she's the kind of girl you can never please
She is certainly not the only Abandoned to feel snubbed and iced out by the Gods, but unfortunately, Hotaru has never felt that - she could never hope to understand, even as an Abandoned herself. "Like you as in Abandoned? Or Seers?" It is spoken with a relatively uncommon gentleness that the Valkyrie does not often employ. Still, she can sense the woman falters over her own admission in a way that implies hesitance and vulnerability. Taking the distraction of her excitement to try and maneuver past both that raw moment and the clear discomfort she feels around the guards, Hotaru merely grins. "Then I would be pleased to have you as a student. You don't have to live in Halo to attend, of course, but I'll add your name to our rosters and have a welcome packet made for you." Creating an overview of classes the season prior had made it so the Academy didn't have to send out messenger birds to every student that didn't live in Halo.
"As soon as you accept being a student, you should feel the cold resistance set in - that should make the Citadel feel even warmer." This means they can stay out even longer shopping, and Hotaru is undoubtedly delighted about that. Luckily the outerwear sellers are closest to the gate to take advantage of any frozen visitors, and Ru leads Alys to her own favored stall. Not quite so grandiose, and with a scowling old man that likely sees fewer buyers because of his bitterness. Hotaru has never been that easily daunted however, and the sour old coot brightens with a sharpening eye as she steps inside. "Hello, Estus. I have someone here in need of a travel cloak and parka. Same measurements as what you have on file for me should do." The man does nothing more than grunt, disappearing into the back as the Valkyrie turns to her companion. "He'll pull a few premade ones. What colors do you prefer?"
Hotaru
