The terraces

No resident remembered the making of the terraces, and the elders spoke of the rows as something that had always existed. During this season, the trees held leaves and firm fruit awaiting growth and ripening. Cloud rose from the valley and advanced across the terraces each morning until it spread among the trees. A worn route through the rows descended toward the gate, where it connected with the mountain road.

Wenna brushed wet foliage during her early descent and returned uphill when work began. Later, with the cloud diminished, she could see the stepped orchard as she hurried down to take her gate duty. After the unexpected visitor arrived, Wenna escorted her uphill among the rows. During Wenna's later watch, cold rose through the terraces, and she eventually returned through the dark trees toward supper and her sister.