[He wrinkles his nose at that, uncertain of that claim. It isn't that he doubts Thranduil's wisdom, it just does not sound right.]

But--herbs are not magic. The maesters of my world use herbs and they say that there is no such thing as magic. Herbs are the same as medicines. [He isn't entirely sure of that, either, even as he is saying it.] How can it be magic if anyone can learn it?