Character Analysis
Everybody should be lucky enough to have a great aunt like Grayne. Grayne is Tilja's aunt, Meena's daughter, and Selly's sister. Like Tilja, Grayne didn't inherit the family magic, and she left Woodbourne to start a new life on her own—so more than anyone else, she understands what Tilja is going through. Luckily for Tilja, Grayne is compassionate with her niece:
But next morning, when they were alone in the kitchen, Grayne said, "Tilja, I'm truly sorry for you. I know what it's like. It happened to me, too, you know, having a little sister who could hear the cedars, when I couldn't." (3.74)
She willing commiserates with Tilja about their shared positioning in the family. And while this would always be nice, it's extra nice because Tilja feels so isolated within her family at this point.
Grayne mourns the loss of Woodbourne, but remains optimistic for her niece's future. She tries to be as helpful as she can. Check it out:
"But you're happy now?" she said.
"Yes, of course. Very. I often dream about Woodbourne, but…"
"But you don't come there. That's why we always have to visit you."
"Yes, I decided if I had to stop loving it… I don't know how I can help you, my dear. The best I can tell you is that you're going to have to make a life of your own, and that's good […]." (3.81-85)
Not only does Grayne understand what Tilja's going through, she does her a solid by not sugarcoating her own struggles. By doing so, she positions herself to be an ally for Tilja as she goes forward in her own journey away from Woodbourne.