This stranger hardly wishes to know that their mind is crowded and noisy this morning but they fear their companions disapproval.

"Not pleasant. I came here in search of some peace to settle my mind. It's rather noisy this morning."

Not quite the full truth but truthful enough.

"I hope so. She does appear more content when we spend time together. I just want her to be happy and safe." They smile softly staring down at their hands. "Do you have anyone? Siblings? Family?"

They feel Honesty's talons digging into their shoulder as they contemplate lying.

"It is appreciated. Such genuine kindness is rare. So I am not offended, truly."

"She's not really the type to open up easily. Hides everything behind a laugh and charm. I've been trying for a while now."

They laughed at Lilya's comment. Usually they would have bristled at such forwardness— fearing ill intent. Yet this elf was different.

Especially when they learned what Elswyth was.
"She doesn't trust the Talons. Truthfully I think she despises the entire organisation."

"That would require her to talk about whatever it is that is going on. Every time I ask she shuts me down and no one will tell me what happened. I want to help her but I don't know how."

They sighed offering up a small appreciative smile. Lilya was strangely kind— most people weren't.

They lifted their head shaking it. Deya was far from okay even if she pretended otherwise. Their sister spoke very little about her role in the Crows but it was clear just how heavily it weighed on her slight shoulders.

"She's not happy. I think she'd leave if she could."

Elswyth flinched a bit at the touch before settling. Would their mamae even still be alive after all of this time? They couldn't be sure. Creators only knew where she had ended up. "It was fifteen years ago. When we were eight." They muttered. "If I knew where to look I would have started by now."

Teeth grinding together as they recalled that day and everything they had learned fifteen years afterwards.

"Not really. She was captured. Our mother too. Sold at a slave market somewhere in Tevinter. Deya to the crows and... well I have no idea where my mamae is..."

Elswyth was grateful for the gesture. It helped them feel a little less awkward.

"Yes, it was my favourite part of being a part of the clan. The Halla and creatures in the forests were my only friends.They taught me far more than my keeper ever did."
They paused at the question.

Sorry I'd much rather eat dirt than a turd like yourself

They let out a wry laugh before answering.

"Far superior to the people. Even if they were rather naughty at times." Their eyes softened a little at the unexpected kindness. "Thank you. My sister managed to survive and was returned to me but—"

"It seems we were both dealt a rough hand." Elswyth mumbled reaching out to awkwardly pat their shoulder. They were never good at the whole interacting with people thing. It wasn't something that came easily to them. So Lilya's joke and smile was quite welcome.

"It was complicated. My clan mates didn't particularly like me. Got worse after my parents and sister were attacked by bandits. The Keeper, my aunt, didn't much like me either. So I tended to the Halla, picked plants and tried to stay away from them all as much as possible to avoid their anger."

Elswyth did quite know how to answer that question. The question brought up memories of vicious words, punishments and cruel tricks. Bound limbs, the taste of worms in their mouth and cold fear. But it hadn't all been bad. There was so much of it that they had loved. That they missed.

"Oh I see. You have encountered the All Mother as well?" The words along with the grimace give the impression that they have. Mythal did tend to... well she was prickly and difficult.
"Well I was raised in clan Aldwir so I do not know much about Andraste but I do know of the Gods."

"Hmm it really depends on their fate I suppose. Or what fragment you come across."

They shuddered recalling the one of Mythal they had encountered in the crossroads. Eaten up with bitterness and impervious as ever.

You have spoken to the Maker himself? *Squints in confusion* Maybe they do. I have no idea since I do not speak for them.
*Confused squeaking* Well... Uhm... good for everyone I guess???

Maybe it's talking about worship? I'm just confused about why someone would wish to cuddle naked with myself?

Spirits are not so easily destroyed. Especially powerful ancient ones such as the Evanuris. Some fragment. Some return to the fade. Others reform into something new. It all depends."

Elswyth laughs at the question. A strange sound more akin to the cawing of crows than anything human.

"I like the way you think. That is exactly why I chose it." They smirk, a hint of mischief glinting in their eyes. "I believe they do.

A drawing of a smiling moth hugging a flower stalk. The caption reads, "You matter all of the time, not only when you are at your best."

"But you *are* beautiful." Elswyth tilted their head ears twitching as they studied her face. "Your eyes are the colour of nightshade and your hair is like ravens feathers."

They nod. "What's the point of fearing the inevitable? We'll all return to the ground one day. Some sooner than others."

who's stolen many foolish clanmates lives it felt fitting."

don't understand it. I am far from beautiful."
The curiosity makes them smile a little. Moving closer so she can get a better view of the Vallaslin adorning their face.
"Well I suppose I find comfort in death and the macabre. It's an old friend of mine. And as someone

Elswyth tilted their head looking rather confused. They weren't calling her stupid at all. And their honesty was rather refreshing. They just could not understand why she thought them beautiful.
"Apologies. I wasn't trying to imply that you're stupid. I do appreciate the honesty even if I

Falondins. The God of the Dead."

Elswyth doesn't quite know how to respond to the compliment. It has to be a lie... but it isn't. Honesty is remarkably quiet so it must be the truth. Their eyes squint unable to believe that someone views them that way.

"I think you may need to get your head checked." They mutter. "Vallaslin.

The words were blunt and plain spoken. Not an attempt at flirting but a simple truth.

Elswyth watches Lilya with wary eyes. Feeling as if she has seen through their attempt to deflect from uncomfortable memories. They were never good at concealing truths even before becoming possessed.

"Thank you. Well if your friend is correct it's a fitting name. You are rather beautiful."