Soltima spoke in a voice that was clearly not her own, its promise of prosperity in the months ahead alleviating the suspense. She had been chosen as a channel for the venerated tree god since before her birth, with food, garments, and even name prepared especially for her purpose. She had even been isolated from her peers to undergo special training. Although visitors to her village pitied her weighty sacrifice, they had never witnessed her joy in becoming perfectly attuned with nature and joining the transcendent.