The golden portal rippled quietly.
John stepped through first.
A warm sensation washed over his body as space folded around him.
For a brief moment, everything disappeared into light.
Then—
The ground returned beneath his feet.
Fresh air filled his lungs.
Birds chirped somewhere overhead.
The scent of pine trees and damp earth replaced the ancient fragrance of the Hidden Realm.
John slowly opened his eyes.
They had returned.
---
Behind him, Lythriel stumbled out of the portal and stretched her arms.
"I never thought ordinary air would smell this good."
Aerion walked through next, taking a slow look around.
"The forest..."
"It feels smaller."
Sylvara nodded in agreement.
"After seeing the World Tree..."
"Everything else does."
Even the Soul Raven emerged quietly.
Unlike before, its immense body had shrunk considerably.
Golden light surrounded it for several moments before fading.
Where an enormous guardian had once stood...
