Ariel's expression changed thought again at the change of subject. "Hmm, let's see..." She tapped a finger on the table. "I still use it for some things. Knowing some basic spells certainly makes some alchemical processes much easier, especially when controlling heating or cooling. But, apart from that, I have only really used it either to help understand the girls' symptoms when they fall ill, occasionally for healing little wounds, other small applications...It's always there, as well, should I need to defend myself, though thankfully I have not needed to do so since living here." She looked directly to Meesei again. "I must admit, the more complicated magic that I use is completely to do with my more complicated alchemy. There are a few mages who take work here and there in the city, but most other mages in Thorn who make their living from magic are as you say; academics."