Solitary Ringing Tree

The Solitary Ringing Tree is an object of Faerie in the Kingdom of Grass.

Overview

When driving or walking across the dry expanse near the border between Colorado and Nebraska, it is possible to catch sight of a single softwood tree of unidentified species in full leaf, at the edge of the flat and grassy plain. There are no other trees anywhere in sight. Then, a passing breezed blows through the branches and there is a sound like ocean breakers and the music of a thousand tinkling bells. This is the Solitary Ringing Tree.

Over the decades since the Tree was planted in the Reverse Sycamore Walking across the Great Plains, travelers have adorned every one of the Tree's branches with thousands, perhaps millions, of small bells. The origin of the custom is lost now, but it has become a deeply loved tradition in the Kingdom of Grass to hang a bell or two when a journey allows. Some believe that decorating the tree with a bell brings good luck. Others just think it looks pretty to see the flat country punctuated by a single tree, its every bough glimmering as light strikes the bells.

Because the tree is so universally loved by the plains faeries. it has become a traditional safe haven for fugitives from injustice. The idea of violence in the vicinity of the Tree is repugnant to the locals, who have woven many Bans of peace and weapons-bindings there to ensure the site's innocence is preserved. A number of great treaties between the Grass Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Burning Sun were singed here.

Many of the bells hung here have magical properties, and any of them can be melted down to release Glamour that has seeped into them over the years from the Tree. While there are procedures for harvesting the Tree with its permission, stealing bells will lower a Ban on the thief. An hour or so after any such theft, all fabrics finer than cotton will cause the thief to itch. This Ban continues until the bells are returned to the Tree.

During certain seasons, the aspen-like bark of the Tree itself can be peeled away in small amounts for use an ingredient in certain healing teas. Taking the bark at the proper season does not harm the Tree but taking it at other seasons not only hurts the Tree but is also quite difficult, and it tends to produce poisonous brews.

Some, who are wise in the Green Way of plants, are convinced that the Ringing Tree is ready to propagate seeds.

References

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