She hums. "What if you're still stuck Heartful, then?"

"Then I'll curse his memory. But by that point presumably I'll be powerful enough that I can make do."

"It's easier with power, yeah."

"Mm."

"What types of stuff do you like to do?"

"Experiment with artifacts, mostly. Read."

"You'd have to steal books from the fairies, probably, if you don't like listening to people tell stories. But there's lots of experimenting to do with Heartful magic."

"Yes. I will also need to find a new place to live."

"Do you not wanna live with humans?"

"I have not been terribly charmed by any of the specimens I have met thus far."

"Do you want to live with Heartful fairies, then?"

"That depends on them. Though I have never been very fond of neighbors of any description."

"You could have a tower! With books! And magic spells protecting it!" She seems charmed by this idea.

"Possibly, yes."

"I bet I could turn a lizard into a dragon for you. Every wizard tower should have a dragon protecting it."

"Only if I could control it."

"Obviously! I'd show you how."

"...I'd need more information about the area to pick where I'd want a tower. A better map."

Humming. "And you might figure out something else you wanna do, anyways."

"Perhaps."

"I know there's more Heartful fairies around - I've been looking for some. I can teach you magic, and you can help me look, and then maybe we'll both have allies for our stuff."

"A fair enough bargain. Very well."

"Good! Do you got any questions about magic, then? Oh, I can show you how to make a shelter, if you don't want to go stay with humans!"

"Yes, that would be appreciated."

"It's easier if you've got some rock or pliable trees..." she says, bouncing to her feet and starting off into the forest. "There should be some exposed cliff-faces this way, though."