Lydia and Shenyo traveled fast and far. The burst of energy that they had shared fueled them and made them fearless as if they owned the world. There was little need for verbal communication while they journeyed for it was as if they lived in each other’s minds. Never once did she feel anything but hope and great joy whenever Shenyo wrapped his supple tail around her waist.<br/><br/>The little witch lost track of days and nights but when they came to the monstrous tree, she knew that their trip was ended. This was home. She looked and around, blinking, wondering where the house was which would shelter them but all that remained was the tree. Lydia had been raised to honor the ancients whether it was human or organic. She realized that this oak was like an one of the esteemed grandmothers of the Earth so she did what came naturally to her.<br/><br/>Breaking away from Shenyo’s loving tail for a heartbeat, she approached the tree with reverence, stretching out her arms in a hug. The tree was much wider than 20 of Lydia but still she laid her ear upon the bark and to her, a primal heartbeat greeted her.<br/>“Mother, we have come home.” She whispered softly. The tree seemed to rustle in welcome and anticipation.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"That looks like a good spot." He said as he pointed up into the canopy to a particularly large tree. It had to be at least twelve feet wide and had a number of branching limbs higher up off the ground. "Why don't we rest a while here?" With Lydia's agreement he helped her up onto his back before swiftly climbing up and around, searching for the best nook for them to curl up. Lydia would be able to see them come up out from the trees around them as they went up over fifty feet above the ground. Any fear of heights she might have was comforted by his tail tightly around her waist, her life line in case she lost her grip.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Lydia had no fear when she was with Shenyo and their quick ascent was no different. She looked at the countryside beyond the tree but all she saw were purple mountain tops in the distance and the leafy roof of the forest. They were safe. Safety seemed to breathe reassurance over them.<br/><br/>Turning back to the sturdy trunk, Lydia whispered yet again and caressed the rough bark with her finger. Once again the leaves rustled but this time began to weave together, creating walls on two sides. Oddly enough the trunk itself began to crack and crumble, which startled Lydia until she realized the tree was revealing a hollowed out space which would shelter then from the rain and where they could lie down at night.<br/><br/>“She has welcomed us with a place she had prepared for us.” Lydia turned to Shenyo with a wide smile on her face. “I wonder how she knew we were coming.”<br/><br/>The tree’s leaves rustled again and the wind picked up with the voice of the Earth. “ Home.”<br/>