"There is some wood that can be taken from the so called 'heart of the world...' it is the name of a tree which, while not literally being the heart of the planet, is a very old tree... it is gigantic, having been enhanced by magic that it absorbed over the course of milennia. To make the best staffs possible, get me some wood from the heart of the heart of the world... you will need to climb up to its center, and see if you can tear some wood out of it. I'm sure you can climb it... females are good at climbing among out kind." the shaman told Minna and Isla.
"It will take about a day to get there and a day back. To find the tree, keep heading in the direction of blue flowers. These grow on the tree. I will show you one. With that, he entered his hut and a moment later, returned with a blue flower.

"These flowers will be more noticeable the closer you are to the tree. When you are close enough, it should be unmistakable. Bring me the heartwood, and I can make a staff for you."
Meanwhile...
Asthia got a container of some liquid and poured it into two cups for herself and Adykon.

"This is nectar from the heart of the world... let's drink to our desire!" she said.
Adykon was a bit uneasy about it, but the drink smelled good, and he really didn't want to anger her now... he was trapped in her tower and at her mercy...