Golden leaves drifted silently through the sky.
The storm that had plagued the Hidden Realm for thousands of years was gone.
For the first time since John and his companions had arrived, sunlight reached every corner of the sanctuary.
The crystal rivers sparkled beneath the warm light.
The World Tree's branches swayed gently in the breeze.
Life had returned.
Not completely.
Many scars still remained.
Broken temples lay scattered throughout the valley, while ancient battlefields still carried the marks of wars long forgotten.
Healing...
Would take time.
Just as people did.
---
John stood beneath the enormous World Tree.
For several moments, no one spoke.
Lythriel was the first to break the silence.
"...Well?"
John blinked.
"Well what?"
She crossed her arms.
"What happened in there?"
"You were gone forever."
Sylvara gently corrected her.
"It was only about half an hour."
"It felt longer."
Aerion chuckled.
"That's because you spent most of it pacing."
