Talk history.

Meladarai Tlarthanil--an elf from long ago who passed, only to become a mighty spirit haunting a house not far from here. Her speciality is the study of various fantastical creatures, from different sorts of demons, to goblins, to slimes. It's she who has been speaking to Jelly the most while you've been busy. But now you come to her in hopes she knows more than anyone here about a potentially extinct, strange type of being, and she seems like a trustworthy woman to confide in with information that some may find distressing. So you explain the situation--you and Eva sitting at the table with her hovering beside it. She hangs on your every word.

"I have not heard of stel'ae in a long time," Mela says. "Magic eaters. That is a more literal translation of said name, you see, so while it may sound aggressive, it is not incorrect. Though it sounds more odd in the common tongue I would say."

"Magic eaters," Eva repeats to herself.

Mela floats over the table and stares close into the bunny's eyes--perhaps far too close for comfort. "Outstanding. Before me, right now, is a living magic eater."

"N-No. I'm a bunnyfolk. I just share blood--"

"Still! Within your veins flows an ancient history. A people slain by mistrust."

"Are there more out there?"

"That I do not know, Ms. Beela, I am afraid. What you have told me so far is a large part of what I know as well, though I will also share what I am able, if that helps. I believe I even have some notes on this subject. Please, allow me to be right back." And with that, she floats through the wall and disappears.

You and Eva are alone for a short while. Though finally, you hear a fumbling of things outside the door. You stand up and turn the knob to see books and papers on the floor with a distressed spirit hovering above them.

"Yeah. Those don't go through walls," you say.

"Y-Yes, I remembered that the difficult way! I was not thinking. I apologize."

You chuckle as you pick up her things and bring them inside.

Swiftly, Mela floats some specific pages open on the table and points. One particular image is a sketch of a beautiful long-and-pointy-eared woman with a star on her forehead and long flowing hair. There are others as well, some many notes.

"Stel'ae were a more prosperous people long ago," explains the banshee. "Though due to the innate abilities they possessed, they were not trusted. Not only that, but it was said that their blood could be used for all manner of magical creations. While they did not actually possess magical talent above average, their ability to drain magic from other things was something feared. Not only could they suck the mana out of a rival mage, but they could also render magical items inert, or even rarely, gain certain boons from doing so. Truly they were a magical marvel. I apologize for what your mother must have gone through, Ms. Beela."

"Thank you," says Eva. "Is this why I love eating food?"

"That depends. Is Niki a magic eater too?" you ask.

"I like food more!"

"That's an interesting thing to gloat about."

"I would love to study you more closely, Ms. Beela," Mela says, once again hovering directly in front of her. "If you will allow me."

"Uhm. What does study mean?" Eva asks nervously.

With a bright smile, Mela brings up her hands. "Just poke around a little. That is all!"

Eva covers up her body with concern. "I don't know about that."

You sigh. "So mages of the other races probably disliked them most. Yeah, we won't bring this up with the Circle, that's for sure. Thanks, Mela. It sounds like we can only know so much without literally speaking with them ourselves, which may not ever happen. But if you remember or find out more about the stel'ae, let us know. I'm sure Eva would appreciate it."

Eva nods. "I would, yes. Thank you for your time."

"Before you go." Mela crosses her arms, deep in thought. "I have heard rumours in the past. Allow me to look into something, because if I may indeed find evidence of at least one still living, that would be quite beneficial for you, and a truly marvelous discovery for me. If your mother was one, that is not far off. There must be others."

"And I'll ask my dad some more," Eva says. "He's gotta know something, right?"

You pull up from your chair. "He better."