The shadows were getting longer, so Xylia was in a hurry, but she was careful not to lose her friend. She led her back to the clearing, and to the far side, where an old tree stood, almost completely encased in woody strangler vines. Xylia circled the tree a few times, looking it up and down. When she was satisfied, she landed in front of it and laid her hand to a spot near the root where the tree was still exposed. With a glitter and a flash, the tree disappeared, and a soft glow remained inside. She grinned at Elspeth and took her hand, pulling her inside. Inside, the strangler vines were the walls of a dwelling, all the furniture being mushrooms and toadstools big enough for each purpose they served, including steps growing out from the walls leading far up the tree. The walls were covered in patches of luminescent lichen, which explained the glow. It wasn't too bright, but there was enough light to see comfortably.
Xylia led Elspeth up the stairs, high up into the tree, until they reached an opening in the vines. Outside was a landing of thick branches, and beyond the tree, the sun was just disappearing below the horizon, bathing the air in a final warm, pink-orange light. She hugged her elf excitedly, pressing her own skin against hers, kissing her cheek. "Do you like it?"