Elidar, continued

"If I may ask, your mannerisms speak of a certain, how do we say, nobility in your blood."

"And yet,"

"And yet, your last name is indicative of being raised in an orphanage."

"Yes. I grew up in the Redson Orphanarium, in Prescul."

"You can read,"

"And write, should materials be provided."

"I'm not familiar with your region, but it is generally accepted locally that those who are raised as orphans are, to put it lightly, disadvantaged, especially when it comes to schooling."

"It is true in my region as well."

"Generally, if one desires to gain these skills, it is important for them to join a clergy or seek apprenticeship. Your record indicates neither of these things occurred."

"The record is accurate."

"So how are you able to read, and write? How is it you conduct yourself as nobility?"

"In short, you are seeking to understand why I am not gutter trash, a low-life thug who can aspire to little more than a weekly bath and the occasional hot meal."

"You are being crass."

"But not incorrect. You wish to know why I am better than my upbringing, and how it is that I am defying your expectations."

"Well... yes."

"Because I reject your expectations. I rejected the expectations of the clergy, who -in arrogance- demanded that I must show humility before I could be shown knowledge. I learned to read and write by seeking to know how. I learned how to conduct myself by watching those who did. I learned how to fight by fighting, and I learned how to survive by watching those who had already figured it out. It is amazing what the world presents you with if you just watch."

"Fascinating."

"Do you have any more questions?"

"Not at this time."

"So am I free to leave?"

"... No. Not just yet."