To tell the truth, this expedition does not start at all well. In order to get down to the cliff where the birds are, you first have to cross the gully. And it's pretty deep. At least that's how it looks to Helgi. Fly is none too happy about scrambling down there, either.
She stops abruptly when she comes to the edge. It happens so suddenly that Helgi is thrown forward off Fly's neck and tumbles head over heels into the gully. His cap and both his shoes fall off, and he lands on his backside down in the stream.
He sits there howling, while Merry comes running up to look after his friends. He realises right away that comfort is called for here,so he licks Helgi's cheek reassuringly. Fly also clambers down into the gully and gives Helgi a friendly nuzzle on the ear,as if she's asking him to forgive her. But there's no consoling Helgi. Exploring the world is obviously hard work.
He has hurt himself. Scratched his hands and bruised his back. And his bottom's wet too. He has half a mind to turn back. Go home 🏠🏡 to Mother and get some milk and cakes.
He knows that can cure anything. But when he thinks a little more about it,he feels it would be rather shameful to give up and go home 🏠🏡 so soon. He's pretty sure that his big sister would laugh at him. Helgi doesn't like that idea at all.
1.259 SRY