Chapter Three: Fated Meetings
Nikki had been traveling for hours, mostly running, before she reached a stream where she was fairly sure she had lost the search party. Nikki sat down and took off her high heels and massaged her sore feet. Sighing she noted the hem of her gown was torn and dirty as was most of the skirt to her gown. Digging through her pack she pulled out her flat heeled boots and some comfier clothes. Finding an enclosed, somewhat shady area, changed into some black cloth pants and a black wrap around top, with three-quarter sleeves, that left some of her stomach showing, not much though.
Going back to the stream she splashed some water on her face before stuffing her dress and high heels into her pack and pulled out her blanket. Laying the blanket on the ground, still folded, she used it as a pillow and stared at the stars, absently naming constellations.
~*~
8 year old Nikki and her father are laying on the roof of the manor. Nicholas is pointing out different contellations.
"What's this Daddy?" Nikki asked, "It's pretty." She held up the heart shaped locket with a rose intricately engraved on the cover for him to see, "I just found it."
"It's yours. Happy Birthday Nicolet." Nicholas smiled when he saw Nikki's face light up in joy. She jumped up and hugged him as hard as her little body could.
"Thank you Daddy!"
"Your welcome honey."
~*~
Nikki was snapped out of her reverie when she heard a twig snap behind her. In an instant she was up and facing the man who attacked her earlier.
"Crying? I didn't realize you scared so easily. I was hoping you might pose at least a little challenge." The man sneered at her.
"Shove it Asshole." She replied wiping the tears out of her eyes, and cursed silently realizing she was crying.
"Such a mouth. Not at all fit for a lady of your status. Too bad I don't have any soap with me."
"You look like you haven't been near soap in the last oh 100 years." Nikki taunted ducking a swing that was aimed at her. She ducked another. She jumped up and grabbed the branch above her. Pulling back a bit to get some momentum going. She kicked the oncoming man in the face with both her feet and knocked him to the ground. Letting go of the branch she dropped to the ground and grabbed her bag before running like a bat out of hell.
~*~
Nikki had only been running for a couple minutes before she tripped over an upturned root.
"Damnit!" She cursed and pulled herself up. She heard hard, quick footsteps behind her. She took off running again.
"Get back here you little bitch!" She heard the man call to her. She picked up her speed.
About a minute later she saw the light from a campfire through the bushes, 'PEOPLE!' she thought excitedly before realizing she could place them in danger, 'Well, CRAP!' She took a detour and ran around the campsite keeping sure not to be seen.
"WHERE ARE YOU!?" She heard him call again. Momentarily losing her equilibrium she stumbled again. And this time into a man.
"Whoa! Are you OK?" The oriental looking man asked helping her up.
"Yea…I'm fine…just got a little distracted…sorry." Nikki apologized and started to get out of his sight before running again.
"Are you sure your OK? You look a little winded…" The man asked looking a little worried. Nikki realized she couldn't hear the footsteps of the man anymore.
Nikki shrugged, "Yea..I'm sure."
The man gave her a weird wlook but conceded, "OK."
'THAT CAMP!' Nikki suddenly realized why she couldn't hear the man's footsteps behind her anymore. "I got to go…" She said before running off in the direction of the camp.