Good point at which to end it
I have little of help, because I thought it was excellent. On my first read, I noticed the "mead" issue, and would have preferred "dribbled". That's just quibbling, because it reads easily and clearly, and makes the protagonist sympathetic without over-egging her isolation.
Just one thing; I presume this is from the body of the work rather than the beginning? If so, fine. If it's an opening, then I think it delves into the backstory too soon.
Good work!