slips out the back door to talk to me

Stepping out into the Knolls, it's a strange breath of fresh air. For a boy so young, Erik had already seen... too much, probably. A lot. Too much. Who knew? His father seemed to be having an okay day, and it's with that understanding alone, he steps off the mountain for just a little while. Who'd have thought, he's babysitting the father who'd never once stepped up to babysit him. Not that Erik was bitter about it. Nope.

Enjoying the little sunshine at his disposal, Erik takes to getting a lay of the land. Learning the hills, the valleys, and what lay beyond. If this was going to be his home, then he'd need to learn, right? Finally moving to the top of Waterfall Peak, he'll take stock of his situation. His environment. Stark and beautiful, he embraces the winter.

"Speech"