[Frustrating though certain aspects of the situation at hand may be, he cannot fault her for the honesty, at least. In fact, quite the opposite. Though it may not necessarily be a comfortable truth to have to admit to, that she is willing to do so is still more than can be said of some people he has known.

Even if it means that he might need to be the one to explain some of the finer intricacies of the inner workings of magic. And focuses for same, should one choose to use them. (He himself has not typically needed to, but in all fairness he is blessed with more power than is the case with even the best and brightest mages of the Source.)]

At least you admit it.

[And none are, inherently, bad methods by which to acquire something.]

Although I might question the wisdom of choosing a staff that has lain hidden in the depths of any given locale for what could well be eons beyond measure.

[A pause, and shrug. Misgivings aside, he's not here simply to judge her failings.]

Be it staff, rod, or cane, a mage's weapon is the tool by which they focus their energies. As such, it cannot simply be thrown together haphazardly, but must be specifically crafted such as to be able to focus the energies that are to be channeled through it.