"I am not most people."

"That's becoming increasingly clear..."

Smile. "Good."

She hesitates for a bit, then: "What did you do, back in your old world? And how did you get here?"

"I was a soldier, for a long time. Then a teacher and a researcher, which I liked rather more, on the whole. As for how I got here- a snake monster with a mirror for a face tried to eat me, and transported me here instead."

Frown. "That doesn't sound like any monster I've heard of - though Three would know more."

"I'll be sure to ask when we meet her."

" - She won't be happy with you. She likes her magic, more than any of us."

"Then I suppose I had better hone my charm."

"Don't think it's just the charm that matters."

"If you have suggestions, I'd be delighted to hear them."

"...Three's not going to like having her security ripped away. She surrounds herself with her dolls because they're totally under her control, and she exerts way more influence over her people than any of us - she's the one who confirmed my suspicions about the mind control. She uses it on purpose, and pushes it as far as it'll go. Her dolls are made from her people, twisted until even the tiny remnants of will the Intoners leave them are ground into dust. She's hedonistic and clingy and desperate for attention, and too scared to let people close, to trust them within arms reach."

"Charm can't fix that. You can't make her safe by being nice."

"I see. Thank you for your insight."

"She'll want - need - her own power."

"Alas, mine is not so easily shared."

"If you want her to like you? Figure that out."

"Oh yes, only the most famously unsolved mystery in the last thousand years of galactic history. I'm sure it will take me no more than an afternoon or two."

"If you're as competent as you say..." She's smiling, though. 

"Your faith is touching, newly born as it is."

"You still need to prove it."

"My deeds thus far do not suffice?"

"Have only seen a few of those up close and personal."

"Fair enough. I was quite disappointed to find you were out of the house when we attempted to visit at first, by the way."

"Unfortunately for you, I'm not stupid."

"Yes, all the dramatic confrontations seem to be initiated at the Intoner's whim, rather than mine. Very sad."