The towering city gates gradually receded behind them as they strolled deeper. The massive iron-bound doors had parted effortlessly at their approach. The guards posted at the entrance had saluted their Highness with a casual smirk. However, the entry procedure was devoid of any hassle. The pup realized, perhaps for the first time, the significant stature his green-haired savior held in this place.

Beyond the imposing threshold of the city gates lay a picturesque town, cradled in a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. A broad street, paved with finely chiseled stones, stretched forth like a meandering ribbon. On either side of this path, beautiful wooden structures stood tall and proud, their rustic appeal blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

It was a hive of activity; a living, breathing painting teeming with the vitality of everyday life. Beings of all sorts were bustling about, engrossed in their tasks and errands. As they moved to and fro, their laughter and chatter added to the town's charming symphony.

Amongst them, certain beings caught the pup's attention. These creatures possessed characteristics of various animals. Some bore the sleek, agile features of a fox; others had the soft, endearing traits of a cat, and still others the robust vigor of a dog or the graceful elegance of a bird. However, despite their diverse appearances, all of them were bipedal, standing on two legs. Each creature was dressed in humble clothing—simple linen dresses that fluttered in the gentle breeze.

The pup took in the scenery with wide-eyed fascination, his eyes shining with the reflection of the vivid panorama before him. The bustling town, the unique beings, the comforting aura of his green-haired savior—it was an overload of new experiences.

In his excitement, he let out a joyful bark. "Whaf!" The sudden outburst caught the attention of multiple beings, drawing curious eyes towards the pup. The hustle of the town seemed to pause momentarily as most heads turned to examine the peculiar creature nestled in the arms of their Highness.

Whispers erupted amongst the crowd, carrying a ripple of curiosity and speculation through the streets. "What is that thing Her Highness is holding?" queried one, peering at the pup with an intrigued expression. "Could it be a new species?" pondered another, tilting their head in thought.

The discussion took an interesting turn as they started categorizing the pup into their familiar classifications. "Is it a Mythos, Tale, or Fable?" someone wondered out loud. The terms were unfamiliar to the pup, but they seemed important, sparking a wave of excited debates amongst the crowd.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Look at its face, it must be a Fable!" chimed in a fox-featured being, pointing towards the pup. "Can't imagine it to be a Tale or Mythos," echoed a bird-like individual, nodding in agreement. The lively chatter was all centered on the pup, the curious new entrant in their midst.

The pup suddenly felt a more firm squeeze encompassing his small frame. Looking up, he found the woman gazing down upon him with an unusual softness, her vibrant green eyes clouded with emotion. She bit her lower lip, a subtle action that did not escape the pup's keen observation. Her grip around him had tightened, not to the point of discomfort but rather conveying a protective instinct.

Without uttering a word, she started moving forward, her pace quickening subtly. The onlookers were left behind, their curious gazes and murmured speculations fading into the background. They were leaving behind the bustling streets, the vibrancy of the town gradually receding into a more tranquil setting.

Soon, the number of wooden houses that had lined the streets began to dwindle, their charming facades becoming infrequent sights. The crowd of curious spectators too started thinning out, their excited chatter replaced by the soothing symphony of nature.

The ground beneath transitioned from the stone-paved path to soft soil, a change that introduced a renewed vitality to the surrounding air. The houses were now out of sight and instead of multiple winding streets and crisscrossing paths, a long fence guided their way.

This fence led them towards a single destination, a place that was so breathtakingly unique that the pup could hardly contain his awe. What met their eyes was a tree, but not an ordinary one. This tree was an architectural marvel, a fusion of nature and creativity that was beyond anything the pup had ever seen.

The tree was colossal, its mighty trunk so abnormally large that one would need to spend more than 30 minutes to go around it. It bore a myriad of branches that stretched out in all directions, their ends adorned with lush foliage that painted a picture of vibrant life. The bark was a rich brown, its surface etched with intricate patterns that narrated tales of time and growth.

But what truly made this tree extraordinary was its transformation into a dwelling place. A large door was embedded into the trunk, its woodwork exuding an enchanting rustic appeal. Windows peeked out from various points along the trunk and branches, their glass panes shimmering under the sunlight.

In front of this, a beautiful garden bloomed. It was a riot of colors with flowers of every imaginable hue swaying gently in the breeze. Their fragrance wafted through the air, permeating the surroundings with a sweet, comforting scent.

As they stood before this extraordinary spectacle, the woman's pace finally slowed down, her green eyes reflecting the beauty of their destination.

----------------------------------------

Chapter 8: "Of Stone Streets and Wooden Homes"