ninth little action

[notthehead]

[the foliage in the Wonderland District has always been a little odd, but the stuff happening next to the cottage addressed 103 Aesop is just getting weirdfor one, the branches are starting to get puffy and curl in on themselves, turning a teal and full of yellow bumps. the way only the parts closest to the ground are changing to this, it looks

Comments

[patternprophet]

[Having thoroughly explored his own district, Leoben has taken to exploring the others. Needless to say, this is something entirely new to him when he comes across it.

It takes him a few moments to notice Chey, but he doesn't say anything quite yet, since Chey looks busy. He'll content himself with watching the little alien do his work.]

[notthehead]

[work which is concluding the evening out of a fresh patch of dirt, completely bare and debris-free. it took him a while, given how deep weed roots go.

his human-like gesture of clapping dirt off his hands while huffing with satisfaction is kind of comical on someone so tiny, but there it is. he starts scoping out the area, as if looking for clues for where to start next; doing so leads him to see the feet still standing there nearby.

he stares a bit longer before glancing up and seeing someone very unfamiliar. his hands retract to settle under his chin, wrists being wrung slowly, but surely, in a show of unease.]

[patternprophet]

[As dangerous as Leoben can be, most of the time he tries not to make himself too threatening. He feels bad if others are scared of him, since, honestly, he comes in peace. So he kneels down to bring himself a little closer to Chey's level.]

Is this all your work?

[notthehead]

[Chey in turn begins to shrink as he kneels, well until he feels the need to plant his palms on the ground for balance. once the shift in distance is established, he eventually sits up, staring very intently at Leoben's mouth as the words come out. he mouths them in repetition, unheard.

when it's been deciphered, he looks a little lost. he shoots a fast look over his shoulder at his line, then back up, head tilted with inquiry. is that what he meant?]

[patternprophet]

[Leoben gives an encouraging nod. He's curious about that line, and Chey, since he's never seen anyone that small before.]

[notthehead]

[he nods a little in return, fingers digging into the dirt as he tries to think very carefully what to do. his eyes glance upward to the ring he left dangling on one of those now-funky branches.

shooting uncertain looks between that and back at big-person, he slowly rises, pointing up at what he wants.]

[patternprophet]

[Leoben glances over to where Chey is pointing. He's not quite sure if Chey wants him to get it, or if the little alien will get it himself.]

Is that what you want?

[notthehead]

[he points more emphatically once more before rocking backward, bumping his back against another warped branch. he presses his hands against it and propels himself up, gravity being no problem on him, and grabs hold of the ring. he dangles for a little while, watching Leoben for any sign of disapproval.

eventually, though:]

Hello.

[patternprophet]

[Actually he's pretty impressed, so no disapproval here. And he's actually glad to find that the little alien is possibly friendly.]

Hello.

[notthehead]

[he looks a little relieved! one hurdle cleared. next:]

Nay--

Name?

[patternprophet]

I'm Leoben. You are?

[notthehead]

[fast:] Cheyndulamaribannb...[and back to clunky:] Me.

[beat.]

Leob...Leoben. [repeated a few times, stress on syllables changing each time until he finds a set he's comfortable with.]

Leoben.

[patternprophet]

[There's a pause, since he kind of missed most of the name but doesn't want to show that he did]

That's right.