chickenhearted | the dreaded overflow

I...

[ he kind of wants to just follow the other down, but at the same time, he wants to show that he can do it on his own. He has to do it on his own. So he swallows slowly and then nods, to encourage himself. ]

I can lead the way.

[ He stretches his leg out to find the first notch to stand on, determination on his face but a little bit of a shake to his movements still. ]

Tell me if you need to stop. If you need to stop, or if you want to switch, we can.

[but it gets easier the more one does it. And frankly it would be strange if the boy wasn't a little afraid of the ground]

I.. I'll be fine! It's just a little shaky...

[ no, that's just him. But as much as he shakes, he's just as determined to get down the tree in one piece. And he's relying on a bit of muscle memory too, letting his instincts guide retrace his route. He shimmies down to the next level, pauses on the branch, and then nods, preparing to continue once again.

Eventually, he gets close enough that he can just fall off the branch and not hurt himself. Though he still lands in an ungraceful heap. ]

[a sympathetic wince as he sees the outcome of that jump, following him down and joining Waver on the ground with rather a little more care and grace]

You did admirably.

[but perhaps... he will need to practice his landings?

[ Waver takes a minute to recover from that, rubbing at his behind and making sure the crystal is still fine. Then he leans back on his hands and actually laughs a little? It feels good... to accomplish things. ]

Ahh...we did it! We really did it...

You did!

[it was he who did it - Linneus just followed him up. But he laughs, gentle and apologetic-]

All that, and I never had your name. I am Linneus.

[ He blushes a little at that, but nods. Even though he wants to give his companion here credit, he does feel very accomplished on his own too. ] I.. I did.

Ah, my name is Waver.

Waver.

[a little smile as he gestures up to the tree]

You’re a climber, now - there’s a tree you just conquered.

[ He smiles a little, cheeks the very faintest of pinks. ]

I don't know that I'll make a habit of it or anything. But getting this crystal does feel good.

No? I used to be up anything that was sturdy enough when I was younger - to the consternation of many, I'm sure! I learned to better keep my feet on the ground as an adult, but it has been good to climb again.

You don't look like a climber. [ But appearances can be deceiving! He knows that now. ] I've... kind of always been one to stay inside. But...thank you! For showing me.... I didn't think anyone would...

I was.

['was' being the operative word, here.]

I used to be a rather energetic child, but there wasn't much to be done about that in the house where I served. As I say, that was a long time ago - but it is good that it came in handy today.

[ He manages a small smile at that, trying to imagine this beautiful person as a young, energetic child. ]

That's the opposite of me, really. But... I'm glad it came in handy today too.

the dreaded overflow

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