Ekeles are elaborate tree houses built in the branches of the central tree of a Vale. They can be reached by staircases so steep, they are nearly ladders. The standard ekele is described as: "...a single windowed room, varying in size, made of polished wood so light in color that it was almost white, and furnished at most with a few chairs bolted to the floor, a table likewise bolted, and rolled pads stored in one corner for sleeping." (Magic's Pawn)The windows of an ekele are made of a thin, sturdy membrane, similar to that used in the skylights of Tayledras buildings on the ground. Tougher than glass, the windows ripple with the warping of the window frames in a strong wind, rather than shattering as glass would. The windows can be opened to allow bondbirds to come and go.