The Root Council

Negotiate with the Stillbark ents for access to the world-tree's lower roots.

Requirements

Present the notes at Stillbark Bank
The clerk reads the tube three times before answering. 'The council convenes at the obelisk. They will hear you. They will not be hurried.'
Address the council at the obelisk
The eldest ent does not sit. It simply is, where the obelisk would be. 'You ask for the lower roots. The lower roots are not a place. They are an agreement. Bring us what the agreement requires.'
Cut offerings at the Breakwood grove
The grove keeper shows you which branches the council will accept. None of them are taken from a living tree. You leave with a bundle of fallen wood, sorted by age.
Shape the offering at the workshop
The crafter binds the bundle with linen and seals each end with hardened sap. 'They'll know if you cut a corner. Don't cut a corner.'
Present the offering at the orchard
You place the bundle at the orchard's centre. A second ent steps forward, slow as a season. 'The shape is correct. The wood is correct. We accept the agreement.'
Confirm the agreement at the bank
The clerk stamps the council's mark on the tube and slides it back to you. 'You have leave to walk the lower roots. The eldest will meet you when the heart is ready to be touched.'