"Arlo, take me with you," Inara implored, her eyes shining with the eagerness to join Arlo in his quest for the river.
Arlo exhaled a weary sigh, "Inara, stay here. The desert is vast and the river's location remains a mystery. It might take days to find, and the harsh conditions outside won't spare you."
"Then let's make it a race. You search for the river, and I will search for the missing shield. I bet I will finish my mission before you," Inara declared, her voice brimming with confidence.
----
"Did you finish the mission before me?"
Arlo teased Inara as he cradled her in his arms. Four hours had passed since they had left the safety of the village.
The old elf had informed Arlo that the river had vanished somewhere to the south, but they were currently in the northwest. As they trudged on, the sun's heat seemed to bear down on them, causing Inara to wilt quickly under its intensity.
