Merlin grinned at her, delighting in her eager scholarship and open mind. "Thank you, madame. Scholarship ever is a hard road. Trying to both be a healer and a scholar makes one's mind whirl a bit at times." He made a face, humor showing in his eyes. "It's enough to make a man want to flee back to his quiet country practice."

He nodded, gently squeezing her shoulder. "I understand. It is the quiet clench of strength, weaving through stifling halls while one seeks knowledge and skills to reach one's goal."

He nodded. "Aye. I was planning on being at that one, as well. I grew up outside the big cities, and I've used more than one 'oddball remedy' when nothing else worked."