He shouldn't feel disheartened. It's the way Ellana always is when it comes to Pel; she just doesn't measure up. Ellana is the extra mage who will never be a Keeper and therefore is drifting trying to find her place. Pel has a clear path set before her. Everything falls into place for her. She's the perfect mage while Ellana never feels mage-y enough.

"But surely you realized that there would be plenty of them when you came out here?"