The long wind off the coast was warm and damp, and the islands of the Caribbean were lush and green. On the beach outside the Taino village, Longships of a novel style had anchored, and kingdom warriors in armor and carrying spears stepped down from them. From the round-domed thatched huts came Taino villagers bearing food and drink, their faces bright with joy. Beneath the blazing sun and sea-blue sky, distant tribes met like brothers who had not seen each other in years, with only warm and sincere welcome between them.
Soon, jars of tobacco were lit, and fragrance spread everywhere through the air. Young Taino men and women gathered curiously on both sides, sizing up the tribes from the lake as they came ashore one after another.
Grey Earth Puapu had a Copper Axe slung at his waist and a long spear on his back as he stepped warily down from the ship. He gripped the Copper Axe at his waist and first looked toward the men in the village.
"Ah! Main God, why are they all so tall? And dressed so strangely."
The Taino men were generally tall, yet their features were simple and gentle. They all wore shoulder-length short hair, their cheeks painted with black stripes like cat whiskers, while around their necks hung white necklaces strung from shells, white stones, pearls, and fine bones. Some men even wore several necklaces, with strange patterns carved on them, likely related to the gods. As for their clothing, most of them bared their rugged upper bodies, tied shorter Loincloths around their lower bodies, and went barefoot on broad feet.
"Dress like this... They seem to be short on cotton cloth. Not very rich!"
Puapu narrowed his eyes. His gaze shifted and fell on the men's empty hands. Most of