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[heartofbirds]

Linden can only be described as pleased by his addition to Morgause's household, as assassin and doer of odd jobs--not officially, because between two people who tell the open truth as little as Morgause and Linden do, these things do not get expressly discussed; but he knows his new mistress, and he's satisfied by the arrangement

Comments

[tinylittleonion]

Today there's a tiny Alyoshka crouched over on the garden path and sharing his bread with the birds, breaking off crumbs to scatter before them (this is more or less what he'll do for the rest of his life; whenever he is in want of something, he'll find it, and whenever he has something, he'll give it). Though he is not as merry as other small children are, there's very real delight in his eyes -- the birds come so close! He gasps at one, almost in his hands, but the sound startles it and sends it flying --

[heartofbirds]

"Hello," Linden says pleasantly, coming across him. "Don't reach for them. It tends to have an adverse effect."

[tinylittleonion]

It is one of the best ways to approach children, by speaking to them as adults about something practical, and Alyoshka looks up at Linden with wide, receptive eyes. "I am sorry to frightened him ... ! Will he not come back again?"

[heartofbirds]

"He may. They're quick to forgive. Offer him some more." He crouches down beside Alyoshka, with a soft grunt of pain, scattering the birds briefly; but they do come back, cocking their heads curiously.

[heartofbirds]

Waddle waddle, goes the bird, approaching the crumbs.

"Put a few in your hand and hold it to him. Flat, like an offering."

[tinylittleonion]

Oooh. He takes instruction, gathering some up and holding his hands even flat against the ground.

[heartofbirds]

The bird waddles a little closer, and takes a shy peck at Alyoshka's hands.

[tinylittleonion]

Holding his breath -- he doesn't want to scare it again! But he's watching, with that too-serious look silly to outsiders, very impressed indeed.

[heartofbirds]

Another peck, and another. As long as Alyoshka stays very still, the bird will take advantage of its good fortune.

[tinylittleonion]

Ooooh. Aaaaah. He finally says, quietly, "How good he is."

[heartofbirds]

The bird flutters backwards at the sound, and Linden smiles. "He's grateful for what's offered."

[tinylittleonion]

"It must make him good." He smiles, a shining-all-over smile. "Thank you, little bird, since you forgave me and shared my bread with me."

[heartofbirds]

"He thanks you as well, for sustaining him," as the bird cocks its head at them. "They always do."

[tinylittleonion]

"Oh -- !" Happily, "You know birds very well, sir."

[heartofbirds]

"I should." Linden smiles at Alyoshka, and gets to his feet, wincing.