She brightened and rubbed the back of his neck gently before beginning to work, her fingers slipping through his hair gently.
After about thirty minutes, she spoke. “Z, you can let me down now. You don’t have to keep carrying me.”
She hopped off his back and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m sure. I don’t think I could take advantage of you for much longer without descending into guilt. Thank you.”
He flushed but didn't mention it, standing straight again. "You're welcome. Let me know if your legs start to hurt."
She took his hand, the form fitting naturally with his. “That sounds like something I would do,” she said agreeably.
She giggled softly, squeezing his hand gently. "That's a rude accusation," she replied lightly, turning her attention to the landscape in front of them. "What do you know about this kingdom we're going to?"
"It's another desert city," he recalled slowly. "They have a lot of festivals. Apparently a lot of people move there for the freedom and fun, and it centers a lot on art and music."
