"Yes, you mentioned when you first met that you channel qi through music. Is that the standard way of things where you are from? Are your partner's talisman's a different expression of the same abilities?" Nightingale unearths a notepad and a pen in case notes are necessary.

"In my world, magic has always existed and people have always muddled their way into being able to use it, but a codified system for its use has only been around for several hundred years. I work within that system because that is what I know, but I could theoretically figure out entirely new ways to channel magical energy. Anyone could."

He suddenly finds himself missing Peter so much that his chest aches. His apprentice would have classified every tradition in the place by now, made up a few new spells, and possibly set the mansion on fire. That last thought shouldn't make him feel fond, but it truly does.