Emberwood Upon the sea and within the forest, thick as theives

He hummed along to some made-up tune while he yanked and tugged at the stubborn root. The mouthful of plant muffled any words that might've been heard over his laborious grunts, and though the work might've frustrated him any other day, his heart still soared to the moon from his recent trip with Inkeri and he couldn't seem to shake the stupid smile off his face.

This little plant is being so ridiculous, being so ridiculous, being so ridiculous were the cheery words he sang, though who knew what anyone else might hear. Ah, Inkeri. The waves held nothing to her seaspun eyes.

this little plant is being so ridiculous, all - pull - the live - long -

at this final beat, the root pulled free, and Merry was wholly unprepared. Dirt went flying -- and he went flying, head over heels backwards into an upsidedown somersault -- 

until he landed flat on his back, staring straight up at the pretty silver paws of a woman, with the face of an angel.

And all the world seemed to stop.