She said her father was a jarl; it sounded much the same as an Arl. That meant that she was of noble blood. Ordhan was not sure what to make of this. Distrust of the nobility was all too deeply ingrained in his being, and it was difficult to reconcile his experience with them with her earnest candor. Then again, Nathaniel was of noble birth, but an exception to what he had learned to expect of the class. He trusted that Hilda was of the same sort.
It was of her esteem that he was most uncertain. The indiscretions of the nobility may matter little to a commoner, but she may not see it from such eyes. What if it was her father, unfaithful to her mother? What would she think of the result of such a union? For now, she did not know, but many at the Keep were aware. While it was hardly a subject for polite conversation, it was inevitable that she find out sooner or later. Ordhan could only hope that whatever trust he may have earned by then would remain. Losing it would affect him more than he would readily admit.
Despite his worries, her smile was too pure for his own to waver. Her family sounded like what a family should be: brave and caring, with ties that distance could not sever. The love in her voice when she spoke of them was enough in itself to make him smile.
Honor for the Grey Wardens was an emotion more easily identified with than familial affection. "It is respect well deserved," he replied. "I have read of the great fortress of Weisshaupt. I had always hoped to someday see the land where the Grey Wardens begun." Even more so, now.
When went on to continue Albrecht's story, another hint of something--sorrow, discouragement?--passed over her face. Whether because of her brother's death, or from his choice to leave, Ordhan could not tell. He wondered if "warrior of the Maker" could possibly mean a templar. It was too early to suggest the possibility; he did not know how mages were dealt with in the Anderfels, and it was often a touchy subject. He would certainly not be the best person to explain a templar's duties.
His next words were carefully chosen; it was a risk to speculate about another's loved ones, but he meant them no less for it. "He sounds very bold. I am certain that you'll find that his life was well-spent, and dearly given." If Hilda was any indication of what her siblings were like, there was no doubt.