Self-consciously, Fern laughs a little and strokes her free hand over his narrow nose. "I named him when I was seven and he was still a foal," she admits and tips her head to rest against the forelock of mane falling between his ears.

"I'm Ciri," the Warden replies, introducing herself, and recalls Fern to her manners. What sort of person introduces their mule first?

"Oh--I'm Fern," she says, blushing from embarrassment, but still finds her eyes drawn back to Ciri's armour. After a moment, she says, "You're with the Wardens, aren't you?"