Anders colors slightly before ducking his head in quiet apology. He's had to run from abuse since he was around fourteen. She's had to do it all of her life.

"And about what you like. There was one mage in Kinloch Hold, Finn, who absolutely hated the outdoors. He was the only one who was pleased when they cancelled our outside time."

There's a short beat as he takes a sip, before he realizes he should probably explain that.

"We used to have an hour a day in the sun outside. But Kinloch Hold was on an island. And we were guarded by men in heavy armor. So one day a young mage decided that men in heavy armor couldn't possibly keep up with him and jumped into the lake." The pride in his voice and smile no doubt gives away who that young mage was. "Four miles he swam, the whole way across, and he was free for five days, which is quite the accomplishment when they've got your phylactery and they're pissed because one of their brothers jumped in after you and they had to then spend time saving him instead of chasing you."

A shrug. "Unfortunately, Finn was the only one who was all right with the punishment so that mage was not very popular for some time. Basically... yes. A majority of the people would prefer a life of their choosing. But there are always a few who want the cage, which makes things difficult for the rest."