Until this moment, Wilhelm wouldn't have guessed that Istredd could ever feel useless or helpless. That's not just because he's still young enough to mistakenly ascribe to adults a kind of natural leadership. The mage has answers and solutions for everything, and he wields control as easily as he does magic. But severed from his magic, he must feel like one of his senses is suddenly gone.

Istredd's advice holds more weight when Wilhelm considers that it's not just a bunch of platitudes slapped together, but something that he must have told himself too. He nods, absorbing it like one of his lessons.

"I'll do what I can."

Standing, he sweeps his cloak over his shoulders, mostly because there isn't anywhere else to put it. At least the parts that smell the worst aren't right under his nose. He fiddles with the clasps.

"I guess...we'll have to put the lessons on hold for now."