[ Oh. Oh, that's what's going on with her feet; that's why she needs an escort or a manservant or a taxi or whatever. Seems like a really fucked choice to impose on a kid, actually — she gave them up herself implies she had a choice, but considering the magnitude of consequence and her age, did she really? No wonder she seems like she's grown up too fast — but that's neither here nor there, so the thought has to be relegated to the back of his mind. In the here and now, they are en route to help people; in the here and now, she is also vulnerable.

He glances down at her before returning his eyes to the road, hospital now within sight on the horizon. ]

Yeah, probably. [ He swallows, discomfort probably evident in his voice. It's gone when he continues. ] I mean, there'll be ways to defend yourself. Magic that can shield you, ranged attacks... You're in a tougher spot than most, but you can still keep yourself safe. Just gives you another layer of safety is all, if you don't inadvertently hold your shard out to people like that.

[ It just seemed kinda... Shit, if his shard was on his hand he wouldn't be doing it, and he can fight back pretty easily.

He steps over another out of place root, the hospital growing bigger in their lines of sight the faster they approach it. ]

We can go gloves shopping when this is all over, if you want. Most people wore them where I'm from when treating people. Might find something you like, anyway.