The lush meadows of Lovecomb Valley stretched far as the eye could see, glistening with moist flowers. Deep in the valley's bosom, a worker bee named Stinger lived a productive yet lonely existence.
Stinger was known for producing the sweetest honey the meadow had ever known. But one day, Stinger found himself so morose, the dazzling fields around him seemed drained of color. Even worse, his honey began to lose its sweet taste. And then, he saw her...
A radiant kodan with oak-colored fur hummed softly to herself as she strolled through the meadow. Her name was Burgeoning Buds.
An attentive gardener and horticulturist, Burgeoning Buds returned to the field daily to tend to the flowers. She kept even the most bashful of buds satisfied with ample moisture and a tender touch. Petals aquiver, they seemed to blossom at the mere sight of her.
"How will I ever get her to notice me?" lamented Stinger, as he admired her from the concealment of a nearby tree branch. "I'm no flower. I have no pretty petals or pleasant fragrance. And goodness, if I get too close, I might prick her with my stinger out of nerves!"
Just then, Stinger sprang from his hiding place and buzzed off to work. He had been stung by an idea!
For several days and nights, Stinger got to work pollinating every flower in sight. "If I can't win her attention with beauty, I'll do so with sweetness!"
When he deemed his honey the best he'd ever made, he mustered all the courage he could and addressed Burgeoning Buds for the first time.
"E-excuse me, ma'am. I see you like the flowers of this field. And they're very lovely, indeed. But have you tried this meadow's famous honey? It's known worldwide. And I'm something of an expert in the craft."
"Oh my, oh me! I'd heard word of this legendary honey! I'd be pleased as a spring breeze if you'd be so kind as to share some with me, dearie bee!"
And with that, she tasted the sweet nectar, blissfully licking it from her lips.
"I've tasted my fair share of honey, from lands both near and far. But I've never savored something so pristine as this nectar you've made for me, dearie bee."
They stayed side by side long into the night, talking, laughing, and drinking in the sweetness of each other's company. And as the birds and the bees of the meadow tucked themselves to sleep, one very lucky kodan found herself stung by love.
Lowland Shore: Life in the Lowlands — Read all the books scattered around Lowland Shore. (5
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