A carbuncle. They're often companions for Arcanists, created by aether through arcane geometry. My studies are largely focused on ancient arcane magic, so I am not surprised that this was my companion.

[ And the carbuncle looks around curiously, tilting its little head at the dragon.

He takes a seat near Dan Heng. ]

I thought of recordkeeping myself, but have decided to keep much of it in my mind rather than on paper.