"Possessive," China provides, helpfully. "Especially as you happen to be a Foreigner. Unless you are willing to make your skills of use to them in exchange." And Zanru has not been in the best of moods... well, ever, to be quite honest.

At the comment about Elemental magic, China just laughs, and it's more melodious than laughter really has a right to be. "It is, isn't it? The user most often turns themselves to stone. Much more difficult to kill, you'll agree, but impossible to control when it wears off." Earth's an unfortunately double-edged sword.

Toph. No family name? Interesting. And certainly no more strange than most sorcerers. "A linguist," China confirms, amused. "I've studied the language of magic since I was very young."