Chapter 169: The Poisoned Canopy
Draven left the stone pathways of the human diplomatic sector behind. He moved silently toward the massive, twisting roots that served as the grand staircases into the Elven territory.
The transition between the realms was incredibly stark. The oppressive heat and the sharp smell of burning coal completely vanished. A cool, refreshing breeze swept downward from the upper layers of the World Tree. The air smelled strongly of blooming night-flowers and rich, damp soil.
Draven climbed higher. The stone structures gradually gave way to architecture grown entirely from living wood.
Enormous branches, each hundreds of feet wide, served as the main roads. The Elven homes were not built with hammers and nails. They were carefully coaxed out of the living tree.
Smooth, translucent wooden walls spiraled upward into elegant balconies. Soft emerald light radiated from glass-like blossoms hanging overhead, illuminating the pathways without the need for fire.
