These are some simple pictures to give an what I have in mind. Again, my plan is to include illustrations so that I don't have to describe a lot of stuff and can instead focus on the narrative. As for the illustrations, I'm not a professional artist by any means, but it gives you an idea.
Lorelai Trees
Here's kind of the inspiration for the lorelai trees. The idea is the trunk rises from the main forest like a huge pillar. After it gets a few thousand feet up, then it spreads out into branches. The largest branches split off first and are the Great Branches. There are usually three to four levels of these Great Branches, and it is on these the cities are built. Smaller branches split off above the Great branches, and these spread out to form a leafy canopy protecting over the cities.
When the lorelais are in groves, the Great Branches from different trees reach into each other, twisting together and actually embedding themselves into each other.
Paladin
Paladin is one of the two protagonists. His appearance is very typical of the Shanra people: their primary coloring is brown. Brown skin, brown feathers, brown eyes, etc. This quick sketch I made shows him lighter than I actually imagine: he looks like a feathery Caucasian with a tan. What I actually imagine is more akin to Native Americans.
Fauna
Fauna is the second protagonist. Her appearance is simply bizarre among the Shanra: very fair skin with a hint of a green glow. Her feathers are primarily white and green.
Paladin
