Alderic smiled, remaining silent for the rest of the Reverend Mother's account. Thank the Maker, good news followed the bad like the sun after a thunderstorm. He gave Bethen's shoulder a slight squeeze before he removed his hand, a congratulation and a reassurance, grateful that more than heartbreak had awaited the mage in this place. Mother Catrin's following comments brought Alderic back around to the awkward realization that initially he'd been headed to the Chantry for another reason entirely. The strange events between then and now made it unsurprising he'd forgotten, but his need was... pressing. All the same, with a glance to Bethen, it didn't take him even the sparest of moments to decide what was more important right now.
He bowed to the Revered Mother, crossing his arms over his breastplate in salute. "I have business, your reverence, but it can wait for a more opportune time. It is even possible that the matter can be settled with the garrison commander. I will endeavor to speak with him before I take up any of your time with the matter." He offered a polite goodbye, took a moment to be sure that the wolf would not try to remain with the holy woman, and moved to fall in beside Bethen. A gentle expression slid onto his face when they turned to depart together, subdued, not a smile but certainly kind.
"A blessing that such good news was to be had, to temper what proceeded it. I- I'm so sorry to hear of your parents' passing, Bethen," he offered, fumbling but sincere. "Had I only considered what you might have left behind... I'm ashamed to realize how easily I had forgotten that the lives of mages extend beyond the tower's walls."
He lowered his eyes for a moment, repentant. After a brief hesitation he added on a more hopeful note, "We must see that you have the chance to visit your siblings as soon as possible! When this business is dealt with," he insisted optimistically, "I see no harm in taking the west highway on our way back to Amaranthine, rather than cutting through the Bannorn." His smile returned faintly, the thought of reunion one to be cherished. Bethen deserved this chance; she deserved a family. Good things really could happen to good people. It was the hand of the Maker at work, a small blessing in dark times.