I finally asked Nida about the strange metal she calls Element.
I've been unable to keep my eyes off it.
She said it was among the strongest substances ever discovered, and that it powers nearly everything around us, from my magic armor to her giant, mechanical stryders.
I felt foolish for having risked and eventually given my life for a few pounds of gold, now that I see what can be done with this metal.
It's hard not to covet such wonders, though Nida said that their miracles came at a terrible cost.
She claimed Element polluted the Earth, and that now it was polluting their sky-gardens.
I asked if the invasive force taking over her wheels had brought this pollution with it.
Nida seemed surprised by my question but agreed that did seem like a strong possibility.