race me! race me!

And just like that Mortis brushed her worries away. Had it been anyone else she might've been alarmed that he had such a strong influence on her emotions, able to shoo away worries and fears with just a single touch. But there was something about Mortis, it was easy to find strength in him, and when he was by her side Hanako felt as though she was the closest to home she'd ever gotten. It didn't make sense, even Hanako couldn't piece together the puzzle just yet, but she had no reason to deny him when he so kindly offered her the support she both wanted and needed. Leaning into his touch, Hanako returned the nuzzle in kind, and nodded against the fluff of neck as she took in a long and steadying breath. He was right, she could do this.

Pulling back a little, Hanako shot him a sharp side glance and slapped him with her tail, only to break out into a smile. It was just banter, she knew he wasn't judging her for her size or height but it felt natural to playfully scold him anyway as part of their little routine. Fun back and forths that didn't really go anywhere but were funny all the same.

"Shush you giant." She grumbled, only to grow serious at his question. After a moments thought she nodded, her shoulders set as she looked down at their joined paws for  a moment. "Mm, I trust you. We've got this."

It seemed less daunting that way and Hanako was content to let Mortis go as she watched him climb down the tree with, of course, relative ease. And then it was her turn. Remembering the branches she'd used before, Hanako began her descent. Forgoing any attempts at being graceful, she placed each paw with great care as she shuffled her way down, branch to branch till- her paw slipped and Hanako sucked in a breath between her teeth as she just managed to regain her balance. Phew, it seemed as though those fancy walking lessons she'd taken were finally coming in handy.  The going was slow but Mortis never rushed her or tried to hurry it along and for that she was endlessly grateful. She took her time, her tail working overtime to aid her balance, and finally finally she was close enough to the ground to jump the rest of the way.

And then with a muted little thud all four paws were on the ground. Easy! In hindsight she couldn't see what all the fuss was about, just another incident of Hanako getting all worked up other nothing. Eager to put all of that behind he she turned to Mortis and wiggled underneath his wing till only her grinning muzzle was in sight.

"So how about some fish?" Said the talking snout.