Black Eyes To Blue

- 2 -

"So you're trying to tell me that you seriously do not own a bag, or a pack of any kind?" Mardston asked dryly. "Because I find that to be the most unbelievable thing you have said, in a very long line of unbelievable things."

A ways down the dirt highway ahead of him, Soris was paying him little mind. Having long since skipped ahead to investigate what seemed to be some blackberry bushes. She was thoroughly enjoying being able to travel light, having no traveling pack of her own, and having plenty of extra energy to spare for a little casual exploration.

"I don't see what the big deal is," Soris yelled back, her tone casually dismissing the grumblings of her new travel companion. "You don't have much stuff, my stuff doesn't take up much space, and the really big camping stuff we are already sharing anyways! Why not put it all in your bag? It all fits doesn't it?"

Trudging along the dirt path, Mardston was able to get within close enough distance so he didn't have to shout, he shot back, "You know, I think we should trade off. I carried it the last two days, I think you can handle two hours at least."

With a smirk, he flicked open the clasp and lowered the pack to the ground gently. Giving his back a nice good stretch, he clamped his arms behind his head and strode forwards. Leaving her and the bag behind with his long strides, he could hear behind him faint protests of complaint. "Hey! Wait! Hold on! But it's so heavy! Not fair!"

Unfettered, Mardston continued on for another quarter of a kilometer or so before coming to the base of a wiry oak tree at a curve in the road. Right where the sparse trees and plains of the land behind them began to give way to the proper section of the woods, where the trees grew more densely and the thick underbrush confined travelers to the roadway. Taking a seat on the lowest of branches, he took a ration of army style hard tack from his pocket and enjoyed the show. Just a few hundred feet away, the small Elf was struggling with the heavy pack. The travel backpack in question, being one designed to comfortably fit a Human warrior, and to carry all of his travel supplies and armor kit for an extended military march. Was oversized by anyone's standards. Comically so by Soris's standards. Weighing more than her total body weight, and standing at two thirds her height, moving it any distance was a monumental task. A task that between the cursing, and the dragging, and the stumbling was worth every moment of glee for the relaxing architect of this little show.

As she drew nearer, the cursing became louder and more colorful. Struggling to make it the last few dozen feet to the base of the tree. Mardston finally felt a little spark of pity on the poor girl, and hopped down to help her as she collapsed into the grass breathing heavily.

"You are a huge asshole," She gasped. "Why did I invite you along for this?"

Chucking to himself he snatched up the pack with a single hand and slung it over his back effortlessly. "I'm surprised you even have to ask! You usually just suck that straight out of my brain, and answer your own questions."

Still laying down on the soft green grass, she propped herself up on her elbows before gasping out, "Too tired... Need to focus for that... Can't focus when you're being mean."

"Well isn't that good to know! If I want to keep something to myself I need to tucker you out first! Besides, this wasn't me being mean, I had a very good reason for all of this!"

"There is no possible reason that could be good enough for you to-" With a squeak she was cut short by Mardston kneeling down and putting one hand around her shoulder and the other around her the back of her legs, he lifted her upwards and put her down uncomfortably in a sitting position across the top of his shoulders and the pack.

"Come on sweetheart! I got ya." Standing back up slowly while she got herself situated in her uncomfortable perch. "I always have a good reason for everything I do! Unless I'm lying, but I think I am going to get none of that past you."