Checks and balances, indeed. If that is the way he truly believed the Circles had operated, someone should try to sell him some swamp land in the Fallow Mire.

"And how large can their world grow when some never step foot outside their Circle? It was a prison to those. I wished to leave someday to be a healer, but was always told to know my place. I was not needed out there, they said. I was not wanted out there. Few mages have happy endings." There's a pause before she continues. "I am starting to think few people have happy endings at all, mage or not. At least with the way the world is now." She wouldn't ignore those she saw affected by the war. She wouldn't ignore that Templars devoted to a life of service slowly grew mad until one day, they were no longer to be found on duty. What was a happy ending?

"Do you think I have reason to fear you?" she asks, instead of rising to the bait.