[ it is painful, of course, all the time, but it's a pain he bears gladly if it means that ultima's plans cannot come to fruition. but that-- that's something he couldn't really hope to explain even if he were inclined to do so.

he smiles at the small touch, kind, encouraging. people other than his brother and jill don't often casually touch him, even now, so it's.. nice. still, he doesn't mention it or readjust his position, instead humming out an interested noise as she mentions the magic of her world. ]

'Tis similar in my home, in that magic is.. difficult. [ he turns his palm over in his lap, and flames flicker across his palm, then extinguish just as quickly. ] Only some are born with the ability to use it freely, and it comes with a terrible price. [ he lifts his eyes, gazing out toward the people still lingering among the stalls and shops. ] I have never before seen a place where those with the gift of it are so.. free.