As a mage, Bethany has to take the time to do her research. As it stood she was taking the time to do it on spirit magic. However, she had spread herself around with her old friends and new friends, so she often was on the run. Not to mention preparing for the Western Approach, keeping up with whatever they could find on Wardens ...

She'd admit it. Sometimes she forgot to eat.

That is why she was reading a book on spirit magic and eating an apple at the same time.