"It wasn't clear to me she makes a habit of it!"

"Well, she doesn't, but there you are, sparkling like crushed mica."

"Maybe it was Huan."

Huan snorts.

"She admitted it."

"She might be protecting Huan. The web of intrigue grows thicker."

"It's so cute how you assume my sister is capable of lying to me."

"No, no, I am assuming you're colluding in deceiving me."

"Oh, well, at that point it's your problem."

"A problem? I think my looks are much improved."

"I agree or I wouldn't have done it."

"Carefully phrased to avoid saying you did do it!"

"I did it. With my opposable thumbs, which Huan doesn't have."

"So perhaps both of you are covering for some third assailant."

"Maybe the statues did it."

"That would explain why you're lying for them - moving statues would be terrifying."

"No, no, I'm lying for the statues because they're adorable. If it was just that they were scary I'd be enlisting your help in fighting them."

"You wouldn't want to shield me from the horror?"

"Then how would you defend yourself?"

"I would be glittered again and again!"

"I concede this sounds like a positive outcome."

"Should I suspect you've been conniving with the statues all along?"

"This is the first time I've ever been here."

"Huh. Well, I'll let you reunite with your sister. Hey, Marillë." And he walks off trailing glitter.

She grins as he watches him go. Then she turns to her sister and the two of them catch up.

It isn't long after Ahyadacil leaves that Marille goes to see Maitimo.