The Root
Where is it located?
It is located in the Cutter, south of the equator, far from every nest where the valturo live. It is the second highest nest in the Cutter, but it is second only to The Canopy, the most sacred nest of the valturo, and to reach The Canopy, you must start your journey from The Root.
How to reach The Root?
Because of its isolation, there are only two ways to reach The Root. One is by flying from one of the closest nests, but even from those nests, it is a long and tiring flight, and it takes days to get there. The second way to approach The Root is by vangola caravans. There is only one caravan route, and it was carved explicitly into the Cutter to connect The Root to the rest of the valturo society. These caravans are the primary means of transporting food and supplies, although some are flown to The Root. The caravans also carry the gifts that the valturo folk donate to the church.
Who lives there?
Many priests and monks (called feathers by the valturo), acolytes, members of the Thorns of the Canopy, who protect and defend both The Root and The Canopy, and all the servants who dedicate their lives to serve the church.
What are the functions of The Root?
First and foremost, it is the religious center of the valturo. The valturo nests are divided into and under the control of four diocese, led by four high feathers (similar to a bishop in other religions), who receive guidance from the first feather who lives in The Root. Additionally, its location – close to the Divine Scavenger – makes it an excellent choice for a religious center.
Its second function is to be a school. Not just a religious school, and of course, there are schools at other nests, but the best and brightest are taught here. Those who are accepted into the school of The Root can be certain that they will become a high-ranking member of the valturo society.
Many different orders, like the Order of the Falling Leaf, have their headquarters within the boundaries of The Root.
And last but not least, the feathers living here conduct the Wings of the Bloom spring ceremony at their most sacred place, The Canopy.
It was the most profound honor that they invited me into The Root. But even I wasn’t allowed to lose myself in the beauty of The Canopy.
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