He's physically able to look Teren in the eyes, but that doesn't mean the mage is actually managing it. Instead, he's looking around for support that shows up in the form of an older, plump woman who looks fairly friendly. She comes up and pats him on the shoulder.

"It's all right, Kian." Then her attention turns to the party and she smiles at Teren without any actual warmth. "I'm sure you didn't mean to walk in here and start threatening. Sometimes we elders have something to learn from our younger friends, like this lady here." She points with her chin toward Merrill before looking at Nathaniel.

"They were here," she continues. Kian blinks, giving her a startled look. "And they took care of our little problem, or so we assume, because the Darkspawn haven't attacked in days. I can point you to the hole we pointed them to if that helps you, Ser Warden."