"I- no," Parafi shakes his head. "I- I'm fine."

Considers, bites his lips. "I- either, whatever's easier. I-" He doesn't exactly have plans, although he doesn't want to be in debt to anyone, even if he already is.

Teronmas... decides not to push the issue too much. For now. "Okay, I can check the library for a literacy ritual... it's probably related to translation and I know where to find spells for those in our private library. Do you want to come?"

"If- that's okay?" he agrees quietly.

"Sure. Easier that way because I can cast the spell on you right away."

He inclines his head. "As you say," he agrees - and that sounds more genuine than any other time he's said that.

Baby steps. Teronmas leads through another set of stairs that goes up to the Vaesteri's residence proper. Is a very nice place, obviously old, but renovated and taken care of. Nicely furnished and decorated. Teronmas leads him through an office and then a private library.

He follows, but keeps himself small, especially when they enter what is obviously a private residence. He's doubly careful not to touch anything here, keeping his hands tucked neatly behind his back.

"You can take a seat." Teronmas says pointing at a fancy armchair. "This might take a while."

He looks a little startled at that, and uncertain, but obediently perches himself on the edge of the chair. (Still being oh so careful not to risk anything that might dirty or damage it.)

Teronmas pages through various books. "Uh.... I am not really finding anything that does permanent literacy. There are some long-ish term translation options that might deal with it, but they would take a longer time to prepare. Do you want a temporary effect to see if it works?"

He...isn't sure, and that's fairly obvious. "I- whatever you think best?"

"Lets start with the small test first. Are you good at setting up rituals according to instructions?"

"Yes, sir," he nods. (He was good at following instructions. And sometimes his masters had required him to do this.)

In that case he and Teronmas can set things up in the ritual room.

Parafi is focused and careful as he follows the instructions, but also very efficient at it.

That's a very good trait for ritual casting! And eventually they have it all set and after some magical words are spoken while some crystals are held.

Then Parafi feels lightheaded following by feeling like the opposite of that and then back to normal.

Teronmas offers a book cover for Parafi to test the effect. It worked, reading feels weird, but he can understand the meaning behind the letters.

Parafi stares at it in quiet amazement, a small, genuine smile winding its way onto his lips.

"I- thank you," he says fervently.

"You're welcome! Is there anything you want to read?"

He's still staring at the cover of the book. "I- I don't- I never thought- I don't know?"

"Uh, fair point. Maybe a short story collection? ...I am sure we have something with Efrossian tales if you're interested in your heritage and everything." He turns around and searches the bookshelves.

"Uh, either? Both? Whatever's- easiest?"

"Right." Choices are hard. Poor guy. "Okay. I will grab a collection of short stories from here and then you can look at the library downstairs for more. Uh, the spell is going to fade, but we can then do the longer lasting version."

He glances around this library. "I- is it- okay to-?" he makes a small gesture at their surroundings.

"Yeah. These books are warded enough that's okay for me to lend them to you. As long you don't take away from the temple. I don't think the books downstairs are likewise protected. So take care. Report any damage."

"I- yes, sir- Teronmas, of course. Thank you!"