He knows the moment she softens, the moment her haughty coils fall to the floor, and almost catches a hint of a smile. He’d take it, Pan decided… for he knew that the girl was one who seemed too proud to give him more. Still, there is a teasing affection in his voice, and he nods reassuringly as she takes a first unsure step toward him, then a second. She brushes against him, almost trustingly, which is all the encouragement he needs.
With a twinkle in his eye, Pan whistles to his otter who quickly scurries up his leg and settles on his withers. Come on then, what are you waiting for? And with the challenging words, he turns and begins to trot playfully down the cobbled hall. His hoofbeats are light as he makes his way past the throne rooms and libraries, winding his way through the familiar castle with an unexplained ease. For though Pan is a vagabond, he had always considered himself a Delumine citizen at heart – though one with wanderlust in his blood.
The boy turns to make sure his new friend follows, weaving his way toward the gardens and waiting only for a pause in the final doorway as she presses closer to freedom. You ready? He asks only once, stepping back into the rain as it once again covers him with its warmth. The summer sun is hidden behind thick clouds, but there is still a warmth to the air which only summer can bring. All around them is the unmistakably earthy scent of wet foliage, and it sings to his soul as he longs to splash in the puddles and wallow in the muddy soil. But he doesn’t – not yet. Instead he waits uncharacteristically patiently for the sheltered girl to join him before tossing another challenge to her.
Come on, catch me if you can! And the boy races away into the wilds of Delumine, daring his new friend to follow.
@Maret - sorry I have been so absent over the last few months... Figured we can wrap this up since she's all grown and moved out now... but Pan is happy to do another post at some point now that my life has calmed down. Thanks for your patience <3
