[ Ah, he does note the way that she looks at him with a bewildered expression and he really has to wonder if it's so unusual for her to have someone express a genuine interest in getting to know her. That strikes rather close to home in a way he doesn't quite expect, and he gives her the most reassuring smile he can muster. ]

Oh, I think we have a race kind of like elves back in Teyvat. I'm not sure about gnomes, though.

[ He's pondering on that a bit when she mentions her magical abilities and Thoma's train of thought is well and truly derailed. A single long-legged stride puts him in front of her as he turns excitedly to face her. ]

Wait, really? That's amazing! What kinds of animals can you turn into? Can you turn into a dog?

[ Because clearly that's the most important thing here. ]