Rating: K
Setting: After chapter 11 of The Halfling and the Vampire
Characters: Talia Xanatos, Roxanne
Relationships: None
Warnings: None
Other Tags: Slice of life, Mother-daughter bonding, No spoilers for story

Chapter 4

Piggyback ride

Roxanne took Talia to Hudson River Valley. The few leaves on the trees were orange and brown. The water rushed by. Roxanne was in her typical outfit of her leather trench coat, knee-high black boots, and orange colored glasses. Talia was in a pink poofy jacket.

"Why couldn't I wear the other one?" Talia asked.

"That one wasn't warm enough." Roxanne told her.

They hiked through the forest. The night air was blowing constantly and chilly. Owls hooted and other night creatures ran around. Roxanne had tried to take the clearest path, but there were still loose rocks and branches. Talia lagged behind as they started up the hill.

"Come on, sweetie, you can do it." Roxanne encouraged.

They made it to the top of hill. It overlooked the valley. The river looked small, a distinct outline in between trees. However, you could still hear the roar. The stars were visible behind the wispy clouds. They admired the view for good bit.

"You ready to go back, honey?" Roxanne turned to Talia.

"I don't want to walk all the way back down." She whined.

"Then how else will you get down?" Roxanne asked teasingly.

"I'm tired, Mommy." Talia told her.

Roxanne's eyes softened. "I know it was a long trip, Tai. Tell you what, I'll give you a piggyback ride."

"Really?" Talia asked.

Roxanne bent and held her arms out. Talia got closer. The vampire lifted her up. Talia squealed before wrapping her arms around Roxanne's shoulders. Roxanne let her get settled before moving. Roxanne had to readjust for the downward slope of the hill, but she carried Talia with ease. They made it down to the bottom of the hill.

"It's over already?" Talia pouted.

"Yes, Talia. Time to get off." Roxanne tried to let her down.

Talia clung to her. "No, I want more piggyback ride."

"Talia, ask nicely." Roxanne scolded.

"Pleaseee." Talia said.

"Ok, Talia. I will give you a longer piggyback ride." Roxanne sighed.

"I wanna go fast." She chirped.

"You want fast?" Roxanne smirked. "You'll get fast."

Roxanne ran. The wind rushed past their ears. Talia nuzzled her face into Roxanne's neck. They dodged the trees. Talia screamed in delight as they zoomed through the valley. Talia lost track of time. It was only due to Roxanne's good night vision that she could see Talia's face turning pink from the wind. Roxanne made her way to the parking lot. She slowed down to a walk. Talia wiggled. Roxanne let her down.

"Did you like it?" She asked.

"Yeah." Talia smiled.