The sun sat on the artificial horizon of the city's wall, its white light almost blinding. Link kept their head ducked to avoid it, nothing to watch but their own boots - the ones they had arrived in - swinging off the back of the wagon. For long minutes only the snuffling of horses interrupted the stillness. Finally, Halley, Regiold, and the wagon's driver exited the main door.
The driver didn't spare them a glance or even a slowed step. Halley hefted their single bag onto the seat next to them, fuller than when they had arrived. Her mouth opened and closed a couple times, a tight set to her brows, but whatever she wanted to say, she never brought herself to, instead turning back toward the house. One hand at his back and the other playing on the wagon's railing, Regiold stayed a bit longer. His throat visibly worked as he swallowed.
His words were slow and measured when at last he spoke, "Understand. This, as a favor."
They didn't understand in the moment what 'this' was.
That was all they got from him. He passed by to talk to the driver, already back in his seat. Link looked down at their feet again. Leather cracked and the wagon jerked under them.