She could feel his eyes on her, a steady and heavy stare that could be felt even as her own eyes remained locked on the ground between her feet. She blinked, wincing slightly at the thought that he was probably thinking all sorts of horrible things about her, ready at any moment to start laughing and poking fun at her.

Still she could not help the smile that found her lips as she introduced herself -- she was helpless, utterly and completely taken over by the silliness of the whole situation.

She dared to flick her gaze up at the boy, and was startled to find that he looked completely delighted. Her ears pricked with interest, head snapping up to get a better look at him, and her little smile of timidity turned to one of elated joy. She found her tail wagging as he bounded toward her, leaning back with the shock of him coming so fast at her.

"I was the smallest pup of my litter," she said. "So small, so chubby," she laughed, wrinkling her nose. "They thought I looked like a little chickadee... I guess the name just kind of stuck."

Chicky followed his gaze as it turned to the plant -- which stuck stubbornly out from the ground, mocking her miserable attempt at uprooting it. But far from feeling upset by her failure, Chickadee found herself brightening with pride; her position in Glorall had been such an unexpected gift, and one she did not take lightly.

She rose to her feet, tail wagging. Her voice brimmed with pride as she spoke. "That's a plant which can be eaten to soothe an upset stomach." She turned her gaze to him, beaming. "I'm training to be a healer."

---

CHICKADEE
^{you're not alone}