Lara looked at her. "Sorry. And I won't even try and promise nothing like that will happen again." Her smile was wry. "You wouldn't be interested in someone meek and submissive other than in short bursts. But I will try to think of you before jumping into things."

She smiled, reaching out to stroke Ella's face. "I'm glad you didn't have me fixed to good as new; I like to think I'm better than a newborn baby as well as not wanting anyone else hurt." She looked at Ella. "But the only bone I've upgraded so far has been my skull. And it's slow and tiring, although my ribs are getting it next." It was a semi-transparent attempt at deflection, because upgrading bones wasn't anything in the books Ella had given her - instead it was an idea she, Perry, and especially LaF had put together. Many witches and wizards had upgraded their physiques, but that was known to burn their magic to maintain and was generally considered almost pure vanity.