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she’d already read a lot, but she was only in the middle of the first sheave! So much more for her to learn about him. She didn’t understand everything in the leaves she’d brought back, and the drawings weren’t always helpful either, but she loved how her father described exploring the Middens, the way it seemed to call to him. The old ruins had always called to her, too.



Exhausted, Barra tucked the leaves away, close but safe. She circled her bedding a few times, and then settled into the warmth reflected back by the downy ferns. She thought of adventures she hadn’t had yet, and when she slept, she dreamt of a world that was familiar, but that she’d never seen. Its bright flowers dazzled, its colors danced, and she explored with her father.
    The world’s slow inhale after the Buckle, the expansion of the Cerulean Ocean, was already beginning. Steadily, the trees were moving apart. By morning the Loft would be open again, and the Arboreals would wake up from their dreams to begin another dimly lit day.

4. The Coppice

Confused and groggy, Barra had a hard time getting up that next morning. She’d woken up several times during the night and couldn’t remember whether it was from dreams or nightmares. Calming herself had been difficult with her conscious mind spinning up thoughts about her father, and the Middens. She was so discombobulated on her way out of the den that she walked right out, passing her mother without saying a word.
    Two steps away from the den, the cool air roused her and she turned around.
    Poking her head into the kitchen, Barra said, “Morning, Mom!” She bounded over, stood up, put both arms around her mother’s neck, and kissed her on the cheek. And then, grimacing, she asked for both forgiveness and permission to go, “Bye, Mom?”
    Brace smiled warmly as she shooed her daughter out the door, “Hurry along now, Burbur. Have a good day.”
    Wincing at the nickname, Barra said, “Aw, Mom, don’t call me that.” Then she dropped to all fours and made her way back out again.
    Following her daughter out the doorway, Brace teased, “Too old for Burbur? Really? Can’t imagine. What with you running around on all fours like a two-ring old?”
    Barra stood tall but did not turn around. “Love you, Mom,” she tossed the words over her shoulder.
    “Love you too, dear.” Brace watched her leave for Coppice, making sure she was safe for as far as she could see. Even though she tried not to encourage it, she was proud of her daughter’s willful attitude—reminded her of herself as a bup.
    Suddenly realizing Barra was almost out of earshot, she yelled, “Be good! And NO PLAYING IN THE MIDDENS! ”
    Barra half-ran, half-walked on her hind legs until she was sure her mother couldn’t see her, and then she gave up the pretense and ran. All fours wasn’t the civilized way to travel, but she loved the way the wind felt through her fur, and the rush of the pulse in her veins. Besides, Barra mainly travelled the unpruned sidewoods, where no one would be offended by her behavior. She liked to avoid the thick foot traffic of the pathwood. The Arboreals bustling this way and that were fun obstacles to dodge, but too many of them knew her mother.
    It wasn’t long before Barra could see the Coppice ahead of her. The foliage was thinned out from regular pruning unlike the surrounding treescape and the approaching pathwoods were reflection smooth from the number of Arboreals who visited frequently. The Coppice was more than a place to play, it was where experience and youth collided. Aged Arboreals could be found engaged in hobbies and other interests, and often, they were willing to share their thoughts with anyone curious enough to ask a question. Many of the older tree-dwellers even played games, and in the Coppice, bups were included. Barra visited almost every day, but she only stayed around when Venress Starch was there.



The Coppice was large enough even on its fullest day that the