Daily story, December 3, 2024

Yndric was the first tree in the forest, older than the forest itself. It had felt many changes in the air and the earth. By now it was hard to feel what was a change in the world and what was a change in Yndric. The wind seemed to blow more gently in these years: was that the strength in its branches, or the shelter of its brethren?

On the first day of the thaw a wizard came to Yndric, one who had studied within himself so that he might talk with the trees. He planted his open hands in the earth at Yndric’s roots. Men will come, the wizard said. I can give you sight and hearing to know them. I can give you voice and quickness to frighten them. Then you will be safe. Yndric said, You would make me a man to protect me from men. Let them come and be changed into us. Let them grow roots deep in the earth and branches that reach the sky. Let them grow together into a forest. Then we will be safe.