With thanks to @negativer, @ratbastard, and @AuthorofThings, who read my very very last-minute First Draft this afternoon, here is my entry. https://steemit.com/hardforkseries/@carolkean/ashes-and-acorns-hardfork-series-contest Thanks for hosting this, and I look forward to reading all the entries, which (so far) are much more riveting, bloody, suspenseful and intriguing. I was in a mood to keep things light. #GottaLove the diversity of talent at The Writers' Block! In just a few months, I've seen prose getting polished and styles emerging, with distinct voices that will grab readers for years to come.