The staircase of corded branches ascended in a spiral, ringed by pulsing mycenes that breathed out lavender-scented mist. Lila gazed up at it in wonder, her fingers twitching to touch.

"You going up, girl? Gotta pay the toll."

Lila turned to see a tall man with leaves instead of hair and skin the color of tree bark. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a single seed. "Will this do?"

He took it and poked it between his mossy lips, chewing thoughtfully. "Suppose it'll do. Climb on up then."

Lila climbed the staircase, her feet bare and the bark rough beneath her soles. It took her to a tiny house that hung from the branches like a wooden lantern. Cresting the top step, she pushed open the door.

Inside, a woman with eyes that shone like opals sat at a table covered in cards, dice, and strange artifacts that pinged with magic. She crooked a finger at Lila. "Come here, little one. I've been waiting for you."