Lyra confronts her uncle, Lord Asriel, as he prepares to depart for the North, pleading for him to stay or take her with him. Asriel remains emotionally distant and dismissive, prioritizing his scientific mission over their relationship while Lyra struggles to find a connection through a story about kindness.
LYRA: You're not leaving.
ASRIEL: Unfortunately I have to, the Magisterium will know everything by now.
LYRA: So you're leaving me? You're leaving me with a murderer?
ASRIEL: The Master would never hurt you.
LYRA: No. No. You're not -
ASRIEL: Dirty fingernails. Don't they make you wash in this place.
LYRA: The librarian's fingernails are always dirtier than mine.
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