Rei (teasing): So, uh, am I like a cow or one of those glowing people then?
Athea (teasing back, laughing): No! But you do have horns and a halo, so... maybe you're both?
They both burst out laughing. As their laughter faded, Rei couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease around Athea. For the first time in a while, he didn't feel so strange or out of place.
Rei followed Athea through the woods, watching her dash ahead with a playful grin. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting warm patches of light on the ground. Birds chirped overhead, and Athea, full of energy, darted toward a tree, her dark brown eyes sparkling with mischief.
Athea (teasing, excited): Bet you can't catch me!
With a swift jump, she grabbed a low branch and began climbing, her brown hair flowing wildly as she moved higher. Rei stood at the base of the tree, staring up in awe, unsure of what to do. He'd never tried anything like that before.
Athea (laughing, from the tree): Can you climb? Can you do this?
Rei awkwardly placed his hands on the rough bark, trying to mimic her movements. His feet slipped, and he barely got off the ground before stumbling back down. He looked up, feeling both frustrated and embarrassed.
Rei (struggling, uncertain): I... I don't think I can.
Athea (smiling, teasing): Come on! It's just a tree! You've got those horns, maybe they'll help!
Rei glanced at the "things" on his head but didn't see how they could help at all. He tried again, his fingers gripping the bark tightly, but it was no use—he couldn't pull himself up.
Rei (disappointed): I... I can't do it.
Athea slid down the tree with ease, landing lightly in front of him. She grinned, but there was no meanness behind it, just her usual playful energy.
Athea (encouraging, teasing): That's okay! Not everyone's a tree climber like me. Maybe you're better at something else... something way cooler!
Rei smiled, feeling a little better despite his failure. They continued exploring, Athea still full of excitement, while Rei wondered what else he could do.
As they wandered deeper into the woods, Rei's mind buzzed with questions. The two of them walked side by side, the forest thickening around them, the sun filtering through the canopy. Rei had been quiet for a bit, but his curiosity was building.
Rei (curious, thoughtful): So... what are these trees for? Why are they so tall?
Athea (smiling, explaining): Trees? Well, they're just... here! They grow really tall, and animals live in them. And they give us shade, and you can climb them, like I did! Haven't you seen trees before?
Rei (shaking his head, uncertain): I don't think so... but they're nice.
Athea (playfully): Nice? That's all you got to say? These trees are amazing! They're like homes for birds, squirrels... maybe not snakes though. You'll learn!
Rei (nodding, curious): Why does everything around here feel so big and... different?
Athea (energetic, explaining): Oh, that's just how the world is! There's forests, rivers, and even mountains that stretch way up to the sky. It's all huge, and it just keeps going and going. You get used to it!
Rei (surprised, interested): Really? It's like nothing I've ever seen before.
Athea (grinning): Well, where did you come from? You act like you've been living under a rock or something.
Rei (laughing, sheepish): Maybe I have... everything's so new.
Athea (teasing): Seriously? Well, you've got a lot to learn! Stick with me, I'll show you everything.
Rei smiled, feeling at ease with her. Even though everything was new to him, Athea's enthusiasm made it feel okay to ask questions.
Athea suddenly stopped walking and turned to face Rei, a curious expression on her face. Rei halted too, feeling a mix of shock and confusion as he wondered why she was looking at him so strangely.
Rei (surprised, confused): Why are you staring at me like that? Did I do something wrong?
Athea (thoughtful, hand on her chin): Hmm...
She made a slightly weird and funny face while examining him, squinting her eyes and puffing her cheeks, which only added to Rei's bewilderment.
Rei (tilting his head, baffled): Are you okay? You look funny!
Athea giggled, shaking her head.
Athea (giggling, playful): I'm just thinking! You've got that... you know, that unique look. I've never met anyone like you!
Rei (blushing slightly, curious): Unique? What do you mean?
Athea (enthusiastic, gesturing): Like your... things on your head! They're so cool!
Rei (looking embarrassed, rubbing his head): Oh, those? They just... are there.
Athea (grinning, trying to make him comfortable): They make you special! Just like the forest is special.
Rei (smiling, feeling a little better): The forest is pretty. But I still don't get why you're staring at me like that.
Athea (suddenly serious, tapping her chin): I think you need a name... something that fits you.
She looked around the forest, her brow furrowed in concentration. The wind rustled the leaves, and she listened intently, as if the trees might whisper suggestions.
Rei (watching her, still confused): What are you thinking?
Athea (enthusiastic, pointing to the trees): I don't know! Maybe something from nature? Like... "Leaf"?
Rei (giggling, shaking his head): That's silly!
Athea (laughing, rolling her eyes): You're right! What about something like "Bear"?
Rei (frowning, shaking his head): I'm not a bear!
Athea (pondering, tapping her chin): Hmm...
As she watched Rei, her mind raced through the possibilities. He seemed friendly, and there was something about him that felt comforting, almost like a friend.
Athea (inspired, her eyes lighting up): Wait! What about "Rei"?
Rei (confused, tilting his head): Rei? What does that mean?
Athea (excited, explaining): In some places, it means "friend." You seem friendly, so it fits!
Rei (intrigued, experimenting with the name): Rei... I like it! It sounds nice.
Athea (grinning, clapping her hands): Yay! It's settled then! You're Rei!
As Athea and Rei continued their chat, the peaceful sounds of the forest were suddenly interrupted by the crunching of leaves and breaking sticks. Athea's eyes widened with fear.
Athea (urgent, whispering): Shh! Did you hear that? It sounds like the villagers!
Rei (wide-eyed, confused): Villagers?
Before he could say more, Athea quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him behind a bush, urging him to stay low. They huddled together, listening intently.
Athea (whispering, looking worried): We have to be quiet. Just stay here!
Rei (fidgeting, trying to peek): But I think I know that guy from—
Athea (placing a hand over Rei's mouth, firm yet gentle): No! Don't say anything! Just be quiet!
Rei (muffled, surprised): Mmmph!
Athea (softening, looking into his eyes): Don't worry. Just wait here. I'll be right back!
Rei (hesitant, biting his lip): But… what if they find us?
Athea (smiling reassuringly): I promise I'll come back tomorrow!
Rei (nervous, unsure): Tomorrow? But how do I know you will?
Athea (enthusiastic, holding out her pinky): Here! Let's make a promise!
Rei (scrunching his brow, confused): A promise? What's that?
Athea (grinning, explaining): It means you have to keep your word! We can make a pinky promise! Like this!
She intertwined her pinky with his, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Athea (playfully): See? Now it's a special promise!
Rei (still unsure, but smiling): Okay, I'll wait for you.
Athea (beaming, squeezing his hand): Yay! Just stay safe! I'll be back to play!
With that, Athea carefully peeked out from behind the bush. The sounds were getting closer, but she took a deep breath and dashed away into the trees, leaving Rei alone in the brush.
Rei (whispering to himself, feeling a mix of emotions): I hope she really comes back...
He sat there, watching the path where she had disappeared, a strange warmth spreading in his chest from their new bond.