Finest moments are overrated: Asra's weaknesses tend toward the earnest and genuine, for all that he is rarely either. Asra's weaknesses tend toward others' moments of weakness, especially when he is half to drunk on champagne, and his ego has been well-enough stroked by the delight of children, the interest and intent of adults. Magic is not always about putting on a show, but when it is--he likes the show to be appreciated.

"I did have a doctor friend," he says, when he's swung the boy down and sidled over to his new audience. "And he did tend to say better out than in, but maybe not tonight." His hand gently pops at the young man's chin, closing his mouth, and this thumb sweeps a flake of pastry away from the corner.

Pretty enough, as mouths go. As strangers at parties go. He taps his thumb at the same corner before letting him go. "You can call me Asra; what should I call you?

"Besides charmed."