Prologue

“Okay petal, open your eyes,” her mother coaxed, using the girl’s favorite nickname, still holding onto her small hand tightly. The little girl did as she was told, her big blue eyes taking everything in. A huge tree stood in front of them in an open clearing, surrounded by forest as far as her eyes could see, a face carved into its bark, smiling at her. All around it grew flowers in bright reds and deep purples, petals bobbing in a gentle breeze. When she looked up, she could see that familiar purple sky with its three moons, as it always was. Waning, waxing, and full.

The girl let go of her mother’s hand and stepped forward, wondering if she would be allowed to touch the tree as she did all the others they came across.

“Oh, what a fine specimen you are!” the tree said, beaming at the girl. She didn’t startle upon hearing their voice, not at all surprised that they could talk.

The forest knew all along that this particular girl was going to come by, eagerly awaiting her magic. While the tree normally needed a moment to think, to feel, to wonder if the person in front of them was a good fit, this girl was a clear cut, definite yes. Such was her heritage. The girl, however, seemed nervous upon the tree’s scrutiny. Unsure. She fretted with the hem of her shirt. Though she had been here before, this was her first time meeting the tree.

“Come closer, my dear,” the tree said, mesmerizing the girl. Her mother’s grip loosened, setting her daughter free, allowing her to step forward as she was told, coming closer and closer, until the tree told her to stop. “Now I need you to close your eyes, and extend your roots to mine. Visualize them touching.”

The girl once more did as she was told, imagining thick, strong roots growing from the soles of her feet, forcing their way through her socks and shoes, reaching down into the earth as her mother had taught her. There, they dug and dug, moving towards the being in front of her, until her roots found theirs, touching, connecting, intertwining with her own. She gasped for air as the tree sent what felt like a shockwave through her roots, traveling up her spine, her little heart giving one harsh, firm pound, though it quickly fell back into its normal rhythm. Instinctively, she opened her eyes, gazing into the black, round cavities she assumed to be the tree’s eyes.

“Listen, dear, for this is important; Care for us as we care for you, protect us as we protect you, and all will be well.”

She nodded firmly, her voice strong as she told them, “I promise I will.”

The tree smiled at her, reaching out with one of its lowest branches, moving ever so slightly to rest its leaves upon her head. “Sweet girl,” it said. “Now go. Be with your friends.”

A smile curled up the corners of her lips, shooting a quick glance at her mother for confirmation. When her mother also nodded her consent, the girl ran off, excited to get back to her crayons with the other kids.