As the group stepped across the threshold, the scene before them left them utterly speechless.
The space was immense, the kind of grandeur that seemed to bend reality itself—a paradise cradled within the hollowed heart of the Great Tree.
Everything pulsed with life, from the amber veins running along the walls to the gentle hum of the tree's heartbeat, resonating through the air.
The vast, round courtyard was bound by walls of living wood that rose high above the floor, their branches twisting and merging with massive pillars of tree.
From the Pillars, branches spread out upwards, converging and entangling in a sacred geometry to form a dome, so high that seemed almost to brush the heavens.
Between the dome's structure were glass-like amber glowing with a soft, golden light, casting the entire room in a soothing warmth.
Amber veins, thick and rich with sap, pulsed within every wood, radiating life into every crevice of the hollow tree. The light bathed everything in a comforting glow, a living, breathing light.
Several colossal tapestry of transparent silk cascaded from the center of the dome.
Every thread sparkled with a celestial glow, shimmering like a constellation of starlight.
On the far end of the courtyard, a great waterfall cascaded from a crack on the high walls, the water glowing with a soft pulse of light.
It flowed rhythmically, almost like the heartbeat of the tree itself, and its intensity seemed to fluctuate in time with the glowing amber veins in the walls.
The water fell into a shallow pool that glowed with an almost holy light, separating the rest of the courtyard from the raised platform, where the Archon's throne sat.
As they drew closer, the scent of fresh fruit and blossoms drifted to them, inviting and calming.
Shrubs and trees, heavy with ripe fruits and vibrant flowers, filled the courtyard with color.
Wooden golems tended to these plants, gently pruning, plucking fruit, a few sneaking the occasional bite when they thought no one was looking.
Elliot exhaled in amazement, gazing around. "This place... it's like something out of an old fairytale."
Roshan, captivated by the scene, nodded slowly. "A paradise right here in the heart of the Tree. I didn't even know beauty like this existed."
"It's like the heart of a perfect world," Wuxian murmured, his voice reverent as he looked around. "More beautiful than anything I could have imagined."
Just as Altan was about to reply, a small golem nearby noticed him and froze, wide-eyed. Dropping the basket of fruits it was carrying, it scampered off into the bushes with surprising speed.
Roshan raised an eyebrow, turning to Altan with a grin.
Altan laughed, shrugging. "Not my fault I'm so intimidating," he replied with mock pride, watching the little golem vanish among the greenery.
Suddenly, a larger golem—its body adorned with blooming flowers and moss—approached from behind the shrubs. Its broad form and deep-set amber eyes made Altan and Roshan take a step back.
"Woah! Wait, wait! It's this guy! He bullied your kid." Roshan points to Altan as her scapegoat.
But rather than attacking, the golem leaned down, gathering the fruits dropped by the little one and, with a surprising gentleness, offered the basket to them.
Roshan blinked, a little stunned, and Altan took a cautious step forward, reaching out for the basket. "Uh… thank you?" he murmured, his voice uncertain.
Wuxian, chuckling, studied a familiar tea plant nestled among the bushes. "This plant," he murmured, reaching out to touch a leaf, "I've seen this back in Xia before."
As he observed the plant, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. Looking down, he saw a small golem with vines cascading down its back like long hair.
In its small, wooden hands, it held a freshly-picked flower, which it offered up to him with a shy tilt of its head.
Roshan laughed, nudging Amiyan. "Looks like Wuxian has a way with plants."
Amiyan raised an eyebrow, smiling. "With that face? Not surprising even plants would fall for him."
Wuxian rolled his eyes but took the flower, giving a slight bow to the little golem. "Thank you, little friend," he said softly, his voice genuinely appreciative.
The golem gave a small, excited hop, pleased with his response, before disappearing back into the foliage.
Meanwhile, Elliot's attention was drawn to the glowing pool at the courtyard's edge. He crouched beside it, watching as his fingers disturbed the water, sending ripples through the soft light shimmering on the surface.
Mesmerized, he dipped his hand deeper, fascinated by how the water seemed to glow in time with the tree's heartbeat.
A small golem nearby observed Elliot curiously, tilting its head and then mimicking his movement by dipping its hand into the water beside him.
As it leaned too far, though, the little creature lost its balance and tumbled headfirst into the pool, sending a splash of glowing water up around it.
It floated there awkwardly, floundering with tiny, clumsy limbs.
Roshan burst into laughter, nudging Elliot. "Oh, what a devil! Poor little guy—did you have to go and push him in?"
Elliot looked taken aback, laughing awkwarly, "Hey, that wasn't me! He fell on his own!"
Just then, a rich, ancient voice echoed across the courtyard, bringing a hush over them all.
"It seems like you're having fun…" The voice was warm, yet powerful, carrying a timeless authority. "How do you like my garden?"
The group's attention snapped toward the source of the voice. From behind the softly glowing waterfall, a figure stepped into view, her presence regal yet gentle.
She had the kind of beauty that transcended time—a vision of both strength and tenderness.
Her long, flowing hair cascaded around her shoulders like a waterfall of silver-white, shimmering with an ethereal glow.
Each strand seemed to catch the golden light, giving her an almost otherworldly aura.
Her skin, tanned, was adorned with intricate white tattoos that traced elegant patterns up her arms and across her collarbone, resembling the scales of a dragon.
Every detail seemed to shimmer as if alive, the metallic hues contrasting beautifully against her skin.
Her eyes glowed with a warm, radiant gold, seeming to hold the wisdom of ages.
She wore a deep purple gown of shimmering silk that resembled a night sky filled with stars, the fabric catching the light with each movement.
Simple golden ornaments adorned her wrists and neck, adding a touch of elegance without overpowering her natural presence.
The Archon regarded them with a warm, motherly smile, her gaze resting on each of them with kindness and understanding.
She exuded both grace and strength—a presence as powerful as the ancient tree itself, yet gentle and inviting.
"Welcome, travelers," she said softly. Her voice was calm, resonating like a lullaby through the courtyard.
She then turned her gaze toward Amiyan, her smile deepening with warmth and familiarity. "And welcome back… my child."
The entire group fell silent, their eyes widening in disbelief.
Roshan's mouth opened slightly as she tried to process what she'd just heard.
Altan exchanged a stunned look with Elliot, while Wuxian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
Amiyan lowered his gaze, a hint of emotion flickering in his eyes as he returned her look. There was a gentleness, a softness to him that none of them had seen before.
"Mother," he replied quietly, his voice full of reverence.
The group was left utterly speechless, each of them reeling from the revelation, trying to piece together the mystery of the Archon, this magnificent realm within the Great Tree, and Amiyan's unexpected place within it.