Veda: *digging through a chest, pulls out an amulet of Mara* Hm? What's this?
Xelzaz: An amulet of Mara. As I understand it, it's how many men and mer propose to their loved ones, or let them know that they're available.
Veda: *reading the information Flit projected about the amulet* But it has magical properties, does it not? It's a very broad way of asking someone to be yours. What if someone only wears it in devotion to Mara, or to enhance their Restoration abilities?
Xelzaz: Yes, I do believe it is a very strange courting ritual. Traditions in Black Marsh vary greatly from wearing some shiny trinket.
Veda: As do Dwemer traditions.
Lucien: Oh! I'd love to hear about the Dwemer courting traditions, if you wouldn't mind!
Veda: They're.. Well to me they're quite nice, but I suppose to an outsider they'd be rather strange. Typically, one or multiple of the romantic party would build or create something, and offer it to their partner.
Lucien: Romantic party? Is it not typically just a man and woman?
Veda: No, Dwemer were more open to intersex relationships and polyamory than the people of this era. I suppose you could see it as similar to how Orsimer chieftains have multiple wives, except women could often take multiple husbands if there was a mutual romantic interest between all or some of them.
Xelzaz: Interesting. What would they make for their person of interest?
Veda: Well it would depend. Tonal Architects would present a new building in the name of their interest. Artisans often carved stone statues and presented it to them as a gift. For engineers, like myself, we would design and build companion units like Flit and code them to protect our love and make sure they remain safe. If the person reciprocates, they continue to advance the tech of the automaton and repair them if they ever become injured, as a show of appreciation and accepting of the gift.
Lucien: Is Flit one such courting gift?
Veda: Mm.. Yes, I suppose he could have been. She wasn't a Dwemer, though. I don't know if she understood the implications behind it. Nonetheless, I continue to make sure Flit's in prime condition. It's the least I could do..
Xelzaz: Dwemer traditions are quite fascinating, learning more about them has been an honor.
Veda: I'm glad you enjoy my stories.
Kaidan: *leaning against a wall nearby, having listened in on the conversation. He speaks quietly to himself* A handmade gift, eh?
