Mara had grown a great deal since she'd been discovered on board. Merry had barely known of her save for hearsay and he could see the changes already. It was if that small internal thing that made one a child had snapped in her, letting adulthood flood in and take hold.
Oh, she was still quick to smile and laugh, and had that joyful spontaneity that Morgan also had, but Merry sensed a newfound seriousness and resilience in the girl.
He was glad for it. Things could get rough in the near future, and Mara would need to be as strong as the one she so idolised.
He stole another glance at her and saw her head was nodding, her chin drooping to her chest, eyes half-closed. He gave a sharp, short whistle, and her head snapped up and she looked at him sheepishly, knowing what he was going to say
