"I'm sorry. Were you saying something? Your mouth was moving, and I just drifted off somewhere. We barbarians hate learning things." It's as dry as dry can be. He recalls his history lessons from his days as a recruit. He might not have always managed to be the best student. It wasn't from lack of desire to learn.

His lips purse very slightly, a remnant of amusement. When was the last time he felt so inclined to tease or let his more playful side emerge? It's not something he has felt free to share with those now under his command, and he's quite certain the other mages would either be terrified or annoyed with the thought that perhaps they were expected to laugh.

It's an odd position to be in and somehow, now that he has started down that road, he's not at all inclined to shut it off or redirect it again.