Tedric couldn't help but chuckle at the answer his companion gave, "Ah. Her loss then, eh?" Though, when he'd said it he immediately felt awkward at having presented a compliment about looks when he'd just been caught ogling another woman's breasts. Causing him to, once more, reach back and rub the back of his head and neck. Thankfully, or so it seemed, the mage's attentions were elsewhere and he needn't suffer the weight of her gaze in chastisement. For Tedric, having the attention of servants or servers was nothing new and had long slipped into the background at any sort of social function. Of course, he knew the maid was putting on a show in order to obtain another gold coin or two at the end of the night in recompense; something he would no doubt give either. Not because he appreciated her particular<i>talents </i>but, rather, he had the means and it would be rude otherwise.<br/><br/>The atmosphere of the tavern reminded Tedric of the tents and open-air firepits the men he served with would share just before a battle. Spirits were high. Tables of three to five laughed at stories and tales Tedric couldn't hope to hear over the other multitude of voices that filled the space. A dozen songs started, stopped, and started again before forming into a horrible amalgamation of a popular soldier's ballad or bard's famous single; nowhere approaching a proper melody or rhythm. Yet, it was comforting for Tedric to once more be amongst a jubilant celebration.<br/><br/>When Sara returned with two large tankards of ale he knew she had, indeed, not been paying attention to Alaria. Remaining quiet, he reached out and wrapped his metal enclosed hands around the wooden container. Glad to have something to occupy himself so he wouldn't fidget or, at least, as much as he already had been.<br/><br/>Alaria's voice brought his attention back to her eyes while she explained the further effects of their Bond. "I see," He started with a slight nod of his head, "is there a set time for this to settle in or does it vary from bond to bond?" He suspected it would be the latter but he'd been surprised before when it came to matters of the arcane. Not that he had any real education on the matters to begin with, anyway. "How long does it take to learn all this?" Tedric added with a slight tilt in his head as he was, generally, curious. Ignoring the extra stein of ale, Tedric took a long draw from his drink; eager to wet his mouth and throat after the ordeals of the day. It certainly wasn't the best drink he'd ever had in his time but it wasn't, perhaps just as much, the worst either.<br/><br/>Further, Tedric figured it advantageous to press his partner for more information to her past. "Moreover, tell me about your time in the College. Neither my father or mother found it necessary to inform me on your background." Not that it surprised him for them to do such a thing. "If you don't mind, of course." Tedric hastened to add.