Lailani meant those questions about life as rhetorical, but Zeliha's gaze still went slightly far away as she searched for the answers in her head. She got as far as evolution, the innate desires and desperation of all living beings, and the will of the Gods before she reeled herself back into the point her elvhen friend was making. Then she pursed her lips and nodded, letting out a slow exhale through her nose. It took her a moment but she met Lailani's gaze again and smiled, her words finally sinking in fully. "And that is why you will always be one of the best of us," she murmured gratefully and nodded. "Yes, I believe that is the truth of who we are... who we should always be." Sensible wisdom that even Zeliha would know, but it was difficult to call on sensible wisdom when she was as restless, afraid and sad as she was.
Most elvhen did not ask to be seen as mentor or paternal/maternal figures to the faiman, but her elvhen parent had never been able to raise her. And when such elder elvhen made such pointed remarks to her, Zeliha still could not help but feel like a rightfully scolded child. She frowned, wringing her fingers together. She would never disrespect a body, even during study, but she had to admit to herself that she did not think of praying for them as she usually did. Even for the Witchers of Iskaldrik, if they were not actively running, she had always prayed over them. "... Of course. I don't know the Gods of the Kossith, but... all living things are children of the celestial and deserve a farewell." Her words were in slightly shamed mutters. "I just... I hope they had given our people as much consideration."
“I don’t know about all of that,” she says dryly, tilting her head in acknowledgement of the compliment with an air that lends to amusement rather than pride at Zeliha’s words. Lailani has never considered herself to be special in any way, shape or form. While she did believe each soul was unique, she did not strive for acknowledgment or mastery, just to ensure she lived her life offering as much kindness as she could, whether she could afford it or not. The world was far too dark as it is, and her hope was simply to leave it a bit brighter than she had left it. Perhaps others would see her goals as lofty, but to herself they only seemed like the next logical step on her journey. “I am simply doing what I believe it’s best, one day at a time. Just like you are, just like everyone is. Our opinions of what might be best might differ, but that is what makes life worth living.”
A sigh escapes Lailani’s lips as she reaches out and places a hand on Zeliha’s shoulder. Once there, she squeezes gently and offers her a gentle smile.
“Forgive me, I am well aware of your character, I shouldn’t have reprimanded your curiosity,” she apologizes quietly as her hand leaves Zeliha’s shoulder. Her initial reaction had been her own, but she should have trusted Zeliha on how she would implement her research. She had worked with the other Nightingale for too long by mortal standards to jump to conclusions now. Her own concerns and her tension at the unknown fate of Nyla and the others were no excuse for her doubt. They needed to trust each other, especially in times like this. “I trust that your kind heart will guide you well.”
Lailani she goes to say more, but she stops, lips pressing into a bittersweet smile as she shrugs.
“We can hope they have,” she says, although privately she has her doubts. While Lailani always hoped for the best, she is also well aware that in this case, their hope seems to be less than factual.
















