Eat, Drink, and Be Merry by AdmirableMonster  

Toads

for the prompt "They saw tiny rose cyclamens between their toes, growing / Where the slow toads sat brooding on the past."

Eshara squishes their toes in the mud, shivering, then laughs and shifts from foot to foot.  The slushy water is still icy, but already the tiny, hardy winter flowers are beginning to grow and bloom.

“Surely it is too early for a spring welcoming ritual,” objects the Mouth of Sauron.  Despite the disfiguring scars that mark his face, including the mark of the unlidded eye that apparently had to be branded twice into his forehead, divested of armor he is not a particularly intimidating sight.  “Most of the ponds are still f-frozen.”

“You haven’t lived here,” Eshara tells him.  “Look—” They indicate a little grey head popping up somewhat further along the bank.  “The toads are waking up.  That’s a sure sign of spring.”

The Mouth of Sauron shivers and blows on his hands.  “It is a strange l—and,” he says with a frown.  “But beautiful.  What is the name b-by which y-you call it?”

“In the language of my folk, it is Omin Haishû.”  Eshara flashes their pointed teeth at him.  Always comforting to meet a Man who doesn’t flinch at an Orc’s smile.

“O-min-hai-shu,” the Mouth of Sauron repeats, a passable attempt.  “W-Well, let’s welcome the spring.”