[ Amos' more diplomatic single sip of his second glass of champagne is not lost on Howl. The wizard is not one to get offended by how he downed the first one, but he still likes to see Amos appreciating the drink. And hey, if he really needed to get a first round in him before he could savor the second, who is Howl to tell him no?

He looks into his glass to watch the bubbles rise as he considers the question. ]

She is...

[ ... his voice trails off. It seems like Howl might be having some trouble finding the right words, but what he's really doing is sifting through the array of thoughts that leapt to mind. The moment seems to pass after a few slightly awkward seconds. ]

...She's powerful. In numerous meanings of the world. Incredibly beautiful, but you take one look at her and you know she doesn't tolerate trifling men. Or women, probably.

[ He takes a sip of his champagne. ] From what I can tell, the Regent mostly leaves her to her own devices. That ought to tell you quite a lot.