The Alder capital appeared beyond the third root road as a wall of living trunks, pale leaves, and bridges crossing air without visible supports.
Bark smelled of rain and crushed herbs, while pale bridge surfaces gave back the wagons' weight with a low living creak.
The air tasted green and wet beneath the leaves, with root sap sharp on every breath.
Eirwen stopped before the final gate, removed her travel cloak, and faced the tree wall while twelve Shards waited beneath her skin.
She said, "The capital doesn't open for a name alone, because the gate asks whether I vouch for every person who crossed Alder with me."
Hajin touched the refusal socket case and replied, "Vouch for the travelers, not for the choices they may make after entering, because witness isn't ownership."
Hajin watched the wall's roots tighten and thought, 'The gate is looking for a weapon to fear,' keeping his Rings closed, 'so I won't give it a performance.'
