"The latter," she nodded, confirming that the initial effects of their bond would depend on their own sensitivity to it. "There are ways that we can test our readiness. The standard, or average, is about three days. We will revisit our constraints then." While the beginning stages of the bond were somewhat of a hindrance, or at the very least an inconvenience, it did allow for new pairs to grow acquainted. Alaria was just as curious about the humble knight, finding his demeanor thus far a refreshing departure from the expectations she had conjured up in her own mind. She would have been embarrassed and disappointed in herself had she not known the origins of such an assumption. Those of noble birth could be demanding and temperamental, entitled and arrogant. It was a genuine concern of hers to be paired with an individual possessing such qualities. Pleased as she was, she was still a bit wary of the knight.<br/><br/>The barmaid returned with a bounce in her step, enjoying her work as much as she was enjoying tempting men. She placed the cup of wine down before the mage, breezing off with a twirl to the music and unable to hear the small utterance of gratitude Alaria paid her. Lifting the cup to her lips, she drew in the flavorful liquid. A single taste was all she needed to relax. Her shoulders dropped slightly as she breathed a soft sigh. “Mages are groomed for bonding from the very moment out gifts manifest. Some, like myself, begin almost immediately. I was raised by my uncle, a professor of the arts at Lancaster. He served alongside my father in the War of Andale many a little over two decades ago, where he died in service.” For Alaria, it was easy to talk about her father. She never knew him, and though she wished to she learned of the man he was in the many stories told by those who knew him. He was proud to die for his country, and she was proud to be of his bloodline.<br/><br/>“In fact, it was my uncle who steered your parents in my direction. He is often a resource for those who seek to find a suitable bond, as are most professors. They get to know their pupils throughout their studies, how skilled they are and how capable. I was . . . very studious.” She explained, choosing her words carefully. Alaria was aggressive in her training and education, not wanting to bring shame upon her uncle’s good name and reputation with failure. It made her experience different from her peers, so there wasn’t much to tell. “After graduating, I became an apprentice under Halcyon Blackwell, a prominent Arcanist within the mage community.” An Arcanist was a red mage that possessed complete mastery of the element of fire. It was a claim that very few mages could make in their lifetime.<br/><br/>“When your parents approached me, I had been on somewhat of a break. The apprenticeship was strenuous and required a great deal of time and energy. In fact, it was my third since graduating from Lancaster. They assured me you were an accomplished fighter after quite the interview.” Which was more of an interrogation. Understandably, they wanted to be sure of her. “You’ll have to forgive me, though. It was my request that you know nothing about me. I also wanted to know very little about you. I wanted us to form our own opinions of one another.” Alaria had prepared herself<i>not</i>to like Tedric. She had done it so well that the wall she had erected around herself was still standing, a fortress against the charmingly nervous knight across from her. “I hope that was not too bold of me to ask. I know how that might have been unsettling for you to be forced into a bond with only the word of your parents.” She felt the same way, and while she had no real choice in the matter she understood his uneasiness.<br/><br/>Sara entered again, this time serving up two hearty bowls of stew.<br/><br/>“I just didn’t want our expectations to be inflated by others, and subsequently<i>deflated</i>should we not measure up to whatever preconceived standards we’ve made in our heads. I expect very little of you, Tedric, in that I’m fine if we’re not the best of friends—if we don’t socialize outside our service to the country. If you are as skilled as your parents say you are, then I have no doubt that I can trust you in battle and really that is the one expectation I do have.” Alaria admitted, picking up her spoon to take a small, exploratory bite.<br/><br/>All around them, the tavern was growing rowdy. Men locked hands and flexed their arms, muscles bulging to show off their strength while bets were called, each one higher than the next. Her eyes darted around, noting the telltale signs of aggression simmering beneath the surface of the tension.