bethen avilla ; the circle mage (bethe) wrote in thedas,
"Oh, that's precious!" laughed Bethen with delight, hand darting out to run a couple of fingers of the toy's head. Animals, even fake ones, usually gave her a tactile urge; there were a few mousers in the Tower, but none of them were pets, exactly. "I've only seen illustrations of halla before. I admit I've always hoped to see one live. Perhaps...I can ask Jaden about them, at some point," she had paused, hesitant to mention him, as it seemed odd to speak of a near stranger. They hadn't spoken directly, as the pair of forest elves seemed to mostly stick to one another's company since arriving at the Keep. Bethen was not the type to impose herself upon others, especially knowing how reclusive Dalish tended to be, and decided to wait for them to choose when to speak to her. That time had yet to come, but now that they were to travel with one another, it seemed likely that an opportunity to converse casually would arise.
She suspected the gift was for one of the aforementioned Dalish Wardens, but Bethen didn't want to assume, and had little idea of Dee's connection to either of them. The mage was prepared to ask, but their conversation changed paths before she could make her inquiry. Was it really that odd to abstain from drinking at their age? Deidre made it sound like the occurrence would be something of a rite of passage for her, requiring a very special excuse, and at the very least a holiday. She was trying to maintain a positive attitude, but couldn't help but feel skeptical at the mention of Satinalia -- that was at least half a year from now. So much of her life had changed in one month that Beth could barely imagine what could happen to her in six. Her doubt was evident on her face, smile faltering at the suggestion. Would they all even make it through the next few weeks?
"I can imagine," she said quietly, not having the heart to respond to anything but the mention of Antivan celebrations. Discussing traditions always brought to mind some nostalgia, though she had little else to offer on the subject than fond childhood memories. "Satinalia in our town was never that big when I was a child, but I remember the food...and the gifts. My father gave my mother a new pair of earrings every year since they met. He bought my sister dresses for her favorite doll, and my brother was young so he still had baby toys. He...didn't really ever know what to get me, though. Sometimes it would be a bracelet, or a carved animal figurine... I confess I would've preferred books, but I love that he tried." Again, her expression was one mixed of joy and sorrow, warmed by the thought of her family, but saddened by knowing they were gone.
"So receiving something that I may actually want, from someone who cares, it means a lot," she brightened, realizing that, while they could never be replaced, Bethen had gained other important people in her life with whom she could forge new memories. It was her hope that Dee could be one of those people. The conversation had come full circle at the same time as their route. It seemed a good moment to reiterate her gratitude and relief at having successfully solved her dilemma; without Dee's help, she might have still been wandering around the marketplace at this hour, lost, dismayed, and a few sovereigns lighter. "And that I can give something back is worth so much more to me. If I haven't said it enough, thank you again, for helping me."
Beth's stomach began to growl as her nose caught the scent of fish fry from within one of the homes, hunger hastening her steps. Beyond satiating her gut, there was still so much she had to prepare for before their departure. The glow of hearths inside the storied buildings began to illuminate the dimming streets, casting squares of contrasting orange light over the navy hued road leading back to their destination. Amaranthine at dusk was just as beautiful to her eyes as it was at sunset, and she couldn't wait to see what it would look like by dawn, when she would return for her purchase.