Chapter 47: Reunion

Oliver and Vamira just stared at one another for a moment.

“Oliver?” Vamira said weakly, taking a step toward him. The mossy light coming from outside fell onto her face. Oliver had forgotten how bright her eyes were.

“Yes,” he said. He could not believe it. She was here, standing right in front of him.

The hollow inside the tree in which they were all standing was an afterthought. It was furnished with a collection of small benches, which surrounded a long, round table. All the furniture was made of wood, so smooth that it appeared to be lacquered.

Melkem coughed wheezily from behind. "Ah," he said, sounding awkward, "I see that introductions are not necessary. Well, then, I shall leave you sproutlings to it." Then, seeming glad to make his escape, he descended quickly out of sight again.