It is quite different... My goal is that, within my lifetime, we too will be free.
[Her frills settle quickly, an indicator that the display was not necessarily anger but something much more raw, an exposed nerve. She's stared into that bottomless pit for too long, and she doesn't even need the encroaching dread or the seizing in her lungs to feel it also crushing in on her.]
I'd have to swear you to silence. [Lighter, now, but truthful.] Once you've gone far enough, you do not get to leave.
[It's such a fast answer that Cantarella's almost taken aback by it, her head tilting to the side in wonder. She can't imagine Sage hasn't at least considered the consequences.]
Aren't you concerned our current predicaments occupy enough of our focus? You're doing a great deal for strangers already.
There will yet be time after our current predicaments have resolved.
[ And Sage sounds very confident that they will, in fact, be resolved. But maybe that's not a surprise to Cantarella—they do, after all, seem the type who doesn't back down. ]
I do as I like, and I chase after what interests me. My interests oft happen to coincide with extending a hand to others, and what I can learn elsewhere could benefit my studies at home.
[Such an independent assertion keeps the smile on her face.]
I'm a bit surprised you're not in any rush to leave.
[Even despite the fact they must also want to return as soon as possible to disseminate any solution they've found... Coming here intentionally might have something to do with that lack of urgency.]
Then I'll continue to plumb the depths of your knowledge on curses...and if you've any insight on saving the divine or assimilation of consciousness, well, I'm all ears. A mirror will only ever reflect what looks into it.
[Sage must not believe their paths will permanently diverge at the end of this road, though it's difficult to tell whether they know something about the nature of separate "worlds" that Cantarella herself does not, or if they're speaking out of pride and confidence.]
There's really no stopping you. [It's faintly amused praise.] I'm in the middle of something important at the moment, so I can say the same. What a shame our paths didn't cross when we both had more time for leisure.
[ Maybe Sage is an optimist in their own way, in tandem with knowledge they have not disclosed. ]
'Tis a shame indeed, though we at least have some pockets of time now, as it were. Not every moment of our time must be dedicated to solving the mysteries of this realm. Though I am loathe to admit it, breaks are necessary.
Vigilance is an essential even in my day-to-day life. [what are breaks] A peaceful, quiet moment is an exquisite delicacy...so I shall let such moments melt away slowly on my tongue while I have them.
[It sounds more like a state of constant alarm or vigilance than a state of constant work, perhaps.]
There's no work getting done with a tired mind, anyway.
[Cantarella can't help but chuckle. They've definitely spoken long enough now that the tea has steeped a suitable amount, so she makes moves to fully prepare it.]
Sage isn't often a sweet herb, but it has a certain warmth to it. [Hehe.] You've no need to worry about me. I'll manage.
[Woman who will do anything to keep anyone else from seeing her slipping guarantees she'll never slip.
Cantarella clinks her full teacup against its still-empty neighbor in a notably ridiculous toast, her smile revealing just how well aware she is of that.]
Well, should I let you have the chance to savor your cup?
It's a unique system for hosting tea parties, without a doubt. One of the more unique ones I've experienced.
[Cantarella rises to her feet, hand gently drifting along the surface of the table.]
Thank you for your insights. Just like a polite jellyfish, I'll see myself out, until such a time as the current brings me back here. [She is not really one for drifting, though, as Sage may have deduced.]
no subject
[Her frills settle quickly, an indicator that the display was not necessarily anger but something much more raw, an exposed nerve. She's stared into that bottomless pit for too long, and she doesn't even need the encroaching dread or the seizing in her lungs to feel it also crushing in on her.]
I'd have to swear you to silence. [Lighter, now, but truthful.] Once you've gone far enough, you do not get to leave.
no subject
Easy enough. Discretion is no difficult task for me, and you've captured my curiosity.
no subject
Aren't you concerned our current predicaments occupy enough of our focus? You're doing a great deal for strangers already.
no subject
[ And Sage sounds very confident that they will, in fact, be resolved. But maybe that's not a surprise to Cantarella—they do, after all, seem the type who doesn't back down. ]
I do as I like, and I chase after what interests me. My interests oft happen to coincide with extending a hand to others, and what I can learn elsewhere could benefit my studies at home.
no subject
I'm a bit surprised you're not in any rush to leave.
[Even despite the fact they must also want to return as soon as possible to disseminate any solution they've found... Coming here intentionally might have something to do with that lack of urgency.]
Then I'll continue to plumb the depths of your knowledge on curses...and if you've any insight on saving the divine or assimilation of consciousness, well, I'm all ears. A mirror will only ever reflect what looks into it.
no subject
I am in a rush, yet I have confidence that when I return that I will manage to resolve what I am able.
[ Not without help, but they know they can gather it. ]
Afterwards, I'm sure to have time to spare. In any case, I'm certain you have plenty of knowledge to spare in turn.
no subject
There's really no stopping you. [It's faintly amused praise.] I'm in the middle of something important at the moment, so I can say the same. What a shame our paths didn't cross when we both had more time for leisure.
no subject
'Tis a shame indeed, though we at least have some pockets of time now, as it were. Not every moment of our time must be dedicated to solving the mysteries of this realm. Though I am loathe to admit it, breaks are necessary.
no subject
[It sounds more like a state of constant alarm or vigilance than a state of constant work, perhaps.]
There's no work getting done with a tired mind, anyway.
no subject
[ Something they've bothered a certain someone about many, many times in the past... ]
So do take your ease when you have the opportunity. I understand that may be a difficult task in a place such as this, but an attempt matters.
no subject
Sage isn't often a sweet herb, but it has a certain warmth to it. [Hehe.] You've no need to worry about me. I'll manage.
no subject
I will choose to take your word for it, then.
no subject
[Woman who will do anything to keep anyone else from seeing her slipping guarantees she'll never slip.
Cantarella clinks her full teacup against its still-empty neighbor in a notably ridiculous toast, her smile revealing just how well aware she is of that.]
Well, should I let you have the chance to savor your cup?
no subject
If you do not mind. I find that I could use a warm cup to relax. However, I do ask that you return soon.
no subject
[Cantarella rises to her feet, hand gently drifting along the surface of the table.]
Thank you for your insights. Just like a polite jellyfish, I'll see myself out, until such a time as the current brings me back here. [She is not really one for drifting, though, as Sage may have deduced.]
no subject
And she knows those words mean that Cantarella will be back sooner rather than later, at least. ]
Until the currents shift my way again, may the shadows keep you.