Littleflower

The Legend of Lady Littleflower by Ardith Shkolnith

Adapted from an Gannese-Inarian folktale

Once upon a time, there was a woman who was very beautiful and known for her grace, and unusually beautiful scent. She was fondly called “Littleflower” because of her beautiful scent. One day, there was a war and Littleflower had lost her home and family. One day, a king heard of her, demanding she be bought to him safely. Forced to go on a long journey to the capital city, Littleflower bathed in camel’s milk, fresh herbs and oils to preserve her mystical scent. When Littleflower reached the capital city, the king gave her gifts and a fine room, hoping he would woo her. One day, Littleflower was homesick. “What is wrong with you, Littleflower, my love?” asked the king.

“I don’t know, but I miss my village on the sand, your majesty! I wish you could build me a community that reminds me of my home in the desert,” she replied.

“All right, all right. Then I shall have the best architects, skillful artisans and builders to make you a special place that reminds you of your village on the sand,” he told Littleflower. And so the king did, and he built her a recreation of her distant village, a temple, an oasis and bazaar. But she didn’t stir at all. So the king ordered his messengers to go to the desert to return with a tree bearing golden fruit.

At the end, Littleflower was the king’s favorite concubine until the end of her days.

Serialized at Breadcrumbs, the official magazine of the Derenian Writers’ Association