Honesty is not always the best policy. Or more precisely, almost never a good policy when playing the Game. Although in this particular instance, some truth but not the whole of it is not out of line to share. It's not the lack of refined furnishings, musical salons, or lengthy enlightened discussions on matters academic or theological that troubles Vivienne as one might expect.

"I'm pleased with the progress being made seeing to the base needs of our people: shelter, food, adequate attire for the cold. I simply fear we are not doing nearly enough to provide for the training and educational needs of our mages. A young mage without care or knowledge is so vulnerable and there is a shocking lack of qualified or willing mentors among us."

It does not help in the least that many who would have been qualified either abandoned their Circles or were killed in the rebellion.