Mira Goldveinghh's Arc

Chapter 2 of 2

Mira knelt in the grove's center where sunlight pooled on moss-covered stones. She needed to learn the language of the trees if she wanted to protect them properly. Her fingers traced patterns in the dirt as she listened to the whispers in the leaves above. A rustling drew her attention to a cluster of plants she'd never noticed before. Vibrant leaves cascaded down in layers of deep green, their serrated edges catching the light. She moved closer and saw how the leaves curved to form natural bowls. Rainwater had collected in each one, clear and fresh. Mira touched the plant gently and felt a pulse of recognition from the grove. The trees had shown her something important. She would spend weeks in the watchtower during storm season, too far from the streams to fetch water easily. But these plants grew everywhere in the grove, each one holding enough water to drink. The grove was teaching her its secrets, giving her what she needed to stay and protect it. She smiled and cupped her hands beneath one leaf, letting the cool water flow into her palms. The first lesson was complete.