Shadow Beings

14. The Tree

"Can I please swing on the vines?" Evelyn asked for the hundredth time.

Jack rolled his eyes.

"Are you trying to make a record for who can turn their eyes into wheels or something?"

Jack rolled his eyes.

"I really can't describe this land Holly, it's beyond words. It must be amazing to be able to talk to the life here." I noted, turning towards the shadow in question.

"It really is. Plants and such in general don't really talk. They, um, provide insights in a sense, but the life here is even more silent and reserved. As you sit with them, you simply feel and think on your own, but they are usually spurred by an influence of aura." Holly spoke with that sweet smile of hers as she turned towards the sky. 

Reserved. That's the word I've been looking for. Energy and beauty were rampant as far as the eye could see, but none of it felt overwhelming. An eternal sense of quiet was present. Observant, listening.

Jack wore an oddly wide grin. I jerked my head, asking him why, but he responded with a continued grin. Then I realised he was basically a happy child, now.

"Hey, Holly. Looks like your friends are finally here." 

The deep tone was directly projected in our minds. Warm, caring with the slightest hint of mischief. I focused on its aura, its... empty aura? No, that wasn't it. I couldn't see it, decipher it, other than the fact that it came from a tree?

Oh, right.

"Aqdas?" Evelyn asked in an excited tone and Holly nodded. Evelyn rushed towards what she judged to be the source of the sound. Once my friend entered her kiddish mood, it was next to impossible to control her. A task fit only for Conrad.

We approached a tall tree with thick branches, turning our heads straight up. The spring sunlight fell warmly through broad, olive green leaves. It stood proud under the pale sky yet its aura was soft, welcoming, truly giving me a sense of grandeur and grace. The tree's shape almost seemed human and if it really were one, I was positive it would be grinning.

Evelyn's mouth dropped. "No way. This is the super-serious-wise talking tree you were talking about?"

"Try not to hyperventilate, Evelyn." Jack rolled his eyes. He's a persistent one.

"You better stop that mist-"

"Evelyn, right?" Aqdas interrupted softly. "I'm going to have to have a word with Holly, if she really told you I'm a serious tree. Wise, yes, talking, yes, but never serious."

Holly let out a small chuckle.

"I thought you'd be something like Grandmother Willow." I laughed.

"Trust me, I'm better than her."

"You know about Pocahontas?"

"I know about everything. I'm surprised you know about a human work of fiction."

I glanced at Evelyn, her heightened energy scaring me a bit; a situation only reached when she was with her troublemaking partner.

"I'm glad to know that Holly was in good hands," I said with a chuckle and a little breeze blew through my messy hair.

"Branches," Aqdas corrected.

I grinned. It was blatant that Aqdas wasn't a mere talking tree; a deeply solicitous and wise aura pervaded throughout the land. Alone, learning, learned, helping, being. It was overwhelmingly gentle and soothing.