Until that time theywould retire to the realm of the tree. The tree existed not only in oneplace, but in many different places. So one could come to t...he tree onone side of the world and leave at the other. The realm of the tree wasa place completely of magic. While inside they would not age nor wouldthey go hungry, pure magic would sustain them. So they watched as thetrees leaves began to whither and fall. One by one either dyeing of ageor by the sword their kind was dyeing from the rest of the. The wine went to work, I remarked how pretty the snow was, in spite of all the bad road conditions, however it was nice to have someone for dinner, the conversation was good, the wine good, and the company was good. Eventually I asked “what time do you go to bed”? She replied “around 9, I like to get up, and shower in the morning, what is your bed time”? I replied “about now, and I can shower tonight so you can have the bathroom in the morning, all I would need to do is brush my teeth, then its. I knew I wouldn't. I was adrift, on remote, led by a yearning set loose, something long-repressed, now free. I didn't know where or how it would end. What was I thinking? I wasn’t. I just went heart forward.Familiar with the restaurant from driving past, I’d never eaten there. Its outside decor proclaimed it too upscale for our family budget. Going in was entering unfamiliar terrain, economic, social and moral.I was scared but fear was part of the enticement. Scanning the parking lot from. ’ ‘It doesn’t bother you?’ ‘Why would it? You know I like him. And you’re a big boy now, you can choose who to be with.’ ‘But…I thought you said that back home, some people frown on two men….’ ‘Yep. I also said I thought it was stupid. What difference does it make to me whether my brother has a wife or a husband? If you’re happy, I am.’ ‘I love you, Sierra.’ He hugged me. ‘I’m not…quite ready to admit to it yet, not to everyone. Will you help me hide it better?’ ‘Of course, brother dearest.’.