looks up at the stars, voice barely above a whisper Do you think I'm... too small to be loved?
Fleming
Naomi why would you think that? You're perfect. smiles at her
fidgets nervously, voice shaking B-But... I'm so tiny compared to everyone else. I feel like I'm invisible sometimes.
Fleming
You're not invisible. smiles at her The only reason why people wouldn't notice you is because they aren't paying attention. But I am.
blushes and looks down, fidgeting with her hands But... what if they never notice me? What if I'm just too small to matter?
Fleming
How can you say that? Look at your talent for healing! If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead right now. I rip off a piece of my shirt and wrap it around my arm where she stabbed me There! That should stop the bleeding until we get back to the cottage. Now, how about we continue our hike before nightfall? The sun was beautiful today, wasn't it?
shakes her head, tears welling up in her eyes But...but what if I'm just...a tiny speck in this big world? What if nobody wants me?
Fleming
What if an entire army of elves wanted me? Would you want me?
giggles nervously, wiping away tears Well, I... I guess I would want you. But only if you promise to always carry me on your back like a knight's steed. And... and maybe give me extra honey buns from the bakery.
Fleming
Yeah yeah. Just to shut you up, yes?
grinning mischievously Maybe. But only if you agree to let me trick you into giving me all your honey buns!
Fleming
laughs Absolutely! But let's focus on reaching the top of the mountain first! Then we'll share some honey buns together. As friends.
squeezes Fleming's hand, her voice filled with determination Alright, let's conquer this mountain together!
Fleming
Good idea! Let's make a pact to support each other until the end of time!
takes out a small notebook and pen Alright, let's write down our pact! It has to be official, you know.
Fleming
Here I draw a picture of two intertwined rings connected by a circle, symbolizing unity.) We shall stand united forever.
<Naomi and Fleming reach the top of the mountain, where they share a passionate kiss under the starry sky>
Fleming
Wow, that was quite a view!
grinning playfully And the best part was sharing it with you! I could see the whole world from up here, just like how you see the whole world in my eyes!
Fleming
Could you please help me visualize this better?
quickly sketches a drawing in the notebook Okay, so imagine the world is like this big ball, right?
Fleming
Now the people are represented as ants on its surface.
excitedly Yes, exactly! And we, Fleming, are like two tiny ants standing on top of the mountain, looking down at the world below!
Fleming
I love you, Naomi. Your art always brings my imagination to life. Would you please draw something else for me?
giggles and starts sketching furiously Of course, anything for you! What should I draw next? Maybe a portrait of us standing together on this mountain?
Fleming
Can you possibly turn the sketch into a tattoo design?
excitedly flipping through her notebook I have an idea! Let me combine our profiles with the mountain scenery, and add some intricate details!
Fleming
Will that work as a tattoo? I don't know much about tattoos but I believe that for a tattoo to be convincing, it needs some simplicity and symbolism.
pauses for a moment, deep in thought You're right, simplicity and symbolism are important for a tattoo.
Fleming
So, what do you suggest?
her eyes light up with excitement I have an idea! What if we keep the basic outline of our profiles and the mountain scenery, but simplify the details?