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She nods "Everyone's here Okay, guys It's just a short hike If you can't walk, soht? Don't be afraid to speak up if you're having trouble If we're all good, then let's get ht s

I stare after her as she heads down a rocky, snow-covered slope "She's joking, right?" I whisper to the wo"

"I don't see a trail," the brown-haired gal next to s and walks forward

I'm not so sure it does As I hesitate, I watch the brown-haired woman follow after theroup and moves to her side She stuht there to offer her a hand Ah So that's how it is Even if anted to stay behind, I' I pursethe cougher—are scooped up and carried forward

"Do you need to be carried?"

I yelp in surprise, turning as a big alien suddenly appears at uy that stares a lot He's dressedblack hair is pulled back in a tight, long braid at the back of his head, but he has a nice enough sht now as I stare up at him

"Should I carry you?" he asks again when I don't speak up "Are you injured?"

"No," I admit "Just cranky"

"Crank-ee?" He thinks for a moment "I do not have this word"

"It means I'm in a bad mood"

"Why?"