Atheline listened thoughtfully.
"The dark elves aren't even a little bit corrupted or is it because of the Lunar Aether?"
"No. That's just a fallacy your race used to separate from us, we have a small immunity against corrupted Aether. Also, we simply stand closer to one half of the world's cycle."
She continued.
"The High Elves, spirits, and many sacred beasts stand closer to life and creation. The difference exists but neither side is inherently superior."
Atheline nodded.
"That's exactly what the system implied. It treated twenty percent as completely normal."
She smiled.
"Then the World Tree is healthy."
His shoulders visibly relaxed.
"I was worried."
"I know." She reached over and gently squeezed his hand. "You've been carrying that concern since you left."
He smiled sheepishly.
"Perhaps." Atheline leaned back. "If that explanation is correct..."
He looked toward the window overlooking the snow-covered city.
"Then perhaps we've feared the wrong thing."
