Blackwater Islands benevolent

deep in the furthest reaches of the druids' grove, a strange dark plant grew, with sharp little leaves and stiff stems of a green that could almost be taken for black. it grew in creeping clusters, with bright moon-silver berries freckled throughout like a rash. they were smooth and nearly tasteless, but potent nonetheless. for many days after discovering the berries, the listener walked among the spirits.

she emerged from the otherworld changed. weak, bedraggled, but enlightened.

not far from where @Bridget rested, shrouded by trees and shadows, the hunched vantablack figure of the listener worked feverishly. at her feet, a tainted meal. a paste of crushed berries mixed with blood and minced meat was smeared into the insides of a large half-eaten hare, tucked among the innards where it would be difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish the difference in taste and texture.

when her task was finished, she brought the hare to her ward in silence, eager to see where this path led.