HARPER
She relaxes upon his back swiftly enough, and he's careful not to jostle her too much as they begin the trek back along the Bone Bridge towards town. Though she's more than correct that there are worse things - things they have both experienced surely - Harper nonetheless hums in soft disagreement. "But why worsen things intentionally? Flips can wait until all you feel is fun when you try them." It would be a shame to taint such an innocent, delightful learning experience with self-inflicted pain and pushed physical boundaries. More than just the stretch and flex of muscles and tendons to support the body in such contortions.
There's no way to hug the sadness from her tone, so instead he gently squeezes his arms down against her thighs in a mimicry of it. "It is no more your fault than a landslide's. And every fighter at your side that day could be saddled with the same amount of blame, if that's how you want to perceive it." But they have done enough arguing (convincing, confessing, any number of adjectives) about these dark things. Harper does not want either of them to dwell in that shadowy place any longer than necessary. "Training does nothing but improve your chances, your strength. As soon as you're in fair condition we can start okay?" Careful as ever to add in that little clause, lest she try and maneuver past it as she is attempting to with the gymnastics.
There's no way to hug the sadness from her tone, so instead he gently squeezes his arms down against her thighs in a mimicry of it. "It is no more your fault than a landslide's. And every fighter at your side that day could be saddled with the same amount of blame, if that's how you want to perceive it." But they have done enough arguing (convincing, confessing, any number of adjectives) about these dark things. Harper does not want either of them to dwell in that shadowy place any longer than necessary. "Training does nothing but improve your chances, your strength. As soon as you're in fair condition we can start okay?" Careful as ever to add in that little clause, lest she try and maneuver past it as she is attempting to with the gymnastics.
lord don't let me break this, let me hold you lightly
give me arms to pray with instead of ones that hold too tightly
give me arms to pray with instead of ones that hold too tightly
