Ava would step out to the kennels where one of the older Alkaws lumbered over and started to lick the girl whose body shook with quiet sobs.
Asak picked up Rimuwa's leash--the Alkaw had been laying under the table--and hesitated for a little while longer. The tension in the air was almost palpable, like thick humidity. He fiddled with the leather leash for a few long moments.

"Ava," he finally said. "Sometimes I need help in my kennel. If you ever have free time ... you're welcome to come." He had no idea how she would take this offer, but he felt it was the least he could do for what felt like an intrusion. "I live on the southern stretch, just east of West Pine Stand ... have a good evening."

After one final pause, he turned towards the door and headed outside. Rimuwa's ears were perked as she watched the other Alkaws in the distance body tense yet not aggressive. He patted her head, more for his own sake than hers, and left the Song property with considerably more to think about than when he had arrived.

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