Stavanger Bay if "i love you" was a promise

his words were as reassuring as they could be-- all things given. dalia wished she could give him something to help her with, but she wasn't even sure what would help. his unspoken questions, at least, were appreciated. dalia didn't quite remember the details to give to him... and she especially didn't want to recall the moment. "ford knows," was all she tacked on, perhaps to let him know that she hadn't said anything... something was being done. at least, maybe? dalia was unsure what could be done.

she was caught between wanting to stay where she was and wanting to crawl closer to him. as much as it frightened her, she wanted the closeness. it offered some sort of safety. but she stayed put, her glassy gaze raising up to meet his as his muzzle moved to rest at his paws. she was silent, just for a moment, before she spoke again. "you brought me a pearl," she commented, not as a question, though a few questions bubbled below the surface. she asked only one, "did you know i have a collection?" as in, is that why you brought it to me?