aedanisms:
“i don’t know about all that,” he grinned, the softest hint of pink at his cheeks from the compliment. “but it certainly passes the time.” that was an understatement. from start to finish, it had taken him near to a year to put this book together. usually he wouldn’t have devoted that much time to a single project, but it had been the only thing that kept his mind from straying back to his brother. upon finally finishing it, he’d been shocked when garreth had given it back to him. “ya keep it,” the old man had said as he closed aedan’s hand around the precious book. “i ain’t got no need for a book so grand. folks around here’re hardly looking for a book worth a small fortune. but i bet ya that with work like that, you could find yer way to a much higher job than i can give ya here.” he drew himself back to the land of the living when her voice sounded out once again. “among other things. i’m a bookbinder, miss. we’re meant to do it all. it is. i think it gives something new to a story.”
“that so? beggin’ your pardon, miss, but i’m a bit surprised you’d be readin’ something like that. it’s hardly the proper literature that a young lady such as yourself would generally find herself fancyin’.” he had met more than a handful of young rich girls, who would barge into the bookshop as though they were the best in the land. usually, they’d browse for ages (and he’d be sent to assist them) until they finally bought the very book that he’d offered them upon walking in.
“you’re an odd one, if ya don’t mind my saying. i can hardly imagine you fittin’ in at the afternoon tea, or whatever it is that your lot do to pass the time.” aedan knew that his comment was insubordinate, but he was curious to see whether she would scold him for it. “it’s a good one, miss. dark, to be certain- but if you’ve got the stomach for a bit of gore, it’s quite the read.”
“Well, you can have your opinion, and I can have mine.” It’s a statement that often leaves her lips: though typically in conversation with her parents, so it’s nice to say it without any hint of frustration coloring her voice. Looking at what he can do, with just his mind, his hands, and some colors...she longed to have a talent like that. Some people were just b l e s s e d with both ability and passion, and Nancy had no doubt that Aedan had both of these in spades.
She may not have any actual ‘natural talent’ but she did have an innate thirst to know more. There truly wasn’t a point in wishing for what she can’t have, so the girl leans against one of the poles as she speaks, “What other styles are you interested in?” Hearing other people ramble about their passions was always a beautiful experience.
“I’ve always been a bit...bad at following the proper young lady mold. As exhibited by the events of the past five minutes.” she emits an embarrassed laugh. It’s not like her and Henry hadn’t gotten themselves into worse sorts of hijinks, but there was something about this ship that made her feel...more adult. Less free. She was suddenly hyper aware that once they docked, she would be married off to some stranger, and though this idea had been drilled into her head for as long as she could remember, it hadn’t truly felt R E A L until now.
“It’s just muscle memory at this point, I suppose. Sit straight, smile, nod your head at the appropriate times. Attempt to look interested, though every single conversation is just have you seen this latest fashion trend, or did you hear that so-and-so is in search of a wife.” It’s as she says this that Nancy realizes how...”poor little rich girl” she sounds. Especially considering that they’re in the third class quarters, and her dress was likely the cost of all of his roommates tickets combined.
“That HAS to sound like such a superficial thing to complain about. I’m blessed, I know I am, but it’s just...a bit suffocating. I’m sorry, you didn’t ask me to barge into your quarters and now I’m unloading onto you. I should just go. Thank you, again.”
