Ooh...what's the story behind this one?

That he's tied to a tree, using only rope, implies that this tying-up is something more spur-of-the-moment, out in the wild...is he a captive of bandits, maybe? Tied to a tree while they decide what to do with him?
Or maybe some slave traders have run out of belts & chains, forcing them to use a more slapdash method of binding their newest acquisition for the night?
Or is he a member of a primitive tribe, awaiting punishment for some crime against the chief?

That's an old picture that I've recently found and cleaned up, so I can only speculate what has happened here.

Half-tail has been a traveller... And in foreign land, those make an easy catch, especially ones who surrender without resistance. Whoever captured him - bandits out in the woods? Pirates, now making a stop in a safely hidden bay? They've likely caught others as well, and it's natural they would prioritize subduing more dangerous prisoners.

It's strange he doesn't wear a muzzle - perhaps his captors have even run out of rope in the end? But then, it would be wiser to leave him with hands bound behind his back, and use the extra rope to bind his jaws... Half-tail knows a few languages, so maybe they wanted him to be able to speak? Or he could be bound more lightly out of gratitude for having helped with their wounds after the struggle that ensued on the night he - and others - got captured?
Whatever happened, it's strange he doesn't attempt to bite through the ropes - not so smart, after all? Being watched? Or maybe he just keeps his word no matter what?

He'll most likely end up getting sold as a slave anyway - those educated ones are really valuable.

Btw, I've dropped you a note.