bethen avilla ; the circle mage (bethe) wrote in thedas,
Bethen hadn't quite realized that the elder was finished speaking, and found herself staring quite awkwardly for a beat before gathering her wits again -- or at least scrabbling for some shred of them. "I...yes...that-- That is amazing news," said the mage, breathlessly. She clasped her hands together, making as if to pray, and bent her head to bow before the woman. The Warden looked up, glassy-eyed with tears again, but these were caused by sheer mirth. "Thank you, so, so very much, Sis-- your Reverence."
"You are welcome, though it is truly the Maker's benediction that secured their fortune," Catrin replied, at least a little chiding of the direction of her praise. It was a bittersweet reminder that Bethen sat in His house, her actions watched under His eyes. She had almost forgotten her place, though she didn't quite agree with the sentiment. But her Reverence didn't dwell on her 'mistake' for long. "Nevertheless, I am glad to be able to put your mind at ease, after so much time. I wish someone could have told you sooner, truly. If it is any further help to you, I do have the address of their home in Denerim. I know you must depart to tread upon a more dangerous path, but if you would like me to forward them a message, I can."
The Warden considered the offer carefully, though she already knew her answer. "Thank you for the gesture, though I...think I would like to wait." Nevermind that she had been waiting for fifteen years already to say or hear anything from them. They could wait a little longer, though. She glanced up at Alderic, mostly speaking for herself, but taking him into consideration as well as she said, "Perhaps when we return from our mission, I can contact them." It seemed far more sensible than telling them she was still living, as well, when she was about to walk into a pit of despair and possibly face her own mortality once more. Why raise their hopes and then have to send a second note saying, whoops, just kidding, got killed by darkspawn weeks later? No, she would spare them a second heartbreak by allowing them to remain blissfully unaware of her survival, at least until she could walk to their front door herself.
Mother Catrin nodded. "As you wish. Now, is there anything else I can do for either of you today? I don't mean to rush you out of my office, but I will have other business to attend to soon." Putting some restraint on the exuberance that was bubbling within, Bethen shook her head, rising to her feet, and turned to look at Alderic with mild curiosity. Had he simply followed her in here out of concern, or did he have something else he needed to settle in the Chantry? She stepped aside in the direction of the open doorway, just in case he did.