TWO: in which Tinker Bell is a terrible loser [action]

[firstlaugh]

[With her undignified arrival mostly forgotten Tinker Bell has been settling in nicely to life in Splendor (minor bean-related infatuations aside). In some ways it’s much like the Never Lands, but in many ways it’s better: there’s no way Peter would ever have tolerated her lazing in the sun amongst the flowers until teatime every day but here she

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[aut_augur]

[That poor little snail :c Jast comes along to comfort it gently before his turning his attention to Tinker Bell.]

Hello, little one.

[firstlaugh]

[from her sulk in the middle of the rose Tink looks up as she flings another handful of rose pieces in to the air and says darkly:]

Jast! Tell the bees I shan't be talking to them ever again!

[aut_augur]

[Oh pixies. He gives her a bemused expression.]

Have you had a disagreement?

[firstlaugh]

['disagreement' implies that there's an equal chance that both sides might be in the wrong and Tink doesn't agree with that. She just prattles on with her tinkly little rant.]

They're simply horrid! Horrid cheaters! I hate them! Tell them that too!

[aut_augur]

Oh.

[He holds out his hand to her.]

Cheating is no good, but it would be such a pity to lose your friends.

[firstlaugh]

[she zips over to his hand, scattering the last of the petals in a cloud as she goes]

I don't care! [she lands in his hand delicately before observing:] Bees are awful friends anyway.

[aut_augur]

[He offers her a soft smile.]

No one is awful, merely different, and today your differences have not served you well. Maybe next time.

[He tilts his head.]

Shall I keep you company instead?

[firstlaugh]

[Jast's thoughtful observations are lost on the bloody-minded fairy and with an unimpressed jangle of bells she shakes her head.]

No. The bees are definitely awful.

[but the offer of company cheers her up! Suddenly enthused with brightness she nods and settles happily in his palm]

Yes! Let's do something! Shall we have an adventure?

[aut_augur]

[He raises his eyebrows attentively.]

Have you been exploring the city?

[firstlaugh]

[From Tink's perspective the gardens of the Golden and Wonderland district are as big as any city she could ever imagine. She nods her head again with an earnest tinkle of bells]

Yes! I have been to so many gardens! And I've been inside a very big castle!

[aut_augur]

Shall we go up to the lake then?

[firstlaugh]

[the head-nodding grows more and more enthusiastic until Tink is scuttling up Jast's arm to merrily perch on his shoulder]

Yes, yes! Is it very far? Will you carry me?

[aut_augur]

[He gives a warm, twittering laugh, looking at her out of the corner of his eye.]

Of course I will carry you. It should not take too long to walk there.

[And aaaaway they go.]