Yew

Yew

Isobel walked around the mound of earth as crickets chirped in the evening air. On the hill, the branches of a great yew stretched across the twilit sky. The old woman had told her to come here—either at twilight or dawn. Isobel hadn’t wanted to wait, and so here she...
Xanthoceras

Xanthoceras

“Xantho-what?” Widow Mayfair said from the plush red armchair in her stately parlor. Ceras sighed. “Ceras. Xanthoceras. Everyone just calls me Ceras, though.” The widow sniffed. “I should hope so. What were your parents thinking, giving you such a name? And for such a...
Witch Hazel and Willow

Witch Hazel and Willow

With introducing Hazel earlier in the H post, I thought it would be fun to continue with her as well for W. This one is more an exploration of her background and character than a story. But I enjoyed getting to know her a little bit better.   Witch Hazel and...
Vinegar Tree

Vinegar Tree

The sharp air stung my nose and throat as I breathed. The air tasted tangy, like salt and lemon on silver. I made my way through the marsh, the damp ground soft beneath my boots. With each step in the squelching mire, the sweet-sharp tang of vinegar thickened. Pale...
Umbrella Tree

Umbrella Tree

“But I am afraid,” the little girl said. “Why?” said the tree. “Because the world is so very big, and I so very small.” “We are all small when compared with the world, and one’s size does not matter when compared to the strength of one’s heart.” “But the sun is so...
Twinberry Tea

Twinberry Tea

The smell of baked biscuits hung in the air, scented with the tang of sharp berries. Mouse scampered around in the garden circling his great oak tree, picking a bouquet of herbs and flowers. Owl sat up in the branches as he watched the activity below. “You needn’t...