"You didn't have to," Merrill says, mournful. This is exactly what Merrill didn't want to happen. It could be worse, of course -- it could be all of them versus all of the mages. As it is, it's not good. She can hear that snap too -- but Velanna isn't the only one who can use the roots, and several more lash out. Some curl protectively between Javion and Vidal's swarm, but most attempt to wrap around Javion's ankles to yank him down.