After around eight hours of traveling we arrived at a settlement built out of the branches of the giant trees much like the rest of the Great Forest settlements. “This is your stop.” The coachman yelled as she and her husband jumped down and opened our door. “Welcome to Frintilandituril.” they bowed as we got out.

The first thing I noticed was that this settlement wasn't built near water but at the base of one of the trees. There was a large wooden platform with large pulleys and ropes that disappeared into the canopy above. Pem was clearly excited. “It has been so long since I have been home!” An elf up on the giant platform yelled “Three minutes!” Pem grabbed my hand giggling “Come on Tal!” She ran up the stairs to the platform with me in tow and Tal followed us close behind. “Two minutes!” the elf yelled as we reached the top of the platform. About a dozen elves were already waiting and after two minutes another ten had showed up. I had only known Pem a short time but this was the first time I had seen her happy. A smile had not left her face since we got out of the carriage.

After a few seconds of creaking and moaning most of the platform started to rise. One hundred feet, two hundred feet, three hundred feet then into the canopy and a minute later we broke through the canopy and we arrived. I noticed Pem was still holding my hand. “Welcome to Frintilandituril.”

The late afternoon red sun was bright and lit up the city. Massive platforms wrapped around every tree that I could see. Each tree had layers of these platforms going up hundreds of feet. Between the platforms buildings were attached to the trees. There were many lifts, rope ladders, and wooden ladders to move vertically. There was also a maze of lifts,rope bridges, and wooden bridges connecting all the platforms together.

This was the northern entrance into Frint so looking directly south into the heart of the city I could see a giant tree easily twice the size of all the other giant trees. It was the only tree with two canopies and above the second canopy it was covered in structures. elevated, miles away, and a city between us, I couldn't make out any details. “That is the home of the royal family.” Pem told me. Much of the city's woodwork was nice yet simple but the closer the the center of the city the more extravagant it got. Almost all the wood was reddish and the closer to the center we got the more white and gray colored wood started trimming stuff. The platforms I had seen all had railings with things like stalls, gardens, wooden boxes, and elves everywhere.

As we got closer I could see that the royal house was clearly the most extravagant building. How Pem knew what bridges, platforms, and lifts to take baffled me until she pointed at a sign written in elvish. Before we got closer to the center of the city all the platforms seemed unique but now every tree's platforms followed some pattern and Pem explained that nobles owned the trees themselves and what was attached to them. The wealthiest noble families owned the trees next to the Royal Tree.

There were two guards at a gated platform’s entrance. Pem walked up to them. “Pemilandituril…” a bunch of elvish was spoken. A minute later the guard knocked on the gate three times and a small old elf with long white hair and a small goatee opened the gate. “Ah Pemilandituril…” while they conversed I had to ask Tal a question. “Hey Tal, what was Stilldar the master of?” “Smithing white iron is not easy and he was the best. He made my weapon and armor.” Pem tapped me on the shoulder and looked over to Tal. “Just follow me. The Empress will see us in the morning.” We passed through a platformed courtyard covered in gardens and fountains and entered the royal palace.

Inside the palace was open and very elegantly carved wood was everywhere. Some were murals of battles and huge creatures. Some were elvish writing and some were high quality portraits. All of it was beautiful. Even the floor was carved and designed. It was filled in with a clear somewhat glossy substance. In the center of the palace was the Royal Tree which the palace wrapped completely around. Even at this height it was nearly as thick as the giant trees at ground level. At the base of the tree looked more like a modern indoor elevator. As we stepped on I asked. “How does this work?” Pem shrugged as she answered. “I know there are counterweights.” Pem slid a lever around as the elevator started going up and up. We must have passed one hundred floors before we stopped.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

As we left the elevator we entered a complete home. “This is where uncle lived and when he was not here envoys and other important guests stayed here.” She said sadly. Then her smile returned. “Tom, come!” She grabbed my hand and rushed me to a small balcony. The view was breathtaking as was the height. The elven city and giant trees far below us are covered in a deep red sunset. I could barely make out the edge of the city miles away.

“My parents were killed when I was very young and uncle raised me. I stayed here often and when uncle left I stayed with my cousins in the royal quarters above us. This was my favorite spot to be in the evenings.” she leaned into me. After about a minute of silence she continued, “The empress liked having me around because of my ability but my dreams were to go on epic adventures like…him.” She starts tearing up. Instinctually I drape my arm over her shoulders and she cries into my chest for a moment, “Thanks for sharing Pem and this view is very beautiful.” She nodded and cleared her throat, “I never tire of it and Tom, thank you for being here.” After another minute of watching the big red sun nearly set, Tal walks out and says, “Food.” and walks back inside. We head back inside and there is a feast on the table.

A few types of cooked fish yay… Some vegetables I have seen and some I have not. They were prepared or cooked in various ways. And finally some hard and soft breads. We prepared our plates and ate in silence for a while before I asked, “Tal why have you been so quiet lately?” “I hate talking. Your words almost hurt to speak but there are times when speaking properly is needed.” That actually made sense to me. I was expecting something about honor. “I will keep that in mind, thanks.” After dinner we headed to bed for the big day tomorrow. The bed was very large and very elegant. It had been a few days since I had scried my wife. It was starting to feel more and more like an invasion of privacy. As I lay there I imagined her dancing, “Scry Maria.”

Maria and Lisa were outside somewhere. “Look Lisa, that kiss was a mistake.” “It didn't feel like it.” Lisa said seductively. “We have talked about this a dozen times today. Again, I love you like a sister. This pregnancy is…betraying me and my husband has only been gone for a few weeks.” Maria was getting worked up. “But we felt something.” “Your husband said the same thing!” Maria took a deep breath. “Just give me a few days okay? My life and brain are a mess.” Before she got a reply Maria turned and left to her car crying. “My fault.” she whispered a few times. “Why Tom did you have to leave me?” A wave of emotion killed the spell.

I was hoping this ordeal would be over before my son's birth but now I don't even know if I have that long before she moves on. I just want to comfort her and be comforted by her. Please have answers for me tomorrow.

One hour until dawn. There's a soft snoring beside me. I roll over to see my wives beautiful face but instead see Pem sleeping soundly on top of the covers still in her armor. As I get up to put my clothes back on she awakens as well. After she does a cute yawn I ask her, “Care to explain?” after a few seconds go by she replies, “Well Tom, I wanted….comfort.” “That’s all?” “Yes, of course. What else……Humans.” She started laughing. “I am sorry Tom. I forgot how different we are on some things.” “It’s okay Pem. Just ask me next time.” She gave me a surprised look. “Er, the next time we might differ on your actions involving me.” “Tom, is your wife okay?” “She is in a lot of pain and might move on quicker than I expected since she believes me to be dead.” “I see. I hope the Empress will have answers for you. We will meet her soon. It will be an official visit in the throne room then we will have a private audience afterwards where we will get your answers.”

We got up and had some food at the table. I wondered if the sunrises looked as beautiful as the sunset I had seen last night. I walked out onto the balcony and all I saw was fog. It was spooky knowing what was out there. The vast drop in front of me that I couldn't see gave me the chills.

Fed and armored up, the three of us went down a ways to the entrance to the throne room.