"I've heard the Powers of the West sang the world into being from nothing."

"The key principle of alchemy is equivalent exchange. You can't get something for nothing."

"Not something I've heard of here."

"What a wonderful world to live in."

"I don't know much of magic here, unfortunately. A Song or two for battle."

"Songs?"

"The world was sang into being. Song can change it, or so goes the theory."

"That sounds... too easy."

"Most music doesn't, and the line between normal and magical music is weird. Most effects are pretty small, too - people I've known haven't considered it worth their time."

"And there's the catch."

She laughs. "There's one for everything. One of the dragons is rumored to be good at it, though."

"I'll keep that in mind if I ever meet a dragon."

"I'd suggest avoiding any fights."

"Of course."

"Maybe a few," Bellona says, cheerfully. "No fights might get boring."

Agon laughs.

"Against something smaller than a dragon, maybe. To start with."

"I know how to work my way up!"

"Just making sure you remember that you do."

Snicker. "Applied theory is so hard, though."

El reaches up to pat her shoulder.

"That's what I'm here for."

"Makes us an excellent team."

"That it does."

Teasingly: "Not that you have any flaws I need to cover."

"Flaws? Me? Never."