"Something to look forward to, at least," she replies, rather dryly. Perhaps there is a reason she doesn't joke any more; it always becomes grim.

And a nod, at that. "The mission is multifaceted, but chiefly concerned with the capture of a Merchant Prince operating a slaving business." Leliana pauses, and her expression becomes more grave. "We have reason to believe he has been supplying these slaves to the Venatori. We wish to see his... trade dismantled, the slaves freed and intel gathered." Her jaw clenches a moment, mouth caught in a stern line. The other elements she can certainly explain, but this is the most pressing matter, that lives have been warped and jeopardised and doubtless lost to this. "I would feel better knowing we had a mage of your caliber with the party being assembled. It is presently more than dominated by rogues, and..." A pause, then, and this is the meat of it: "I believe you and I share some opinions on the ideals of freedom."

If those who are lost and scared and afraid should also come to know one of their rescuers was a mage, if that ever changed their fear of mages in the future... it was not a deciding factor, no, but it was something to hope for, even despite herself.