Most of the non-casters, or those with very little magical aptitude, write a few quick notes, and then sit back, more interested in what others have to say. Nadriina takes quite a while to answer, but as one of the leading academics on the subject, sets off the first reply. "To me, magic is rules. By performing specific actions, and drawing upon different powers in set amounts, portioned away via preparation and clarity of though, one can set off the triggers to invoke changes in the universe. It is structured, it is precise, and it is measurable. The amount of magic set aside for one of my spells is equivalent, roughly, to the amount of magic set aside by another of equivalent power, performing the same spell." "That's... interesting you say that, Nadriina," Serena says, once she finishes. "I can see where both of you are coming from. Magic is drawn by one's belief, shaped into the desired form, and then spread across the canvas of reality, like a painter with his brush, skillfully directed and handled by a master's keen eye and touch." "Drow is correct," Mordin says, quickly, almost cutting off Serena. "Magic follows rules. One part red, two parts blue, heat for four hours, make purple that defies gravity. Some may understand magic with instinct, but don't go far. Too much can go wrong. Usually blow themselves up. Don't have benefit of ability to reattach head." "How do you explain me, then? Or the hobgoblin... Ulwei, right? Right," Garrus says. "We're like Draiss, only more literal; we draw magic from music; I can get the same effect from different songs." "But it's still ordered, constructed. You can't sing a loud, boisterous anthem, and hope to get a spell for silence or invisibility." "Well, there was that one time... but, true, I see your point." "All we're really doing is just agreeing with one another, on how we see the rules differently. How does this help anything?" Kamariel adds, after a moment of quiet. "For me, magic is... as unthinking as flying. I want to summon a storm of fire, I just will it to appear, and I know I can't do it again until it's had time to recover. I don't think about why I can, I just can."