Few alive now know the history of the Great Oak. The ones who still draw breath say that at the world’s dawn, a divine light shown upon Mount Sekkur’s peak, causing a shoot to burst through the rock and form a tree.
Over time, the tree grew to its current size, even though it had no soil or water to nourish it. Birds are never seen nesting in its branches, leading some to believe the celestial orb protects the tree.
When the clans of the seven lands fought over ownership of the Oak, the ancients created a guardian council that protected it from all while allowing those who climbed the heights to touch its trunk in the hope that their prayers would be answered.
These protectors are known as the Arbor Vigilia or Tree Watchers. One is permanently stationed on the peak, and if a pilgrim attempts to harm the Oak, the Arbor Vigilia perform an exorcism.
The protector accomplishes the exorcism by using their staff to propel the offender up and off the peak. If they are fortunate, they fall and break a bone. Most are sent screaming to their deaths hundreds of feet below.
Those who honor the Oak and make their prayer are offered a sip of tea and a biscuit made from the great tree’s nuts as a symbol of friendship and unity to the seven clans.
No man can say if the Oak grants the wishes of all who make the climb, but the pilgrim often returns home with a new clarity of the mind and purpose of spirit, perhaps what they were looking for all along.
Folksburywoods Story Blog 
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