bethen avilla ; the circle mage (bethe) wrote in thedas,
It was reflex now to think of herself as a rambling textbook; few people within the Tower had genuine appreciation for Bethen's ability to recite information, unless they were seeking help with some assignment. The world and the people from beyond those ancient walls were continuing to surprise her. The encouragement from both young dwarf and older man was appreciated, though she was uncertain how to react to their assurances that she wasn't droning on, other than to continue smiling bashfully.
She couldn't help but quirk a brow at Falina's remark -- people between the covers? Beth glanced between the pair in confusion until Ordhan's reply filled in the rest for her. He wasn't being explicit, but she could infer enough from his offer to read to the girl. The surprise was obvious in her expression, the second brow matching the first in arched position; she felt suddenly guilty, even though there wasn't much indication given that reading for herself wasn't a possibility. It would be untrue to say that the thought of anyone being illiterate and missing out on the pleasures of understanding text hadn't ever occurred to her, but Bethen hadn't been faced with a living example of such a person before, with the exception of the youngest children in the Tower.
The mage bowed her head apologetically, "Oh, pardon me. It was a bit presumptuous of me to think--" She stopped herself, once again hesitant to be frank, even though Falina seemed to have no trouble speaking her mind -- it was a trait she admired. Boldness wasn't one of her notable characteristics. She didn't want to pity or condescend to Falina, though she did feel somewhat regretful for bringing up what would have seemed like a delicate subject. She also thought to offer to teach her to read, as she'd also done for young apprentices in the past, but didn't know if it was appropriate to breach the topic. Beth cleared her throat. "Well, I'd be happy to answer more, if I can. Maybe not right now, since you two were on your way around the Keep, but if there's anything I can help you with, I'd be glad to do so any time, of course." When that would actually be she wasn't sure of, given that their days here were likely numbered with the impending ceremony and subsequent departure to serve as Grey Wardens, but the offer stood indefinitely.