Beyond the rolling green hills where the everyday world fades, the heavy iron gates of Eve’s Orchard stood wide open, draped in amber lanterns and trailing ivy. A soft, welcoming warmth spilled out onto the winding paths, carrying the rich scent of ripe apples, crushed pine needles, and sweet nectar.

For at Eve’s Orchard, the old sign carved into the stone lintel held true: Not just for humans alone. All are welcome from far and near.

As dusk settled, painting the sky in shades of violet and gold, the first travelers began to arrive. A weary human couple walked hand-in-hand down the central lane, embracing the roots with open hearts, in awe to find themselves sharing a wooden bench with a towering, gentle automaton whose brass joints clanged a low, gentle promise of togetherness.

High up in the canopy of the oldest apple tree, a moon creature woven entirely of starlight and shadow curled comfortably among the heavy boughs, plucking a glowing fruit that tasted of memories. His name commands a promise of bounties yet to come. Down below, by the bubbling stone fountain, travelers of every description—some walking on two legs, some drifting like mist, and others arriving from realms light-years away—gathered around long wooden tables laden with feasts.

At the center of it all stood Eve, smiling as she poured warm cider into crystal cups, welcoming each soul as if they were returning home after a long journey. Here, differences dissolved into the sweet evening air, bound together by the simple magic of belonging.