The girl stood at the start of the bridge, staring down at the rushing river below her with apprehensive eyes. Her companion clapped her shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.

“Come now, Kara! Just a quick jaunt over the bridge and we’ll be in Stoneytown! We’ll be able to get some food, perhaps a nice drink …and maybe even enjoy some entertainment! Some travelling musicians, or a theater troupe, or adventurers like ourselves!”

Kara hummed noncommittally, barely registering Morian’s words. Her voice felt like it was stuck in her throat. ‘Yup. Just over the bridge.’

“Kara, I can’t help but notice that you’re not moving,”

“Sorry, yeah, I’ll just-“

“Here,” Morian stepped around in front of her, facing front, and knelt. Kara raised her eyebrow quizzically.

“Just hop on up, I’ll piggyback you! I know you don’t like water or heights-“

Kara cut him off with a sharp glare.

“O..kay. Anyways, it’ll be quicker this way. And more fun! When’s the last time you had a piggyback ride?” Morian’s eyes sparkled with a glint of childlike cheer.

Kara couldn’t even pretend to be annoyed at that. Honestly, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a ride like that. Perhals her father, or…

No. Best not to think of those things. Better to keep them locked in the far corners of her mind, where they could collect dust like old collectibles in a grandmother’s attic.

It still didn’t stop the small warmth she felt swelling in her chest as she hopped up (rather awkwardly) onto Morian’s back.

They hoisted her up in a smooth motion, and the two began their walk across the bridge.

Kara let a small smile play across her lips. A drink after a long day sounded nice.