Matthias absorbs the new information like a sponge. And, like a sponge, he takes in more ale, too, all the while Krem is talking. The bready taste of it neither deters him nor makes him flinch. He's been drinking ale for ages now. Perhaps not in quite this volume, but still.

Still. When he sets down the mug, it's half-gone. Matthias lists back a little before he remembers that there's not a proper back to his current seat, and puts a hand down on the tabletop to steady himself.

"Yeah," he agrees, somewhat aimlessly. It sort of works as a response to all of what Krem said. "That's sort of how I was thinking, too. Collecting recommendations. Prestigious." Which Matthias is decidedly not, and he ducks his head a little with his next grin. Well. "I'm quick. Helped me in every fist-fight I've ever been in. And, well. I'm a mage."

Which is the best thing about Matthias, and his favorite thing about himself, too, so the pride in his voice practically makes that sentence glow. He can't help it. Years of having that pride stoked in him, built up like an armor.

"So I can do loads of stuff. Is that common? Mage-mercenaries?"

Please let him be the first. How cool would that be? So cool. After this next sip, Matthias wipes his sleeve over his mouth. So cool.