"Running with anyone, Hay?"
Haven winced at the nickname. She'd never hear it from Jamilah or Jovanna again. Haven...Hay...smiled grimly at Fionel as she considered what to say.
"I don't run very fast," was all Haven could say, warning the other girl of her speed. Sure, Haven had spent long hours chasing children around the palace halls...but that was nothing compared to the runnning they had done even in the short time that morning.
"No matter. We can pace each other. I'll make sure you don't fall behind, and your rate can keep me from going to fast and tiring myself out. That's what having partners is for." Fionel replied decidedly, and turned to see if the rest of the group was ready. Desolyn had paired with Turos, and apparently Lanbriel, Santiara, and Dôranna would be running together in a group of three.
"Everyone knows where we're headed?" Desolyn asked, and everyone nodded. "Don't go too fast, you'll tire yourselves out. Don't go too slow, the hunters are leaving soon. Just...run."
With that, the groups began their jog. Some groups were faster than others. Desolyn and Turos were brought up the rear of the group of slaves, Desolyn running slowly so as not to rush Turos with his leg. The group of three ran a bit faster than Desolyn and Turos, at a steady pace that would be easily kept. Fionel and Haven ran as quickly as they could but still running at a jog, since Haven had rested and wouldn't tire for a while.
Varda help us. Haven thought grimly as the group made its way across the dusty, short grasslands of Nurn.
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...Come down now, they'll say. But everything looks perfect from far away - Come down now! But we'll stay.
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