"Not just you, except you would be the only one here to offer anything at all. That's what's wrong here," he sighs, rubbing a hand over his forehead then kneading his fingers into his temple. "If they're even remotely concerned, why haven't we heard more than a derisive snort from anyone besides...well, yourself, and Pavus?" More than his frustration with her, he's just frustrated at all of it, and even if she is impressing upon him that, ok, a good magister does exist, it's just one in the face of how many more that would sooner see them all die out?

The commentary and dismissal catch his attention, and he has to take a moment to parse that. The furrow of his brow this time is less aggravation and more subtle disbelief. But this is neither the time, nor place to ask anything personal, not of someone he'd already done a very good job making an ass of himself in front of.

Finally he just slouches an inch, his hand coming to rest on his hip as he gestures at the courtyard in general. "D'you need any help getting around here? I can at least offer directions to wherever you were headed before."