[Y'shtola is perfectly quiet. It's not a disruption in the slightest, not her footsteps or her taking the book or the gentle rustle of her dipping the cushion next to Cantarella.
But within a few minutes, the dream very gently lets Cantarella go, and she's free to open her eyes in the quiet light.]
Be careful...that one might send you into a deep slumber. [She stirs a little but stays exactly where she's lying.]
[ She's concentrated, focusing on reading what's in her lap, but Cantarella's stirring gets her attention and she turns to look towards her, soft smile on her lips. ]
You might. That's why I have to warn you of the dangers.
[For once, she's able to joke about protection and not have it laden with what-ifs and looming darkness. It's temporary, but sweet...this feels a little like the peaceful, quiet life she hopes one day to have, all fetters on her family released. So Cantarella is content to sit and not speak for a while, until the flow of conversation rises once again.]
I suppose you can read whatever catches your fancy now. That must make you happy. What'll it be?
[What palpable relief. Cantarella's eyes are still closed, but she thinks she has a good mental picture. Y'shtola's ears are probably doing something that betrays her relaxation.]
Do you have one in mind?
[There are still things to be done back in Y'shtola's homeworld, of course, but it could have all unraveled so much further than it did. A future that's within reach is quite sweet to discuss.]
[Cantarella brings a hand to her chin, leaning it to the side in thought, pillowed against the nearest soft place to land.]
I've heard of a rather inhospitable planet where humanity strives against the disasters wreaked by the lament each and every day. It's a dangerous place, but there's a castle on an island cliff there where I'm told the lady of the house is an inimitable hostess... Though she's found herself in a precarious situation recently.
She's always open to negotiation, though she prefers to start with an advantage. It's just good business.
[Y'shtola keeps curling up, which makes it a little easier to wrap around and nudge her playfully like a small wisp of smoke, though Cantarella doesn't linger in that curled position.]
They're ugly secrets, scabs that hide a toxic wound, but perhaps there's some true beauty underneath...the pearl worth searching for. What's on offer?
Who could turn down such a generous deal? The Fisalia family does remember and treat well anyone who would show it loyal tribute, after all. Although this contract, once made, is binding.
[Before Y'shtola does show up knocking at her door, there are things she'd better tell her. Cantarella doesn't revel in the secrecy that defines her entire life, that has defined the past few weeks of it... but to involve her is practically inviting the darkness to reach out and drag her down. That Y'shtola still wouldn't flinch is something she's certain of... and she's just about ready to open the door to let the flood pour through.]
Hehe... Isn't that insatiable curiosity disappointed that one puzzle was already solved for it?
[ She hums softly, as if she’s seriously considering it. ]
I suppose I should find a separate puzzle to solve instead, simply to make up for it. I’m certain I’ll find one. Mayhap the lady of the house would be kind enough to guide me to one.
[ It’s a joke, but she wouldn’t put it past Cantarella to search for further mysteries so Y’shtola has more to dig into. It’s her way of things and it’s what captures and keeps her interest… most of the time. Her fondness for others can override that, though she’s selective of who reaches that level.
She has a few mysteries of her own that she might be able to offer as a starting morsel to whet your appetite.
[Perhaps some of them aren't even wrapped up in darkness and death. Cantarella is barely known in the towns surrounding her castle, with her title having far more reach than her given name. Maybe there are some secrets that are just about her.]
Hm... You might even get away with asking. It's a proper price to pay for the potential of our reunion arriving much sooner than I anticipated.
[She never didn't have full faith...but certainty certainly helps, doesn't it?]
[ And... hm. She shifts around and leans towards Cantarella, head settling on her shoulder. Her excuse is that they're both tired and sleepy, and also... why not. There's no work to be done, nothing to worry about for the time being. ]
I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed that I cannot solve the problem of transportation all on my own.
No such gladness for me, hm? [Playful.] But that's how I thought you'd feel about having things solved under your nose.
[She missed an opportunity to dig into a mystery; of course, she'd be disappointed. Ever preferring to do things her own way, this Sage.
Cantarella lifts her head a little, giving Y'shtola a cradle for her head to rest. Tired, isn't she? Well, it's impossible to resist the urge to be caring. She tucks up around her again, the gesture casual and warm. It comes rather easily since they're both in peak cozy position. Gentle physical affection comes naturally to Cantarella; it's just how she acts with people at her most her.]
Use it as the basis of your own studies. You might even be able to improve upon it, given that we don't know what we will receive.
[ An ear brushes up against Cantarella’s cheek, the fur soft.
As Cantarella adjusts around her, Y’shtola lets out a soft sigh. This feels nice, warm. ]
You bring up a good point. Mayhap I will create something more convenient.
[ If what they’re given is complicated, that is. Part of her hopes that it is, simply so she can work to improve it. But if it’s not… well. It’ll be nice, seeing everyone easily. ]
Otherwise, I shall use it as a base for my studies regarding transportation to other reflections.
Hm? [She hums her curiosity, though her voice has become softer and more melodic, as calm as it is curious. Such a nice moment.] I'd like to hear about that work and how it differs. A reflection must be quite distinct from a star.
[Cantarella reaches around for the book in Y'shtola's lap, fingers splayed across the gutter and prepared to be the one taking it away from her this time. She doesn't snatch it up just yet in case Y'shtola insists on continuing her reading. Though, she could always be read to... She speaks very close to her fluffy ear.]
For now, don't you think it's time to rest? [It's a nice moment she'd like to preserve for a while...but here's someone who's certainly earned the respite.]
Edited (this edit looks so late but it's bc i forgot to hit update reply for like 2 hours.................) 2025-12-16 05:06 (UTC)
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no subject
But within a few minutes, the dream very gently lets Cantarella go, and she's free to open her eyes in the quiet light.]
Be careful...that one might send you into a deep slumber. [She stirs a little but stays exactly where she's lying.]
no subject
So I'll suffer the same fate as you?
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[For once, she's able to joke about protection and not have it laden with what-ifs and looming darkness. It's temporary, but sweet...this feels a little like the peaceful, quiet life she hopes one day to have, all fetters on her family released. So Cantarella is content to sit and not speak for a while, until the flow of conversation rises once again.]
I suppose you can read whatever catches your fancy now. That must make you happy. What'll it be?
no subject
Hmmm. I suppose I'll delve into the mysteries of an unknown star.
[ Her tone is soft, relaxed, released of the burden that's plagued her for... who knows how long, now. ]
no subject
Do you have one in mind?
[There are still things to be done back in Y'shtola's homeworld, of course, but it could have all unraveled so much further than it did. A future that's within reach is quite sweet to discuss.]
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She closes her eyes too. ]
I'm open to suggestions.
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I've heard of a rather inhospitable planet where humanity strives against the disasters wreaked by the lament each and every day. It's a dangerous place, but there's a castle on an island cliff there where I'm told the lady of the house is an inimitable hostess... Though she's found herself in a precarious situation recently.
Sounds like a rather unpleasant place.
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[ She adjusts herself on the couch, curling up a bit more. ]
Do you believe she might be willing to divulge some of them?
no subject
[Y'shtola keeps curling up, which makes it a little easier to wrap around and nudge her playfully like a small wisp of smoke, though Cantarella doesn't linger in that curled position.]
They're ugly secrets, scabs that hide a toxic wound, but perhaps there's some true beauty underneath...the pearl worth searching for. What's on offer?
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Insatiable curiosity, knowledge of magicks... a promise to fight tooth and nail against those disasters.
[ It's a good bargain, she's certain. ]
Would she accept this offer?
no subject
[Before Y'shtola does show up knocking at her door, there are things she'd better tell her. Cantarella doesn't revel in the secrecy that defines her entire life, that has defined the past few weeks of it... but to involve her is practically inviting the darkness to reach out and drag her down. That Y'shtola still wouldn't flinch is something she's certain of... and she's just about ready to open the door to let the flood pour through.]
Hehe... Isn't that insatiable curiosity disappointed that one puzzle was already solved for it?
no subject
[ She hums softly, as if she’s seriously considering it. ]
I suppose I should find a separate puzzle to solve instead, simply to make up for it. I’m certain I’ll find one. Mayhap the lady of the house would be kind enough to guide me to one.
[ It’s a joke, but she wouldn’t put it past Cantarella to search for further mysteries so Y’shtola has more to dig into. It’s her way of things and it’s what captures and keeps her interest… most of the time. Her fondness for others can override that, though she’s selective of who reaches that level.
However… Cantarella certainly has. ]
no subject
[Perhaps some of them aren't even wrapped up in darkness and death. Cantarella is barely known in the towns surrounding her castle, with her title having far more reach than her given name. Maybe there are some secrets that are just about her.]
Hm... You might even get away with asking. It's a proper price to pay for the potential of our reunion arriving much sooner than I anticipated.
[She never didn't have full faith...but certainty certainly helps, doesn't it?]
no subject
Oh, I'm certain she will.
[ And... hm. She shifts around and leans towards Cantarella, head settling on her shoulder. Her excuse is that they're both tired and sleepy, and also... why not. There's no work to be done, nothing to worry about for the time being. ]
I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed that I cannot solve the problem of transportation all on my own.
no subject
[She missed an opportunity to dig into a mystery; of course, she'd be disappointed. Ever preferring to do things her own way, this Sage.
Cantarella lifts her head a little, giving Y'shtola a cradle for her head to rest. Tired, isn't she? Well, it's impossible to resist the urge to be caring. She tucks up around her again, the gesture casual and warm. It comes rather easily since they're both in peak cozy position. Gentle physical affection comes naturally to Cantarella; it's just how she acts with people at her most her.]
Use it as the basis of your own studies. You might even be able to improve upon it, given that we don't know what we will receive.
no subject
As Cantarella adjusts around her, Y’shtola lets out a soft sigh. This feels nice, warm. ]
You bring up a good point. Mayhap I will create something more convenient.
[ If what they’re given is complicated, that is. Part of her hopes that it is, simply so she can work to improve it. But if it’s not… well. It’ll be nice, seeing everyone easily. ]
Otherwise, I shall use it as a base for my studies regarding transportation to other reflections.
no subject
[Cantarella reaches around for the book in Y'shtola's lap, fingers splayed across the gutter and prepared to be the one taking it away from her this time. She doesn't snatch it up just yet in case Y'shtola insists on continuing her reading. Though, she could always be read to... She speaks very close to her fluffy ear.]
For now, don't you think it's time to rest? [It's a nice moment she'd like to preserve for a while...but here's someone who's certainly earned the respite.]