Introspection, and a meeting of sorts

Dawn clutched her cloak as she walked.

She was several paces behind the muscular orc and her eyes danced around her wooded surroundings, in an attempt to pay more attention than last time. But she met with limited success. Her mind was far more distracted on what had happened; or rather what had almost happened. She shivered in a combination of fear and anger as the memory of being on the trok played through her head over and over again. She could still feel the goblin behind her, still feel his hands roaming over her body freely. She fought back both tears and the urge to punch a tree trunk.

Occasionally, she'd look towards the striding orc in front of her; and the wonder of what would have happened if he hadn't rescued her came crashing down upon her. She thought about how to thank him; the words she'd said earlier seemed so empty and insufficient. But every time she opened her mouth to speak nothing came out. So they walked in silence. She didn't know for how long, it seemed to take forever and yet no time at all, but eventually they made their way back to the crossroads.

As they emerged from the forest they came upon the caravan, and her hulking companion turned to her "Stay here." He said "I'll tell you if it's safe."

Dawn simply nodded and found a large tree to slump down against. The orc moved closer to the wagons and once again Dawn was left alone with her thoughts. Her fingers fidgeted nervously as her body continued to shake, she nearly sobbed but fought back tears.

Breathe. She thought to herself. Just breathe.

Her chest heaved once, twice, three times as she struggled to calm herself. It seemed like an almost impossible task, but eventually she was able to fight back her feelings. And it happened not a moment too soon as the orc called out to her, "Come over here Dawn."

With a huff, the young healer got to her feet and made her way towards the orc and the person he was talking to. As she approached though, her pace slowed, the individual in question was... A RAPTOR!? Dawn was beginning to question her rationale of blindly following this orc when she heard the hoof-fall of a horse. With a glance to her side she saw an elf riding up to meet the small gathering. And the three started talking about something, but as Dawn came within earshot she heard a mention of Southmarch.

"I'm Dawn." she said, clumsily introducing herself. "I-I'm on my way to Southmarch. M-" she offered before stopping herself. She was very aware that she didn't really know any of these people and it probably would be wise not to reveal too much about herself. "I have business there."

The elf woman gave her a once over and said, "Marinelle, pleased to meet you. And I like your armor, very stylish."

"T-thank you." Dawn stammers, happy for the compliment, but upset at herself for being so. Especially at that moment. "If you all are also headed to Southmarch, I know there's an inn not far down the road. I..." Dawn paused thinking about how much information she should volunteer "...used to do some trading there when I was younger."

The others continued on for a moment before the orc started wheezing and then he leaned heavily against the wagon.

"A-are you alright?" Dawn asked legitimately concerned, her companion's sudden affliction shook her out of her occupied mind and brought all of her healing instruction to the forefront of her thoughts. Feeling like she was waking up from a fog she only now noticed the survivors of the caravan.

"I'm fine." Kal said between breaths. "Just need a minute."

"O-okay." Dawn said before noticing the wound in the elven woman's leg. "I might be able to do something about that if you'd like," Dawn offered, "And I'd also like to check on the passengers, see if they need my help."

And also if they know anything about the disappearances around Southmarch. Dawn thought to herself.