DRABBLE CHALLENGE 2024: DAY 2 / PEPPER

DRABBLE CHALLENGE 2024: DAY 2 / PEPPER

A new tree appeared leeside the mountain suddenly one morning, as an almost sure sign of a shift within the Fey courts. 

Of what shift, Roma could almost be sure. 

It was some trek to get there--past the landslide from two springs ago and the waterfall that flowed even in winter--so it was no signal for the humans in the village. Were anyone hoping to make an audience, their introduction would also go unheard, for its location so far above the treeline meant it was beyond the listening ear of noble houses Oak and Maple. 

There's an outsider. Roma concluded. 

It was grand; flies and bees swarmed around the enormous crown choked with tiny white blooms, delighted by the abundance of flowers so late in the season. Clusters of bright red berries grew like grapes along the lower boughs, and even lower so--below the branches-- the shade was so thick that when he reached into it, his fingers disappeared. 

As was custom, Roma stepped back ten paces and buried the offering within the loamy soil--not so close as to impose, but close enough to show deference. However the courts changed, he wanted to be on the right side of it. 

The decision proved to be prudent. 

The next day, the birds moved slower than usual. As he cut open the pheasants from that morning’s hunt, Roma saw their stomachs were full to bursting with bright red berries.

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