A long time ago, the king of Rock Fort lived across the street from two miserable old sisters. The cruelty of time had taken everything away from the women. Age had deformed their limbs, wrinkles covered every inch of skin, and the hair they had lost from their head regrew everywhere else on their ancient bodies. The sister did not dare go outside for fear of being seen.
The king had no interest in his reclusive neighbors, until he happened to hear the eldest one singing. By some chance, time had forgotten to steal away this youthful voice. The king was enchanted by the sound and demanded to be told about woman living next to his castle. His servant knew of the hags and was snide in his response.
“The woman is so fragile, a flake of dust could break her bones.”
The sarcasm was lost on the king, who now believed a delicate flower of a woman lived next to him and he began to pine for her.
Alas, pining from a tower did not fit this bold noble. He walked straight to the rambled down home of the sisters and spewed forth words of longing. The eldest sister refused to come out and speak with the king- but that only made him want her more.
The king demanded to see some part of her to assuage his longing. The hag was so wrinkled that there was no bit of her that wouldn’t offend him. But it seemed there was little choice in the matter. So in the smallest voice she could manage, the eldest sister explained, “In a week’s time, I will show you one finger.”
This is a delightfully weird folktale
Thoughts From The Peacock Angel 