[well, he knew that question was coming, and he still doesn't want to answer it. He exhales, more out of frustration than anything else, and sets aside his paper and pencil.]

As I said, my people--the high elves--feed on magic. We are capable of releasing this energy in a torrent, and we must do so regularly.

[he pauses as he tries to think of how to explain it concisely.] Listen to me. Magic is change. That is its fundamental purpose in any world that I've seen, and I have seen more than my fair share. It alters reality. It warps, either subtly or drastically.

I can tell you now, without any uncertainty, that Martin Darkov is in the process of a drastic transformation, and that it is because of the conflict I sensed in his body.