The Heartwood (concept)
Biozone: The Heartwood
The Heartwood is a primeval forest that has stood south of the Pathos River longer than recorded history. The evergreen forest houses trees found across Kalathipsomi, though the oldest in the Heartwood's roots have grown so large and rigid that locals say the trees almost never leave the wood. Some scholars believe this forest was the first to grow in Kalathipsomi, though there are many disagreements upon its exact age.
Much of the Heartwood is near impenetrable, dense woodland. The canopy lets little light through to the forest floor, where the massive and unending roots of the forest block most movement through the wood. At night, the forest is ablaze with light from fireflies, as well as spores that dance across the trees under moonlight. It is said that all creatures and trees in Kalathipsomi will visit the Heartwood during their migrations, though scholars have been unable to determine why.
For days we have thought we were in the wilds. Long has it been since we last saw a settlement, or even another person, and nearly all around us in every direction is wilderness that stretches beyond the horizon. But once we reached the Heartwood, we finally understood our mistake.
Meadows surround the primordial forest's edge, where roots and timber creep across the dirt and wrap like tendrils around the trees in such a way that we can hardly see more than several steps into the woods. Despite it being midday, the understory of the forest is dark enough that my companions have already prepared a lantern. As we step into the wood, the trees seems to turn around us, changing the feeling in the air, as if this dark and mysterious forest is welcoming us deeper.