Shadewood tap your toes and clap your hands

val cared not one whit for alyx's muddied state or tousled fur as he cajoled for an audience. "MAMAN!" the boy bellowed, listening with an approving ear as the clap of his voice carried off into the woods.

he turned back to alyx with a wide grin, his face splattered with mud and who knows what else. for a boy, his presentation could be somewhat comely -- were it not for the brilliant smile that softened his cheeks. "hi," val breathed excitedly, realizing for the first time he was alone in front of a girl that was not a blood relation. he looked to the ground and twisted his foot back and forth, wanting very much to continue talking to his new-friend but losing the bravery to do so.