The Merriest Vigil

      Each knobby elbow and knee of the trees converged together, like friends leaning on each other as they strolled down a road. The trees made door frames for her, which she stepped through. She stooped her shoulders low and she lifted her feet high. From ahead through the forest she heard nothing but laughter. Their happiness sang out to her, and with it the flickering of fire light. Through the frames of the trees they grew closer, until at last she saw who they were and what was their task.
     She was confused, for they were dressed in black. They seemed to have many definitions of black and a preference for color, so here and there were streamers of purple and green, pink feathers and patterned hats. They were assembled around a central platform, and from the solemnity of their joy she knew at once who lay upon it.
     One face turned towards her, his eyes crinkled with laughter. He had a round nose like the top of a mushroom, and round ruddy cheeks, his woolen hat streaked with colors and hung with many pendants of dry leaves and needles. He slanted his curious shoulders and inquired as to her arrival.
     "I would quite know why I am here," she said, "except I don't know where I am."
     "Ah! Well, you are in luck; you have arrived at the merriest vigil."

Word Count: 6,802