Arja smiled gently, the man probably knew as much about Orzammar as she did. Mother wasn't always keen on talking about it and her grandparents... she was fairly certain they made up half of the tales they spun for her. Not that she didn't enjoy a good indulgence in story telling. Still, a bit of Dwarven pride reared up in her, even though she'd never even seen a darkspawn herself. It wasn't every race that could claim that they fought the beasts back regularly, blight or no. And for that she could be proud of her Dwarven heritage.
As the severe story left, so did the slight crease between the knight's eyes. Arja was glad to see it go, everyone had their troubles but most came to the tavern looking to get away from them or at least forget them for a time. If she could help with that with a song or conversation, then it was her pleasure to do so. And talk of music always made her mood improve. “That is a very good choice!” her ears perked up as she knew the song well. A grand saga, and a story teller's delight as it had so many angles and avenues to take the listener down. The tale was sure to keep attention as it detailed the life of Dane and his trials and triumphs against the Dragon, Fenshal, and the werewolf from the title. “A splendid song to be sure. I know some of it, if you've an ear to hear it now?” Not that she minded talking to the knight, he was so interesting, but neither did she mind playing a tune.
The compliment he paid her had her grin spreading wider, a healthy amount of teeth showing. It wasn't that she'd never heard such kind words, but each time was like the first time. A little vain perhaps, but it was only natural to enjoy being appreciated. And the understated way he said everything made her believe he spoke from his heart rather than coloring words like some would do. (Though that had never bothered her overmuch either.) “Ser is far too kind to the likes of me, but I'll take your words and cherish them.” She beamed quietly, and wished that every patron who came in was as amiable as the knight. “I'll see it some day. And maybe, given the chance, I'll make it all the way across Fereldan. People go their whole lives without seeing much of anything, I can't understand. I'm happy enough here, but is it wrong to want more?” Without thinking much on it, she slipped into the easy way she thought of her dreams.
“Bah, and here I am boring you with wants and dreams.” A laugh bubbled from her throat. “Silly little dwarf girl and her big dreams. It's all harmless, is what it is, but I don't mean to trouble you with my thoughts.”