[It's not a very good time for humor; any of it in Cantarella's voice is smoothed by the gentle tide of concern that rolls through it, the post-storm sea that is eerily calm.]
Because holding onto something tangible, even for a short while, is better than the alternative. The emptiness of wondering.
[Cantarella has a lovely voice, like the gentle waves of the sea Nala had only seen once.]
...I thought I was used to it. The emptiness of having nothing at all. Trapped tight in my seal, unable to move, let out only to kill and maim. I didn't want to get attached to anyone anymore. It hurts, so much.
[Cantarella closes her eyes. She would always choose freedom over imprisonment, even if it came along with unbearable pain. But how can she say this to Nala, who has lost everything—much more than she herself has?]
I prefer poisons and medicines at times because at least they stand a chance of curing what they treat. I can console you for this, but I can't heal it. I'm so very sorry.
[Like a fragile flower reaching for the sunlight, Nala unfurls a little to raise her head. Her face is wet with tears but she looks like she wants to hug Cantarella but isn't sure how to ask]
...at least you're honest. I've always liked that part.
[Should Nala let her, she'll take her face in her hands, chin cupped between her palms, and wipe away the tears with both of her thumbs.]
You deserve honesty. Little white lies help the weak dream longer... The strong face the truth head-on. Secrets and the like have their place, but it wouldn't help anyone here.
[ Nala has always craved affection. Physical affection in particular. So she leans in, blinking away tears as she cups Cantarella's hand in place, rubbing her cheek against her palm]
No. But it's maddening how many there are. Now we have to do this again.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-11-29 04:05 am (UTC)You can be unbelievably rude, somehow.
[ But she doesn't protest Cantarella getting closer, lapsing into a silence before]
...how do people keep hanging onto things they'll know they'll lose?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-29 07:44 am (UTC)[It's not a very good time for humor; any of it in Cantarella's voice is smoothed by the gentle tide of concern that rolls through it, the post-storm sea that is eerily calm.]
Because holding onto something tangible, even for a short while, is better than the alternative. The emptiness of wondering.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-29 07:47 am (UTC)...I thought I was used to it. The emptiness of having nothing at all. Trapped tight in my seal, unable to move, let out only to kill and maim. I didn't want to get attached to anyone anymore. It hurts, so much.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-02 03:04 am (UTC)I prefer poisons and medicines at times because at least they stand a chance of curing what they treat. I can console you for this, but I can't heal it. I'm so very sorry.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-02 11:10 am (UTC)...at least you're honest. I've always liked that part.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-02 10:37 pm (UTC)You deserve honesty. Little white lies help the weak dream longer... The strong face the truth head-on. Secrets and the like have their place, but it wouldn't help anyone here.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-03 09:02 am (UTC)No. But it's maddening how many there are. Now we have to do this again.