She made her way down the mountain, this time using the northern path down. Her new hiking boots making the journey much more comfortable.
She travelled for two whole days without any incidents occuring.
She was walking on an overgrown path in a forest when she was attacked by a giant werebear.
She tried to run but her short legs could not carry her far.Thr werebear let out a loud growl causing Charlotte to trip and fall. Her body froze up and closed her eyes as countless thoughts went through her head.
" Is this it?"
"Am I going to die here?"
"Was she not going to be able to accomplish her goals?"
"Was her survival meaningless?"
She braced herself for pain as she heard the sound of flesh tearing. But it never came.
When she opened her eyes she saw a beautiful elvish lady clad in light armor struggling to pull out a sword from the lifeless body of the werebear.
When she finally managed to get it out she turned her attention to Charlotte.
"Hey kid! It's dangerous to be alone in these parts. Where are your parents?" She spoke with concern but Charlotte decided to remain quite as she looked down
"I see...."
" Where are you going kid?? Maybe we can travel together if we're going in the same direction. I'm traveling to the northern border to get some rare plants that can only be found there."
Charlotte nodded indicating that she was traveling in the same direction.
" Wait up!"a voice came from behind the lady.
A group of what looked like mercenaries came running up making Charlotte feel uncomfortable.
"Stop leaving us behind Ruth.'" a gruff looking man growled.
"I'm sorry, I just saw this kid in trouble and came to help." Said the elf.
"Again with the charity work. " One of them commented.
"It's called being a nice person. Now we will all be nice people and help this kid go north."spoke Ruth.
All the mercenaries began to voice their complaints but Ruth shut them down.
" You better not slow us down kid."one of the mercenaries spoke harshly.
Charlotte began traveling with the mercenary group practically running to keep up with their pace.
Ruth apologized many times about their fast pace and explained that they were in a rush so they could not slow down.
In the weeks that followed Charlotte became quite close to Ruth. Ruth taught her some basic fighting and survival skills. Charlotte even became comfortable enough to speak a few words with Ruth though they were only basic sentences.
Charlotte's nightmares remained the same but Ruth's gentle voice helped her get the rest she needed and became an oasis for her.
They were only one day away from a northern border town when disaster struck.