Friends with Baernefits

[Suggested song for this chapter: Toxic, by Britney Spears]

*BACK AT THE MARKETS*

Baer forced his way through the crowds, hunting for the small woman. Being six foot three helped him see over the heads of almost everyone there.

The head shawls and veils made it particularly difficult, and for the life of him, he couldn't remember what colour Opal was wearing.

Finally, he saw a woman huddled against one of the sandstone buildings that flanked the marketplace. He caught a flash of her eyes. There she was!

He hurried over. "Opal," he called to her.

She looked at the big man striding over to her, relief written all over her face.

"Are you okay?" he crouched down beside her and peered into her eyes.

She nodded gratefully, tears springing to her eyes. He stood up and pulled her against his chest, wrapping her in a bear hug.