To the root

[Anastasia]

Thus you are lead out, "This way, we have a place where the mages nearby gather," Castel answers, as you leave the forges behind. "Though few of us have any talent for Queen's beautiful song magic."

[Iron Dragoon]

"That's something I haven't studied yet, but it's a very unique magic. I doubt I'll be able to learn it, but I can hope!"

[Anastasia]

"Bardic magic's unique, but it's..." A pause here, "I never had any talent for it when Aunt Sanzha tried to teach me," Emily admits. "It took me a week to learn the basic, foundational cantrip structure, when I was already on fourth circle sorceress spells. What was the point?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa looks blankly at Emily, "... Well, to know, obviously. It's a branch of magic that's entirely unique. Why wouldn't you want to learn it? That reminds me, I asked Donald to ask around if Seira knew any bards that might be open to helping us. I should follow up with that."

[Anastasia]

"There's a difference between knowing and doing," Emily says with a shake of her head. "Oh yes, there's even a message about it at home. We should do that after this."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods, "Excellent! Let's continue on."

[Anastasia]

The gathering of mages is beneath several smaller trees that grow from the roots. Within you can see a large number of the dwarf-ants, as Castel says, "Here," he says, "Go in and ask them of what you will."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods and hurries in!

[Anastasia]

Emily follows as you head in. Here mages are in various discussions, while others work amid heaping piles of magical components and materials, as well as tables full of potions. Others yet sit and meditate - and many turn to you as you hurry on in.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa smiles and waves, "Hello! We're visiting and have come to learn about your kind and culture! We're both mages ourselves and would like to compare notes."

[Anastasia]

One approaches - a dwarf-ant in simple clothes, tunic and pants. Nothing remarkable, save for a limp as she walks. "You're welcome here, as Queen commands. Ask and we will answer."

[Iron Dragoon]

"We'd like to see some of the spells you cast, to see if there's any technique differences, and then perhaps look at some lore. Emily, anything else?"

[Anastasia]

"No, that should cover everything," Emily says after a moment's thought, "Unless things are more divergent than I imagine."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods, and smiles at the ant-dwarf, "Might we know your name?"

[Anastasia]

"Alethara," Is the answer, a bow to you.