The open market of Amaranthine was one of her favorite places in the small coastal town. Upon stepping into its proper, Deidre took a deep, appreciative breath of the briny air and sighed in a satisfied manner. Grinning faintly over at her companion, broad enough that the covert dimple on her left cheek showed, she gestured for Bethen to follow her, weaving through the stands and the crowds -- given her thoughtful nature, however, she never strayed far away from the fair-skinned magic user. Espying a small store bedecked with vibrant colors and stuffed animals, she pointed it out with a finger. "We might have to stop by there later, if that's okay? But first thing's first." She winked as she continued on forward, dancing around the unending mill of bodies that crossed their path while they headed deeper into its commercial chaos.
The archaeologist appeared to be looking for a stall in particular, finding it in short order. Situated on wheels for easy transport and assembly, it appeared to be a craftsman's cart that specialized in a variety of raw materials for mundane artisan work. Moving in that direction, she gestured for Bethen to follow, fingers sweeping towards its prominent display of stones of all kinds; quartz, obsidian, tiger's eyes, fluorspar and the like. The merchant had all colors; black and white, brown and gray, some with multicolored swirls and whole fragments of unprocessed marble meant to be fashioned as whatever piece of houseware the purchaser decided to make. All in all, it was a small and nondescript stand.
"First," Deidre began, stopping by the edge and waiting for their turn. "I need you to pick a stone...your choice. Once we buy it, we can start moving again. Though...I suppose I should explain my idea first before you invest in anything." Thankfully, there was a line and thanks to the person in front busy haggling for the price of a slab of marble, they had a bit of time. She turned to the mage, intent on pitching her plan, as giddy as a young school girl speaking to another after class.
"I mentioned that it might be a good idea to get him something to wear," she reiterated. "Something wholly different from some or all of his interests, but at the same time was somewhat related to them. And then you mentioned you didn't really give him anything but your companionship back in Kinloch Hold -- which is largely the reason why you don't know what to get him now. So, let's go with something tried and true in your case. We'll give him exactly that....your companionship. After all, he's not headed for Ostagar like we are, my idea is to give him...a sort of symbolic stand-in for your presence."
Her hands found her pockets again, the overall look of her growing soft and somber. Her gaze met its crystalline, ice-blue counterpart from across her, but if there was any hesitation in delivering her following words, she didn't show it. If the sorceress found it a stupid idea, she was ready to take the criticism, unflinching in her proposals -- indubitably, if Plan A was going to get cloven apart, another would spring up in its place. "In the days of our Almarri ancestors," she began. "Warriors were often paired with wolf cubs, to grow up with and to fight alongside with in battle. These cubs become their partners in the field and most of the time, their best and most trusted friends and companions. An Almarri warrior is said to be bound to the same wolf for the rest of its life. I believe it's a tradition that holds true, still, for the famous Ash Warriors...only now, they pair up with Mabari instead of wolves. Anyway... I thought the idea would take care of everything we discussed -- a wolf charm, something he could wear. He would understand the significance because of his love for military history and it also touches upon his love for canines."