( your world is the better for it she says and he resists the urge to snap a retort of his own, and his pleasant mask falters. she doesn't know his world. but yet again, he doesn't know hers and it's accepting that that makes him bite his tongue.

he shrugs instead. ) I won't claim to know your case, but there will always be someone selfish enough to abuse any sort of power. One kind of magic, or another. ( he knows that part with cut intimacy, though that is all he will say.

all worlds have their demons, don't they?

he stands still, no closer or further as she runs through her motions. anger he understands, temper as bright as the shock of red on his head, so he will not fault anyone for feeling the same.

a nod, and he is content to move on to an easier topic. ) I'm new - arrived just hours ago. ( he throws a look around the gardens with momentary consideration. ) Sorry for intruding on your - practice?

( it's better to be polite, anyway. )