Taking advantage of this lull in conversation, you get up to make two cups of cold tea with the little remnants of ingredients you have left in your family kitchen.

''I've only read about druids when I learned general history during my time in various academies.'' You begin by offering the moth a cup, giving your new patch one last pinch before sitting next to her. ''I think your orders were described as a mixture of traveling doctors, diplomats, and forest wardens.''

''The death of the Elemental Trees spelled the end of all groups of druids. I have no idea if your description is accurate because my master is the only druid I've met.'' Seyraphal has gained a measure of courage, enough to speak confidently.

''The concept itself is a heritage of the elves, right?''

''Indeed. Druids in the past were interred inside one elemental tree and, through rituals, attuned their bodies and souls with that specific element, gaining magical abilities. My master had me do the same to cure the curse in my blood.'' Two hands gently lift her cup to her mouth for a quiet sip. ''He didn't speak to me about the past because the times of druidic orders are gone... according to him. Life and death form a balance; countries rise and fall, and the orders he belonged to followed nature.''

Books about druids will be your best option if you want to know more about their past. For now, it’s better to focus on what Seyraphal went through. The more I learn about her teacher, the less I like him. What kind of scholar turns his back on history?

''You were ''interred'' inside one of the sprouts of the earthen tree?'' It's a difficult concept to imagine.

''Yes. You know the basic relationship between magic and our main branch of reality?''

''Yeah, if I were a fire mage, I could set the trees here on fire.'' You gesture toward one of the windows, catching Shigeko's attention as she moves a big pile of wood. ''But I'd need to fuel the fire constantly with my internal reserves because reality constantly reaffirms itself. My magic fire wouldn't spread by itself.''

''Earth is the only magic element with permanence because of its inherent physicality.'' Seyraphal is a good speaker when she's confident. Good tone of voice, and no hesitation in her speech. ''I was not born a mage and, as far as I know, it is impossible to acquire a magical gift without any of the great trees. Montaron attuned my body, soul, and Corruption with the concept of my race instead of the element of earth, using earth permanency to ''make it stick'' as he put it.''

Directing her gaze at your silent self, a faint blush returned to her pale cheeks when your eyes crossed. ''My capabilities as a druid are physical; my body is a shapeshifting vessel, capable of temporary changes that are... attuned with the earth while manifesting with bugs as a concept.''