My magic? Feels different, I think, but I wield it the same. Well -- no, that isn't right. I wield it easier. I don't require materials to hone specific spells, I mean.

[He shook his head, clearly conflicted by this confession.]

It might seem better surface-wise, yes. But I'd rather go deeper on this, to be sure. Why are things different?

[This was growing into something of an obsession.]