Zaran watched curiously as Suzuki struggled with the vine, his head tilted slightly to the side.
He snickered a little when the roosken commented on kittens with wings the size of eyeballs, he just couldn't help himself.
Realization dawned on Zaran as Suzuki mentioned tying the vine around himself.
He'd seen humans do it before when they climbed, to keep them safe if they fell. "L-like a s-saf-fety har-arr-ness," Zaran blurted.
Nodding, he said, "Yes... I-i guess I c-could t-t-try..."
He plodded oer to the vine and-with some difficulty-tied it around his wast and around his front legs. He then looked up the tree and his ears fell back.
So high... he thought.
He took a deep breath. "Well... h-here g-goes nuthin'..."
Gathering whatever courage and bravery he had, he took a few steps back.
Then he ran and jumped at the tree. He dug his claws in.
Even though he was only a foot or two up the trunk, his legs were going rubbery and he began to get dizzy.
He shook his head, trying to clear his mind...
Just a game... no way you can get hurt... Safety harness firmly secure... people cheering you on... Be brave... he thought, his eyes sealed shut.
He released his front left paw, putting it a few inches up the tree before digging his claws in again.
Then the front right paw...
Slowly, carefully, he thought.
Zaran 2 . 6