Private Finished Can't Get Too Cozy

As much as Besom hated to admit it, Rhett's words had an effect on them. They lingered in front of a small candle store called Wicked Wicks, grip tightening on their broom. Wearing a turtleneck sweater and tight jeans, they floated inches above the ground, knees bent so their short laced boots wouldn't scratch. Even from the outside, Besom could catch the scent of candles intermixing.

Every once in a while they would move back the shop, looking at other nearby buildings, then return. Mostly so the clerk wouldn't catch them stalking the area. Besom wasn't sure what would be worse, being invited in knowing they couldn't buy anything, or being shooed away for being creepy. This would have been easier if they had a phone, then they could check it once in a while and act like they were waiting for someone. Perhaps even go inside and say they wanted a warm place to walk around in until it was time to leave.

Besom nearly flew into the sky when a feminine voice spoke beside them. They missed when their senses were so sharp that being distracted wouldn't make them unaware of a nearby presence.

"Oh! Um." Remembering their manners, they composed themself. They floated down, their feet landing gracefully to the ground so they could give a proper bow. Standing straight, they said, "My name is Besom, a newcomer to this islander," before bowing again. With a quick glance at the store, they looked back at the woman with a smile. "I was wandering around before this lovely shop came into view. I thought it would be impolite to enter if I had no intention on buying, however."

Pride swelled in Besom's chest, staying there until Soosei suggested she buy them something. "Thank you, for both the compliment and the offering, but I cannot accept the latter. I have no place to store a candle, nor would I have a good opportunity to use it."

They could see themself holding a candle during the clear night, wandering the city. It was a beautiful thought. It was a thought that wouldn't pay proper respect to someone's gift. Ideally, they would light the candle in a home for its resident to admire.

The kindness Soosei was showing confused Besom. Discomforted them, almost. This was how they were supposed to treat people, yet here was a woman trying so hard to please Besom. When has Besom last been treated this way? Servants often did when they wanted to impress Besom, which would then impress their master. Gods and other owners of Besom occasionally tried hard to please them too, not wanting Besom to leave or betray them if they felt wronged.

With upturned, furrowed brows, they kept their smile forced on. "I wouldn't mind entering the store with you if you already intended to buy something for yourself. Then I'll look like a companion and they wouldn't question why I bought nothing. I don't know what else you could offer. I have nothing to need."

Besom returned to floating as they followed the fox woman into the shop. Besom couldn't feel the magic radiating throughout the shop, only the effect it had on its patrons. A comfortable warmth spread throughout Besom, one so gentle they barely realized it.

"What a beautiful shop. You can feel how much work was put into it." They wandered around, smelling candles here and there and admiring the ones with designs on them. "I used to work with someone who loved candles. I've become skilled in knowing which ones are of good and bad quality. These are excellent."