[THE Ka]

Kafkalina had come through fields, and now the ent had ended up in one with a tricky first face value. The grass, which was high enough to rival saplings, was not the new problem. Underneath stood hundreds of thistles, which at first stood no challenge to the ent’s tough ashen bark, but over time they quickly began to have effect. It would have been easier to think this out, if it wasn’t for the sun overhead, which caused Kafkalina to sweat, while all the leaves would rather spend a day to photosynthesize. The ent stopped for now, and gave thought to a more resourceful nature.

Ha Hmmmm! Thistles, you scourges… Most likely the last testaments to entwives’ gardens. Indeed, I am glad I didn’t join up in that great walk to these lands, teaching northern Huorns was a good change of plans. Is this a punishment, then? No, no, most likely meant for other things of more deviance. I am just an ent, covered in prickles… and half of me wants to take in the sun and just sit here…

Kafkalina searched through her bag, mostly full of entwine, it was something that was saved and eventually had a good use. Taking a bit out in her stone bowl, it helped to quench some of the thirst off for more concentration. The ent’s roots meanwhile took this as a sign that they would be standing here for a bit, and began to slowly burrow into the ground. Then, the ent noticed two things.

This ground is quite soft, far less density it would seem from river rock and sand. Hmmm, maybe walking above is not the answer, but to furrow the plants from below and make a path. It won’t be as fast as before, but patience is a specialty of mine, which I have almost forgotten. I may have never made great gardens, but we ents all have the same secrets I guess.
Wait, I thought I had prickles all over… Oh ghoulish goblin axe, my sap is running…

The ent found the familiar sight of most trees in distress, thousands of drops of sap had begun to flow from where the prickles once where. Now they were covered and flowing within the drops. Soon, Kafkalina came upon a great idea.

Even if I furrow from below, I will still have to contend with the thistle’s little arrows. Sap would help keep them from directly harming me, but they would stick to me. Wait! Ho hmmm! It does not matter how many stick, they can be a good investment later. They can offer protection I see, a sort of armor! Oh great mallorn sprouts, maybe today is a fine day for a walking…

She rummaged through her things in tow and found more entwine, taking sips here and there helped to keep the sap flowing as the ent’s roots furrowed with diligent speed ahead. As predicted, the thistles’ heads where all but decapitated once they touched the sap, and began to collect upon her bark.

What to much younger creatures would seem an eternity, Kafkalina managed to find near the end of the field some small hills where a few trees clung to them for survival. Kafkalina slowly made her way to the closest patch to rest for a minute.

Well, at least I am out of the thistles, though, I might have needed a few more here and there...

Kafkalina gave a laugh to this, but it seemed rather a forced one. She then readied herself for continuation of the journey, maybe soon she would be able to share a laugh, just maybe.