Lion Head Mesa butterflies

he swept free a rogue leaf from the water's surface. then a feather, two. cleansing the wellspring was a favored task for the man who had pledged himself to his noble House, to the royal palace.

he had come to know, too, that caverns meant for great entertainments laid near here as well. it was an easy place to work away hours.

a wet crow's feather dangled from between his teeth.