Donald
"Agreed. And those who work for it."

*Ling thinks for a bit, standing up and putting pressure on her leg.*

"A question. How far is the nearest town?"
Shelley
"About... A mile away. Horseback, it'd be half an hour or so. On foot, and limping..."
*He grimaced again, the thought returning - seeming more like an imperative than a courtesy now. The centaur bit his lip as he continued, his voice shallow as he continued to mull over the decision as he asked*
"Would you like me to carry you back? It's the least I can do for injuring you in the first place."
Donald
"Oh, crap."

*A mile. Normally, she would be able to walk. However, her leg was injured. Combined with the fact that the forest wasn't exactly a paved dirt path, and that would cause it to lengthen the journey even further.*

"Oh, you would do that? Thanks! I thought centaurs didn't like to be ridden."
Shelley
*The grimaced once more, thinking best he explained himself, before she had any odd ideas about his intent.*
"Not 'we don't like it', more that it is a very... Important decision. Those who ride centaurs have deep bonds with both the tribes and the individual - a sort of inclusion of the family. Heroes of old would only ride centaurs that had become their greatest ally... But needs must, and I owe you a favour..."
*He stood up, slowly trotting over to her gracefully, lowering herself in front of her - offering her a hand, hoping she wouldn't just jump onto his back.*