A long, audible grunt came out of Judson as he halted for the nth time, throwing his head back in frustration. He turned to stare at the Burrower far behind, who was devotedly lugging something along by a rope with obvious difficulty.

"Let it go already, will you, Qar?" He genuinely pleaded.

"I'm afraid I cannot, sire." Qar grunted, his voice heavy with effort. "It is much too lovely to leave carelessly lying about."

Judson's eyes had long turned to focus ahead, but he rolled them anyway. "It is an unuseful ornament."

Qar began to say something in protest, but he barely paid ear. Almost all of his attention was on the landscape ahead. Behind were the tallest woods from which they had just emerged and in front was the breathtaking view of a green valley stretched to the horizon. In the light of the morning sun, the valley seemed too bright even for his eyes. He squinted, lost in a sea of thoughts, but the sound of Qar's voice progressively drew his attention back.

". . . and that is why I believe such precious things should not be cast away."

Judson heaved a sigh before turning to face his companion. "Qar, I am afraid I missed your reasons. My mind wandered far."

Qar threw out a paw. "All alright, sire. Have you spied yet where the Valley is?"

"Yes," Judson nodded once. "Indeed I have."

The creature's eyes lit up. "Really? Where?"

With an arm outstretched, he ushered Qar forward. "If you will go to that boulder over there and climb on it, you would see for yourself."

A little gasp of awe left Qar as he sprinted on flat, padded feet, dropping the large pennant of his necklace. He reached the boulder and climbed with ease then stood up straight. With the sun on his face and the light on his coat, he appeared quite daring as well as astonished.

"By the pickle! Look at all of that beautiful beauty!" He exclaimed in a small, wistful voice. "Bless Nalie!"

Judson's grin was wide as he walked to a different boulder and sat on it, facing the horizon. Qar had a way of making smiles break on his face even when he did not feel up to cheer. He groaned as he stretched out. His feet were sore, he was awfully tired and desired undisturbed sleep. They had walked a few long miles without rest so as to arrive the famous Valley of The Living Oaks before it was too late.

And he prayed it was not.

"Sire?" Qar called, sliding off his own boulder. He made a knot around himself with the necklace and placed the brightly hued pendant on his chest region.

"Does this beauty compare to. . ."

He thinned his lips in silence when Judson suddenly turned to look at him.

"Compare to what?" Judson prompted, his expression easing. "Ask what you will, Qar."

The Burrower visibly relaxed. "Does this beauty compare to that of your dearest?"

Judson nodded knowingly, smiling. He had expected that to be Qar's question and that the creature had only hesitated because he knew just how sensitive the subject was. But he suspected that Qar loved to hear him talk about it because he was genuinely interested in the affairs of the heart.

"It does not." He replied, gazing into the sun rays around him. He could see through to the very fabric of light - tiny, numberless strands of colorless phenomenon that converged in straight lines.

"Tell of her again, sire." Qar requested, going to sit at Judson's feet.

The latter had granted the same request more times than he could count, but he did not mind granting it again. Qar made him feel comfortable talking about Waverly, and with how often he had to in the past few months, he discovered that he felt less pain and more hope. He no longer missed her in sad, depressing ways; instead his mood lightened whenever he thought of her. He remembered the happiest days, the toughest days, and the rare days when nothing happened at all; when they had both existed in peace and quiet.

"What do you wish me to tell, Qar? There are many things."

"Tell me about your adventures together. Oh, the Gypsie kingdom. I like that encounter the most."

Judson filtered through his memories, unable to fully grasp certain bits of it, but then again, he had always been utterly vulnerable with the Burrower. Qar was fully aware of the evil that had resided inside him and of the terrible things it made him do, but never did the creature judge. Instead, it had made him adore and respect Judson all the more because he felt that being able to live with such a memory whilst facing the consequences and trying to do the right thing was the toughest human choice of all.

"Well, you know already that it is a saga, but I will tell it once again." He pulled a waterskin out of his lightweight travel sack and drank from it. "We had set off from your home at the time, Qar. Your mother led us to an old ship."

Qar's eyebrows wiggled with pride. "She always was a secret lover of those kind of things, my ma, but she never liked to admit it, not when it would encourage my own fantasies. Please, proceed with the story, sire."

Judson chuckled briefly. "Your mother was kind and hospitable, and when the time came, she bade us goodbye. We set sail with the aid of Nixies."

"Water Elves." Qar offered. Any tale of Elves tickled his fancy a great deal.

"Yes." Judson nodded, skimming the environment with his eyes.

Usually, the nicest of places harboured the deadliest of creatures, but he often tried to first pay attention to the nature around him before jumping to conclusions about it. Though he would hate to have to face adversary in such a beautiful place, he sensed that the silence hanging over the wood, the Valley and in between was a threatening one.

"We sailed to a dead island, and there, I was overtaken by evil again." His face creased with discomfort. He hated to remember, but he no longer resented himself so much for what happened after.

"I tried to kill her." His voice fell low. He paused for a time. "I think I might have even succeeded, but thankfully, help found her quick. She survived long enough to be taken in by the Gypsies of Queen Uriel's Hidden Kingdom. And she lived with them in their bondage. I tried to look for her."

"But the wolves." Qar put forth. He shivered so much that what little hair he had on his coat stood on ends, but he was far from scared. His eyes had grown to the size of bowls as he stared up at Judson. One could believe he was seeing the tale play out.

"Yes, two godly animals as large as houses." Here, Judson's tone and face lightened as if he told a fascinating tale to a child. "They were angry, furious and their howls were so loud it could be heard for leagues. They walked in great strides, and they were capable of flight, and so it was impossible to outrun them."

"But you did." Qar contributed cheerfully.

"Maybe once or twice, but not after they caught up to me. I tried everything in my power to fend them off, but they were creatures bred for battle. All of my attempts failed. I was injured greatly and wandered for days before I came upon an underground cave. I would have easily walked right past it if I had not fallen in."

Even though he knew the answer, Qar asked still. "What did you find in there?"

"Slaves. Men forced to dig for gold and precious gems under the earth for their oppressor. They were generous men, albeit worn and despairing. In spite of their shortage, they gave me food and water and tried all they could to heal my wounds. But their skill was not enough. I was only days away from death myself."

With his fingers interlacing, he stretched diagonally and floated off the boulder, gently, until his back touched the ground. His tone turned melancholic.

"The only thing I craved was to see her again, to tell her how sorry I was, and. . . that I loved her with all my heart. And eventually, I did. In the end, it was she who saved me."

A long, yearning sigh came out of Qar. He seemed to lose control of himself and fell ridiculously on his back, what with the weight of the pendant dangling on his front.

Judson burst into laughter. "That is the bit you wanted to hear the most."

Qar rose and shrugged. "To be truthful, sire, yes, but all of your tales capture me in the same manner and hold me spellbound. If I'd lived such a life of adventure and wonder and danger, I'd be full of satisfaction forever."

Judson sat up. "It is that point of satisfaction I am yet to reach, Qar, and that is why we have come here. Until I acquire contentment, my adventures are far from over."

"It's a good thing I know where that contentment lies, or at least, what will bring it." At that, Qar's countenance turned seriocomedic. "On to the Valley and yonder, sire, is where we have to go?"

"As were the directions, yes. I cannot predict what is in store for us, but I hope it is more helpful than harmful. Given my luck, it is bound to jiggle between both. Come on."

Judson constantly kept an eye on Qar as they climbed down the rise because the Burrower had a tendency to get distracted by anything peculiar that caught his eye. Just before they entered the woods, they had passed by a disorganized campsite and it was there he spotted the necklace. Human items were likely to charm him. As a matter of fact, anything he thought or felt was special was likely to charm him, and more often than not, his inability to ignore his obsession landed them both in serious trouble.

"Quick on your feet, Qar." Judson urged, clasping the strap of his sack.

He clearly recalled their short stay in a Lower Lord's dungeons some months ago because Qar had picked up a lost gold ring that apparently belonged to the Lord's wife. The creature's naive refusal to give the ring back added to the unexpected coincidence of Judson being recognized and held responsible for the destruction and pillaging of the town during his days of hosting Oculmus had subsequently gotten them jailed and sentenced to death.

It was Judson's gift of a long desired tomato garden to the Lord's wife that had saved his neck. Furthermore, he struck a friendship with the townspeople when they discovered that he had himself been a victim of evil and was a genuinely good person at heart. It was the first and only time Judson ever used his powers for so long. He had grown and replenished over sixty farmlands in a span of five days.

Because of it, he was given the title of Nature's Ally.

Overnight, gossip of the unusual feat spread across every district in the region and when the people agreed to converge to meet their newest phenom, Judson fled for he remembered Bergor's advice. Unusual achievements were bound to draw in foes and friends alike, and the last thing he wanted was fame. Qar alone was enough company for him despite being a handful.

"Keep up, Qar." He urged again.

The valley encompassed the largest rolling hills that reminded Judson of the Forest Fera and he dearly hoped none was about. The sound of rushing water and scurrying animals reached his ears, but he could not see them as he walked in slow strides, taking in the view from left to right.

Qar ran up to him, but would lag behind again because of how much he stared.

"Sire, did my Lady, the She-Elf, say what shall be found when we arrive our destination?" He asked, leaning forward because of the weight of the dangling pendant.

Judson fell silent. He was not exactly sure, but believed he would find something useful. After he had arrived Adondriñn with Vestri some two months back, he met with the Elf Governor, Lord Idélon and his learned young daughter, Princess Rilynn. The latter had acquainted with him in no time and told him much throughout his stay. It was her advice that he make travel for Ezkaliepton to reach The Valley of The Living Oaks by sunrise on the twelfth day of Summer's beginning, but said nothing of what or whom he was to meet there.

Nevertheless, he trusted Rilynn. She was wiser than any Elf of her time and reminded him of HalfHyde because her knowledge was incredible. To ease his burden, she had instructed a dozen Company of Elven soldiers to scour the northeast and northwestern regions of Adondriñn for any signs of The Chasma. It was pointless, he knew, but the dispatch of searchers had given him hope anew.

The sight of wildflowers halted him unbeknownst to Qar, who strode forward and collided face first into Judson's leg.

"By Nalie! Begging your pardon, sire." He immediately apologized.

"Do you see that, Qar?" Judson asked, pointing at the flowers that grew haphazardly about, yet all in the same direction.

"The wildies, sire? I do see them." The Burrower nodded, his face twitching as he looked up. "Is there something peculiar about them?"

"Yes." Judson responded and slowly advanced.

On the left and right sides where the flowers grew were little rises that would measure the same length as from a child's knee to ankle, forming a pathway of some kind. To a pair of normal eyes, the path led to nowhere other than more open space in a vast valley, but Judson had suddenly sensed the presence of something incredible down the path. It had not been a very long walk from from the top of the woods to the wildflowers, and he found it strange because he had expected to walk a longer distance before coming upon anything familiar.

With very gentle steps, he approached the flowers and halted near the very first one to squat and pluck off two petals, then he crushed them in his fist and sprinkled them on the ground. From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Qar watching in silence. Albeit inexperienced, the Burrower was as smart as he was a fast learner.

"A ritual, sire?" He reasoned.

"Yes," Confirmed Judson. "And one that is meant to reveal the true nature of. . ."

He rotated his fingers and the crushed petals were lifted off the ground by a strange wind. Then, they slowly multiplied into a pool of petals, encircling to form a large elongated spiral, like a threshold. In no time, there was a strange path ahead similar to a hallway.

"In the name of mother nature!" Qar exclaimed in awe, gaping at the phenomenon before him.

"I believe this is the destination our Elf-friend meant for us to find." Judson stated matter-of-factly. "Let us go."

As they crossed into the magical threshold, Qar clung tightly to Judson's leg. He could not blame the creature for being so anxious for he had seen enough of surprise attacks in the past to be on constant alert for one. The smell of fresh produce, cut timber, raw mineral and several other things made the air quite complicated to breathe in. Strange flowers grew by the corners in enchanting shades of color. And there was a weather like that of a stormy midnight that draped the atmosphere, making it cool and mysterious.

"Sire, what if. . ." Qar swallowed loudly, shivering from ear to foot. "What if we find adversary at the end of the road?"

Judson almost chuckled, but held back to prevent his friend from thinking that his show of concern was unimportant. "If then, adversary is the case, I can assure you that we will fend them off together just as we have always done."

Almost to the end of the path, he caught sight of a grim opening. When they emerged fully, it was inside a quiet forest, where dense clusters of tall foilage and slender trees were being caressed by tendrils of white mist. The environment felt to Judson as harmless, yet something else made the hair on his forearms rupture with goosebumps. Whether or not it was something to fear or be in awe of, he was yet to know.

In the distance, about a few yards from where he stood, he suddenly noticed a long bench of some kind.

"Unlikely to find woodworks as eye-catching as those over there inside a forest, isn't it, sire?" Qar piped in a tone of mild wonder.

Judson glanced at him first, then his eyes found what the Burrower was referring to. Nestled close to a tree was another bench as tall and grand as a dining table meant for royalty. It was crowded by dust, and vines, and crawling insects, and whatsoever forest creature that found it appealing enough to settle down in. The same kind of furniture were scattered about the forest in a way that told one that their formation was no coincidence.

"Unlikely." Judson confirmed.

Turning to look behind, he realized that the pathway had disappeared. There was nothing but forest all around. Looking beyond, he saw that the trees all continued on in a straight line and in rows on the right side of him. The left was occupied by foilage so thick that nothing else could be seen.

"A market." Judson concluded, piecing together his earlier suspicions about the forest. "This used to be a market."

"Eh?" Qar expressed. "I can agree, sire. It does resemble a place of trade for Humans."

Judson began to walk forward, slowly, taking in the rest of the environment. "I do not think Humans hold trade here."

At that, Qar snuggled his leg again, then unglued just as fast, his ears perking to a rigid standstill. He pointed forward. "Look, sire. People!"

The trees partly covered the pair, but Judson could see them afar off, standing on either sides of a bench. The wooden surface was ladened with sealed up bags and an empty basket. Because of how far they were, he could not tell exactly what they were, but they did seem to be in conversation.

"Interruption would be rude, but sire, we need to make enquiries."

Judson nodded. "I agree with you, Qar. We will be polite about our affair. Come along."

When they drew nearer, he realized two things; first was that despite the shade and gloom draping the rest of the forest, there was a lovely stream of sunlight bathing the entire glade that was the trade area, and second - the traders were indeed Humans. One was male, tall and slightly bent with age. He was dressed in brown and white rags. Although the white was freckled with stains.

The other was female.

She had a broad face and strangely small features, and looked to be the seller because the man dropped a handful of gold coins before her. Ignoring the money, she picked up a sack to weigh it in her open hand. To him, the sack looked to be filled with stones.

"These came out of the mines only fourteen days back." The woman was saying. "They will stir a strong blaze in your hearth."

"And how do I know I'm not being tricked about the efficiency of those coals?" The man sneered, his one eye squinting.

The woman smiled warmly. "Why should I trick you?"

The buyer shrugged his fallen, cloaked shoulders. "Oh, several reasons; my money for one, and you have the advantage of hiding away in such a strange place."

"If you knew what little value your so-called coins have in my heart, you would thank me profusely for these coals." The woman pointed out, appearing mildly offended.

The man began to speak, but she rolled her eyes and looked away, and in that moment, her gaze met Judson's. She started with a little whoop sound then chuckled.

"Oh, look," She told the man before her, gesturing to Judson and Qar. "New buyers. Will you excuse them since you have no desire to purchase my coals? Perhaps, they will show more respect for them."

"I have paid you money for these damn things. I spent weeks looking for this damn Port. You're going to sell my order off just like that to someone else just because I asked for proof that they're original."

At the man's tone, which was laced with anger, the woman focused on him. Judson could tell that he was unfamiliar with trade tactics since the lady had just been trying to reel him in by attempting to sell to a different person. But the fellow seemed strangely furious.

"If you will calm down, mister, the coals are yours. I meant only to-" A gasp escaped her when the man suddenly drew out a sword and held it to her chin.

"You're going to give them to me. . . free of charge." He snarled. Far behind him, a group of men began to emerge from the trees, all brandishing weapons.

A little sigh from the woman told Judson that she was no stranger to the scenario.

"Robbers." She said quietly.

In the blink of an eye, she was over the bench and had disarmed the buyer. Judson watched in stunned silence as she singlehandedly and quite impressively dealt with every single robber, until they were flattened to the ground and groaning in pain. She stripped the men of all their weapons and dropped them on the bench, barely breathless, then turned to Judson with a beaming smile.

"Your turn, mister. How may I help you?"

Judson looked nervously to Qar, who did likewise. "We were directed to arrive the Valley of The Living Oaks by sunrise today. I am afraid that was all the information we received."

The woman's smiled widened by a tad. "I see. I believe, then, that your informant had knowledge of Port City. Trade usually takes place today, but they are awfully few in this century. I'm talking one to no customers per week. Would you gentlemen like to acquire something, or perhaps. . ." She stared at Qar's oversized necklace. "Make enquiries about something?"

For a short while, Judson was confused, then, he understood. "Yes, please. I intend to know more about The-"

A sudden yell distracted him to a recovered robber, advancing whilst swinging a fat club. Without wasting a moment, he made a grabbing motion with his hand and the man was abruptly held to a stop, though his yells remained. A fury of snaking vines ran through the sand and crowded him, then transported him to the very top of a tree, where he was bound for a few seconds and then set free. At the sight of their fellow's fate, the other men rose to their feet and scrambled away in the same direction; some limping and others stumbling.

When the glade was clear, Judson dropped his arm. He turned and found that the woman's face had fallen with both shock and solemnity.

"How can you command such ancient power," She wondered, her gaze raking across him. "Unless. . ." Realization crossed her features and she suddenly gave a gentle bow. "Juneberry, Sire."

Judson frowned at the unexpected formality, but tried to keep the confusion away when he spoke. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Juneberry. My company is Qar, and I am-"

"The Son of Spring." Juneberry completed with another warm smile. "I am aware of who you are now."

"You mean you are aware of the one who bore me." He corrected, his eyebrows furrowing. Also, he began to realize as well that Juneberry was not a Human. "You are Crysotoni, right?"

Juneberry bowed again. "Yes, sire."

He raised a hand, shutting his eyes briefly in exasperation. "Please, call me Judson. Qar alone is permitted to address me otherwise."

The woman fidgeted, throwing a glance at the Burrower that suggested she was jealous of his privilege. "As you wish. How may I be of assistance?"

He exhaled. "I seek information on The Chasma."

At first, Juneberry's stare was blank, then she heaved a sigh. "I cannot provide any information on that because I have none, but. . . I could bring you to someone who knows more than I."

Judson nodded, relieved by her response because he had feared she would turn him away. "That would be most lovely."

"First and foremost, I must welcome you to the East."

Qar studied her face. "East? Nay, my lady. We were just within the western borders of Ezkaliepton. We have not crossed the bridge of Bridge yet."

"There are other ways to travel across realms, young Burrower." She revealed. "The bridge of Bridge is but one of the ways."

Qar gasped in surprise. "Are you serious?"

She laughed. "Indeed. This is Port City. Once long ago it used to be a trading market and outreach for the Crysotoni to mingle with other realms. Now, it is abandoned and only few find the way to it."

"I say, we didn't see those men on our way here." Qar contributed, referring to the robbers.

"Port City has a few main entrance points. You came through the Valley of The Living Oaks, which pitifully has more Valley now than Living Oaks. Those men came through a different channel. You see, Port City points can only be detected by special means."

She looked at Judson. "One being godly eyes."

Qar, who was oblivious to the exchange, placed a paw on his mouth. "Captivating concept! Can you tell me what happened to the Living Oaks?"

"I will," Juneberry conceded with a small nod. She gestured to the side. "But on the way."

As soon as she spun around, the atmosphere began to change. Judson felt the earth detach from its roots, travelling at an unfathomable speed. A part of the forest began to morph into a different scenery, just like the wildflower path had done. When all was still again, there was a lovely sight ahead - of a very peaceful waterside.

Juneberry strolled onward with Qar hurrying up to her to be told what happened to the living oaks.

Judson took in the new environment, awestruck by how ancient it felt. The sky was the clearest shade of pastel blue crowded with pure white clouds that gathered in captivating ways, like paintings on a canvas. On the left side was a lake with crystal clear water, fed by a natural spring some walks away from the opposite end of it. The spring was far from sight, but he could sense it. There was a satisfying thrum in the air, like concordant humming, and it seemed to come from every living thing all around - the grasses, trees, foliage, birds, insects and the very soil under his feet. His senses widened to receive the pleasant welcome of nature, and even though his eyes were binded, Judson would have known he just entered Crysoton - the Paradise of Crystal Fairies.

He sighted powerful trees that grew almost to the clouds with elaborate boughs strong enough to hold entire settlements. Once in a while, he would halt in shock at the sudden appearance of a creature he swore he thought was extinct. Everything about the realm felt old, yet utterly new. It was fairly reminiscent of the Elvenhome, but Crysotoni did not live on the ground. In fact, he barely spotted a single one of them and found it strange.

After the waterside, they passed through a series of tall bushes that spilled into an even taller bush. But once they emerged from that, Judson halted yet again, his breath trapped inside his chest. Spread all the way - possibly down to the horizon - were the brownish red trunks of the largest trees he had ever beheld. Most of them could easily rival Ettins and he felt frightened to go close.

Looking up, he could not even see where they ended.

"This is Tanï." Juneberry revealed, spreading her arms out in reference to the environs. "Corm, in English. This is the place where some of my kind come to dwell during winter. Tanï is a self sustaining village and our storage facility."

"Fascinating!" Qar exclaimed. For the first time since, he relieved himself of his necklace and handed it over to Judson, who, in turn, stuffed it into his little sack. Both were absentminded about their actions.

"Are these not chestnut?" Judson asked, gaping up at the trees as they passed by them. Throughout, Juneberry's gaze stayed on him, and even though his neck was craned all the way back, he could sense her stare. But she did not stare with the kind of enamoration most ladies would. Hers was strongly of respect. To her, his presence simply invoked that of Juniper's; in the sense that they were mother and son.

"Some of the very first parent trees were mostly chestnut and teak, but Tanï selects according to emotion."

While she spoke, Juneberry began to trod in a way that Qar found amusing. She faced them, speaking and strolling backwards as if it were a normal pattern to walk, but because the conversation sounded too important, he did not dare interrupt with as much as a snort.

"Wow! What do you mean by that, my lady?" He asked.

"I cannot explain it in detail, but Tanï makes her choice according to what she deems worthy. She does not care if one tree is smaller or thinner than the other. As long as they can come together to provide shelter, she merges them. And also, she sees what they will become after crossbreeding."

"Incredible!" Qar offered. "How wonderful it must be to live in such distance away from the ground. Do you aim to bring us inside one of these trees, my lady?"

She chuckled. "No. I aim to bring you to Wood Guild. It is our sacred place and Capital."

Eventually, Tanï was left far behind, but her trees were still visible regardless of the distance. At a point, Juneberry suggested flying since Wood Guild was quite far and had shrunk into a speck of blue light right before their eyes. Judson carried Qar on his back, listening and nodding in agreement to all the creature's statements concerning the realm.

"She sounds funny now, no?" He chuckled quietly, referring to Juneberry's high pitched voice.

"Those flowers have gems inside them. Did you see, sire?"

"What a strange creature! It looks just like an antelope, but it has red skin. Do you think it's related to antelopes, sire?"

"Such clear water! Just look at that riverbed! The air is so crisp! It feels like the start of spring."

"A mine! I wonder, do Crysotoni like it underground?"

At long last, Wood Guild came to view. Just like Corm, the vast terrain contained sky-high, crossbred trees and magnificent homes nestled within powerful boughs. Much to Judson's surprise, there were roads and bridges inside, linking every one to each other. Juneberry led them down one of such winding roads, and never in his life had he said hello until his jaw hurt. Every so often, a group of passing Crysotoni, who were simply beams of moving light, would pop into human form - quite startlingly - and stare at him or bow until he was long gone.

Wherever he went, he would touch peeking plants and flowers within arm's reach and feel them briefly in order to experience the thrill of ancientness that they harbored. It was the one thing he was yet to grasp full understanding of - why old life forms chilled his bones and filled them with strength.

Soon, they arrived a large threshold.

For a specie so small in size, Judson found it interesting that Crysotoni preferred expansiveness. The threshold supported two doors that were merely the extra large leaves of a plant. When they neared, it drew apart, reminding him of the sensitivity of touch-me-nots.

They were ushered into a dark hallway similar to the one that led to Port City. High above, leaves formed a dense canopy of some captivating sort and shrouded the passageway in cool darkness. On either sides, gemmed flowers shone in entrancing hues of purple, orange, blue and gold to ignite the way.

At the end of the opening was the entrance to a strange hall.

A flood of melodies from several string instruments coated Judson with chills as his eyes drank in every corner of the orbicular hall. It seemed more of a throne room, yet he saw no throne. The hall encompassed the most number of balconies he ever saw. They traveled up in succession to the very top of the tree that housed the entire structure. He lost count at sixteen, lowering his gaze in suspense of the possibility of another hall just beneath the flooring.

As for the round room, it was rilling with nature and lights that emanated from gemmed flowers, luminescent insects, and sea creatures encased in what seemed to be their own natural habitat. The floors were reminiscent of a giant painting done on glasswork; covered in relief and ancient glyphs of the gods. Shoes gave a satisfying clump when they touched the glass, alerting him to the fragility under his feet. Every inch of the room incorporated - to an impressive degree - bits of gold, greenery, and one or two groups of animals that would easily be considered exotic elsewhere, but Judson reasoned that they were true natives of Crysoton.

He turned to Qar, who had been stunned to obvious silence. Albeit, the little Burrower's awe still showed in his solemn eyes.

With a little frown, Judson realized that Juneberry was suddenly nowhere to be seen. In fact, the whole room was empty and quiet save for floating harp music.

Opting to while away time, he began to inspect the hoarde of art that was the floor. There were many things done in fascinating choice of colors ranging from lavender, peach, yellow, pink and blue. Each color seemed to capture the very essence of that which it represented. There were portrayals of the gods in their mortal form, surrounded by tangible aura and their respective symbolic animal.

He pinpointed Threna and Thern, both of whom were outlined close together, shrouded in sunlight. Then there was Nalie, represented amongst captivating greenery. The godly twins, Hero and Helme, were drawn together as well - one wielding a bow in the shape of a halfmoon and the other a spear. For twins, Judson thought they were hilariously contrasting. Selene, being the only Entonian with twelve symbolic animals, was the largest of all the paintings because of her deadly wolves. It might have only been a mixture of colors on glass, but the goddess looked as intimidating as she would in real life.

He averted his gaze then, and his attention suddenly fell on a smaller painting a good distance away from the others. Walking toward it, his senses weakened altogether when he knelt and recognized the figure. She sat astride a great silver wolf, fully dressed in lightweight silver armor with a curved weapon like a large crescent in her hand. Dark hair fell on either sides of her face to caress her jaw, half concealing her facial features.

But he knew just how beautiful that face was up close.

He was unaware when his fingers reached out to touch the painting, memories flashing across his watering eyes. It felt like real contact and sent a tiny wave of shock up his arm, almost wrenching his heart free.

"Gods and Heroes." A female voice humphed softly. Judson glanced up. "Lovely portrayal."

The intruder was a face he recognized well, but thought he would never see again. The Queen of Crysoton stood before him in glorious apparel that outstood the tone of her throne room. He rose to his feet, Waverly's image burning bright in the back of his mind, and bowed in reverence.

"Welcome to my realm, nature's son."