[she isn't to be blamed for the things that are coming out of his mouth, and he knows it-- later, when he is released from this strange compulsion, he may even thank her for trying to steer the conversation in another direction. as. . . fruitless as her attempts were]

[bringing up his sister seems to be the right answer, because the way his features brightens is almost palatable]

[(notably, one of the children in the portrait seems to have a pair of cat ears and a tail, while Lyney notably has neither. sister?? hm???)]

My dearest sister, Lynette! She is-- well. I would love to call her a veritable ray of sunshine, but truthfully, she is the exact opposite.

[he says that with evident big-brotherly affection, though]

Storm clouds or not, we have been together our entire lives. I must admit, it is. . . strange, for her to not be here.