" i've seen worse. yes, you ought to quit the drink, but . . . you've got a bird you care deeply about, no matter what. that shows, to me, that you've got a good heart. and the way you dress, well, it shows to me you've got a good eye for detail. " seeing quinn's doubt: " no, i mean it .ᐟ "

" it's the third noble truth. nirodha. maybe brush up on those, if you wanna reach nirvana. " a brow raised, squinting at the question. " aladdin .ᐣ who's that .ᐣ have you met a genie before after all .ᐣ "

shaking her head. the little charms in her hair and the gold coins sewn into her veil jingle. " nuh-uh. is that really so strange to you .ᐣ a new experience .ᐣ "

" y'know . . . " leaning in. " i've always liked a bad girl. "

" fanfic . . . " testing the word in her mouth. " okay. i'll try my best .ᐟ ( .ᐣ ) "

a little smile. " is that all .ᐣ "

okay, explain what that is to me like i've been in prison since the 11th century.

call me ally if you'd like. i could say the same to you.

i'm a big girl. i can handle it.

aludra. *me* .ᐣ talk about yourself -- you're *gorgeous* .ᐟ

other than fish.

oh .ᐟ ( she laughs then. ) oh my gosh. that's perfect. why didn't i think of that .ᐣ *duh*. cute *and* funny. alright, what's the catch .ᐣ

i'd like that a lot.

why do fish fear you .ᐣ

( a laugh. ) i'm flattered you think so.

since i'm already out, it just entitles you to the wishes. it's about the *ritual* of summoning, not the *act* itself. though, i mean, that helps too, if i'm not there. sure. but what's the harm in a little wishing .ᐣ you could learn a thing or three.

what i wouldn't give for a hot bath right now .ᐟ

you wouldn't know they were shackles if it wasn't pointed out to you. " what about you .ᐣ let me guess, a, um, what's the term . . . discipula maga .ᐣ "

" theory's so *boring* .ᐟ i could never be a mage proper. no, most of it's just quick thinking. i'm a genie, see .ᐣ " showing geena the golden shackles around her wrists, stylized like elegant, painstakingly-crafted bangles. they're quite the eyecatching item.

" i don't know . . . i like finding out for myself. trust me, it's a lot more fun that way. " a wink. suddenly she's gone between one blink and the next. " am i a mage . . . " a voice spoke from next to her. the stranger again, biting her lip in thought. " i guess, in a way. but -- no, not really.