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James held up a hand "You've made your point"

"She never takes naps"

He nodded sloondering what on earth he could possibly add to the conversation at that point

She let out one final h ahead at full speed Ja easy stride The distance between the to increase his speed to an easy trot when he noticed a protruding tree root up ahead

"Mind that--"

She landed on the ground, one ared bird, the other thrust forward to break her fall

"--root," he finished He rushed forward "Are you injured?"

She was shaking her head andwhile she said it, so he wasn't inclined to believe her

He crouched beside her and moved toward the hand she'd used to break her fall "How is this hand?"

"I' off the bits of dirt and gravel that had embedded in her skin

"I' that fact for rumbled, "this has to be your fault"

He couldn't hold back a surprised smile "My fault?"

"I'm not sure hohy, but if there is any fairness in this world, this is your fault"

"If it is ravity, "then I reallyto your injuries"

"I don't have--"

"I rarely take no for an answer"

With a loud sigh, she thrust her hand forward, racious, "Here"

Jaingerly bent her hand back "Oh!" she blurted out, clearly irritated with herself for showing her pain

"It didn't hurt very much," she said quickly "I'reed There was no indication of swelling "But you ought to favor the other one for a day or so And you et some ice or a cold piece of meat to put on it"

"I haven't ti to her feet "I must check on Lady Danbury"

"If she is indeed, as you worry, taking a nap, then I tend to think your fears for her escape are solared at hiently as he could, "there is no need for you to risk your own life and li her words, but she finally just shook her head and said, "You are free to make your own decisions" Then she turned on her heel and dashed away