The staff came off his back as well, a swoop that meant Dorian leaned the elegant weapon against the table so he could always grab it if necessary - it wasn't especially cumbersome, and he was used to wearing it most all the time anyway, while traveling. You'd be an idiot not to, in Thedas - especially with what had gone on in his home. Then he pulled out a seat and arranged himself in it, motioning for the boy to join him.
"I wish I had something for your friend here but I do not, unfortunately - " The sight of the dog even gave him a bit of a smile, because the creature was just so cute. Even his steely heart turned a little squishy at the sight. "However, next time you find me I will make sure to have treats on me."
Pouring them both tea, he nodded toward his collection of books. "Physics, mostly," the mage responded. "So that I may better work on time magic here. I've been studying healing and the like, as it's not really my area, but at least it's an excuse to keep the mind sharp. And not wanting to be behind when you return home is smart of you - especially since if we do let our minds atrophy, bad things happen."
You'd probably turn into something resembling one of those mumbling undead creatures. Ugh.