"Mari, why are there no people?"
Arya looked at the streets of the Capital in disappointment. She was hoping to get to see the market stalls and all the people hurrying about that her mother had described. She had expected to see the bright colors of the market stalls, maybe some children playing nearby, or even a street performer.
However, her expectations had been shattered by the stark reality of the barren state of everything around them. This was supposed to be the highlight of her trip. What was the point of this stupidly long trip otherwise? She felt hot tears fall down her face.
Marietta patted her head and wrapped her arm around her. Ember lay in a makeshift box lined with soft blankets. He had grown used to the carriage, and the potions to stabilize his condition left him weaker and sleepier than usual. Marietta moved Arya onto her lap and smoothed down her hair.
