Autumn in the Forest

Autumn in the Forest

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Meet "Maple"

One of my favorite characters is Miss Maple, the head Baker mouse. She runs her bakery with an iron rod, so to speak.

This round, plump mouse is a no-nonsense creature who loves to gossip and spread rumors, always having her ear pricked for the latest bit of juicy news. One can often hear her screeching her obscenities across The Commons throughout the day. Cries of "Owls and ravens!" ring out if she happens to break her best spoon.

The Begging Stone sits just outside the bakery entrance, and oftentimes little ones come to beg a crumb of Maple's famous fruit 'n nut bread. More often than not, she drives them off, hollering and making a scene, but secretly she's pleased they think so highly of her wares. On occasion, she sends someone packing with a full loaf.

Though Maple is rough around the edges, those who know her best declare she has a heart of gold--underneath all the gruff exterior, that is.

She is unmarried and comes across as mean as a snake, but she could still catch the eye of another mouse. The problem is, who?

 


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Thursday, June 15, 2017

Meet "Button"

Evershade's smallest adult Walnut Keeper is the tiny Sewing mouse, Button.

She is quiet and keeps to herself, though she likes to be useful and often volunteers to help others with their tasks. Button is regarded as timid upon first meeting her, but she has an inner strength and sense of duty that drives her. She possesses an ample amount of tact and is as polite and kind as Petal, but she will be blunt if pushed to her limit. Keeping herself busy is not a problem. She braids, glues, designs, ties, and creates constantly, her paws a flurry of quiet activity.

Her tiny paws are able to handle delicate projects, and she is often called upon by the Weavers to add a particular decoration to their blankets. Her delicate touch also earns her the job of setting broken bones when Roan's paws are too cumbersome.

It is when Button meets Petal that she finds her voice. Their friendship blossoms, and they begin to confide their secrets and wishes in one another, building the confidence of both mousemaids.

Though on the outside it seems Button is content to live alone working on an endless string of projects, in her heart she is hoping to catch the eye of one mouse in particular. She has certainly noticed him, but will he ever notice her?








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Thursday, June 8, 2017

Meet "Petal"

The creatures of Evershade were all born wild, except for Petal. She is unlike any mouse they have ever seen before.

Petal's fur is bright white with creamy tan patches dotting it here and there, and her ears are a delicate pink, reminding one of wild rose petals. When the sunlight shines through them, they are a magnificent pink and gold. If they are exposed to the sun for too long, they burn.

Before she was released, a wild mouse taught Petal some of her vocabulary and described the world outside her cage. Despite this, there is so much for this young mousemaid to learn. There are strange sounds at night, untold dangers lurking in the darkness, and the mysterious world of matrimony.

Like Ash, Petal must find her place in this world. What will she become? A Sewing mouse, a Baker, a Gatherer, a Huller? While she does not yet know her path, it is clear to her that she should not choose the life of a Huller. Her beautiful white fur would be forever stained black from the tannin in the black walnut hulls.

Petal's personality is as delicate as her appearance. She is polite and kind and willing to learn. At times she is unsure of herself, particularly when trying something new, but she is loveable and a true friend. She puts the needs of others before own and possesses knowledge that none of the others possess. This white mousemaid has lived in the world of man, and it has changed her perspective forever.

 


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Thursday, June 1, 2017

Meet "King Obsidian"

King Obsidian, an enormous snail with a peculiarly blackened shell, rules Evershade. Walnut Keepers throughout the seasons have collected various shiny or colorful articles--shell of a robin's egg, a real diamond, bits of broken mirror, beads--and have used the sap from the Lone Pine to glue these "jewels" to his shell, denoting royalty.

Obsidian is kindly and speaks with a grandfatherly voice. He is fair and just, and the Walnut Keepers are loyal to him. Neighboring kingdoms respect his wisdom. Even the crows.

Although the king is kind, he will banish those who disrupt the relative utopian community they live in. This is not a task he takes lightly, but he will do what he must to protect Evershade from enemies both within its borders and beyond.

He is willing to laugh at himself and sometimes jokes about his slime trail, which many a Keeper has stepped in and tracked all over. King Obsidian takes advice from Roan and any other Keeper who possesses knowledge of a particular matter, showing that he respects the opinions of others and values them as members of Evershade.

Though he has led a good life with Queen Sapphire, he knows his time must end at some point, and he must have an heir to the throne.










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