Rachel followed Elaine through the inner halls of the palace built within the colossal heart of the Great Tree. The walls shimmered faintly, pulsing with soft green light that felt alive,.like the tree itself was breathing. Every surface bore delicate carvings, vines woven into silver and emerald patterns that told stories of old wars, harvests, and the first elves born from light.
Guards lined the path. Each one bowed deeply as Elaine passed. So did the nobles, tall figures with pointed ears and glowing eyes that flickered with reverence.
Rachel noticed it all in silence.
'They actually love her,' she thought. 'Not just obey her… but truly love her.'
It reminded her of the real world of Yggdrasil. Back there, respect for leaders came from fear or obligation, not devotion. Here, it felt pure and Genuine.
They stopped before a massive door grown from the tree's heartwood, veins of gold glowing faintly across its surface. A guard stepped forward, lowering his head.
