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[Colombina]

The Keerdash Grove From a distance, the Keerdash grove looks like a spot of blood on the desert's golden skin. It is the only flush of vibrant color in all directions, a unique silhouette against empty blue skies. The trees range from no higher than a man's shoulders to the height of four men. Their dark brown trunks are smooth and their branches form half globe shapes of narrow red leave. Vast roots well up from the ground making cradle shaped spaces and arches for perching. The grove is about a quarter of a mile square, edged in tall aloe plants with broad leaves. It is a sanctuary in the midst of emptiness. Though flesh and blood do not watch over it, doting forces exist to prevent its exploitation. Stories say it was a gift from the god Eywaat to his favored wife, Aiyana, and her tribe, the Tatsuwaat. Whether the tale is myth or fact, half of the fall season the Tatsuwaat Chaktawe camp here and harvest fallen leaves to make into the vivid red dye they sell to neighboring peoples. Otherwise, only scarlet birds and small beasts make their homes in the peach colored shade. More insubstantial inhabitants are rumored to dwell here in the months of spring. While nothing has been proven, travelers who linger here in the fertile season claim to be the subjects of mischief, usually an amorous sort. This has given rise to the tradition of making perfumes, sachets and potions from Keerdash leaves plucked in spring, which have an aroma resembling rose and white fir.