It really is. Not the worst I've seen, of course, but you don't get many young sorcerers itching to go out and find new dimensions anymore. Mostly because there's almost no one left to teach them.

[Erskine straightens up, staring at the glowing hand a moment longer.]

You said it's normally a glowing scar? What is it? If... you don't mind me asking?

[At the elf's question he stops, blinking, and then can't help but bursting out laughing.]

You know, I didn't even consider that--I was so busy worrying about choking.