(no subject)

[river_meimei]

Apple trees are good for climbing -- low-branched, spreading. River's perched high in one, legs dangling, one arm wrapped around the trunk and her face turned to the sky. Her eyes are closed. The wind murmurs through the leaves.

It's a nice afternoon.

Comments

[simon_doctor]

Simon's voice floats up from near the base of the trunk.

"Be careful up there, meimei?"

[river_meimei]

River doesn't open her eyes.

"Sitting."

The patience is audible, and possibly exaggerated, but there's no real irritation.

[simon_doctor]

"How's the view?"

He leans his folded arms on a lower branch, resting his chin on them, head tilted up to watch her.

[river_meimei]

"I'm watching clouds."

There's a smile in her voice. Something like contentment.

Yes, her eyes are still closed.

[simon_doctor]

"Is there one shaped like a weasel?"

[river_meimei]

River does open her eyes, now, to slant an oh, please look down at him.

Repressively, "That's a stoat." Duh, Simon. "Watch the dentition."

[simon_doctor]

"Ah, I see. The tree obscures it from here."

He's silent a moment, looking about the orchard.

"River?"

[river_meimei]

She's looking at him.

[simon_doctor]

"Will you stand with me at the ceremony tomorrow?"

[river_meimei]

There's a moment in which she's still just looking at him.

And then a smile starts.

And keeps growing. For quite a while.

Sometimes, a smile can make her entire face light up.

[simon_doctor]

A smile spreads over his own face, in unconscious answer.

[river_meimei]

River inhales, and attempts to school her features to solemnity. Because this is important.

"Yes," she says, as formally as she can.

And then the grin is back, and bigger.

[simon_doctor]

"I'm glad."

But not surprised.

"Come down from there? They'll be serving dinner soon."

[river_meimei]

River slips from her seat to another branch, reaching with bare toes for each foothold before shifting her weight, and always leaving one hand lingering against the apple tree's gnarled trunk. Even so, the speed with which she makes her way down is possibly not entirely reassuring for Simon.

From the lowest branch, she drops lightly to the grass next to Simon. Her face is still shining.

[simon_doctor]

So's his.

He's put a hand on her elbow to steady her down from the tree; the gesture turns smoothly into a hug.

[river_meimei]

River's arms go around his waist.

She rests her head against his shoulder, and keeps beaming.