After checking the little alpaca was eating, drinking, and comfortable, Lilly made her way toward Tom, the sentient tomato plant who looked more like a tomato tree than a plant these days.
Tom’s widespread branches were adorned with an abundance of ripe, succulent tomatoes, their vibrant red hue gleaming like clusters of rubies. Tom greeted her arrival with a delicate rustling of his leaves, a private language of kinship they had formed over time. Although he didn’t speak in human terms, the soft whisper of his leaves carried all the affection and warmth she needed. With a smile of gratitude, she filled her basket with the juicy treasures, their firm flesh a testament to the fruitful bond between them.
Tom was her friend, and she worried constantly about the prejudices against sentient plants. No one minded magical plants; but when the magical police had caught wind of the fact that her tomato plant was sentient, they had come to cut him down. It was only her friend Tunni, Briarhaven’s master greenskeeper, who was able to stop them; but they were very clear that they would be watching Tom closely.
Her tasks then led her to the more traditional part of farming, though nothing felt quite ordinary on this magical homestead. A large watering can in hand, she lovingly tended to her array of vegetables, each plant receiving its share of nourishment. Her vegetable patch was a vibrant mosaic of colors, from the rich greens of spinach leaves to the radiant hues of bell peppers.
An unexpected prod against Lilly’s shoulder drew her out of her thoughts. With a surprised gasp, she turned to find herself nose to nose with Astra. The goat’s obsidian eyes were staring at her. The streaks of purple in her otherwise-black fur shone brilliantly in the sunlight, adding to her magical appearance.
Gently taking hold of Astra’s coarse fur, Lilly steered the goat back toward her paddock, her boots kicking up the scent of freshly turned earth as they trudged across the field. The rough texture of the wooden gate creaked loudly as she swung it open, and Astra trotted inside without protest.
With a resigned sigh, Lilly slid the bolt into place, securing the gate behind her. Yet she couldn’t help the fond smile that tugged at her lips as she watched Astra. The moment the goat was back in the paddock, she burst into a playful run, her black and purple tail whipping behind her like a banner in the wind. Then with an agility that belied her size, Astra performed her signature levitating leap. It was a sight that never failed to astound Lilly—the goat suspended in the air, her hooves a good few feet off the ground, defying gravity in a way that only magic could muster.
Landing on the other side of the paddock, Astra started to nibble contentedly at a thorn bush that had sprouted beside the barn. It seemed that even prickly flora was no deterrent to her voracious appetite. Lilly could only shake her head in bemusement. It was indeed a conundrum how one could possibly contain a goat with a talent for levitation—and a penchant for adventure that once led her onto the roof of the farmhouse. Resigning herself to Astra’s unpredictable behavior, Lilly turned back to her work.
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After completing her chores, Lilly headed to the nearby babbling brook full of water sprites. She remembered the mischief they had wreaked upon her farm the last time they were irked and wanted to stay on their good side.
Lilly approached cautiously, holding two broad leaves. They were special—not just any leaves. These were produced by her magical tomato plant; and even though Lilly couldn’t tell a difference between a regular leaf and Tom’s, that’s all the sprites had wanted to stop causing her problems in the past.
As she neared the water, soft, melodic humming reached her ears. From the clear depths of the stream, tiny figures began to emerge. Their iridescent wings fluttered like those of dragonflies, and their delicate forms shone with a soft luminescence. These were the water sprites, guardians of this pristine stretch of water.
“Good day, guardians of the stream,” Lilly began, her voice respectful and filled with admiration. “I come bearing an offering and a plea.”
One of the sprites, distinguishable by a crown made of intertwined water reeds, floated forward. Her eyes, clear as the purest waters, fixed on Lilly. “Speak, farm maiden. Your goat has dared to drink from our sacred waters without our blessing. Again. We are not pleased.”
Lilly gulped but held her ground. That’s exactly what she feared. “I sincerely apologize for that. You see, my goat, Astra, has a peculiar gift of making levitating jumps; and despite my best efforts, I cannot always contain her.” She unveiled the leaves, balancing them on her palm so they wouldn’t wrinkle. “But I brought you these—treasures which I believe you cherish.”
The sprites exchanged glances, their tiny forms shimmering with intrigue. Another sprite, with droplets of water as earrings, piped up, “We remember these. They hold the essence of the magic in the land and the warmth of the sun’s first rays—things we cannot obtain from this stream.”
“Yes.” Lilly was pleased with their interest and nodded eagerly. The leaves were of no value to her, anyway. “If I bring these to you as a regular offering, would you allow my goat to occasionally drink from your stream?”
The crowned sprite looked thoughtful, her gaze drifting to the magical tomatoes. “Your offering pleases us, but these treasures are rare. How often can you bring them?”
Feeling hopeful, Lilly replied, “I can offer two every two weeks.”
The sprites huddled, their voices a melodic whisper, before the crowned sprite declared, “Three. Three leaves from your magical plant each fortnight; and in return, we shall grant your goat permission to drink from our waters.”
Lilly eyed them warily, looking for signs that they weren’t being truthful, and then sighed with relief. “Deal. Three tomato leaves it is. Thank you for understanding.”
The sprites, now with smiles gracing their dainty features, began to hum a harmonious tune, signifying their acceptance. With the pact sealed, Lilly left the tomato leaves and the stream behind.
She walked back, wondering if the small creatures would hold to the pact or if she should watch out for their mischief. She groaned as she remembered how her farm had one problem after another until she figured out exactly who was behind all of her issues. She really didn’t want to get rid of another lice-like pixie village by covering herself and all of her animals in lard again.
Lilly decided to stay on guard.