carob 26 + carrot cake 7 + butter pecan 17
Author: Kalei
Story: Of Earth and Man
Title: Gray Lines
Prompts: Carob #26 (reluctance); Carrot Cake#7 (touch); Butter Pecan #17 (dry)
Rating: G
Word Count: 345
Summary: News from the forest leads Tara to an unexpected decision.
Notes: What a relief to take a break from Pistachio and Apple Pie! Won't see those flavors for a while.
In and out of the icebox they went. Jars of fruit preserves. Pre-cut vegetables. Meat chops, which Mother does not touch at any given circumstance. Until now.
“What… is… happening?”
Closing the icebox lid shut, Mother finally turned around to look at me.
“Sit down, Tara.”
Oookay. This is definitely not good. Nonetheless, I pulled out a chair and obeyed.
Mother drew a deep breath, letting it out in a long sigh. I wondered if her tree was shaking its branches in its place in the forest.
“The heart of the forest seems to be in bad condition. Nick and Lottie told me that the dryads have been feeling weak, like I have been. In fact, ‘weak’ is an understatement.” Cracked lips pursed together as she thought of the right words. “It’s more like having liquid smoke running through your veins.”
I think I gave a slight nod. “But what’s with all this food business?”
“The elders have called for a meeting of the council, so I shall have to go into the forest for a while. It will take a few days.” Then she fixed her eyes on me. “I prepared your father’s provisions in advance, because I’m afraid you’ll have to come with me.”
Uh, what?
“Ferdinand Cedarbark specifically requested your presence.” Mother sat down on the chair across from me and covered my hand with hers. “I know the elders have not… treated you cordially since the beginning. But now they want to see you.” She gave me a little squeeze. “This could only mean that something serious is happening.”
It took a few seconds for the little voice in my head to realize that this was a “NO! NO!” moment. The elders have always made it clear that they didn’t like me, so I never liked them either.
“But -“
I started to withdraw my hand when I noticed my mother’s own. The faint lines had grown darker, seeping through her parched, yellowing skin. Once again I felt like she was fading.
“Alright, Mother. But let’s not stay long.”
A visit with old tree spirits won’t kill me, right?