( fortunately, the young man does not squirm. that’s for the best for both of them. getian very much doesn’t want to drop him, and he’s sure the stranger doesn’t want to be dropped as well. he tries to find a good balance, grasping seth strongly enough that he wouldn’t slip away from him but also not so strongly that it would risk his talons biting into his skin. all in all, it’s likely a way one wouldn’t jump at the thought of traveling again, but it probably wasn’t traumatizing either. it’s the best that he could hope for. miemeng birds aren’t exactly known for their prowess at transporting passengers.

getian sees that seth is anxious at being up as high as they are. fear of heights is such an interesting thing to him, but he can understand it, for one who does not have wings to fly. )

Don’t worry. If you do slip, I will catch you.

( perhaps he sounds a little more confident than he actually is… he’s pretty sure he’d be able to catch him before he reached the ground. but hopefully it will not come to that. )

I should be the one thanking you. ( he dips his head slightly in gratitude. ) Even if they did not listen, it was courageous to do what you did. Interjecting yourself to help someone unknown to you.

But…

( he looks over to seth, and his eyes can see clearly the shapes of his bones beneath flesh and skin; they are unique to each person, their shape, strength, and wear indicative of their backgrounds, struggles, and triumphs. this is where he gets the indication of it. )

This runs in your family, does it not?