He fell into step at her side, much as he had while escorting her to her room. At the time, he wouldn't have guessed that the regal mage would have any interest in learning to use a weapon, but it seemed that everyone could be full of surprises. It was rather an honor that she had accepted his offer; there were countless soldiers at the Keep, many of them experts with a blade.
"Somewhat. They are outside, though there is part of them that is sheltered, as well as the room where the equipment is stored." It had occurred to him that she might not savor the thought of learning in front of others. The first steps of learning could be awkward and fumbling, and given her perfectly arranged hair and dress, she could be concerned with appearances. "It is often empty," he added. Though during his stay here it had been crowded from time to time, ever since the arrival of the Circle and their companions that number fell sharply, and even more when the Warden-Commander came. The Grey Wardens had more duties to attend to, while the recruits were preparing themselves for their acceptance into the order. Ordhan, meanwhile, had nothing more to do, and was glad to make himself useful in some way. Practicing with Constans and teaching Enchanter Keigwin was a step in the right direction.
Her quiet laugh drew his attention, but by the thoughtful look on her face, it was not directed at him. He paused in thought at her question. "No, not all," he replied. From his studies of the order, very few mages joined the Grey Wardens in the first place, and nothing was said about all of them having special training for weapons. "Perhaps it is simply practicality, but maybe for symbolism--or to distance her image from the Circle. Constans told me that the mages in training were not allowed to wield blades."