In fairness, it took the Balladeer until about now to realize that Steven should be in school. Does he...does he have to get him enrolled somewhere, or does this count as extenuating circumstances?

His confusion must have showed on his face. He smiles a bit sheepishly. Most of what Steven has to say isn't actually throwing him much; plenty of people have interesting stories around here. "Nah, nothing like that. But don't worry! It's not the strangest thing I've heard. Some of the others have magic - sometimes the Rift actually gives people a little bit when they come through. Normally pretty subtle stuff, I think." He actually doesn't know much about how Rift powers work. Probably, knowing the Rift, there's not any actual rules to it.

Leaning forward, he tries to get a good look at the gem while it's visible. It doesn't look like a piercing. From here, Steven's skin seems to just meld perfectly with the crystal. Is it part of him? Would that make a mutant Gem...just sort of a mutated Steven?

Ugh.

He'd sort of like to inspect the Gem further, but he's aware that you don't just go around poking people in the stomach. "How do you do that?" he asks, leaning back. "Defend Earth, I mean."