The second winter proved to be a bit harsher than the first. Despite that, the young tree faced it with unshakeable determination. Not a single leaf left its branches. Although the frozen earth beneath, made it impossible to gather any nutrients, and hindered its growth, it still felt like a triumph against the harshness of winter.
As the young tree grew taller, and its branches stretched more and more, so too did its senses expand. By the time the eighth winter had come and gone it stood as tall as its oldest brothers, its stature now dominating the smaller trees. Only a few ancient trees, with towering forms that spoke of centuries past, were bigger, but the young tree felt confident that it would surpass them and become the largest in the area. Its trunk was now thick and sturdy, while its crown had developed into a vast canopy, casting a wide shadow on the ground below, where many small critters now lived.
The young tree’s perception now encompassed a vast distance hundreds of times greater than its longest branches. It was now able to perceive a myriad of details within its environment. It had come to understand that the mysterious hot liquid that altered it forever was in fact the blood of a strange creature that walked on two legs. This species’ members were mostly weak and fragile, however among them some individuals had much stronger bodies, and could sense when the young tree was probing them with its perception. Occasionally these creatures would approach, like curious visitors, tracing their appendages on the young tree’s rough bark as they emitted strange air vibrations with no apparent purpose.
It was right before the twelfth wither when an unusual event occurred. A group of the two-legged creatures chose to settle right beneath the oak’s sprawling branches. By now it had grown to be the tallest and most majestic tree in the area of its perception. The young tree felt a certain satisfaction, viewing this as a personal achievement.
These creatures seemed drawn to the young tree’s unique sense. Whenever it extended its awareness o observe them, they would gaze back with curiosity. Unlike the other animals roaming the forest, these beings were exceptionally resourceful, bending the very nature to their will. To the young tree’s dismay, wielding small and resilient tools, they began to chip away at the trunk of one of its ancient brothers. The giant tree eventually succumbed and toppled to the forest floor. The creatures then, transformed the fallen tree into smaller parts, which they used to construct a shelter for themselves.
The young tree watched the entire process with a mix of shock, curiosity and fear, thinking at the terrifying possibility that its own trunk might be next in line. Yet, its worst fears were never realized. The creatures only harvested a few more of its brothers, building a total of twelve shelters under its vast canopy. As the days passed the young tree observed them with a mix of fear and awe. Using a mysterious tool they used it to ignite the remains of its fallen brothers, transforming them into warmth and light. The creatures gathered around burning wood with joy and used it to prepare their meals.
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They never harmed the young tree, though. They understood that it was different from its inert brothers, and that set it apart. Sensing this unspoken acknowledgment, it decided to reach out and form a bond with these intriguing beings. There was however one impediment, it first needed to find a way to communicate with them.
With great patience the tree embarked on a mission of discovery, observing every detail of its newfound companions. Using its special sense it could perceive much about them. Each creature had four appendages; the upper ones moved with speed and dexterity and allowed them a great variety of actions.
Atop their central body, they had several strange organs. One seemed to be used for nourishment, while another facilitated a way of pulling air in and out of their bodies. Also a form of nourishment concluded the young tree. Two additional organs of a circular shape capable of fast movements likely serving as tools of perception. Additionally, two delicate membranes on the sides vibrated in response to shifts in the air.
After observing their behaviour for a long time the young tree concluded that these air vibrations, emitted through the creatures feeding orifice, were obviously a method of transmitting information.
If it could perceive these air vibrations in the same manner, it might come to understand their way of communicating. With this revelation, a plan began to take shape in the young tree’s mind. It decided to study and eventually replicate these air vibration receptors that the the creatures used for receiving information. Thus began the young tree's first task beyond mere survival.
It focused its efforts on its leaves, the most malleable parts of its body. Slowly, determined and patient, the tree began altering their shape, moulding them into shapes that in the beginning barely resembled the desired result. But with every attempt it was getting better and better. It was a slow and deliberate process, but the young tree was motivated by the possible outcome, and it and it continued the work.
Going against the nature of its own cells was an arduous process. The young tree faced many failed attempts but did not give up. It did not even know the concept of giving up. After each failure, it simply tried again and again.
Initially, the young tree tried to alter the shape of its existing leaves, however this approach repeatedly ended in failure, the leaves twisting in bizarre, unrecognizable shapes.
Undeterred by the setbacks, the young tree eventually decided to change its approach. It began the process of growing new leaves with the desired characteristics, that of a human ear, a shape entirely foreign to its natural design. From the moment it embarked on this ambitious quest until it finally managed to grow the first successful ear leaf, twelve more winters came and passed.
