Chapter 3. A Woman
A strange goat woman appeared in the doorway.
Flowey happened to look back at just the moment she arrived, and gasped. He pulled himself underground and the pellets disappeared.
"My child, are you alright?"
Clara squinted. "I'm fine. Just a little hurt."
The woman rushed over, kneeled down, and gave Clara a hug. "Do not worry, child. I will heal you." Green sparks floated through the air.
"My name is Toriel. I am the guardian of the RUINS. Please, let me be your guide."
She stood up and reached out her hand.
Clara hesitated for a ling while before reaching out to take it. "Alright. I trust you."
Toriel summoned all her willpower to keep from squealing like a schoolgirl. "Oh, thank you so much, my child! Come, walk with me."
They walked through a violet-colored land together.
"Do you see those puzzles? And that dummy? Once you get settled in, I will teach you about them."
Clara nodded carefully. She was focused on absorbing information about her surroundings.
"You know, you are not the first human to fall here."
Clara's ears perked up as she focused on the words.
"There was another one, maybe fifty years ago. Her name was Paolo." Toriel let out a sad sigh before continuing. "I never knew if she made it out alive."
"What do you mean?" Clara asked, concerned.
"Oh, well, it is an interesting story. I suppose I could tell you."