Ah. [ Ah. His wince is sympathetic, and a touch wry. ] I suppose it's lucky they let Mortalitasi out into the city occasionally.

[ At least he was able to break the hearts of people he never had to see again.

(Most of them are probably dead now. Ah. Ilias reaches for his wine again.) ]

Some mages do make the attempt, though, don't they? Not to let any connection become too strong. To maintain a certain remove, voluntarily, for reasons of piety or otherwise. Or do you think that doomed as well?