Gratefully, he takes the bowl and bread and readily devours it. He may have gone a couple of days without real food. There's another nod of thanks, but the question makes him stop almost immediately.

He lowers the bowl from his mouth and thumbs it as he holds it on his lap. He's contemplative at that. He has to phrase it just right, say the right words, and be earnest enough to not scare the other. If they could be frightened by his answer.

Now came the answer. "I'm looking for other mages to help the Inquisition."