It'd been awhile since she really sat and talked to someone. She found herself smiling at Athena's demeanor, since it seemed she understood exactly what she was talking about. Truthfully, it was quite entertaining how she felt so old and so young at the same time - hadn't it just been yesterday that she'd been frolicking in the flowers with Novel? She remembered the first time they'd met, so long ago, beneath the willow trees. She wondered how so many years had passed so quickly. Some days she still felt surprisingly young, and she wondered if she would ever feel quite as old as she was. Ara found herself sighing wistfully at the thought.
Her words, surprisingly, brought a smile to Ara's face. "Nor am I, actually," she admitted, feeling a bit relieved that she wasn't alone in being bad at small talk. "But if you show any interest in herbs, I'll probably talk your ear off. Just a fair warning." Ara was used to spending most of her time alone; she'd always been more introverted and thoughtful than most she met, though in one particular area she thrived. "But I'd love to join you. Thanks." Despite her independent nature, she truly did enjoy the company of others, and going for a brief stroll with Athena sounded like a nice break from the monotony of her day. Her gaze followed Athena briefly as she brought her bracelets inside, wondering how she ever got used to them. Probably the same way she was growing used to wearing that tattered satchel she'd found, though she'd decided to give it a break today. The bracelets, at least, looked quite nice even if she was unsure if they served any real purpose.
The beginning of their walk was quiet. The silence was a bit awkward, but it felt more comfortable than not. The question took her by surprise, though, and she was grateful she could tilt her head away, examining their surroundings briefly before speaking. "I.. did," Ara answered, noticing Athena had used the word had rather than have. It was accurate, she supposed, as much as it hurt to admit it. She hoped her soft reply didn't betray how that fact made her feel. "Her name is Novel. She.. left to return to her birthlands. She was supposed to return, but it's been.. awhile." She wasn't opposed to talking about it, but she hadn't spoken of Novel to anyone since her departure, and it was harder than she anticipated. "I.. am not sure if she's coming back."
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