Hushed Willows There are thieves in the temple tonight

The roots were expansive indeed, and they hinted at the age of this particular tree. While the others around it had exposed roots from the soil fanning out from one section, this tree seemed to be endless. The roots held on to the ledge and crept down to where Tavi was resting, halted by a ledge of stone, but they crept to either side of the embedded boulder as if to cradle it. Above the boughs wept, and the trailing willow branches were like a curtain straight out of a fairy-tale; each tendril held a plethora of new buds and old, some just emerging with a shock of green while others were already open, having done so at the first onset of spring. When summer hit and the world dried out, they would litter the territory in a snow of ethereal petals.

For now, the only thing the grand willow protected was the woman. She was so caught up with thoughts of Reek and the worry of being discovered that she pinched herself in to as tight a ball as she could - and then ignored the sick sensation in the pit of her belly when her coiling went too far. Eventually she had to release the tension in her body, so she unwound and breathed a gasp. As if on cue, a voice drifted through the willows to Tavi — and she was instantly on alert, lifting her shoulders and chest while bracing her front half against the ground.

Evidently she had been found. The stranger that approached was a golden-haired elder, and she seemed to be equal parts confused and concerned. Hopeful that this woman was not a threat, Tavi nonetheless began to bristle, and sought the shadows with her eyes — wondering if Arkham would be returning soon. Hello, she called in return, and though her voice was pale it was placid, unlike the evident upheaval taking over the rest of her. You're one of Arkham's subordinates. It was a statement made in order to confirm, though it held no question. The woman was close enough for Tavi to learn many things from her.