He folds his arms as she speaks, gaze downward. He listens to what she has to say, remains silent throughout it, and for some time after, too. He tries to choose his words carefully, lest he inadvertently throw tinder onto the fire.

He surprises himself that he doesn't want her to be hurt. That he doesn't want to see her wounded by his usually oh so barbed words. Despite everything, despite her being a mage...he's starting to see her differently. It's something he feels he should probably be concerned with. Weakness.

"...No. I didn't take your feelings into account. For that I apologise, I just-" he hesitates, turns his gaze to the ceiling. "It's difficult. Far too many mages are not safe. You're the first one I have met to give me reason to think otherwise."