If she ever strung more than a few words together, it was for her people’s sake. "... fresh wounds, damaged nerves… .ᐣ "

" Torden... never heard that one before. you've got some serious canines there, Torden. "

yes, she had noticed them when he smiled — pointed at them with the hand that was holding her cigar.

" I have a joke for you... what do you call a dog who meditates .ᐣ "

" that’s a good one, I’ll tell it my daughter, she’ll love it. " 𝘰𝘩, 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵.

" my name is Kala, by the way. "

no sound escapes from her, but her lips stretch into a smile that creases the crow’s feet around her eyes, and her shoulders tremble just sligjttly.

that is perhaps the closest thing to laughter one will hear from her.

—

" don't know... why couldn't he .ᐣ "

the sharp lines of the woman's face softened, but only slightly, forming the shadow of a smile on her lips.

𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 — someone who followed her jokes, besides her daughter.

" well... have you heard about that man whose entire left side exploded .ᐣ "

the general's face is too serious to be joking — but that's just the way she is. she takes a drag, pulls the cigarette away from her lips, and taps it lightly over the ashtray.

" I've heard he's alright now. "