"That doesn't sound very controlled or empirical."

"It is definitely both of those things. It's controlled by me, and I declare it logical, too. There, done."

Darren bursts out laughing. "That's not how science works."

"And that's not what empirical means!"

"Details. Petty details, I am right regardless."

"That's not how being right works, either. Everything you're saying is wrong!"

"Woefully, tragically, and completely incorrect. We might have to talk about runes to punish you."

"I have done nothing to deserve this mutiny! As your empress of prettiness I declare you both traitors!"

"I didn't even do anything!"

"If she wanted you to explain more runes would you do it?"

"... Yes."

"Yeah. That's why. You're a traitor, too."

"Well, we've already been declared traitors, might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb, gimme a rune."

Darren gives her a rune.

Savannah makes an ungodly noise that sounds like someone is strangling a fuzzy animal, and flops onto the window to stare at the scenery. "Traitors."

"Horrible no-good scoundrels, the both of us. But magical ones."

"That makes it worse. You are horrible no-good magical scoundrels. You both get prizes for being terrible people."

"Ooh! Prizes!"

"What do we get, what do we get?"

"Shame."

"Oooooh. Shaaaaaame."

"I will treasure it forever."

"Good! Because that's the point of it. You will feel shame about this. Forever and for always."

"I'm not going to feel it, I'm going to put it on its little trophy stand in a little trophy case on my desk."

"Fine, that works, too."