Renelda flew over the juniper groves and swept the canopy of the lofty pines. She swooped and swooshed between the giants’ bodies as they creaked between themselves in their ancient language. Renny had listened long enough to get the gist. They were tired of the filthy air being provided by ungrateful visitors. The tones in their voices alone were enough to have the communities of trees sharing underground roadways and connections set on starving, rather than being fed poison to their tranquil scenes.
She chuckled.
Thwack! A branch came out of nowhere, stopping Renny in her tracks. The tree attached let out a low groan, as did the crow. She rubbed her beak and tossed her head, she ruptured into a series of chastizing caws.
What’s funny? The tree asked.
It seemed everywhere she went, it was the same old story. And if the trees were talking about it. Everyone was talking about it and it was only a matter of time until the owls and bears became involved. In the hopes of doing anything they could to keep the giants they called home, happy.
The tree rocked slowly back and forth. A thrill of energy pulsated under the crows’ feet. She flapped into the air and made her way to the branches.
“You have a lot to say on the matter.” The tree mused, and a soft wind fluttered from its leaves.
And more too. She thought carelessly.
“Do tell.” Retorted the tree, its fellows now leaning in for a better view of the newcomer.
I don’t think you’d like me much for it. She ruffled her feathers and pulled a few loose ones from her wing.
“Well, you wouldn’t know until you lay it on me and see, maybe I’ll find it refreshing.” An amused rustle ran through the leaves of the trees all around.
I think your complaints have you sounding no different than those you are complaining about. Here I am, new to these parts and I’ve already found the air shared between, us to be noisy. I’ve heard talk since of running off the ‘issue’, and if you should choose to, you are behaving no different than those who come to you, looking for peace, and sanctuary in time of need.
The tree chuckled. “Fair. And sensible, but we can’t take much more it’s become unsettling for the contents we keep.” Silence told Renny they wanted her to continue.
I think you’re complaints are a universal thing, shared between many of your kind. There is only one creature with the ability to lament and carry on so. I know precisely which breed you are referring to without you having to say it. And like it or not, you are sharing air with them, so do your job, only better. Charm them into higher views, and share your roots and strong backbone with them.
The trees whispered among themselves as she continued. Give them something sturdy to lean against. And. If you do what you might be planning, siccing the animals and elementals at your fingertips, to do anything but enchant them into speaking of your beauty and wonder, rather than whatever complaint they came in with, you will be sealing your doom. I’ve seen it many times before. Like it or not, you need them as much as they need you.
The trees remained silent, soaking in the sun with satisfaction over the reflection taking place beneath and above its canopies.
Think about it. When they come in, they come in with heavy weights, but you… you recharge them and send them out feeling strengthened so the weight is nothing in comparison, it’s magical. If you knew a day without your roots, or knowing your place or what you were to do, you would have nothing but empathy for the silly gummy creatures. They don’t know they too belong in the sky. The bird shook its head.
If you run them off, the ones who still come. It will be a tragic thing indeed. Instead of making them fear you, why not grow so enchanting they can’t find words outside of praising you and your contents? Why not make them feel so welcome in their skin, that they grow more fond of yours? You can bask in clean air breathed by satisfied customers. When they leave, it’s with the promise of being back, and guaranteed, they took pictures, and are already telling all their friends about it.
All the trees rustled with excitement, they hadn’t thought of it that way. A renewed sense of duty and vigor filled the air. The ground pulsed with renewed joy as if the roots beneath were dancing and congratulating one another on what was soon to be done.
They were so wrapped up in their reverie and shared view of what enchanted might be for them each, they didn’t even notice the wily crow that had seeded it all as she slipped away, flying off to the heart of the next forest on her list. She’d fix this if it was the last thing she did.