"One cannot rush gratitude, auntie!" Tayyib calls, tone affectionate even as he does finish his letter, dusting it with powder to dry the ink before he blows it clean and carefully folds it into a flower shape, words hidden inside.

Ellia,

I am really more obliged to you for your kindness than I can say, my gratitude for your compassion and consideration in creating a spell so I may see my beloved again is immense. The pain of being parted from him is like a rust creeping across my heart, turning iron to ash. A feeling you may know well and yet despite this chose to help another regardless. The generosity of your heart, mind, and the resources of your skills cannot be understated. I thank you, Nicolò thanks you.

The winds blow unlike what the ships wish for, but I wish for you they blow where you need. Believe me always, yours faithfully and obliged,

Yusuf ibn Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Kaysani, called Tayyib

Nina is not young, but something in the way Andronika returns that gaze feels even older. She offers out her hand for a shake, both another thanks but also maybe to offer a small final bout of comfort and understanding. If it's taken, she'll cover Nina's hand with her other one and squeeze.

"I think everyone in this room has endured plenty. But you've helped us despite your own struggles, and we thank you for it."

Tayyib strides back into the sitting room and hands Nina the flower letter, giving her a nod as Andy curls her now free arm around her brother. "Thank you."