Elowen was quiet for half a second.
"Then the plan becomes more difficult," she admitted. "But I believe persuasion is possible. This planet is clearly part of its ecological domain, and the infected are an active corruption of that domain. Our goals align."
Aurelian nodded slowly.
"Then go."
Elowen's expression relaxed just slightly.
"I would prefer to go personally," she said. "The Whiteheart is more likely to respond to me than to a standard combat platform."
"Approved," Aurelian replied. "Take the support you need, but don't overcomplicate it. If this works, it saves us months."
Caelan looked between them, still trying to absorb the fact that the fate of his world might now partly depend on a conversation with a giant tree.
"You really think this can work?"
Elowen met his eyes calmly.
"Yes."
That was enough.
