"Whoa, easy." Without thinking, Theoden grabbed the younger man by the scruff of his neck to help him keep his balance on the branch, pulling him up a bit so that he was settled back toward where the branch was thicker, connected to the trunk of the tree.
Then he realized what he'd done and quickly snatched his hand back, blushing and clearing his throat. "Uh, right, ki-- you. Sorry. Not a kid, got it."