Midwinter 2020 Image Instadrabbling by Lindariel

Chapter 5

Doriath, tenth year of the Sun.  Image prompt: lattice fungus (Clathrus ruber), orange elf-cup (Aleuria aurantia), and thorn-canes.

Alatáriel began to step more carefully as the layer of leaf mould thickened underfoot. The northern eaves of Neldoreth were much wilder than any forest she had ever encountered, and their cool dampness had brought forth many strange olvar, some of which were scarcely recognizable as plants. She spared little attention for them, having instead a mission to accomplish.

She clasped her hands around the berry canes, concentrating on the life within them. If Melian thought her worthy to enhance the border protections of Doriath, she would make her very best effort. The canes thickened and began to sprout thorns.