Is this… the old giant tree?
The voice answered her thought directly, almost amused.
> "Oh yes. It is me, the old giant tree, the one you think of."
She gasped aloud, stumbling a step back.
Her eyes widened. "You can… hear me think?!"
Renkai lifted his head immediately, brows furrowed.
Thalanir lowered the watering pot he was holding.
Serelyth straightened up, wings twitching in alert.
Even Fluffy in the corner tilted its fuzzy head.
All eyes turned toward Lira.
"I think…" she managed, still in shock, "the tree spoke."
Renkai gave a low, resigned laugh. "Honestly? It wouldn't surprise me at this point. Flying islands, glowing cats, singing flowers—why not a talking tree?"
Thalanir stepped closer, his expression calm but intrigued. "In the old elven archives, there were myths. Sentient trees who spoke with chosen guardians. I thought those were stories."
Serelyth, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes at the great trunk. "Well?! Is it dangerous? Should I burn it for you?"
