bethen avilla ; the circle mage (bethe) wrote in thedas,
Beth felt reassured by Coan's words, even though he hadn't been in the room with them -- somehow, his optimism was very convincing. Perhaps it was the natural charm and charisma of a noble. But his curiosity in regards to her status and abilities as a mage was more than enough of a distraction from her self-doubt. She straightened her posture, looking as if someone had just flipped a switch and turned her on to instructor mode. But rather than appear to be reciting a boring passage, she looked very much excited to be able to teach him something new. "There are many different spells we practice, actually, most of which fall under four different schools of magic," she began her answer, extending one hand as she did so, and not looking at him as she continued to speak, "Primal, spirit, entropy, and...creation." With that final word, a small flicker of light began to form above her open palm. The wisp grew brighter as her focus intensified, hovering in the air for a little less than a minute before abruptly dying out.
She let out a sigh and clasped her hand shut again, with a slight frown, "Sorry, that wasn't one of my most impressive displays. I'm not used to casting that spell." Withdrawing her hand into her lap, Beth was only momentarily disappointed with her demonstration. It was still probably more magic than he had ever seen that close up, anyway, and it was better that she hadn't picked anything more complicated to attempt, lest she stir the guards around the corner. She resumed her simplified lecture, "We can learn to control the most basic of elements, but no one can be good at everything. Similar to your analogy, it takes a great deal of practice to master several forms of magic, in the way that it would be almost impossible for a warrior to be able to wield all weapons in an equally exceptional manner."
"I actually specialize in the healing arts, which is what I think may have caught the Warden-Commander's attention," Beth admitted, recalling the way that the older man had immediately sat up in his chair and mentioned that he had a very deep and personal admiration for healers. She had resisted the urge to name drop Senior Enchanter Wynne into the conversation, but found that Alistair did it for her at that point, to which she answered that she did, in fact, remember the elder woman well. It was unfortunate that she never had the opportunity to really study with her before she passed on, though. Having explained her own reason for being a candidate, and realizing that she had gone on a long while about herself already, Bethen was actually curious to know more about Coan now. Though he had been introduced by name and title at the dinner, nothing had been said about the exact circumstances behind his travels with the Grey Warden.
She was unsure of how appropriate the question was, and her hesitance was obvious. Nevertheless, it didn't stop her from asking, "I apologize if this is too forward of me, but what was it that made him recruit you? Not that I doubt you'd be worthy of it -- you must have many valuable skills. I just mean...you're the son of a Teryna. That makes you very important politically and socially, doesn't it?"