Bethany knocked on the half open door. "The report Commander. There was a greater number of darkspawn than initially recorded."
Adrestia gave a light sigh but didn't look up from her current report. "Just place on the top of the stack," Adrestia huffed and pointed to the tallest stack in front of her.
Bethany did so, hesitating slightly before she turned back to head out. Just as she grasped the door handle, Adrestia spoke up again, her voice soft.
"Did everyone make it out alright at least?"
"Mostly minor injuries, the most major was a severe concussion."
"Good, good," Adrestia muttered as she rubbed at her eyes.
Bethany looked at Adrestia again, studying the woman. "And are you good, Commander?" Bethany questioned.
"I'm fine, I've been nowhere but my desk," Adrestia said.
"And when was the last time you slept, or even ate? The circles under your eyes are darker than I've seen and I was just in the Deep Roads for a week," Bethany pressed.
Adrestia looked up at Bethany finally. "I'm fine, Bethany."
Bethany narrowed her eyes. "Yes, says your red-rimmed eyes."
"I'll be alright, Bethany," Adrestia insisted.
Bethany clenched her jaw and turned abrouptly, slamming the door behind her.
Adrestia sighed and let her head fall into her hands, ashamed of letting herself drop. Bethany was far more observant and caring than Adrestia expected. But she had work to do, sleep would come later.
When Adrestia finally pulled her hands back and started on another report, her door opened again.
Bethany walked back in a tray full with food and some drink.
Adrestia scrunched her brows as she looked at Bethany. "You're back. With food."
"I am. And you're going to eat and if you're work can't be put down, I'm going to help in whatever way I can," Bethany spoke pointedly.
Adrestia conceded knowing the battle would be lost. "Alright. The stack on your far right is sightings and concerns, you'll need to go through and prioritize, see what is most urgent and if it is for the wardens, or city guard."
Bethany nodded and set to work.
Together they were able to get through half of the papers that had sat on her desk, but as the moon started to hit it's peak, Bethany said that it was enough for the night. For both of them.
Adrestia agreed and poured another cup of ale. "Thank you. I don't think I've seen so much of the desk before," she joked.
"Well that's good, now keep it that way so I don't have to bail you out again," Bethany shot back before her falling into giggles.
Adrestia smiled, her heart fluttering a little in her chest. "I'll do what I can."
As Bethany's giggles subsided, a peaceful quite settled over the room as they shared the last of the food. Once that was gone, Bethany cleaned up and stood.
"I'lk take care of these, you go get some sleep now, okay."
Adrestia waved her off, but just as the mage was about to leave she spoke up, "do you think you could stay a little longer. I'm not quite tired, and I-I don't want to be alone."
Bethany felt the warmth back in her stomach as she looked back at Adrestia, her Commander- "sure." The word flew out of her mouth before she even thought about it. And the smile Adrestia gave her after only made the warm feeling spread.
"Thanks, Bethany. I just-" Adrestia wasn't quite sure what she was thinking or why she asked now, but the mage was still here.
"I just what?" Bethany asked.
"I just appreciate it." Adrestia came up with as she took another swallow of her ale to maybe quench the feeling in her chest.
A moment or two passed in a near awkward silence until Bethany asked, "how did you become a warden?"
"How do the stories say it?" Adrestia questioned back.
"I'm asking you, not the what the stories say."
Adrestia gave a hollow laugh as she dipped back into her memories. "The former Warden-commander, Duncan, was the one that recruited me. He came to Highever with that intention, but I hadn't figured it out until after we were about to escape from Howe and his men. And the actual joining was no better." Adrestia rubbed at her brow as she walked through the memories. "The first, Daveth, didn't make it. And Jory, well he wanted to back out, he didn't want to go through with it after seeing Daveth. But if you don't drink from the chalice, you will die. To say I was bitter, well that was an understatement. So, I can understand how you felt."
Bethany clenched her jaw as she stared pointedly at her fists clenched in her lap. "So you know," she whispered.
"I do," Adrestia answered back softly. Stroud had some notes on you, and my own observations.
"I still don't know if I should be mad at my brother. He did what he thought was right, and after losing Carver... he didn't want to lose me too."
"You'll figure it out, Bethany," Adrestia assured.
"You will. You're sharp and observent. You can figure it out."
Bethany hummed as she sat back in her chair, her thoughts still uncertian as she doubted Adrestia's words.
"Bethany, look at me," Adrestia commanded. When the mage looked up into her eyes, she continued. "Don't doubt yourself, Beth. You're amazing," she said earnestly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Bethany looked away a moment as she felt her cheeks heat. "Thanks." She cleared her throat and looked back at Adrestia. "Now you should really get some sleep, Commander."
"Of course." Adrestia's smile faded a moment as she opened the door for Bethany.
When she closed the door she rested her head against it as her mind filled with thoughts of Bethany.