Tiny's Friends

Tiny and Penny-dog have been smitten since the moment they met, and were destined to be friends forever. They behave as all sisters might when they bicker, tease and giggle; but they are also gentle and kind, listening when one needs to talk, holding tightly when the other needs comfort. When Penny-dog trembles in the howling wind, Tiny steps ahead to shield her from the squall. And when Tiny’s little legs begin to ache on their morning forest walks, Penny-dog invites Tiny to clamber upon her back. It’s a friendship both deep and true; a love that makes life just a little sweeter.

Dr. Faith Constanza is one of Treetop’s most brilliant doctors. She recently accepted a position with the Safe Hands Now Medical Facility, and has become a bit of a local celebrity due to her exuberant bedside manner and voracious appetite for cake-baking. In her spare time, Dr. Constanza is a member of the Treetops Community Theater, where she played alongside Tiny in the spring performance of Bugsy Malone. She is fierce and sassy, and loves to spend Sunday mornings in bed reading the New Pork Times with her grumpy old kitty McCavity, and a cheeky chocolate fudge sundae. Look out for Dr. Constanza’s cameo appearance in Tiny’s upcoming chapbook, ‘Seven Days of Monsters’.

Her name is Celestine and she is the wise and beautiful Prophet Owl. As one of the last of the Celestial Elders, she is the most powerful and highly respected of her clan. This extraordinary bird is seen as an enigma, living by herself in the Lonely Tree, and traveling only by night. She is as gentle and enchanting as the day she first arrived, although when that truly was, no one can say. Please try not to worry if Tiny hasn’t come home at night, she will be under Celestine’s protection, understanding the mysteries of the Universe, our planet and its inhabitants. She will never speak of her journeys, that is a burden she must carry alone. Tiny loves Celestine with all of her heart; spend a few hours with her exploring the stars, and you will understand why.

Liesel Greenleaf is one of Tiny’s dearest companions. They met in the Library at Laurel Heights where Liesel works as head librarian, and runs the ever popular Thursday night Dungeons and Dragons Club. They share a love for reading and for books, which is lucky for Tiny who has VIP access to all the latest titles. Liesel is a quiet, gentle sort, but don’t be fooled by her soft sleepy eyes, she’s a bit of a card-shark and plays a mean game of Old Maid. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! As an avid long-distance runner, you might catch a glimpse of her as she flies through town, or even sharing a carrot juice with Tiny at the Clementine Cafe discussing their favorite books, no doubt.

If you’ve ever traveled through the village of Treetops, it’s likely that you’ve seen the Lonely Tree which marks the entrance to Celestine’s Temple. Legend has it that Sweet Briar herself planted the first seed, and countless birds and animals have since nursed from her sap and found sanctuary in her loving arms. But this isn’t the end of the story. Come a little closer, what do you see? That’s right, a door. A door hidden deep in the trunk of Lonely Tree. It’s been said that many a curious human has clambered through that opening, never to return. Where do they go, fellow Traveler? It’s a question few can answer. Perhaps it’s an entrance to the underworld, or a portal to the other dimension? Be sure to ask Tiny next time you see her. If it’s adventure you’re seeking, return when the moon is full and Lonely Tree’s magic is at it’s most potent. And don’t forget to say goodbye to your loved ones, we wouldn’t want them to worry.

Mustafa and Nigel live in a charming little yurt close to the western boundary of Misty Ripple Meadow. It’s a rustic life, but a happy one, and a far cry from the tyranny of Reggie’s Smoke and Mirror Circus, where they lived for many years under what was later described as “simply dreadful conditions”. It was Tiny that finally helped them escape, and find a new home in Treetops with a second chance at happiness. Partway through the summer season, Nigel and Mustafa’s fate was sealed. The Finley-Family Flea-Circus was exiting the stage after a mediocre performance of Swan Lake, just as Mustafa the Flying Llama was taking his position at the center-stage trapeze. Their eyes met, the stars aligned, and they’ve been inseparable every since. Nigel and Mustafa are currently rehearsing for a new show; an exciting blend of storytelling, performance and puppetry that aims to educate the public about tolerance and interspecies relationships. With Tiny’s help, it’s sure to be a big hit. Look for local show dates in the Treetops Tribune.