He raises his eyebrows, involuntarily, at that. But he takes a moment to consider his answer.

"...two answers to that, too, really. For me personally, I imagine it's the same reason I joined the Inquisition and that I stay with Riftwatch. I feel like it's my responsibility to do what I can, regardless of how anyone feels about me." And that is true. However.

"The other answer is that when Kinloch Hold was an operational Circle, it was very much not optional. If the Templars tapped your shoulder, you went to the front with them." He doesn't assume Cedric knows as much. He's learned enough to know that Nevarra was different in a variety of way. But in the tower they're sitting in, there were decades and centuries where why mattered very little for most mages.

After a moment, he adds, "Seems strange, sometimes. I would have volunteered, and here I am years later. A lot of people didn't come back from Denerim who probably wouldn't have gone if they had a choice. Picked for loyalty and how unlikely it was they'd run off, I suspect, not for magical strength." Not bitter, just tired.