It was dark by the time the girls returned to the farmhouse. They brought the mechanical pony to the barn, where they would leave it for their return next season. The metal was the farmer's, and they would not be able to take it with them. They then walked to the farmhouse where they were once again offered a room for the night. Mand politely brushed aside the offer.
"Sorry, we have a schedule to keep," Mand said.
"That won't do," the farmer said. "You've had a rough day and from what I can tell, you've both done a terrific job."
The farmer led the girls to the kitchen where she retrieved a basked from a shelf and started to fill it with food.
"You really don't need to do this," said Mand. "Our pay is plenty."
The farmer huffed as she attempted to stuff another bottle of preserves into the already overflowing basket, "I won't have it said that Medeia sent two young girls out on the road without something to eat."
The moon was shining brightly when Mand and Val finally got on the pathway leading away from the farmhouse. They walked in silence, the only sound that could be heard was the crunch of stone beneath their feet and the hum of insects in the night air. They trudged along, passing by field after field. Finally, Val broke the silence.
"One night wouldn't of killed us you know, " Val said. "I know that we have a schedule, but we weren't THAT far behind."
Mand stopped in her tracks and started surveying the surrounding land. She removed her pack and moved off to the side of the path.
"We'll spend the night here." Mand said, letting Val's statement slide.
Val tailed along behind her sister. "You can't keep ignoring me you know! Doyle was two years ago! TWO!"
Mand sighed as she began to spread out her bedroll. "Val, we can't keep having this conversation." Her voice was steady and even.
"We WILL keep having this conversation until you realize how stupid you're being!"
Mand shook her head. "Val, what did we promise each other when we left Doyle?"
Val rolled her eyes, "Come on, don't make me say it."
Mand remained silent, letting the question hang in the air as she began to gather tinder.
"Fine!" Val shouted getting further annoyed. "We stick together and we keep moving! Happy now?"
Mand looked up from the pile of twigs and logs that would serve as a campfire. She locked eyes with her sister.
"And why do we do that?"
"Because, the last time we settled down, we almost died." Val's shoulders slumped, she knew she had to concede to her sister...again.
Mand nodded. "Exactly."
Val sighed and began to unpack her things. Mand had started the fire and had built it to a nice height by the time Val had set up her bedroll.
"The dragon was a good idea, " Mand said, adding more fuel to the blaze. "I'm just not ready for something that complex yet."
Val brightened, seemingly forgetting the previous conversation, "See, I TOLD you! You just need to practice more!"
"You grew up with your power, " Mand said. "This is all still very weird... very alien to me."
Val stood up and slapped her sister on the back, "Don't worry! I'll keep showing you the ropes. I know exactly what I'm doing."