Mira's laughter was the first sound to break the stillness of the fruit-tree forest.
"Higher, Erian!" she shouted, pointing to a branch heavy with golden fruit.
Erian was perched on the trunk of a tree, not very tall, but thick enough that he had to balance carefully. One foot rested on a low branch and the other a little higher, his arms spread to keep from falling.
The warm air made his tunic cling to his skin, and the rough bark scraped his palms. He looked toward where Mira was pointing and gauged the distance. It wasn't far, but far enough to make him hesitate.
With a sigh, he slowly stretched his arm, trying not to move too much.
"If I fall, you'll all have to carry me to the infirmary," he said.
"Don't be such a baby!" Tessa called up from below, holding the basket of fruit with a mischievous grin. "You're taller and stronger than we are, that's why it's your job!"
Liriel watched the scene with amusement.
"We could just use a ladder…" she murmured.
