Gerlinde found that the more Lisle's voice cracked, the more hers firmed.  Some of the steadiness in her that she had felt during the sudden shock and constant horror of the front lines was filtering back into her.  She was excellent at handling crisis - so long as it wasn't her own.<br/><br/>"Yes.  That's why I wanted you relaxed."  Her hand firmed, a silk brace against Lisle's face.  The circling subsided; Gerlinde didn't need it anymore.  She held the side of the girl's face firm, as though the more Lisle cracked, the more Gerlinde's steadiness would seep in.<br/><br/>Her voice was pure calm as she spoke.  Her eyes, perfect crystal.  "It would have all been gone, one way or another.  If you panicked, it might have hurt you.  Seeing yourself change, piece by piece, would have been agony.  You know that.  I wanted to spare you that, since you are being so good.  I couldn't spare you this moment, but I could spare you those."<br/><br/>Gerlinde shook her head slightly.  "You're not an animal, but you're not human either - human beings just waste away and die here.  You're a pet, kitty, and you're special.  And that means you're going to be alright.  You just have to be as good as I've seen you be."