She nearly tripped when Penny turned. The soft, quizzical look in Penny’s eyes and her gentle question sent tremors of fear through the dragon. How could she be so careless? Era mentally berated herself as her face fell to an uncertain blank. The easiest thing to do now would to say that yes, she had been riding and hit a tree. Only, she didn’t own a horse. She never had. Even if she were to claim that the horse had run off or been stolen, it wouldn’t work. All Penny need do was ask her about riding; Era wouldn’t have the least idea of what to say.
Recalling how she had managed to frighten Penny’s horse without even knowing it, Era dejectedly replied, “I don’t seem to have much luck with horses.” Perhaps her tone or the accompanying pout would prevent further questions, but she wasn’t certain. To be on the safe-side, she redirected. “It really is very kind of you to show me the way. I do not think I would like wandering very far by myself.” She thought of the hunter. “There are so many people here.” Her gaze flicked over the oblivious villagers - all potential threats.