A blatant change comes through him when Natasha says she's from the same world as Wanda. He's been polite, pleasant even, but now he really does smile, warm and genuine, and something relaxes in his posture. He is with a friend of one of his two friends, and that makes a difference.

"Wanda and I are both psionic mages, telepaths and telempaths. It's bonded us very closely since meeting."

Istredd has never had anyone in his life who he opened his mind and heart up to the same way. He's allowed her in, shared his knowledge and feelings, and that is very rare. He is usually contained and withdrawn, but with Wanda, it seemed so easy to share. Neither of them intended it, but now it's very real. He's never tried, but Istredd wonders if the power of their connection could go across the continent.

"I am hoping to help her make it less instinctive and more practiced. I've been using that magic for over sixty years, so I try to be a good resource for her, as she's been for me."

And yet he looks barely older than thirty years old, perhaps younger at times. Mages get to decide how they look, and while they can age over time, it is in very small measures. Istredd knows that Wanda struggles with feeling out of control or that her magic consumes her, and he wants to help her build that control and confidence. It may take some time, but their trust goes far.

"Everyone has access to magic here, you may see children run around doing spells at times too. The Singularity, the supposed source of magic, is very powerful and connected to everyone in this continent." Those born with it and those who have been taken away. "The moment they took you out of the water, you've been marked by the Singularity with its power."