People who feel awkward often try to cover it up with busyness.
The sprites were no different.
Owen, looking at the Tree Spirit, asked loudly:
"The Emerald Heart is on the emerald tree, why do you need me to fetch it for you? Can't you get it yourself?"
The Tree Spirit, knowing it couldn't pretend anymore, faced Owen candidly:
"If you agree to go up and fetch the Emerald Heart for me, you will naturally understand why."
Owen, slightly annoyed, asked:
"What do I stand to gain from this?"
The Tree Spirit was taken aback:
"You help us, and the emerald sprites will naturally release you and treat you as honored guests. Isn't that good enough?"
Owen's lips curled up:
"Fooling a child, are you? You think that's a benefit, that you can trap us?"
He stood up, pulling the bewildered Diana to her feet:
"Do you know who she is?"
"I don't."
