*Norah*
Home. I had expected River to tell his brothers that he'd meet them at a hideout. I never expected him to talk about home as though it is a place of fond memories and love.
I hear his brothers' horses galloping away shortly after River urges his own into a dust-rising pace. We don't travel long before I notice the horse straining to work its way up. I can't be certain if we are ascending a rise, a hill, or a small mountain. I only know that the terrain forces me to sink into River. I wish he weren't so tantalizing... that he could make me want to recoil instead of immersing myself more deeply into the sturdiness he offers.
The horse gains its footing at the top of the climb. River dismounts and helps me down. I no longer stiffen at his touch.
"Walk around, señorita. We will be
