You scramble after Elder Tharah as she dashes through the temple. She only slows down occasionally to exchange a few words with the Eldonians, who are still trying to clear the hallways amidst the tremors. Even in a rush she is kind and encouraging and she is earning your respect more and more.  You arrive back at an area below Vera Temple and some labourers are hacking at the roots that have spread through the temple. They're desperate to stop their invasion.

"Don't cut the roots," Tharah tells them. "They're not our enemy!"

These roots, you think. They are destroying everything they must be stopped why wouldn't you cut at them at least in the short term to stop them. The workers cease the chopping and stand dumbfounded raising their palms to the air as if to ask what else can they do? Tharah instructs them to follow the roots to look for any crystals and dig them out as that should slow the growth. 

Tharah leads you to the back of the temple, into a room containing a giant wheeled mechanism. She explains that the roots are moving underground, trying to reach their ancient sibling tree in the centre of Library of the Arcanum. It's part of what's causing the tremors.

"The Alta Etheria tree slowed its growth centuries ago," she says it is slowly dying. "Perhaps we can turn this moment of crisis into a victory. If we can redirect some of the extra energy in the system to heal the tree, recharge the mega crystal at its core, it might stop the earthquakes for now and bring an old tree back to flourishing life. But I will need all of you to help." Behind the second waterfall in the great hall there is a mechanism that controls the flow of water to the atrium and the tree. "The mechanism hasn't been adjusted in a long time," she says, "Large gears must be turned to activate it. Doing so will release the charged water into the library and down to the roots of the Alta Etheria, but I can't manage it alone.

"Haden, this sounds like something you should take charge of," you say to Haden knowing that this is right in her wheelhouse and smile hoping she gets your pun. She asks Alster to work with her and analyse the mechanism and then she directs you all to gather your strength and you work together and push! The mechanism is a marvel of ancient engineering, an intricate assembly of metal and wood gears, each one varying in size and design. The largest gear, made of aged oak, dominates the center, its teeth worn but still strong. Smaller gears of bronze and iron mesh with it, their surfaces engraved with Eldonian symbols and patterns that hint at their age and craftsmanship.

As you and your companions push against the wooden levers, the gears begin to turn, albeit slowly at first. The creaking and groaning of the ancient mechanism fill the room, echoing off the stone walls. Each gear moves in concert with the others, their interlocking teeth working together in a complex dance of motion. Dust and cobwebs shake loose, swirling in the air, and you can feel the resistance lessen as the gears find their rhythm.

You and Talik join in, adding your strength to theirs. The largest gear starts to rotate more smoothly, and with it, the secondary gears accelerate. One by one, the gears engage, transferring the force through the mechanism. A rope like shaft connected to the gears extends upwards, disappearing into the ceiling, indicating the mechanism's reach throughout the temple's structure.

Water begins to flow from a series of spouts positioned around the room's perimeter, initially just a trickle but growing into a steady stream. The water cascades down channels carved into the stone floor, guided by grooves and troughs that lead towards the library.

"The water will nourish the roots and reach the Alta Etheria tree," Tharah explains, her voice tense with anticipation. "It can absorb the additional life force this charged water carries."

The final gear, a smaller one made of brass, clicks into place, completing the circuit. The water flow intensifies, rushing with renewed vigor through the ancient channels. The roots, sensing the water's approach, seem to pulse and contract, their invasive spread slowing as they redirect their energy towards the life-accelerating liquid.

The tremors beneath your feet lessen, the ground stabilizing as the roots of the Alta Etheria drink deeply. You feel a sense of accomplishment and hope, knowing your combined efforts have made a difference.

Tharah steps back, her eyes fixed on the flowing water. "We need to monitor the roots and ensure the tree absorbs enough water to heal and stop the others from accessing all of this power," she says. "But this is a good start. You've done well."

You take a moment to catch your breath, feeling the strain in your muscles but also a deep sense of satisfaction. The ancient mechanism, with its manifold gears and intricate design, has played its part in saving the city. Now, you can only wait and hope that the healing process will be enough to pause the earthquakes for now. 

Next: E2Q1 The Alta Etheria