"Still human though. Do you want me to be upset with what you are?" Ruby asked.

"No!" said Aster.  "I just... wasn't expecting this.  It's confusing.  Humans who know about me and are still friendly are generally after something from me."

"There isn't much a demon could offer me," Ruby said. "I'm already rich, famous and a pretty good wizard on top. If I may boast a bit."

"That's fair," said Aster.  "...I don't do bargains like that anyway."

"What sort of deals do you make?" Ruby asked.

"I don't," said Aster.  "...well, I haven't, anyway.  I don't need to.  But if I make a deal with someone, I have to follow through, and they wind up having to, too.  Probably.  I haven't tested it."

"That's for the best," Ruby said.

"Sometimes, though, I get tempted," sighed Aster.  "Ironic, isn't it?"

"What kind of powers do you have?" Ruby asked.

"I can make things," said Aster.  "Not living things, though.  But... stuff."

"Ah. How many mages have you interacted with?" Ruby asked.

"A couple," said Aster.  "It didn't go well."

"Well, you seem like a good person, so no reason for me to distrust you," Ruby said.

"Thank you," said Aster.  "Seriously, thank you."

"You don't have to thank me for that," Ruby said. "Most mages aren't too fond of me either. Being a mere 'entertainer' and all."

"Hey, it's a living," said Aster.  "And it's a thing that a lot of magicians used to do, didn't they?"

"I'm a stage magician as well as actual magic magician," Ruby said.

"Well, pay's probably better than a lot of things you could be doing, I guess," said Aster.

"I do also sing and dance," Ruby said.

"And you cast spells?" said Aster.  "Very versatile."

Ruby shrugged.

"My dad was training me since I could walk and talk."

"Still impressive," said Aster.  "Do you use real magic in your act?"

"I try not too. It feels kind of cheaty," Ruby said.

"That really seems like it's making it harder on yourself than necessary," said Aster.

Ruby shrugs.

"I see it more like doing your own stunts in a movie."