Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 17)

“A flower from your uncle!”

The adults followed along behind.

“You ever gonna tell me what’s going on?” Tadaaki asked under his breath.

“Nope.” Ky shook her head.

He sighed.

(It's a wonderful foggy day and I put on some of my favorite perfume. Today is a better day than yesterday)

"I gotta ask him first!" Marcella pointed out. "He's gotta pick it and then press it and that takes ages."

(Aww nice! Good choices! Meanwhile I just woke up with a rash on both hands and feet and I have literally no idea how I got it because I haven’t been in the field for a full week and I’ve changed literally nothing about my schedule)


“But he’s got all night,” she complained.

(Oh no!! Why does this happen to you???)

"Flower pressing takes weeks," she giggled. "And my letters gonna take forever to get to the East."

(Fuck if I know ;-; the universe hates me)


“And then he’ll bring me a flower,” Tasia said firmly.

"I'll make sure he does," she promised.

Ky stepped ahead and pulled the door open for all of them.

"Thank you!" Marcella bounded in and, spotting her father, promptly climbed up on his lap. He held his drink out of the way and gave her a one-armed hug.

“Whoa!!!!” Tasia began running around.

“Tasia!” Tadaaki said sharply, stopping her in her tracks. “Stay with me. And don’t touch anything.”

She pouted but shuffled over to him.

Ky led the way over to Sven.

Sven surveyed the little group, smiling brightly. "Hello! These are your friends, Ky?"

“Yep! This is Tadaaki, Aashi, and Tasia.” She patted the little girls head.

“Hello!” Aashi gave a little wave and smile.

“Hello.” Tadaaki nodded to him and offered a hand.

He shook Tadaaki's hand firmly. "I hear you're in the market for a heartbox."

“Yes sir!” He dipped his head with a smile. Aashi rubbed her belly. “We hear you’re the best in the business.”

"Well, I don't know about that but I am good." He grinned.

Tadaaki smiled kindly, glancing around. “I’m afraid we’re Southerners and don’t know much about this custom. What should we know?”