L

ong ago, there was a people who lived among the clouds atop Mount Cesur. At a staggering 16,000 feet, the magnitude of this mountain was impressive. You might wonder how those people got there in the first place. Various stories have been told about those called the Cesurians but it remained unclear how the originating families arrived there. While their origins are lost, they remained there for many centuries, having lived all their days near the summit of the great mountain.

Throughout those years, the land provided them with vast natural resources that kept them not just thriving, but spoiled. For generations, the Cesurians became ungrateful, greedy, and began to disrespect the land. They were careless, wasteful, and overtly violent toward all the animals living among them, eating more than they needed by brutally massacring the animal population. They had no desire to change their ways or leave this land that had provided such a surplus, content to waste their days in debaucherous splendor.

As a direct consequence, the land that they had abused so harshly began yielding less and less. The rivers that once overflowed with fish began to diminish, golden fields of wheat rarely grew, the orchards shriveled, and the animals migrated away. For the first time in their existence, the Cesurians experienced a time of famine. The elders cursed the land for not providing them with the same sustenance they had enjoyed in the days of their youth and sent expeditions to scout a new land off of Mount Cesur.

However, because of the generations of reckless behavior, the mountain's landscape had changed significantly. Through terrible storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, the mountain that was once accessed with only a bit of effort and bravery was now an indomitable force of nature they could not descend. Even the most adventurous among them never returned from attempting to find a way down.

The situation only angered the Cesurians more, increasing their malice toward the land and its remaining animal inhabitants. Their anger did nothing to change their circumstances, and extreme rationing became the status quo among the Cesurians to survive.

"The land that they had abused so harshly began yielding less and less"

So every year, the elders selected the brightest mind and most physically capable among them to brave the journey down the mountain on a solo expedition in the hopes of finding a path to salvation and freedom. The years of this tradition resulted in many casualties and dozens of bright and wonderful people to be lost forever, the mountain taking their souls like the Cesurians had taken its precious resources.

Despite the opinion of the overwhelming majority of Cesurian people about the land and the creatures that once dwelled among them, there were those who prayed for a revival of the land and for their ancestors', and their people's, transgressions against the land to be forgiven.

The Scelta family in particular was always a bit peculiar to the others, for they were vastly intelligent and held a high regard for the land, despite the minimal resources it bore for them in recent decades. They treated the land with great respect and care, tending to their crops and using every resource to its fullest potential so as to not waste what the world provided them. They loved animals, treating them with the same dignity and regard that they treated one another with, though it had been over a decade since they last encountered one of the mountain's precious creatures.

The Sceltas even delighted in smoking tobacco, which they grew, cured, and cultivated themselves and smoked from briar pipes they hand made. Most of the leaves they gathered were Basma varietals that naturally grew along Mount Cesur, which they would sun-cure. Many of the Cesurians spent their leisurely time telling stories of the past and puffing on their precious pipes, but even tobacco became scarce in those dark times.

One fateful year, Eroe Scelta was selected on the day after her 20th birthday to embark on the suicide mission to save the Cesurians from certain doom. She held all the characteristics of a hero: intelligence, tactfulness, tenacity, courage, bravery, and most of all, compassion for her people and the land.

Eroe was a savvy woman, always doing the most with the little she had, just as her family taught her. And so, on a mild spring morning, Eroe kissed her family and friends goodbye, and began this seemingly impossible journey in hopes of finding a way to save her community; she left with just two weeks of rationed food, water, and gear as her only companions.

She left behind her big family, including six younger siblings; the closest to her in age was Senzo Jr., a 15-year-old who was always looking for adventure and wanted nothing more than to be the one to go down the mountain and be the hero of his whole community.

As Eroe went down the first section of the mountain, she heard him calling behind her, with his own gear and tools at the ready, as they always were in case action called.

"She held all the characteristics of a hero"

"Eroe, please let me come with you," Senzo said, gasping in between each word from the physical toll of the descent. "I don't want you to die out there."

"I told you to stay back with our family, Senzo," said Eroe. "Please don't make me say it again. It's far too dangerous out here for you to come with me. You're already winded and it's only been a few minutes."

"But Eroe—" he started, and came to an abrupt stop as he slipped on a sheet of ice and hit the ground hard.

She turned around and carefully came back to the icy rock where he lay. He was sprawled out, looking shameful and disheveled from his spill. Thankfully, he was alright and only bruised his hand where he caught himself, and of course a bit of his ego.

"See, I told you. It's not safe," Eroe said, "Now please, you need to return home. I will see you soon, Senny," she said, helping him to his feet and watching as he begrudgingly took his first few steps back the way they came.

"Please be careful, Roe," he shouted. "I love you, and I'll see you later."

"I love you, Junior," she shouted back, pushing back the well of emotions she felt brimming to the surface.

She hiked down the rocky cliffs and craggy boulders of Mount Cesur for days, passing decaying trees and empty shrubs deadened from the recent harsh winter.

As she descended, she began to see more and more spring sprouts, and though they grew in small numbers, she felt as if it was an answer to the prayers of her family and friends.

She gathered as many fruits and vegetables as she could find and carry in her pack to bring back to her community — of course, if she successfully made it back.

She considered those who came before her on this journey as she made her way down with only her thoughts to keep her company. She was officially the youngest woman selected for this mission among the Cesurians. The second youngest was her late grandmother, Margaret, who made the trip when she was only 26 years old, some 40 years before. Behind her, she left her husband Gregory and two sons, one of whom was Eroe's father, Senzo Sr., who was just 7 years old at the time. His younger brother, Alp, was only 4.

Senzo Sr. recalled his mother and father being the bravest among the Cesurians, his mother letting courage lead the way in her life. Her love for the land also shone through in her actions and from her wise words, which they cherished while she was with them. Sadly, she never made it back. Eroe's pop-pop, Gregory, was forever changed upon her departure. He had pleaded with her not to go, but she followed the call of her heart, and of her people, to try to find a way to freedom.

Eroe always wondered what her grandma was like, and what became of her. They assumed she was no longer alive, but perhaps she was still out there somewhere searching for a way to return to them. Her father had given her the pearl necklace that her grandmother left behind, and she loved it more than any other possession she owned. It was a special pearl. Her grandma had apparently found it while hiking along the mountain in search of plants and any other signs of life, though they never knew the real story.

Eroe held the small pearl close to her heart, giving her the boost of confidence and energy that she needed to push further down the mountain. As she cleared the way of any branches with an axe and carefully scrambled down the rocks, she heard a strange voice calling out to her along the bramble and trees just behind her.

"Eroe," it whispered. As she looked around to find the voice, she was met only with a small mouse.

She was astounded to see such a tiny creature in this dangerous landscape, and also wondered if there were any others nearby. She had learned about all sorts of animals within the community but had not seen any since she was just four years old, which was a pair of leopards that gave the community quite a scare. The Cesurians went after them with weapons until the creatures were driven far away from their home. But she had felt peaceful among those leopards, and she could tell they were not out to cause them any harm. They felt familiar and comforting to her, and she never forgot their beauty.

However, she was mystified to hear that that meek voice came from that very mouse who sat with its tail wrapped around its little body right at her feet.

"I have known you for a long time, Eroe. Please don't be afraid," the mouse said. "All the animals that live on Mount Cesur have always had a voice, but we only use them when we will be heard. I sure hope you will listen to what I have to say."

Eroe nodded and leaned in closer.

"Your path is going to be strenuous, there's no doubt about that," said the mouse. "But you can make it much easier if you would only find someone who matches your bravery. Only one brave hero isn't enough to unlock freedom for your people."

"But I believe the bottom is near. I am brave enough to continue the journey on my own," she said. "There must be a way down and a way to save my people from imminent doom without having to find another brave soul."

"You are right, Eroe. You are brave enough," said the mouse. "But bravery alone is not the answer to your prayers. Please believe me and heed my warning. I have known the others who attempted your journey, and they answered in the same way. Though some still live, they are not free."

"What are you saying?" Eroe replied.

"You will find out in due time, my dear," said the mouse. "For now, please listen to me. A storm is brewing, and someone important to you is now in danger. Take this and search for them!"

With that, the mouse scurried away, leaving behind a small offering for Eroe: Kasturi leaves, which she knew had a variety of functions, including healing qualities for skin conditions, scrapes, and even snake bites. She had also learned of its incredible flavors in tobacco blends of old. No one she knew, aside from her ancestors from the stories told by the elders, had ever tried Kasturi in pipe tobacco because they hadn't been able to locate any on the mountain.

"All the animals that live on Mount Cesur have always had a voice"

She wondered how the mouse was able to procure such a rare leaf, but gratefully accepted the offering. She also wondered if the mouse's warning should be heeded. If the mouse was right and others still lived below, she wanted to listen and figure out what the creature meant by matching her bravery. Riddles always eluded her. She would never understand why anyone, or any creature, would ever use them for a situation so dire. Ultimately, she decided to heed the mouse's warning and keep going on her journey, trusting the little mouse with her fate and her people's future.

To her dismay, she was unable to find anyone at all, nevermind someone just as brave as her. Five more days passed, and on the sixth night, she was excruciatingly tired, physically worn down, and, quite frankly, miserable. She was also having a lot of trouble catching her breath, resulting in her taking more breaks than she had the time or the necessary resources for.

She also noticed that the vegetation she saw sprouting along her journey earlier had all shriveled and rotted as she continued further down toward the base of the mountain. Running low on food and necessary materials, she figured this would be where her story ended. Perhaps bravery wasn't as redeeming as she had once believed.

Just as she was about to give up and lay down, a large bear meandered over to her exhausted figure and gave her a nudge on her back with its paw. Eroe was startled, but the bear calmly opened its paw, revealing a beautiful and familiar pearl, just like the one she held so dear from her grandma.

"Dear Eroe, don't be frightened," said the bear. "I am here to help you and give you needed strength to keep going on your brave journey. Even the strongest among us need a little help now and again."

Eroe smiled weakly, nodding as the bear handed her the pearl and another rare leaf.

"Keep the pearl. You have earned it for continuing on this journey and for listening to the advice of the small mouse," said the bear. "Though small in size, that mouse is as strong and mighty as the largest bear, and its life is very valuable. Also, please take this Perique. You need it now, as much as the oxygen you breathe. Use it to fix your ailments and continue forward on your quest."

"Thank you, kind bear, but I don't know if I can make it all the way," Eroe said.

"Don't give up on your destiny, Eroe," said the bear. "You have been chosen to save your people, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You are key to redeeming your people and restoring their relationship with the land. Find the one who is as brave as you are, and help them. Their courage and strength are waning significantly also. A terrible storm will come tonight. Heed my warning, find shelter, and protect yourself from the natural forces. Farewell, Eroe."

Just as suddenly as it appeared, the bear vanished like a vapor in the air. Instead of wasting time dwelling on where it went or what it had meant, Eroe prepared the Perique and utilized its medicinal properties to cure her illness. She felt fortunate and humbled to have met such kind animals along her journey that seemed to care so much for her and the Cesurians' well being.

"That mouse is as strong and mighty as the largest bear, and its life is very valuable"

With a renewed strength and sense of purpose, she continued for a short distance to find a solid place to make a shelter before the storm arrived that night. However, as she was preparing to settle, she caught a glimpse of someone moving a couple hundred feet from her.

As she neared the mysterious figure, she recognized the messy curls of her brother, Senzo. He was lying on a flat expanse of grass and rocks, and she could see that he was grasping at his right leg. To her dismay, a pool of blood had formed next to him.

"Senzo!" she shouted, running up to him and immediately pulling him in for a bear hug. "What in the world are you doing all the way out here! We've got to be at least a day or two from home. I told you to go back on that first day over a week ago!"

"Well... I didn't want to leave you alone out here. It's so dangerous. But then I lost you," said Senzo, "and now I'm weak. A snake got to my leg while I was resting about a quarter of a mile up the mountain. I tried to continue, but this is as far as I could go with this wound. It's killing me, Roe."

"Let me see," Eroe said, scanning the wound and seeing a gnarly bite. She could also see that he was pretty bruised and battered from the strenuous hiking conditions.

"Oh, junior," she said mournfully, seeing the pain and the wear the last several days had had on him. "We'll make you better. I have something special that can help, I promise."

With that, she began preparing the Kasturi leaves that the mouse left for her. It's as if the small creature could see the future. As she applied it to his wound, she could see instant relief on his face. She knew plants had medicinal properties that could comfort and help alleviate symptoms, but it seemed that these specific plant varietals had magical effects that cured all the problems they faced in no time at all.

Senzo was elated and hugged her harder than he ever had. Struggling to catch her labored breath after such a squeeze, she told him about the great storm that would soon approach. They found shelter and gathered what supplies they could to guard themselves from the elements. As they worked, Eroe told him about the animals she had encountered and the strange words they shared with her.

Though Senzo encountered the snake that bit him, the creature had nothing to say, so he did not believe that either the bear or the mouse had spoken to her. He figured she must have been pretty out of her wits to think animals could talk like people do. Regardless, neither of them could make any sense out of what the words meant for their journey. Once their shelter was built for the night ahead, they laid down to rest.

A fearsome storm came that night, and it took all they had to endure its torrential downpour, earth-shaking thunder, blinding lightning, and gale-force winds. They held each other closely all night and tried to get some sleep through the storm's onslaught. By morning, the brutal storm had passed, and they began their final descent. Eroe thanked the spirits that protected them during the storm and the kind animals that helped them along the way.

"These specific plant varietals had magical effects that cured all the problems they faced"

Shortly, they approached a treacherous gully. The water was gushing at a terrifying speed as the siblings tossed small rocks into its mouth, watching as the stones beat against the rough mountain on their descent, crashing on the jagged boulders lining its expanse.

"Oh my," Eroe mumbled out loud.

They took a moment to gather themselves, searching for any route they could attempt that wouldn't cost their lives, but they saw no such path. Suddenly, out of thin air, the mouse returned behind them a few thousand feet away.

As they turned from the gully to greet the mighty creature, it said, "Eroe and Senzo, you both have impressed the spirits that have watched you along your journey. Your adventure is soon to be over, for you have found the match as prophesied. Go now; your final descent will be much easier than the rest of your journey has been."

Before either of them could respond, the creature was gone.

Senzo was quite startled. "Uh, Roe," he said, "was that a talking mouse? Since when do animals talk like humans do?"

"I told you yesterday!" Eroe said. "You heard the mouse; let's go back down and find out what it's talking about!"

"I thought you said I should have gone home and that you didn't want me to come in the first place," he retorted, a bit weary of following the advice of a mouse that weighed half an ounce.

"I did, but I was wrong. It all makes sense to me now, Senny," she said. "I needed you all along. You're my brave match. Turns out you not listening to what I say has paid off this time."

"Hey, I was due," he said with a smirk. "I need you too, Eroe. I wouldn't have survived had you not found me."

"We must heed the words from the animals, junior," said Eroe. "Listening to their wisdom and remembering their value is crucial to saving our people."

Senzo nodded in agreement, and with that, they turned right back around to continue their descent and instantly realized that the mouse was right: their journey would be far less difficult. The gully had changed significantly. They both looked in wonder as they saw a direct path down the rest of the mountain, straight and easy to walk along, lined with beautiful vegetation, more pristine than they had ever seen.

The siblings gathered just enough to replenish their stores, and breezed on down the path. As they stared in wonder at what they saw, a songbird flew overhead, tweeting a melody that immediately was caught in their brains. Then, the bird sweetly said: "The song will live on forever in the hearts of your descendants and those they love. Pearls of wisdom are a way of life, and the song is but the way to keep on living. I have known you both for as long as time itself. You will always be protected if you listen to the wisdom of the creatures and the land in which we all live."

Just as soon as it arrived, the bird flitted quickly away, still singing that magnificent melody that beat in the heart of the land, the wind beneath its wings starting up a light breeze that brushed against all the plants, making them dance in a splendid way.

The siblings easily made their way through the gully along the path, all the while humming that cheerful tune, and finally arrived at the final pass to the base of the mountain. As they looked over and below, they noticed a few small shelters and what looked to be a huge gate. But this was no ordinary gate. They could see that it was some sort of forcefield surrounding them, twinkling in the daylight. It seemed that the Cesurians were more than simply trapped at the top of the mountain. They were also trapped within the surrounding area of the mountain's base.

Eroe and Senzo made their way to the bottom of the mountain close to it and saw a few people who were familiar to them looking curiously at the pair; amongst them was her best friend Everett, who had left the Cesurians over two years before.

"The song will live on forever in the hearts of your descendants and those they love"

Everett's eyes lit up upon noticing who they were, sprinting over to them and wrapping his arms around them both in a mighty bear hug. "Eroe! Senzo! It's been so long," he said. "It's so nice to see you both."

"Everett, I can't believe you're alive!" said Eroe with relief. "What are you doing down here? Why haven't you returned?"

"The way is very difficult, much more difficult than it was when I journeyed here two years ago," said Everett. "The treacherous gully was nearly impossible to surpass on my initial descent. That was until the way cleared after a few moments, and a path was made straight down it. I had never seen such wondrous vegetation in all my days. But once I got down here and saw this large gate holding in so many of our bravest men and women, I was so confused and thought we should head back the way I came to return to all of you.

"But the others explained to me that the way was no longer easy," he shared. "When they arrived back at the bottom of the gully, they discovered that it was once again treacherous and even more terrifying than it was before. And so we had no way to get back up to the Cesurians and have been stuck down here ever since."

After Everett shared the story of these courageous Cesurians separated from their people, Eroe caught sight of an older lady who looked much like herself. She wondered if it was her beloved grandma, Margaret, alive and well standing before her.

"Are you Margaret?" Eroe asked, hoping that her instincts were right.

"Why, yes, it is, young lady," said Margaret. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Eroe, the daughter of Senzo. I am your granddaughter."

"Eroe," Margaret said, beaming with pride and starting to weep. "What a beautiful name!"

"Grandma, we are so happy you're alive," Eroe cried. She pulled her in for a long embrace and pointed to her younger brother. "This is one of my six younger brothers, Senzo Jr. He looks much like our dad."

"That he does, my dear. So handsome!" Margaret beamed. "And you're both so very brave. I take it they sent two heroes instead of just one this year?"

"Well... actually, grandma," said Senzo bashfully. "I sort of followed Eroe without her knowing it."

"A sneaky little brother, I reckon," Margaret said with a wry smile. "I'm so happy to meet you both. Though we are stuck down here, it is a joy to be able to spend time with two of my grandchildren!"

"Grandma," said Eroe. "The animals along the way shared words of wisdom with us that led us here. And they also provided us with healing leaves that saved our lives."

Both Eroe and Senzo showed their fellow Cesurians the remaining stock of leaves they were given by the helpful animals. Margaret and Everett looked at one another, surprised, and immediately withdrew similar leaves from their packs.

Everett presented beautiful Virginia leaves he was given by the mouse, which he used to stop his bleeding from cuts he got while tumbling down one of the rocky cliffs along the journey that saved his life. Likewise, Margaret revealed Kentucky leaves, which she received from a leopard. She used the leaves to create a tea at the base of the mountain that also saved her life by curing her of deadly intestinal worms.

"What a wonderful gift the animals provided for us," said Eroe with gratefulness in her heart.

The others agreed. Then, out of pure instinct, Margaret and Everett simultaneously showed the siblings two shining pearls they were given by the creatures they encountered along the way.

"I was also given this pearl by the gorgeous leopard who provided me with the healing leaves," shared Margaret. "The peal was so similar to the one I received from another striking leopard when I was just a girl. I have seen them both moving together from time to time, and I have always felt they were watching over me."

Those two leopards were the very same pair that Eroe saw as a young girl herself.

"And I received mine from a small but wise mouse as I began my journey down the mountain," said Everett. "These pearls must be very special."

"Wait a second," said Senzo suddenly, as he dug around his pack to reveal a pristine pearl, just like the others. "The snake that bit my leg left this pearl behind. I wondered why, but I took it anyway."

Though Eroe was initially confused about the purpose of those lovely pearls, it made more sense to her now why that pearl from her grandma meant so much to her all her life: it was a special gift from the animals who watched over them. And then, an explanation came to her, which she shared. "The animals said that they have known me for all my life. Perhaps these pearls are a symbol we must use to free our people from the punishment that has kept us up on Mount Cesur for many generations."

"These pearls must be very special"

As she spoke, the snake slithered over to the group.

"Eroe, what you have spoken is the truth," said the snake. "Each of those pearls is part of an intricate lock that holds the magical gate shut. With them, the forcefield will be disabled, the gates unlocked, and your people made free."

The snake continued as the group listened intently. "The path making the way easy from bottom to top, not simply just over the gully anymore, will give the Cesurians the opportunity to come and go as they please," said the snake. "The Scelta family and their most beloved friends, like Everett, have loved the land and the creatures in it so humbly. We thank you, and because of your trust in our words, and your actions throughout the years, we have chosen to forgive the Cesurian people as a whole for their transgressions. We hope they will now honor and respect the land in which we all live forevermore."

"And Senzo," the snake stated, "I do apologize for giving you such a nasty bite. But it was all for a greater purpose, and you have been left with nothing but a scratch because of the healing properties of the Kasturi that healed you."

"That's okay," said Senzo. "Thank you, and please thank all the other creatures for their invaluable help. We couldn't have done it without them."

With this most joyous news, all of the camp of Cesurians were elated and celebrated together. As they rejoiced, Eroe, Senzo, Margaret, and Everett each gathered their pearls, and with all five arranged and placed on the lock, the gate was opened, and all that the snake told them came true.

The gates disappeared, and the outside world brimmed with new possibilities, virgin land, and so much to be explored. Before they could see it for themselves and enjoy their newfound freedom, the chosen Cesurians made their way up the mountain with such ease it only took four hours to make it back up to their families and friends.

With many reunions and so much love to go around with the return of the chosen ones and the rest of the Cesurian people, they vowed to always remember the lessons they learned from the land and from the creatures they lived among. The legend of the community continues in the area surrounding the great Mount Cesur. All their descendants to this day know to respect the creatures that dwell among them, honor the land in which they live, and remember the bravery that brought them freedom after all.

"They vowed to always remember the lessons they learned from the land and from the creatures they lived among"

In order to remember from age to age, the brave Cesurians shared this lovely poem with all their descendants, sung to the tune of the songbird's sweet melody:

Atop the great Mount Cesur we lived all our days
Among the clouds and the stars that shone in the night.
We survived against the odds, 'neath the clouds and sun rays
And the land that gave us sustenance and might.

We respect this land, for it kept us alive and strong
And we honor the chosen ones who followed their call.
Forevermore we will remember and sing this song
For the love of one another and the bravery that freed us all.

Cornell & Diehl's Small Batch: Folklore 2025

Much like the story passed down from generation to generation about the Cesurian people and the important lessons they cherish to this day, Cornell & Diehl's Small Batch: Folklore is a tribute to the traditions and customs of cultures across the globe. Folklore is returning for 2025 on February 25 at 6:00 p.m. ET in limited quantities on-site.

Folklore is one of mankind's longest-running traditions across the ages. Stories are at the heart of what it means to be human. This tobacco blend from C&D celebrates creativity and craftsmanship with a 16oz bulk cake of five distinct flue-cured varietals, ranging from specially processed Red and Orange Virginia leaf to matured, dark Mahoganys and vintage Canadian Brights. Delicate accompaniments of genuine St. James Parish Perique, lightly smoked Kentucky, and exotic Kasturi leaf combine to create a rich flavor profile with notes of sweet fruit, citrus, warming spices, and woodsy undertones.

"We knew that we wanted to release Folklore this winter as a look back on the history of C&D and the way that our company has grown and matured since its inception in 1992," says Jeremy Reeves, the Director and Head Blender of C&D, "and since Folklore is a 16-ounce crumble cake vacuum-sealed in a brick-form, we thought it resembled a yule log and appropriate to the winter solstice and all of the different folklore cultures around the world — looking back to the past to invigorate the future."

Follow your destiny and uncover the fable of Folklore, available on February 25, to enjoy an incredible smoking experience as foretold long ago.