For all that he'll frown and give her stern talks on the value of sleep and limits of the human body, Michael does like to be given work. It'll be a project for the both of them. Maybe he'll even be forced to learn how to make a decent breakfast.

Michael follows her towards the tree, axe still in hand and planning his angle of attack. He doesn't swing yet, though. There's the symbol they were looking for, about six feet up. Was there another ritual or bit of carving she's meant to do before he starts cutting it down?

"I tend to agree. One would think dry wood would burn better than fresh, but perhaps having a bit of life left in it is the point." Less morbid to speak of sacrificing living trees for a pyre than animals on an altar, but their rituals still put him off. At least Claire is here to put back whatever they leave with.

"Was there another step, or shall I start?"