Looking up, Ryker saw the little girl who'd given him food earlier come running, furtively glancing all around as she struggled to carry a large cooking pot and ladle.
"If the Overseer sees you up and walking, he'll make you start working immediately! You should go back to the tent and rest!" she said, pushing on Ryker's leg with her shoulder in an attempt to lead him back to the infirmary area.
Ryker just smiled warmly, though his eyes narrowed at the sight of the collar and chains that chafed against her skin.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. What's your name?" he said, gently patting her dirty hair. He could only imagine how much suffering this child had been through, so far, but still she took the time to care for others. Was this the innocence of youth?
