will heaven step in?
The rain cast the Greatwood in a soft haze, muting the riot of crimson and gold into something subdued. The Mathair’s tree loomed at its heart, vast and ancient, its branches shivering as droplets traced the grooves of its bark. Lightning split the sky—and it screamed.
Noah did not startle easily, yet the first shriek carved cold along his spine. Each jagged fork of light tore through the heavens with a bloodcurdling cry, and the thunder that followed did not rumble so much as moan, a chorus of voices layered in anguish. He wasn’t sure what had caused it to happen, but the first time Noah heard it he wondered if the Leafchange deity was acting in a way that the Longheat deity had. The only certainty was that it was Leafchange, and she was present. If Tanau was honored in his season, then the Mathair should be acknowledged in hers.
Noah stood at a respectful distance from the tree, observing her — it — quietly as the rain cried.
Noah did not startle easily, yet the first shriek carved cold along his spine. Each jagged fork of light tore through the heavens with a bloodcurdling cry, and the thunder that followed did not rumble so much as moan, a chorus of voices layered in anguish. He wasn’t sure what had caused it to happen, but the first time Noah heard it he wondered if the Leafchange deity was acting in a way that the Longheat deity had. The only certainty was that it was Leafchange, and she was present. If Tanau was honored in his season, then the Mathair should be acknowledged in hers.
Noah stood at a respectful distance from the tree, observing her — it — quietly as the rain cried.
will it save us from our sin?
