"That is rather the point."

"Only serious nicknames, got it."

She sticks her tongue out at Ruby.

She sticks her tongue out back. The effect is slightly ruined by her relaxed ears and friendly expression.

"That looks kind of silly."

"I am very exceptionally good at looking silly, it's true."

"It's nice to have talents."

"I have quite a few!"

"So I am seeing."

"We're a talented pair!"

"So what now?"

Shrug. "Practice more. Fighting, especially, and knowing your surroundings - that upperclassman I mentioned's a magical girl. She hasn't attacked me yet, but who knows if she's friendly."

Ellie nods.

"Probably best place for that's not in the middle of the street," she says with clear amusement. "Let's go find a park or something?"

"Okay. I don't know the area too well, but I have a car if that's relevant."

"I'd bet on myself against a car for speed - so that depends on if you're feeling tired."

"Not yet, I don't think."

Teasingly: "If you get tired later, I can always carry you back, too."

"Riding on a tiger's back like some fairy tale mightn't be so bad..."

"I'm a very trustworthy and noble steed!"

"I'll be the judge of that, if we come to it," Ellie says, suppressing a laugh.

She does laugh. "I'll just have to impress you, then."

"Shall we go?"

"Let's! I don't know the area all that well, either, but exploring's fun."

Off to adventure, then.