[ The sprites that Merlin is trying to converse with sense a calamity approaching. Like something bad in the air, they quickly disperse and retreat to wherever they came from. In their absence, the silence is filled with footsteps approaching Merlin from behind. Her walk is slow and she's in a slightly crooked mood, but that's usually her default state anyway. ]

Ahh, so it's the wizard bastard... I don't suppose you're here to cure us of the magic plague. Lucky for you, I'm already starting to feel healthier.

[ hey dude ]