Beth follows with quick strides, in hopes of matching his long ones. The sword taps quietly against her thigh with every step.

"You don't normally do that here?" It's not normal at home, either, but plenty of what Barrayarans do isn't normal by Earth standards. "What do you think he wants it for?"

Mostly, she wants his opinion--since he's likely to have an educated guess or two--but letting him voice that opinion kind of feels like doing him a favour. He loves to talk, if he loves anything.