Submission (#4274) Approved

Ealei offered so many fantastic scenes that the young kittom could only dream of. It was hard to imagine what it would be like from the vague descriptions he could gather from the streets. A forest that sat in a bed of water, clearer than the ocean itself. How could that be? Trees couldn’t thrive in so much water, or at least that’s what Cairo was led to believe. But somehow it nurtured a whole, unique ecosystem of wonders unheard of. He was glad that he could finally see it for himself after all these years. 

Once the land started tapering off into a marsh, that’s when Cairo knew he was getting close. There was less and less ground to walk upon, more roots to bounce between, and the canopy above grew thicker. It smelt similar to a rainforest, but there was the constant trickling of rivers that tickled his ears the further he traveled. Everything was so serene. So whimsical. He took many stops to simply sit down and immerse himself in nature. Listening to the sounds of the local wildlife, the soothing waters, and the rustling of leaves. He even took a few drinks from the crystal clear waters, being careful not to slip and fall as he did so. Cairo drew inspiration upon such things, basking in the rustic feel, and wrote a few melodies to reflect it all. The lyrics came to him as steadily as the waterbeds around him, as if the winds themselves were guiding his compositions. The young kittom only hoped he could do justice in capturing the freedom he was surrounded by. He didn’t want to forget this moment, and he also wished to share it with others. 

Eventually, he moved on and found what he was looking for. The small groups of civilization hidden amongst the trees. He met a few friendly faces which is what clued him in on his arrival to his destination, and they all directed his attention skywards. Up above, where he would have never imagined otherwise, were houses settled amongst the branches of tough, sturdy wood. Intricately woven through the canopies, it was like a city up there. Only closer to nature than he was used to. Almost as though the world had crafted these to invite elnin-kind into its embrace. Cairo found nothing but wonder in such sights and was more than delighted to be invited into such abodes. 

He explored every twist and turn, tracing his paws against the wooden structures that were finer than any merchant’s wares back home. He had never seen such craftsmanship. There was no need for technology or any metallic contraptions here. Ealei offered itself to its residents to supply them everything they could ever want. A crisp drink of water just below their homes, shelter from any unforgiving weather due to the thickness of the leaves above, and the freshest food growing all around them. It was a self sustaining kingdom, so generous and natural that Cairo couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Everything felt so kind here. The residents only reinforced this idea. Everywhere he turned was a smile to greet him. They were all willing to allow him, a complete stranger, into their homes for a snack or just a friendly conversation. It was like a home away from home. Cairo found it to be the most wondrous experience of his travels so far. 

The young kittom couldn’t help but sing the locals a few songs of his as thanks for all of their hospitality. Spending the night together in merriment and release from worldly troubles. Here, he could comfortably forget about his plans for tomorrow, simply indulging in the pleasures that Ealei had to offer.