Jaden Tahal; Dalish Elf and Grey Warden (tahal) wrote in thedas,
While Jaden may have seemed completely oblivious to all that was going on around him as he worked on the carving, it couldn't have been further from the truth. He was very aware of the comings and goings of people in the courtyard. It was something he'd learned from living out in the forest. After all, if one were too focused on the task at hand, whether it be stalking a deer or picking plants, it would be all-too easy to miss something coming upon you. Like a wolf. In Jaden's life, the clan had only lost two of its clan members to wolves in such a manner. It was a shame, and they had all mourned. What had made it harder to take was that the deaths had been so unnecessary. A little extra caution went a long way in the wilderness.
He'd caught sight of Signy when she entered the courtyard, though only for a brief moment before he'd decided she was no danger and gone back to his work. He, too, believed her to be a human child at first sight. It was only when she came closer that he began to realize that wasn't quite right. He had little experience with dwarves. In fact, he had never met one until he'd joined up with the Wardens. So many new things introduced in such a short period of time. It took all he had not to feel overwhelmed.
Looking up at her question, he made another swipe with the knife before swinging his feet around so they dangled from the fence. He extended his hand out, showing her the half-finished carving. "A dog. I think. Well, it's supposed to be. It might not be turning out quite as well as I'd hoped." Just because he was in unfamiliar territory didn't mean he'd have to be dismissive. Besides, she looked just as overwhelmed as he felt.