"Sentient?" Ellie looks uncertain. "I'd never considered... It's true, a cursed item can mimic intent, if the curse is set to the right parameters... but sentience?" Though, the more she seems to consider it, the more realization seems to dawn on her. A missing piece finally taking form to slot into place. "It would explain some things, I suppose. No one else in that cavern would have had the power to mimic my own spell..."

She trails off, but before that nugget of hope can fully manifest, Ellia's attention is drawn back to Andy... then to the orb fixed atop her staff. It pulses to life a second later, holding steady like a breath.

"The heirloom... I'm not sure. I didn't get the best look at it."

She looks back to Andy, her tone growing cold.

"You think I have it."