page ten

[fantasies]

[There's some commotion in the lobby today. Namely, a small child seems has recruited a handful of penguins to teach him proper tobogganing form.

Henry isn't quite so far gone as to slide on his belly, too, but he is sliding around as much as the traction on his boots will allow.

The journal picks up squawking penguins and a peal of laughter from Henry.]

Hey! That was a good one.

((Open for kisses, planned or unplanned, so long as they are chaste kidlet kisses. Or open for anything else!))

Comments

[emboldens]

[ The next time he slides, a brief applause comes from the stairwell. The amount of children who have been brought here is saddening to see for her, but how can she ignore a performance like that?

Henry, stop being adorable. ]

You are quite good at that.

[fantasies]

[He swivels to beam at her.]

Thanks! We've been practicing.

[The penguin squawks and dives for another slide.]

[emboldens]

[ She approaches, but keeps some distance so she doesn't end up in their way. ]

It shows. So much so, that I find it difficult to tell who is the teacher among you.

[fantasies]

[Henry laughs, and glances back at the penguin as it wobbles to its feet.]

I bet I could teach you a thing or two, right?

[It squawks indignantly.]

[emboldens]

[ She soon joins him in his laughter, especially upon hearing the penguin squawk. ]

May I inquire as to the name of such a fine teacher?

[fantasies]

I'm Henry.

[A pause.]

I don't know what his name is. I don't think it's "Penguin."

[emboldens]

Perhaps then, Henry, you may give him a name.

[ As she is certain a name would be better than calling them all Penguin. ]

I am Igraine Pendragon. It is a pleasure.

[fantasies]

Nice to meet you, Mrs. Pendragon.

[He smiles politely, like the good little kid he is, and then turns to squint at his penguin friend.]

What about Steve?

[No. The penguin does not like "Steve."]

[emboldens]

Please, you may call me Igraine.

[ But Steve is a lovely name, Mr. Penguin. Nonetheless, she purses her lips in thought. ]

I am afraid I have few ideas as far as names go, but I think Steve is a fine name.

[fantasies]

[He nods like he'll try, but probably won't. It's like the first names of adults don't work in kids' mouths.

He pats the penguin on the head.]

Okay, then it's decided! There you go, Steve.

[Steve squawks irritably and slides away. Henry wiggles a bit to get himself to slide a few inches, too.]

Do you want to try it?