"I doubt even in your larger towns that all the people there can read, and if they write then it's the writing that they need to know; to sign a name, to know a few numbers if it involves paying for things, recognising the essential and the basic things. It's the same where I am from and in other countries there." An old and painful thing, maybe not what a mage or any mage wants reminding of but they've had an education most can scarcely even dream of. It's not even something people talk about in Thedas at all from what she's heard. How can anyone hope for better when there's so little understanding, when people can't learn for themselves, when unless a rare glint of light shines upon them or they're born to a life of wealth they simply aren't afforded the opportunity.

"My parents aren't noble but being their daughter, it meant that where I grew up, there were people looking after me. Watching out for me. I got into the worst sorts of trouble and if you go to the wrong place in Castileos, bad things can happen but I need the wind in my hair. I need risk, to roll the hard six. But in Thedas? Being a bard is the best way to accomplish what I must, same as being a Knight-Enchanter is for you."