The Stairway Through the Elderwood

They had been walking since morning when the tree began to hum beneath their feet. At each landing, a small amber window opened in the bark, and someone inside set down a cup, a lamp, or a loaf of bread. The travellers never saw their hosts. They only heard the soft shuffle of welcome above them. By the time they reached the highest branch, evening had filled the valley with blue mist, and the tree had quietly learned both their names.