The woman chews at her lower lip and shifts for a moment before answering.  "I know it's still there... I can feel it.  But it feels... strange to be away from it so long.  I'm part of the tree..."<br/><br/>She stops and gazes at Niaobe, trying to think of how to explain in words what she feels.<br/><br/>But before she can continue, there is a sharp tapping at the door to Niaobe's chambers.  "Niaobe Percivan, I would speak with you." The voice is high pitched and soft, like a stage whisper, and there is a faint lisp to it.  No sooner has it finished than the tapping, metal upon wooden door, repeats.