Marshmallows

Álarr followed his nose and soon found a patch of marshmallow growing along the river bank. It stood about three feet high with velvety oval leaves. He used his sense of smell to double check for the flowers would not bloom til late summer. Like the flowers, the leaves were often collected in summer but today he was after the roots.

Álarr started to dig, pushing mud and soil away from the base of the plant. He paused when he heard someone approach and turned too see a young black and white girl with an antlered cat. He dipped his head in greeting. "Hello there. Out enjoying the increasing sunlight?" He assumed he wasn't the only one eager to soak up the sun. He'd certainly taken it for granted before winter struck.