All Hallows

 Albert Chevallier Tayler 

There were streamers everywhere: axe-handle-thin strips of coloured fabric festively dangling from tree to tree. It was a special day for the Saints, and Barnabas had decided to decorate the forest.

“Cousin will not be pleased” Francis concluded after seeing the handiwork of the demented elderly monk. Barnabas had been one of the newer additions to his family and in his heart he sought to encourage him.

“That fabric took some persuasion to procure” he added addressing the tribe of animals that had been following Francis throughout his day. Barnabas had decorated them too. The larger ones had cloth clippings as well. One of the deer idled by with ribbons of pink and aqua strips knotted around his spiky crown.

Mirabella was contributing as well - Murmur’s own tunic was wasted in her small but capable hands as she sat pulling threads one by one. Hannah-Mary looked on and said nothing. She had given up trying to discipline the child a year ago now.

-Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances