Page 28 of Orange Tundra
She glanced up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "As well as one can when sleeping on the ground," she teased.
"Ah, but think of it as an adventure," I replied, winking. "The hard ground builds character."
She laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "If that's the case, I'll have plenty of character by the time this journey is over."
Nim approached, his footsteps silent as always. He handed Brynn a small bundle of berries. "These should help with the... character building," he said with a gentle smile.
She accepted them gratefully, her fingers brushing against his.
"Where's CG and his merry band of mercenaries?" I asked, scanning the periphery of the camp.
"Scouting ahead," Nim responded. "Ensuring the path to the White Tribe ruins is clear."
"Always helpful, that lot," I remarked dryly.
Brynn stood, stretching her arms above her head. Her eyes drifted toward the sound of rushing water nearby. "Is that a river?" she asked, excitement coloring her voice.
"Yes," Nim replied. "The Zelar River. It runs along the border of the White Tribe's former territory."
She turned to us, eyes sparkling. "Can we go see it?"
I exchanged a glance with Nim. "I suppose a quick detour wouldn't hurt," I said. "But stay close."
We followed her as she made her way through the trees, the sound of the river growing louder with each step. When we broke through the foliage, the sight before us was breathtaking. The river was wide and fast-flowing, its waters a crystal-clear red-orange hue.
Brynn's face lit up. "It's beautiful!"
I watched her, captivated by her joy. "Careful," I warned. "The currents are strong."
She knelt by the bank, trailing her fingers through the water. "It's cold," she remarked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
Behind us, Kaelor—the prison guard who'd accompanied us—approached cautiously. His fur bristled slightly as he regarded the river. "Best to keep your distance," he advised. "The waters are dangerously deep, and none of us can swim."
Brynn looked up, eyebrows raised. "None of you can swim?"
Kaelor shook his head. "Water is sacred, but entering it is... perilous. It's used as punishment in the prisons. They throw prisoners into pools to drown."
She frowned. "That's horrible."
He shrugged. "It's the way of things."
Brynn stood, her demeanor shifting from playful to resolute. "Well, I can swim," she declared.
I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Brynn, maybe we should move on," I suggested, an edge creeping into my voice.
She turned to me, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Are you worried about me?"
"Always," I admitted. "But this river isn't like the waters you're used to."
She waved off my concern. "I've swum in oceans with stronger currents than this." Before we could protest further, she began to strip off her outer garments, revealing the smooth curves of her body.
Nim averted his gaze respectfully, though I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. I, on the other hand, took unabashed pleasure in admiring her. Most of manasties don't mind getting naked. "At least let me come with you," I offered.
"Can you swim?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Well... no," I admitted sheepishly.
"Then you might want to stay on the bank," she quipped.
