"Gold." Esther's smile grew. "It's beautiful."
She could see the trunk first, rising through a quiet space she had never noticed within herself. Its surface shone with a warm golden light, brighter along the places where the Branches divided. Farther out, finer lines extended from them, delicate enough that she was afraid she would lose sight of them if she became distracted.
The Tree did not remain perfectly still. Light moved through it in slow currents, and Esther found that she could feel that movement as well as see it. Her breathing eased without her having to think about it.
"There are little lines coming from the Branches," she said. "They look thin, but there are so many."
"Those are the Veins. Do not try to touch them for now."
"I won't."
"You have done very well."
Esther giggled, delighted by the praise, and the image wavered.
"Oh!"
