Chapter 3. The Woman
"Child, what are you doing?!" A strange goat-like woman stood on the pathway.
"Evil flower! Run!" Paolo quickly stopped running when she saw the expression on the woman's face.
"Child, stand behind me. NOW!" Paolo jerked herself behind the woman. Flowey was popping up and going down closer and closer, but froze when he saw the woman. He pulled himself underground, and didn't pop up again.
"What a horrible creature, torturing such a poor, innocent child. My name is Toriel. I am the guardian of the Ruins." Toriel gently rubbed Paolo's head.
"Toriel? That's a nice name. My name is Paolo." Paolo hugged her legs. "Thank you for saving me."
"Of course, child. I am surprised you got away at that point, though."
"I slid under them and then ran to you."
"Ah. I see." Toriel had a thoughtful look on her face. "Follow me dear. I will guide you through the Ruins."
"The Ruins? You live here?" Paolo gestured to the white columns and violet walls.
"Yes. I have lived here for a long time."
"Where did you live before?"
"I do not wish to talk about it, my child."
"But-"
"That is enough." Toriel spoke with ice in her voice. After that, Paolo shut up. On that topic, anyway.
"So, what's that?"
"That is a switch, my chi-"
"What's that?"
"A bridge, dea-"
"What about that?"
"Paolo, you must let me finish my sente-"
"What's that over there?"
"Child, please let me finish my-"
"Ooh! What's that?"
"Slow down dea-"
"That looks cool! What is it?"
"Child, let me finis-"
"What about that thingy?"
"I will answer if you let me finish my-"
"How about that over ther-"
"Paolo that is ENOUGH! Calm down child!"
"Sorry," Paolo lowered her head in minor shame.
"That's quite alright dear. I simply lack the energy to keep up with you."
"Ok... Mom." Paolo skipped ahead as Toriel stood in stunned silence.