The World Tree dominated the horizon, even from kilometers away it appeared impossible. It was like a mountain disguised as a tree or perhaps a tree pretending to be a mountain.
Atheline honestly wasn't sure.
As he walked through the snow-covered path leading toward the sacred grounds, he found himself staring upward repeatedly.
No matter how many times he saw it, the sight never became ordinary. The entire tree radiated Aether; pure, ancient, and powerful.
The fox perched on his shoulder, completely silent for once. Even though it seemed impressive.
Eventually, they arrived at the pathway leading down to the trunk underground.
Atheline was about to go down when he heard someone approaching.
"Atheline..."
He turned only to see a smiling Solaris looking at him. Atheline instinctively glanced behind him but he was alone.
"Good morning your highness," he said respectfully but he didn't bow like he used to.
"How have you been?"
