"I think that only works if they're magical," Mary replies, with some skepticism (at whether his tattoos are magical, not that magic exists. She knows it does.)

Mary heaves a world-weary sigh at Gerard's actual question. "Yes, I've been running along behind the welcome wagon. And that's only because I kicked him in the shin when he tried to pick me up." She doesn't offer him a hand -- people are often so awkward about handling her in a handshake -- but she says, "My name is Mary Dahl. It's an unexpected pleasure to meet you, sir."