"But how many then must there be? Might people not even know?" Delia asked Mahariel.

Mahariel shrugged. "You both have the upper hand here. I only know of magic what I've seen. Anders, you'd done all the legwork and your research will be invaluable to us, I'm sure, Delia."

"I'm sure it's possible. There are days when I forget I'm… not alone," Anders phrased. "It's just a part of me. If Justice doesn't want out, he doesn't interfere. Maybe it's the same for many mages."

Delia furiously scribbled something down on a sheet of parchment. "I have so much reading to do," she murmured to herself. More loudly, she said, "I will absolutely reach out to Wynne. Even if she can't help us, she should know."

Mahariel nodded.

"I wish I would have known," was all Anders said, and there was no more malice in his voice. Perhaps, Mahariel considered, she should have told him when he and Wynne had met. She would be lying to say that the thought hadn't burned into the back of her mind the whole time the two mages had stood facing each other on the small Chantry yard. Maybe she should have said something. But that was over and done now. She couldn't even say with certainty where Wynne was.

"Let me know if I can assist you in any way, Delia."

"Absolutely. Of course," Mahariel promised, and under the table, Anders took Mahariel's hand. The edges of her mouth turned up briefly.

"We'll leave you to your work," Anders said, and rose from the table. "I think we've done all we can for now."

"Anissa, can you send a letter for me?"

Mahariel peeked into the antiroom of Anissa's small chambers, the antiroom serving as her study and sitting area.

"Of course, Lady Arlessa. I'll get it to the postmaster on the morrow. Shall I pick it up from your quarters or do you have it to hand?"

Mahariel shook her head. "No, I'll need a messenger for this. As soon as you can. Tonight, if possible, but if not, first thing in the morning." She held out the proffered letter and waited for Anissa's response.

The girl bobbed her head. "That can be arranged." Anissa took the letter from Mahariel and rotated it in her hands. "There's no location…"

Mahariel's head swayed from side to side, indicating her deference. "I know. I… It just needs to get to a person. If your runner can't find them through the usual channels, have them inquire at Circles. But our own Chantry might not be the worst place to start."

"Of course, Arlessa." Anissa tucked the letter into a pocket and offered Mahariel leave from her quarters, indicating that she would follow behind. She did, and shut the door behind her.

"One last thing," Mahariel said, just before she turned away. "I… I'm sorry. It's just… If there is a response, have your messenger wait for it. They'll be compensated for their time. This… is of the utmost importance."

"And if there is no response?"

"...I am almost certain that there will be."