As soon as they pressed their hands against the bark of the Shivering Tree, the vibrations of the tree passed through their bodies, creating a resonance, and their consciousness snapped.
Unlike what one would think, it wasn't actually painful. It was warm, inviting, like sinking into a memory of sunlight and still water.
Their vision faded, not into darkness, but into light. Soft and golden light, like dawn breaking through fog.
When they opened their eyes again, they stood not in the courtyard of the Church, but in the most beautiful garden that ever existed.
The air was filled with music. There were no words, and the sounds were from no known instruments, but the music flowed directly to their souls, making it shine even brighter. A slight sense of euphoria passed through them.
