Strictly speaking, this is more of a fairytale or folk story than a myth, since it is not concerned with Enarii or the grook. However, it is part of the enormous collection compiled by Bethar, and was considered interesting enough to be presented here.
Long ago, before the Fubarnii were enslaved and all lived happily in the sun in the fertile heartlands of what is now the Empire, there was a gardener named Grathar. Gardens and orchards were plentiful in those days; abundant they were and beautiful, but none so much as that of Grathar. It was said that he knew all the secrets of the fruit trees and could make a flower bloom in any colour he chose; his crops were first to ripen and last to fade. So much care took he in his garden that it was said he had never found the time to seek a wife.
The kopa of his village was ancient and powerful, tall and strong with eight wives and countless children. His name was known for miles around, and all the other villages recognised his authority. When the time came for him to marry again, he went to Grathar, alone in his garden, and spoke thus:
"Grathar, known far and near for the fruit that grows in your orchards. I would marry before the final quarter of the year. My betrothed wishes for a feast of fruits at our wedding, and I have no desire to disappoint her. I ask for your services, for which I will pay handsomely."
"Three children have I of marriageable age, and not yet married. If you provide me with three baskets of fruit, ripe and sweet, before the final quarter of the year begins, then I will give to you for a bride the eldest of these. She is close to her second changing; she has never had a child and she goes out with the hunt and takes turn on patrol when the beasts are near. She will not give you a child, but the alliance with our family will make you strong and you will not want for protection."
"If you provide me with six baskets by the time I wish to wed, I will give to you the second of my children. She has never had a child but may yet do so - she cares for the jenta of our household, and though she is not young she is wise and calm. She would care for you as a younger wife would and still you would have our alliance to make you strong."
"If you can bring to me nine baskets before the final quarter of the year, you may take as your bride the youngest of these three, not yet at her first changing. You can teach her the ways of your garden, and when she is old enough she will give you children. And again you would be under the protection of the greatest house of this village."
"What do you say?"
