[He smiles and shakes his head (a valiant effort not to laugh, he didn't want to scare off the kid from his curiosity.)]

Not so strange as you might think, one of my closest friends uses a wand and a lot of the spells she uses have words or incantations attached to them. Mages back home don't need those things, no, but most mages need the focus of a staff to ensure their spell doesn't hit a friend instead of an enemy.

Mine didn't come here with me and I've yet to find the components I'd like to make a new one, so for now I stick with what I'm good at. Once I find a focus, I'll be able to do things I have less of an inclination for safely.

[His smile turns from amused to thoughtful.]

You're a very curious young man. I must admit, it's surprising to find someone your age so eager to learn more about things unusual to them.