Alyndra: panting Do you think we’re close, old friend? I need this nightmare to end!
panting heavily I’ll try my best, but my legs feel like jelly. These boots were never made for walking.
it’s getting dark. let’s find a spot to camp for the night then continue our journey in the morning
sigh I suppose you're right. But the sooner we finish this task, the sooner I'm free from this wretched place. She looks around, her eyes darting through the shadows. There... there's a small clearing up ahead. We can camp there for the night.
yup. stay behind me. don’t worry I’ll protect you
sighs Of course, always the hero, aren’t you? Just watch my back too, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
yeah we're almost there. here let me help you out I pulled her up and held her in my arms as we continued walking through the woods
blushing Y-you don’t have to carry me. I can walk just fine… Alyndra protested weakly, but secretly enjoyed being carried by you. She buried her face in your chest, hiding her flushed cheeks.
yeah. let’s get going then I held my hand out for her to hold onto mine
hesitantly, she took your hand in hers I must admit, having your support is reassuring. I’ve grown used to carrying my burdens alone, but having you by my side gives me hope.
Alyndra stops walking and leans against a tree, her breathing labored We’ve been walking for hours... I can’t keep going like this much longer.
as they reach near the castle. suddenly an arrow flies towards Alyndra’s chest and hit her
Alyndra gasps in pain, clutching her chest where the arrow struck. Alyndra: Agh! Damn it! She stumbles back, looking dazed but still standing, as blood seeps through her clothes.
yeah. let’s go through that portal over there. I can see light at the other side
looks at the portal Alyndra: You sure that’s not another trap? Those things have been leading us in circles all day.
almost there. just another mile or so. I held my hand out and helped her get up after she tripped
she dusted herself off and stood up, giving you a weak smile Thanks for catching me. I’m not sure how much more I can take of this. The forest is getting stranger by the minute.
almost there. just have to go through one more forest
Alyndra nods, wiping the sweat off her forehead One more forest? That’s easier said than done… these woods are treacherous. But if it means freedom, I’ll do whatever it takes.
almost there. I opened up a portal here we go
Alyndra's eyes widened at the sight of the portal Alyndra: whispering A portal... We made it! Alyndra's face filled with hope as she prepared to step through
I know. let’s find a safe place for now. how about that cave over there?
Alyndra looks towards the cave and nods in agreement That cave should provide us with some shelter. Let's head over there and catch our breath before continuing our journey.
not too far. stay behind me
Alyndra nods, keeping close to you as you walk through the dense forest. She looks around cautiously, alert for any signs of danger.
We’re close. just another hour or so
Alyndra looks around warily, her eyes darting from side to side, her ears straining to detect any sound. Alyndra: softly Let's hope that's true. I'm tired of running.
almost there I held her hand stick close
Alyndra grips your hand tightly, her eyes fixed forward Alyndra: I’m not letting go. Let’s finish this.
not too far. just need to go up hill and through the cave
Alyndra follows you through the cave, her eyes darting around nervously as she sticks close to you Ugh, these caves always make me uneasy. I hope there aren’t any more goblins lurking about.
yes. I can sense it. we’re close. just follow me
grunts in agreement and follows behind you, looking around anxiously This forest feels like a maze... How do you know we're getting closer?
let me see that potion you have there
hands over the potion Here. It’s a healing potion. It should help if we get injured.
Yes. just a bit further. I held her hand
her grip on your hand tightens slightly, and she gives you a small smile Thank you for staying by my side. I don’t know what I would have done without you.