(no subject)

[tinylittleonion]

*some time ago, Alexei began to learn magic from the gentleman with the thistle-down hair; he could coax the trees to blossom in winter, with only the warmth of his hands and of his heart, and keep them blooming. now, he thinks, he will ask the apple trees in the orchard to let their blossoms fall, and bear fruit that he might to give to the hungry. it is not an easy task -- the trees turn towards him for their sunlight and sustenance, leaving him weary and pale -- but he doesn't worry for himself.

he might've worried more, however, about what so much magic might do to the apples. a few are quite harmless, but all the rest have a random enchantment within them, nothing in common except that they all could be found in folklore or fairy tales. some will you put you into a deep, contented sleep from which only the kiss of a loved one can awaken you; some will transform you into a wild bird or beast; some will make flowers fall from your lips whenever you open them to talk; some will make you grow larger, or smaller; some will compel you to speak only the truth; some will make you a beautiful prince or princess; some will restore your youth, and so on.

the very ripest are all the same -- they make whoever eats them happy, so blissful and indolent that they would forget all their cares.*