Onni listens to the explanation of how the tree feels about tapping, about how it's fine. That's what he'd expected, the trees grow strong despite this happening however frequently it happens, and the tree doesn't seem damaged or sick in any way.

When the boy looks over his shoulder at him and says he's a spirit mage, though, a lot of things become more clear in an instant. This isn't just a normal boy - with his face turned, the golden-peach glow of his spirit becomes more obvious, the way it curls around him. The way it's visible through him. Most people are solid and present, with their spirits like a halo around them, the shapes and strengths of their spirits evident in the size and intensity of the blue glow of it. This boy is like a spirit barely encapsulated inside a fragile shell of humanity, something else entirely.

For a moment, Onni finds it hard to breathe, and isn't sure if it's because he's afraid of the strange newness of this person, or if he's simply in awe because it's beautiful. Because there is a sense that there's no need to be afraid of this being.

"I am a mage. And you're Cole?"