Alderic's smile widened when Bethen responded to his dumb joke, though the moment was over almost as soon as it began. He could already see her steeling herself to take the next step. Letting her gather her courage, he slid a small, mostly empty pack off of his shoulder and quickly stuffed his crumpled gauntlet inside (it fit awkwardly, the pointier end sticking out the top so the flap wouldn't close) as he fell into pace beside her. He slung the pack back on just as the pair of Grey Wardens and their... companion stepped through the wide entryway into the Reverend Mother's receiving chamber.
The Templar bowed respectfully to the clergywoman in response to her greeting, and only just kept himself from frowning at the Ledaals' natural disaster of a pet when he straightened up a moment later, the animal boldly prancing up to her Reverence and- what was it doing? The damn thing looked almost like it was genuflecting, and if Alderic didn't know any better he would think the wolf was poking fun at them all. He reminded himself sternly that the animal couldn't possibly be clever enough to be sarcastic, and tore his attention away from it to address the true matter at hand. Bethen looked to him for support, he couldn't let her down now. He smiled gently at the mage and addressed the Reverend Mother directly.
"I apologize, your reverence, we have little to spare," he bowed his head respectfully, fingers searching under a seam of his armor where he kept his meager coinpurse. As a Templar he certainly wasn't expected to tithe to the Chantry when he had dedicated his very life to its service, but... as a Warden, matters seemed suddenly very different. Since the Joining, it was a difference that weighed heavily on his heart. Would this holy woman forgive him, if she knew what he had done in the Maker's sight?
He stepped forward to press a few silvers into the woman's hand; it was all that he could afford, all that remained of his personal wages. All else had been provided by the Wardens for this journey and had a purpose awaiting it. If it were his own to do with as he pleased, every copper would be in this woman's palm. It was inconceivable to Alderic that he steal from one order to which he belonged to give to the other.
"We are Grey Wardens, passing through this village on the order’s business. While we are here, my friend has some questions she needs to ask of you.” He spoke to the Reverend Mother with great formality and respect, but when he looked up at Bethen again he could not help but smile a little, reassuringly. He would pray for her, both that there be answers to be found here, and that they not be the hurtful kind.