Roots Before Branches

Kolt pushed open the weathered wooden door, its hinges protesting with a low creak. The familiar earthy scents of the greenhouse enveloped him as he stepped inside, a welcome respite from the damp chill that clung to the castle grounds. The filtered sunlight cast a soft green glow over the interior, illuminating the neat rows of plants and herbs. But of course, today he was here with purpose. There was a good deal of work to be done.

Kolt carefully crouched down beside the lavender bed, the damp earth yielding slightly beneath his paws. Taking in a deep breath, he relished the mingling of scents - the rich aroma of freshly turned soil and the sweet fragrance of nearby herbs wafting through the air.

Reaching for the tray of lavender seedlings, Kolt gently lifted one from its temporary home, mindful not to damage the fragile roots. With his other paw, he dug a small hole in the prepared soil, just deep enough to cradle the seedling's base. He placed the young plant into the depression, using his claws to tease the roots apart before guiding loose soil around them.

"Kolt Carpathius"