Surrounding himself with brilliant people has given Theo plenty of practice in accepting his own mediocrity. On any average day, it doesn't bother him all that much. But perhaps that's because he knows he possesses something far more important: power. Since arriving in Thorne, however, he's felt a distinct lack of that too. No one here cares about the newcomer's status. There are plenty of others with far more impressive ranks on every wing of this castle, which means at the end of the day Theo is just... mediocre.

He grasps the offered hand and hauls himself to his feet with some trouble, stretching and twisting like he expects something a lot worse. He might be a lot older than the kid this stranger was seeking out, but Theo still feels way too young to worry about being this hurt.

"Fine. Just continually humbled by a spell everyone assures me even a child can do."