Rhocanth tilted his head to the side curiously as Beth proclaimed that she was not a botanist. Really? Well, that was probable. Any human would likely know as much about trees and how to handle them. It had been his frustration which had made her advice look so appealing. She did seem to get at what he was thinking, however, which increased his enthusiasm a little more yet.
"Yes, absolutely, a ribbon. Perhaps a small one, though. The legs of these leaves are not particularly long." He carried the branch along with him, happily mislabeling the stems in his mind. What else would one call them? "You are most generous, Miss Bethen."
It was perhaps not the most comfortable for him, but he found himself suddenly given to idle speculation about her actual profession. If he guessed wrong, it would be a dire insult, at least within dwarven culture. He was given to caution. Rhocanth observed her tall form with a practiced modest neutrality, lingering nowhere she would not care for. She seemed as well-turned-out as any of the upper castes, though she lacked some of the adornments that would have absolutely swayed his opinion. Her robes were very fine, her hands lacked signs of hard labor, and she did know Lord Bryland personally... Oh, dear. Perhaps she was human nobility as well? What did human nobility look like? Rhocanth was only familiar with Coan, and though nothing glaring had arisen in their interactions, he couldn't be sure if Coan was typical or unusual. Best to take even more caution, then.
He began with a cordial smile, wandering along behind Bethen as she turned to go back into the main area of the keep. His stomach immediately settled as he stepped over the threshold and had a roof over his head again. The dimness of the light soothed his eyes, though it did nothing for the luster of the leaves, he noticed. They were prettier in bold sunlight. "So..." Now was where he had to mull over his words carefully. "You say you've recently met Lord Bryland? I traveled with him here. I have enjoyed his company."
Discreet eyes went to Bethen's face. Perhaps watching for signs that said speaking to Coan was out of place for her?