<strong>The Beauty of Nature</strong><br/>Stanis' contact stirred like a disturbed leaf from her reverie. "Oh! Good morning." As soon as she'd seen him, she looked past him, into... empty halls that had outlived their priesthood, the uncontested cacophony of birdsong, not another soul. There was disappointment on her face when it settled that Stanis was the only good Samaritan. Didn't people value a blessing anymore? "How good of you! I don't suppose you spied anyone else en route?" She scanned him. He seemed strong enough. Outdoorsy enough. Had a weapon, she noticed. She smiled.<br/><br/>Her water-averse wings lent her some modesty for Stanis' benefit when she rose from the water. It meant pinning her willowy arms uselessly to her sides, but this was perfectly comfortable. "Can you sense the Life Tree here?" Chambers opened up before her without want or need for doors, which would only rot off their hinges from age and humidity. She stood on the cool mosaic tiles. "I'm sure it must be around here somewhere, bringing holiness to the area. But, the Oldwall Forest is very dense. Like a wall, I suppose." She mulled that over a moment. It had never occurred to her before.<br/><br/>"I don't know where you might find it exactly. One pair of eyes is... maybe not optimal. Do you have, ah, an animal companion, or..." Her eyes wandered around the vaulted structure on the cusp of the wild. "Someone who owes you a favor, perhaps." When she was dry, Sister Melody went to her alcove and slipped back into the habit. It went on so suddenly, like a switch being flipped, except for the need to shimmy her small wings out the back. Poof! "I'll accompany you, I suppose.  The only real help I can provide is that we'll know the tree for blooming root to crown in white flowers year round. And it may have a face, or that may be artistic license." She smoothed down the lines. "I've only seen it in a book. So, are you ready to depart, Mr...?"