gazingup | ❂ sixteen | audio [ forward dated to tomorrow morning. ]

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❂ sixteen | audio [ forward dated to tomorrow morning. ]

—and I was so frightened. I was looking for flowers for Victoria, and then I got lost in the forest, and then I couldn't find a way out, and- and then I walked into a dream, and I found this strange place, and all the lights, and all the big buildings, and they all look like monsters—

[ His train of words may have just been completely incomprehensible between the tears and the speed of his voice. The muffled sobs continue, as if he's pressing his face against something. ]

I thought I'd be lost forever. Forever and ever! [ some sniffling here ] I'm so happy I've found you, Papa. Everything will be fine, right?

[ ooc: Tristan is age-cursed down to the tiny age of 4! All replies will be from

tinytristan. ]

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[Wow. Listen to this boy talk. Caspian however doesn't have it in him to dismiss Tristan. Who would do that to such a face?]

I am sure they do not mean to scare you. The buildings or the trees.

[Usually the trees don't mean any harm. As for this Papa thing....sigh. Have a tall Telmarine kneeling to meet Tristan at eye level.]

Do you not think I am a little young to be your father?

I've- I've never seen anything like it.

But— you have to be him. It's you, Papa! Your face is just the same. Your voice-- You have to be him.

[Oops. Okay okay. He reaches out to brush Tristan's hair from his eyes.]

Perhaps it is this place's magic. Even I could not explain it.

[Admitting this with a shake of his head, then Caspian offers Tristan his sleeve.]

Please, do not shed tears. Why don't I take you into town on my horse? Would you like milk? Tea?

[Brandy?]

You really don't know who I am?

I'm Tristan! How could you forget me?

[That's okay, Caspian can afford to have his handsome linen shirt washed or you know, replaced at once.]

Of course I know who you are. Flower gathering Tristan Thorn for one Lady Victoria of the...the village of Wall.

[Oh he hopes that's right.]

I understand it is confusing here, but trust me when I say I know my way around this world. Wherever we go, no harm shall come to you.

How do you know? How do you know my name-- or Wall? You're said you aren't Papa.

This must be a dream.

Sometimes I think Papa and I are not so different. It may be that we both owe a duty to your care.

[He dresses like a king and talks like one, although honestly if Tristan thinks some linens, breeches, boots, and tunic are finery well... Well, let's get to kingly garb when he actually has to wear some.]

Do you think Destrier would be standing there if it was?

[Caspian gestures to the large stallion, hoping a horse will provide Tristan with some distraction from his tears.]

You have the same face. But you sound different. Are you from Spain?

He could be in my dream too. You could be in my dream, and your horse too, and this City—

But you feel real.

No, I am not, although I can see why you might think so.

[Caspian returns the squeeze in kind.]

Well, if you think my horse can be your dream then I invite you to tell him what to do.

[It's an innocent challenge, he wouldn't let harm come to Tristan over Destrier of all creatures.]

I'll tell him to turn into a bird.

It's still a dream. He just doesn't have feathers, yet.

[....Riiiight. Caspian can't help but laugh as he pats Tristan on the head. Yes, pats.]

Come on then, why don't we ride the flightless bird somewhere safer. There may be lions here, you know.

You-- My father always says I'm not old enough to ride. Can I? Really?

There's... lions live in Africa, don't you know? They can't be here.

The higher we are the safer.

[That's all he says about the lions and riding combined. Besides, Caspian's been riding since he was three, granted with assistance until oh, five. He gestures to Tristan for his hand while tweeting a short whistle to the destrier named Destrier.]

It will not be difficult.

I trust you.

[This makes Caspian smile as well. The horse bends low enough for him to give Tristan a boost onto stirrup then saddle. Tristan will be sitting in front of course, with Caspian behind.]

He is a good horse, you do not need to fear falling.

[Unless falling is 100% the rider's fault, fff.]

My legs are too short.

Or Destrier is too big. He is no pony, after all.

[It's a gentle consolation, it's not you, it's the horse when it's a little bit of both. He places his hands on Tristan's sides to keep him upright and straight on the second try.]

I've always wanted a pony.

Can we run?

They are very good horses.

[A nod for ponies even though Caspian is definitely a stallion kind of man. And no, that's not innuendo. He climbs onto the saddle effortlessly, arms at Tristan's sides to hold the reins too.]

Do you promise to hold on tightly? Squeeze at the knees.

Is this all right?

[Fortunately Caspian is here to guide the horse which he does, nudging Destrier to move on towards the edge of the City Proper instead of away from it.]

That is good. It does take many years to master horsemanship but everyone must start somewhere.

How do they make the buildings so tall? How are the lights so bright? How come everyone is dressed strange? Except you.

...Victoria?

~~There could be a hundred girls named Victoria for all I know. It's probably not him. That would be---~~

Do you know her too?

That's a good question. Brick, mortar, stone, wooden beams, and metal ones too. [No Caspian that's how buildings are made, not how they're made TALL.] I am sure they have high ladders. [And gryphons to help out, no wait that's for home.]

As for the lights, it is this strange but wonderful energy called electricity. I think you may be a little familiar with it.

[For once he's glad to be able to introduce another 'backwards' person to modernity. But where clothes are concerned...]

For many, tailoring has become a lost art. They have my pity.

[ IEJKLTWFDSIKLNEWFDS ]

I know of her. ~~Sadly. Assuming she's the same--- Well, there is one way to find out I suppose---~~ You're both from the village of Wall, isn't that right?

That's right! She lives one street down and two streets up from me, and she has really pretty blonde hair, and a smile that's like flowers.

They use stone and wood and bricks to make buildings in Wall, too. Everything's big here. Bigger. Your hair is bigger too.

They're like stars.

Of course. I take good care of it.

[His hair, and because he's behind Tristan Caspian can flip it without it flicking into the boy's face. So here, have a handsome toss of his head that could rival Destrier's.]

Only for now, sunrise is on the horizon. Then the lights sleep.

...that's very sweet.

[ pause ]

I hope she appreciates what flowers you do find.

Are you alone?

Last time she lost them.

This time I'll find brighter ones! She can't forget.

I'm not! I found Mister Caspian.

Brighter ones. Right.

[ . . . ]

You 'found' him?

Red ones, or maybe blue ones. Are there rainbow flowers?

He was with his horse, and I thought he was my Papa, and I went to him, but he wasn't him, but he was awfully nice to me. He's a lot like Papa, but he has a weird voice.

Who're you?

Victoria takes good care of her hair. Papa's looks like a mushroom.

I know that.

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❂ sixteen | audio [ forward dated to tomorrow morning. ]

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