"Legends, in my experience, are never entirely true or entirely false." She pauses, then raises her eyebrows and tips her head in something similar to concession. "And often just as much a pain as Shrieks."

Her eyes are drawn back to the staff when he lifts it. Magic interests her far more than tall tales, enough to make her straighten out of her lounging position and lean forward a bit.

"You will find that we are not the only mages here. How do your runes work? In my world they are crafted to add magical properties to items. Giving a sword flame, or a tea pot enchanted so its contents are always hot."