The Scarlet Tree

It stood alone, amongst the harsh and dark trees of winter, at the edge of a small, ancient, village. A village that never appeared on any map.

It was said that for every heart that felt the touch of love, another leaf would grow anew, shimmering the most lovely crimson on earth.

Autumn held no sway over the tree, and only a broken heart would cause a leaf to fall and fade, naked and exposed upon on the ground.

And the broken were many.

In times of darkness, amidst the terrible wars of men, it would stand grey and bare, when the entire world was nearly bereft of love. 

Always though, compassion and humanity would return. And with it,

The Scarlet Tree Of Love.