Valla stopped in her tracks and for a moment forgot the pain in her legs. The clearing was utterly beautiful, perhaps the most magical thing she had ever seen. The entire area was serenely picturesque. Though there was nothing overtly mystical about it, Valla could not help but feel a depth of power here.<br/><br/>She walked toward the tree, feeling the shade envelope her. Putting her hand against the cool bark, she let herself sink to a sitting position, her back against the trunk.<br/><br/>Ahh! Now that felt better.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Drael, for leading us here," Valla said, as her feet slowly began to throb away their fatigue.<br/><br/>Valla watched Tommy as he investigated, his curiosity seeming to trump his fatigue, if he felt any.