Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK I - Chapter 66

The gang finally reached their destination - the far west of Once Woods. The home of the half-tails. Not knowing quite what to expect. The half-tails of the Northern Kingdom weren't quite as wild in their mode of living as those on the tiny island of Terrella, but still, they lived in a way that was far from the norm. As the four muddied travellers crossed into half-tail territory - a territory that had no distinct border or border markers - they initially had no idea they'd even entered it. Their first sign being the sight of feral half-tail children, almost as muddied and dirty as they were, climbing the tall forest trees. The children looked down at the strangers, as they traversed the branches acrobatically, but paid little attention. Busy as they were with their play.

Heading further the gang eventually found some adults. Firstly, three women, with even smaller young ones playing at their feet and hanging at their bosom. Followed by two men, who both came across to meet them. The men each had a bow across their shoulder, and one had a small knife slung around his waist. The half-tails were generally peaceful. Usually only fighting to guard their ever-shrinking territory in the north-west woods. So, though there was a touch of apprehension, the weapons gave little threat. Cutting to the chase, Liofia immediately asked if they'd be able to stay and take refuge in the forest, offering some ingkhs and precious jewels as way of recompense. The apprehension on the faces of the two men increased a little. They shuffled off to speak amongst themselves, eyeing the four muddy visitors up and down as they did so.

The forest trees were the home of the half-tails, quite literally. For they had an unusual way of assigning territory. One that was quite out of keeping with the rest of the wider world. When a child was conceived a weeping willow was planted. Which then grew and reached maturity in tandem with the youngster. The circumference marked out by the hanging branches then notating the little circle of land the child would eventually call his or her home as an adult. The drooping branches, like a shady curtain around the tree, sheltering the hollow space inside. A semi-private patch, that lay as living-space and personal sanctuary. Though often families would choose to share and use their leafy quarters in commune.

As a consequence each willowy abode had its own unique appearance. Some half-tails would dig neat little homes into the ground beneath, or even into the tree trunk itself. Replete with all manner of tidy conveniences. Others would just live under the tree as nature intended. Perhaps hanging a hammock across one of the wider branches as a place to sleep at night. Their bows and other transient possessions hanging shelf-like from the branches above. The doming tree above the earth, like a floral womb, offering embrace beneath its draping branches.

Box, Goola, Julen and Liofia had never seen these homes before in person, though they were well acquainted with the idea, thanks to the arcadian stories they'd heard. They looked on enamoured, peering through the trees at the little dwellings. After some whispered huddles the half-tail men returned. Smiling, they granted the asylum, but waived the offer of payment. The one request they had in return being that the four leave their weapons before entering. They would be restored to them when they left. Or, when they were more trusted.

Julen was hesitant, but a simple touch on the wrist from Liofia suppressed his unease. Her right hand coming over his left, as if to stop the surly raising of it in protest. They then left their weapons on the dusty forest floor. Three swords, two daggers, and a bow. Some used, some unused. Their new half-tail acquaintances then led them further into the communal woodland, to what would now be their interim homes.

At last, and after passing various other little clans of half-tail broods, dotted along the way, they reached their rest. Four willowy homes, each one next to the other. Unaccustomed as Box and Goola were to being alone, they naturally made the decision to share just the one. Though Julen was almost equally of a mind to stay with Box and Goola himself, rather than spend a lonely night beyond their view. Once the half-tails left the four then lit a small fire beneath one of their drooping willows and brewed some tea. The ring with three red rubies on Goola's finger glinting in the fire. The amber stone on Box's ring, which now hung on a chain around her neck, silhouetted against her unwashed skin. As they chatted in the warmth they could see the orange glow of fires flickering through the hanging leaves and branches of similar homes in the distance. Like little fireflies in the dark. They sleepily made their beds for the night. Tired, but safe, in their newfound idyll.