Exuding Resolve

The abyssal water was filled with sediment and algae, making it harder to move through, but he eventually shuffled through before hoisting himself up to the hole that led into the mysterious interior of the colossal tree.

Before getting to look inside, he turned around, reaching down to lend a hand to Melisande, who seemed hesitant at first to accept his help, but obliged.

"Hyup," Melisande made a small noise when brought up.

Bringing himself to his feet, he looked around with Melisande at the inside of the hollow timber. The bark walls were lined with crimson growth, sprouting flowers into a colorful, but daunting bloom as after a closer look, they both realized what was attached to the walls.

Bodies.

Human bodies.

Wrapped in green-and-red moss, blossoming flowers on their form, corpses were laced to the wall, completely stagnant and devoid of movement like natural taxidermy.

"This is…" Melisande muttered quietly as her eyes trembled.