[ More silence, thinking. That Tertia is asking him questions he has circled himself, that he's considered seeking answers for, makes it all the more complicated—and that's before even considering the danger inherent in the asking.

Speaking with young mages always reminds him of the Circle, and philosophising on the nature and morality of magic, even blood magic, is just as reminiscent. ]

No, [ finally, after some internal sifting. ] Evil is choice, intention. It isn't simply a thing that exists on its own. To say that anything on its own is innately corrupt is Chantry talk.