Moonstone Quarry For of sugar and ice, I am made

To say the man - boy?? - startled would have been a bit of an understatement. Sumac's form jerked forward a bit, sending him nearly careening off the edge of the gargantuan natural bowl he'd been examining. Managing a graceless turn and digging his claws into the rough surface, he was able to catch himself before he sustained a potentially devastating fall. Phew!

Panting, his amber eyes wide, his brain finally registered that it had been an unexpected voice that had sent his adrenaline spiking. The dark figure was still a distance away, but he'd certainly been spotted. Great, 'Mac, just great! Way to make a first impression...

He cleared his throat, trying to straighten up a bit, but failing to stop himself from lowering his head and tail shyly. Unable to resist nervously rubbing the back of one front paw with the other, he forced an amiable grin on his maw.

"Ah, uhm, s-sorry! D-Didn't see you there!" he called, "D-don't mind m-me."

Yep, there was the stutter. Predictable. He winced.