"We'll follow the road until it forks, and then follow the river from there. We should be able to avoid any bandits if we take that path." Camilla was staring intently at a map as they walked.
"Are you sure we shouldn't just follow the river from here?" Aurora pointed at a spot closer to where they currently were. "It seems like a better choice to me."
"Well normally it would be, but that's bear territory and they just finished hibernating. It's too dangerous for just the two of us. We'll just have to go around instead." She rolled the map up and stored it in her makeshift knapsack. "You packed everything you need right?"
"Of course I did. Enough supplies for at least 2 days. I would have preferred to have more though." Aurora adjusted her belt to make sure it wasn't loose before checking the latch on her dagger's holster. Good everything seems snug.
She looked down at her new clothes. A green tight fitting blouse, brown leather pants and a simple leather vest complete with brown knee high boots and black stockings. She also carried a bow and quiver slung over her back and leather gloves hung from her waist, an addition to protect her fingers while hunting.
Camilla was wearing a similar outfit but with a blue shirt, a skirt, and a chain mail vest. Aurora found herself staring a little too long, only coming to her senses with something passed in front of her face. It was Camilla waving her hand in front of her, an exasperated sigh escaping her lips.
"Are you okay? You were out of it for a moment there."
"Yeah. Yeah. It's no issue. I'm good now." She tugged on Camilla's wrist, pulling her forward. "We have to make good use of the daylight!"
Camilla allowed herself to get pulled along, enjoying the warmth of the sunbeams shining through the trees. They continued on the path until they stopped hearing the chirping of birds. They both stopped and drew their weapons immediately, Camilla stepping in front of Aurora and placing her short shield in front of her.
A trio of devil wolves stepped out in front of them, growling and foaming at the mouth.
"Careful Camilla. Something is wrong with them." Aurora took aim at the farthest one, waiting for them to approach.
"Dont worry i noticed. They are likely mutating somehow. Don't let them bite you. We have no idea what could happen if they do."
"Copy that! I got your rear covered." She let the arrow she was holding loose as soon as the wolves charged. It struck the smallest one in the eye, going through and piercing its brain. It stumbled for a few steps before it tripped over itself, falling in front of the one near it and knocking it over.
The last one leapt at Camilla who thrust her shield forward, striking it in the face. She followed up by twirling her body to the side and swinging her sword in a downward arc, decapitating it in one strike. The last wolf finally rose only to be struck in its rear leg and flank by three arrows.
It attempted to crawl away as Camilla sauntered over and finished it off. Her eyes scanned the woods, wary of any more hiding for another ambush. Once she was sure the fight was over she waved at Aurora and headed towards the river. Aurora made her way over as she sheathed her bow and drew her dagger.
"Well at least we should have no issue gathering food as needed. We got lucky it was only three of them huh, Camilla?"
Camilla began washing the blood off her sword in the river. "Let's pray the goddesses continue to bless us during the rest of our journey."
Aurora turned away with a frown on her face. The goddesses…eh. As if they have ever blessed us. "I'll go dress the carcasses."
Camilla looked over her shoulder, "Just wait a moment, I can come help you."
"It's fine. Just keep me covered. I'll be done in a moment." She reached the first wolf and began to carefully skin the pelt off. She then moved to the teeth and claws. After she finished doing that to all three she moved to cutting the meat off the bones.
Camilla helped her pack up everything after Aurora finished and they continued their journey. They continued walking without further incidents until arriving at the fork in the road. A carriage was surrounded by a group of 15 humans locked in combat with each other.
"Uh, Camilla. Should we even help them? The guards seem to be winning just fine. They also might accuse us of being with them." Aurora's eyes flicked back and forth between the fight and her companion.
Camilla scratched her chin, weighing her choices. "We should just wait for them to pass. As much as I hate looting corpses, the attackers might have items we need right now."
Aurora nodded in response, "Alright. It shouldn't take long for them to finish them off." They sat down next to the road, not bothering to hide. Once the fight ended the leader of the guards spotted them and rode over on his horse, aiming his sword at them.
"Identify yourselves! If you refuse to comply I'll cut you down where you stand." Three additional guards joined in surrounding the duo.
"How bothersome. Couldn't you just leave well enough alone. You know full well we aren't with them." Aurora motioned towards the corpses.
"I said identify yourselves! The next word from you that isn't your name will be your last."
"And I said it's none of your buisi-" Her words were cut off as Camilla clamped her hand over her mouth.
"My name is Camilla Dawnblade sir. This stubborn fool next to me is the Lady of the Frostwind family. I serve as her guard on our journey to Southtale."
"THE FROSTWIND FAMILY?! Are you certain?!" The captain's doubt was evident in his tone. He dismounted and approached Aurora, scrutinizing her before backing away and kneeling down. He placed one arm on his knee and the other across his chest to his shoulder. "Forgive this discourtesy I have shown you. If you wish, we can offer you an escort to Southtale."
"Sir, there's no need to kneel to me. Please get up! I'm just the daughter of merchants, not nobles." Aurora tried in vain to make him stand. After a few more attempts she huffed and gave up. "Fine. I suppose I could…forgive you. Just this once!"
"My thanks Lady Aurora. Shall we get moving then? It's a long journey ahead and daylight is fading fast." He stood and gestured towards the carriage. "Please climb aboard and please be mindful of Her Ladyship."
Ladyship? A noble perhaps? Seems I'll need to watch my tongue. Camilla stopped just before entering. "Aurora, go ahead. I need to ask the Captain something. I won't be long."
"Oh…Sure." Aurora waved before she entered the carriage and took a seat. As she looked up her eyes fell upon a stunning young lady. From her shoulder length pink hair and golden eyes, to her porcelain color skin and her bizarre purple attire resembling that of a witch. She even wore a starry wide brimmed witch hat atop her head.
"It's quite rude of you to be staring. Don't you think so, Miss adventurer?" The girl closed one eye as she flicked open a fan and covered her face.
Aurora waved her hands in front of her, "I do apologize M'lady, it was not my intention to do so. I was just stunned to meet such a beautiful human." Her cheeks began to burn as she spoke.
"Is that so? Well I shouldn't be surprised you haven't met one before." She snapped her fan shut and pointed it at Aurora. "I suppose introductions are required, no? After all, it seems we will be company for a few days. You shall serve as my conversation partner to alleviate my boredom. Rejoice, I shall reward you well if you do a good job."
Aurora stared awkwardly at her for a few moments before finally answering. "Thank you for your wonderful offer."
"Think nothing of it. Now, your name?" It was at this moment that Camilla entered and took a seat as well. "And your companions as well."
"This is Camilla, my guard and friend. I am Aurora."
"No last name?" She raised her eyebrow.
"Uh it's Frostwind, Aurora Frostwind."
"I see. My name is Mel, sole daughter of Southtale's city lord. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She held out her hand which Aurora shook.
"Likewise, Lady…Mel?" Aurora said with uncertainty.
"Just Mel. I am not strict on formalities, even less so towards my family's benefactors Aurora."
Benefactors? Does she mean my parents? But…Why? Too many questions without answers. Seems I should speak with this city lord if I get the chance. She pushed those thoughts aside as the group halted in a clearing as night approached.
"Seems this is far as we could make it today huh? A bit behind plan. Stupid thieves." The trio exited the carriage together. "Well, let us meet again tomorrow. Rest up while you can." With that Mel walked away and the duo was left to find sleeping accommodations for themselves.
The night passed without incident and the group resumed their journey, arriving near the city several days later.
"Aurora, Camilla. Thank you for joining me on this journey. It's unfortunate we must part here. I pray we meet again soon."
"I'm sure we will one day. Farewell, and good luck Mel." The groups went their separate ways, Aurora and Camilla continuing on towards the main gate.