Which came first, the phoenix or the flame? Brandon relaxed a little when he knew that the wand was his, and that he could keep it, and that he didn't have to give it back when he'd already decided to be attached. And... he did subconsciously smile when he heard the shopkeeper smile and look pleased and say 'well done'. He needed that, a little (not that he would admit it).
Holding his wand protectively in the one hand, and his sister's hand protectively in the other, Brandon listened and paid attention to the shopkeeper's every word. He smiled again, excited about healing and nonverbals and consistency. Consistency was his favorite... he couldn't stand when he expected something to happen and it didn't. He really hated it. Really. "Thank you for helping me," he said quietly as his big sister paid.
When he left the store, he was smiling. |