Asteria said nothing. Heavy silence sat between them. At length, Maribella looked up. Asteria had tears in her eyes. Maribella's heart skipped a beat. She had never seen Asteria cry before. “What's wrong? Is something the matter? You're crying.” “Ha-Mazan warriors do not cry,” said Asteria, holding the book closer. “We shed tears. And you are wrong. It is not dumb present.” She looked up from the book. “It is the best thing anyone has given me.” She reached out and wrapped her arms around Maribella, pulling her in. They embraced for a long while.
