I do not own Undertale

Sitting inside a silent room, sat at a computer. Quietly, it remained on the desk, among a collection of knick-knacks and models, all depicting numerous gaming icons. Yet at the moment, their identity remained skewed, the room's current dark state leaving only the imagination to figure out what they truly looked like to be wondered about.

Yet, even as things sat quietly in place, unmoving and still, did the patter of feet tap away outside the door. The doorknob jiggled, and in came a person, tossing their bag to the side and letting out a deep breath. They pulled out their chair, sat down and began to boot up the computer. Screen flashing on, bathing areas in light. Fingers clicked away at the keyboard, mouse clicking away to log in and not too soon after, scroll around and click on a red heart Icon that sat on the desktop.

With a gasp, a teenage girl sat up, and quickly regretted sitting up as she groaned out in pain and placed a hand to her slightly bleeding head. Laying back down at the near thumping of pain that hammered away and hiss at the sensation. Slowly this time, she sat up, feeling stiff and achy. A lone question of what had happened, flashing through her mind.

After a moment, trying to just push the pain aside, did she reach a hand up, fixing her glasses that had been askew on her face. With more of her sight clearing up, she saw darkness all around, the only true light seeming to come from above and highlight the bed of yellow flowers she was now on. Blue eyes searching the area, she found a few of her things, scattered about. One look up, and she saw a very high ceiling- if not hole. One where the light filtered in through. And while squinting up, she could see her bag, high up and stuck on something.

She gave the longest of stairs up at her bag, far out of reach. Only a small corner wondering, how was she alive? How was it she was down here? What had happened?

Taking slow breaths, she rubbed her head, grimacing at the slick sticky feeling of her slightly bleeding head. After a moment, she was able to get her mind straight. Get the facts she had… embarrassingly enough, tripped and fell during the School hike over the infamous Ebott Mountain. A notorious place her classmates would make ghost stories about people vanish and never be seen or heard from again.

But, that wasn't what happened. She just… fell down a deep hole. People would figure out she was here, right? Especially the girls she was hiking with, they would notice her missing, right? and if not them, then the Teachers would. They were responsible for her and the others being safe, so, they would notice she wasn't with the others? Right?

Taking a gulp, she slowly got up and tried to keep her balance. Her head was still pounding away with pain that only slightly faded. Slowly, she began to search for anything of hers. Though all she could find were some of her papers, a notepad and her sketchbook.

One look up, and she figured that her water bottle, lunch, and a few other choice things were still in her bag. Stuck what looked to be hundreds of feet up. Then, her eyes lit up. Her phone, she could just snap out her phone and call for help! And with that thought, rushed her hand to her pocket- that felt empty. Quickly, she searched her other pocket, it wasn't like she placed it there some times, right? But it wasn't there. Her mind scrambled, trying to think, where was it? Where did she have it last?

Then felt herself reminded of when she tripped, and gramanced. She was holding it when she tripped. It must have fallen from her hand when she was reading a text from her mother about dinner plans later that evening. Taking a breath, she focused on trying to relax. Maybe the phone dropped someplace nearby? The thought was comforting and she began to search the flowerbed more thoroughly. Finding a few pencils, a sharpener and even her keys for the house that must have also fallen out of her not-so-deep pockets.

But after searching for a few minutes, she eventually found her phone. Unfortunately to her despair, it wasn't in the best condition. She walked off the flower bed and gramanced at the shattered screen, reaching down and looking it over. The inner rubber case looked battered a little, the hard outer-case nowhere in sight. But from the looks of it? It landed with it's screen down and broke from there. To make matters worse, it sat in a puddle, and the water looked to have seeped into the cracks. She picked the thing up, pressed the button below, hoping it would work. But nothing.

Sighing in resignation, she thought about dropping it. It didn't work, and the only thing left were basically her notepad, sketchbook and a few pencils with a sharpener. So, after a thought she gave the phone a few flicks, trying to rid it of water and pocketed it in her slacks.

After that, she turned and went about getting any other loose papers that had scattered about during the fall, and went about organizing her things. Mind almost numbly wondering what to do now. Though as she slowly sat, opening her sketchbook and organizing her things, did she look over the strange hole she was in again.

Squinting, she noted iddily, that there were pillars. How did she miss those before? Granted the pounding in her head had gone down, and now that she wasn't overtly panicking? She could see that there were indeed structures. Almost roman like? She wasn't sure, but the way they looked implied it just about. While she pondered this, and stared up at her bag still far out of reach, did she hear a gasp.

Surprised, she turned and locked eyes with a figure in the darkness. Book snapping closed, she held it before her, in vain hopes it would protect her from the stranger. But instead, she heard a women speak gently, "I'm sorry, I did not mean to startle you, child." getting her to relax a moment. "I am simply… surprised." Walking forwards.

Getting closer, the teen girl began to pick out more details of the women, and the first thing that came to mind, was they were not human. First the furry feet, then the slight muzzle like face, followed by the small horns and white fur wearing a purple dress. She blinked at the goat-like… women, smiling kindly while holding a basket in her arms. "Hello, child. I am Toriel, keeper of the Ruins."

After a moment of hesitation, still unsure how to process what she was seeing, the girl spoke, "E-Elzia." and it took a moment for her to find her voice. "I… what are you?" She didn't want to sound rude, but the sight of an anthropomorphic goat women was… off setting almost.

"Oh, you do not know?" Toriel asked before saying, "well, child, I am a Monster." Further confusing the teen. "I am not surprised you do not know what I am. Monster Kind hasn't been to the surface in centuries." Then considered the place they were in, "or, possibly more."

A moment of silence stretched on, and goat women, Toriel, spoke once more. "Are you alright, child?" walking up and somewhat kneeling down. "Humans are not commonplace down here, and I can only assume that you had fallen." and glanced her eyes over Elzia's person. Locking onto the slightly dried blood near the girl's head. "Did you hit your head?"

"I think?" Admitted Elzia. "Things are a little… fuzzy. The last thing I remember is tripping and falling before…" Still unsure about this strange situation.

Toriel gave a nod, and held a somewhat sizable furry hand out. "Here, allow me to help." And while the human wasn't so sure about it? She slowly took the hand, allowing the women to help her up. She nearly flinched when the same hand was used to touch her head, but it vanished to a warm, pleasant feeling.

After a moment, Toriel asked, "Is that better?"

Blinking, Elzia brought her hand to her head, not feeling the same pounding pain that had been plaguing her since she had woken up. Looking up, Eliza admitted, "yes. I am." And scrunched her face up. "What… what did you do?"

"I used a little healing magic, my Child." Toriel explained, and once more getting the teenager a little confused and shocked. "It's a little something we Monsters know how to use." Adding on, "come, allow me to show you around the Runes."

Still not sure about this, Eliza said, "but… I can't leave. People will look for me." So it confused her when Toriel sighed and looked away.

"I am afraid that… may not happen, Eliza." The monster women not making eye contact for a good while before facing the girl again. "The hole you fell through, it's not an exit. Only an unfortunate pitfall into the Underground. Where you now stand." Looking up, Toriel went on. "I come here every day to tend to the flowers here. And check to see if any of your kind had also fallen down."

A little surprised, Elzia asked, "you mean… people have fallen down here?" starting to get an odd feeling about those ghost stories her classmates would make or tell.

"Yes." Nodded Toriel. "You are not the first. And what keeps us all here, is an old magic. The Barrier. Sealing monster kind down here." Turning her eyes to Elzia before saying, "please, come with me. I can explain everything back at my home." Turing and apparently, leading.

Elzia made a face, looking from the hole she fell through, to the 'Monster' that had… helped her in a sense. Trying to figure out what to do. But, without any clue or direction, she decided to follow. She wasn't sure about trusting this creature named Toril. But Elzia wasn't sure of what else she could do at the moment.

So, with some hesitation, she began to follow. Taking steps into the slight darkness and keeping a bit close to Toriel. While they roamed the darkened halls, only dimly lit for the most part, Elzia took a moment to really look around. The sight of everything was… well, nothing she would call impressive. Vines overgrown areas. Ruins were scattered about. Stone work cracked and aged.

After a while, Elzia asked, "why are the monsters down here. You said you were… trapped down here." Still not sure how to feel about that bit of information. Even more now that she was thinking about it.

For a moment, Toriel was quiet, but she soon told, "at one time, we lived on the surface with humans. Both our kingdoms living at peace." Seeming a little somber. "But, humans grew fearful of us Monsters, and because of it, sparked a war that pushed us underground, killing many of us in the process."

Breathing in, Toriel told the human by her side. "You see, my Child, monsters are made of magic. And our souls in turn, are very fragile. Our bodies can not withstand the intent of harm, and when enough is done to us? We die. Turning to dust."

Making a face, Elzia said, "but… that doesn't make sense. If you can be hurt so easily… why were they scared of you?" Going on, "was it because of your magic?"

"Humans too, could use magic." Toriel told, "or, at least in the past they could." And shook her head. "No, their fear came by the fact that we monsters could absorb the soul of a human." Nearly making Elzia stop in her walking. "Unlike a monster soul, which perishes after death? A human's soul is resilient. Maintaining itself for a while even after death. And it is at this time, when a monster may take it. And in doing so? Become powerful. And that is what human's fear from us."

Now a little weary, and confused at the aspect of souls being a thing, Elzia carefully asked. "And… did monsters…?"

"A few, a very long time ago, might have." Toriel admitted. "But now, with some desperate to free us? Many might." Seeming to tell Elzia, "do not fear, child. I will protect you. I do not wish for an innocence like you, to be harmed."

To that, Elzia asked, "how can I trust you?" She wasn't dumb. Toriel was a complete stranger. How could she be sure this 'Monster' wouldn't do something underhanded when she wasn't looking? There were enough dangerous people in the world. Hearing that monsters were at war with humans, or a few might try to kill her for her 'soul' didn't assure her.

Stopping, Toriel gave the teen a look. And likewise, Elzia stopped and continued to give a doubtful gaze through her glasses. After a long pause, Toriel gave a sigh and spoke, "I only ask that you give me a chance, Child. To give me a chance, that I mean well."

Taking time to think it over, Elzia asked, "you said other humans fell down here… what happened to them?"

Toriel didn't look like she wanted to answer, but she eventually said, "they left." And once more began to walk. Elzia falling in step as the women told on. "They wished to leave. Much like you no doubt wish to. But despite my warnings, they left the ruins, hoping to escape with the use of their soul. But… they never made it. They all died to the other monsters wishing to get out."

With a tense breath in, Toriel spoke on. "Asgor. King of Monster kind, has declared war on Human kind. And after that decree, any human that wanders down here, is killed." And once more looked to Elzia. "Do you now understand, Child? Why you should not leave and why I ask for your trust?"

Making a face, Elzia asked, "and even though you knew what would happen… you still let them leave?"

"Not all left by my knowing." Toriel admitted a bit shamefully. "Some… left when I was not vigilant enough. They're deaths are the hardest, as I only find out later about their demise. And it was all my fault, for not watching out for them when they decided to try and escape this place on their own."

"And this way out?" Asked on Elzia. "What makes it different?" Seeing as the hole she fell through was apparently, not really an exit.

Breathing in, Toriel continued to explain. "The Barrier, the true front of the prison that holds us down here. It is the only true way out of here. But no one monster can leave. Only with a human soul, could we leave. But Asgor wishes to have enough human souls, to shatter the barrier."

Again, they went quite in thought. And while they were quite, Toriel continued to lead, going into a small room-like hall that apparently had an old dummy in it. While there, Toriel glanced and spoke, "if you don't mind, Child. I would like to take a moment to stop and talk to you about how things work down here."

Slowly nodding, Elzia asked, "before that… can I ask, do you have to call me… 'child' all the time?" Not sure if she liked being called that all the time. She told the women her name after all.

However, Toriel blushed and spoke, "oh, I am sorry." Smiling almost sheepishly, "it is an… old habit of mine when addressing youth like yourself. If it makes you comfortable however." Smiling in a sunny manner, "I can refer to you by your name, Elzia."

"Thanks. I'd like that." nodded the girl before asking, "so… what did you want to talk to me about?" And spared the dummy a look.

"It is about the Monsters in the Runes, that will no doubt attack you due to our… current state with humanity." Toriel told. And Elzia began to understand. She might have to protect herself if Toriel wasn't around. "When you meet a monster, it will cause an event known as an 'Encounter'. It is a state where a magical field, mostly made by monsters, overtakes an area and all combatants."

Seeming to understand more and more, Elzia asked, "and you want me to practice with the dummy?"

"Yes." perked Toriel happily. And while Elzia walked up, considering how to fight the dummy, Toriel told, "when one of these encounters happen, strike up a conversation." And any thought's the girl had of winding up a punch, dissipated. She turned and gave Toriel an odd look, the women near obviously telling, "and if you can keep them talking? I will come and clear up the misunderstanding."

There was a long stretch of silence as Elzia asked, "seriously?"

Blinking, Toriel seemed to consider it and spoke, "well… if I were not around? I would ask that you keep up the conversation. After a while, they may become reluctant to fight you." Going on to tell with that same smile. "Our magic reflects how we feel. If we want to fight, our magic is stronger, and so are we. but if we do not wish to fight, or are reluctant to? Then our attacks, magic and bodies are less so."

While she rolled this in her head, Elzia said, "so… I don't have to fight any monsters if I can just… talk to them and be nice?" it was odd to take in and think about, but…

"Yes." affirmed Toriel. "Monsters are not violent by nature. We only become so, due to the situation." And soon motioned, "please, try with the dummy."

Again, Elzia gave the stuffed dummy a long look. Then looked to Torail and said, "sorry, but… that just…" Sparing a look at the dummy and again at Toriel before saying, "if I just need to talk to them? I guess I can do just that." Then went on, "I don't think I need a dummy for practice."

The woman seemed hesitant to move on, but after a while, spoke, "well, if you insist." Turning to go down the next hall. "I just felt that a little practice might help."

Making a face, Elzia admitted, "no offense, Torial, but… talking to a stuffed dummy is just… a bit weird." Then went on to say while falling in step. "I can talk to them. That shouldn't be hard." Then looked down. "Still… if Monsters want to attack me, doesn't that mean there's going to be other's that won't try and talk?"

Turing away, Toriel spoke, "there might be. But there are ways to not fight. Such as running away." And while Elzia thought on that, she did agree with the thought of running. If monsters did indeed have magic? Maybe running wasn't such a bad option.

Though as they reached the end of the hall, Toriel paused at a door and switched. Buttons marking the floor. With a glance, Torail spoke, "now is perhaps a good time to teach you about how the ruins work, Elzia." And walked on forwards.

The teen watched as the women went about walking over what looked to be heavy stone plates, her weight causing them to sink down. After stepping on four particular ones of the bunch, Toriel roamed over to the wall, pulling down the switch and opening the door. Turning, Toriel spoke, "the ruins are full of puzzles. Mostly an old means of security you could say." Then smiled, "though, I have a feeling nowadays? We Monsters just like puzzles."

With a glance to the 'puzzle', Elzia asked, "are any of them… dangerous?"

"Well, not particularly, no." Toriel spoke out thoughtfully. "They are made with monsters in mind, so it's rare for any to be harmful. Though some are dangerous, due to the reason of their creation." And went on, "here, the next room has another. Maybe you can figure it out." And walked ahead.

Elzia began to follow, though she gave the room she was in one last look, spotting a sign on a wall, a bit aged too. She glanced over, picking out from it's cryptic message, that it was a clue. Not waiting, Elzia walked on ahead, and into the next room where Toriel waited. Just ahead, another old sign that possibly had a clue. So, the teen girl walked on over, reading it over.

"Path that is…" She mumbled, scrunching her face before glancing to the floor. She was confused by the hint, but after looking at the floor over, and the slightly different colored brick that made up some of the floor, she pondered it over. Shrugging, Elzia headed for the way forwards. Toriel also took that direction. While they walked the hall, they eventually came across a hall, one where the floor was… spikes.

Blinking, Elzia gave an uncertain glance down and soon looked back to Toriel, both a little puzzled and bothered at the field of spikes. Sheepishly, Toriel spoke, "um… perhaps this one is too hard." And held her hand out, "here, take my hand."

Eyes flicking to the spike field, Elzia asked, "you… want to walk over that?" But when she glanced back to Toriel, the women held a gentle smile, and patiently waited. With some nervousness, Elzia took Toriel's hand, still unsure about this all. But feeling the comforting firm grip? Well, Elzia wouldn't say she was comforted by it, but feeling one of Toriel's arms come around her shoulder, trying to keep her calm? It was… at least a little reassuring.

It didn't stop the feeling of nervousness when torail took a very bold step forwards, foot landing and seeming to push down some spikes. Slowly, the human girl did the same. Keeping close to Toriel as the monster women bravely, and gracefully, navigated the field of spikes. Each rusty looking spike seeming to be pushed down at each of their steps. Taking a near zig-zagging path that was unmarked.

When they made it to the other side, Elzia let out a breath and said, "That was… um… different." Giving a glance back. "Who's idea was it to make a puzzle like that?"

Seeming to think back, Toriel said, "to be honest? I'm not quite sure. It's been a very long time since I bothered to ask." And continued to guide the girl along. "But do not worry, I'll help you find your way through these puzzles and rooms." And smiled on, "and maybe allow you a chance to solve a few of the more easy ones?"

"Sure." Elzia spoke in a subdued manner, hoping none were as.. off putting as the spike-field. That was a real… mind-bender for her. To walk over a field of fake/real spikes.

The Underground was certainly an odd place. Elzia was still unsure how to feel about it all. Even more so of the other Monsters. Many gave her strange or uncertain looks. And if it wasn't for Toriel being by her side? Elzia was sure they would have tried something. The goat woman's passive glare kept every one of them out of arm's reach.

A few had come a little close, like the frog like monster. But again, one sharp glare from the monster women made it back off. Elzia wasn't sure what sort of status or position Toriel held as 'keeper of the ruins', but it was apparently more than enough to command the attention and respect of any monsters they came across.

But as they ventured deeper into the ruins, passing many red leaves, strange puzzles and other ancient structures? They eventually reached Toriel's home. And it was… cozy. Elzia didn't expect such a normal looking house in such a place like this. Where old stone and moss commonly littered the place.

When she was invited in, Toriel was almost… giddy to show her around. Show her a guest room, the living space- even offer up a meal. Something Elzia accepted as she had begun to feel a little peckish. After all was said and done, a fine meal and some time to just sit, Elzia really began to ponder her situation.

And while she had no idea how late it was, she decided to take to the guest room Toriel had offered her before. The woman bid her a good rest and took to sitting in her chair in the living space and got a book for herself. While Elzia herself went into her given room, close the door and wander about the room.

It wasn't large, and from the looks of it? It used to be a child's room. Thankfully, the bed seemed more than big enough for her. But it still made her wonder, and caused the teenager to wander the room. Looking at the box of old toys and even investigating another box full of assorted old shoes. All of which were far smaller than her own foot size.

Eventually, she went and sat on the bed, lost in thought. She again hugged the sketchbook in her arms, and eventually placed it aside. Not completely sure what to do. Toreil was nice. Very nice. She seemed even honest. But after a moment, Elzia decided that maybe.. She should just get some rest and sleep on it.

Nodding slowly to this thought, she got her sketchbook and placed it on the nearby nightstand. Followed by her notebook, the few pencils she had, the sharpener, broken phone and lastly, her glasses. With a sigh, she got on the bed fully, laying back and hands folded over her midsection. Mind buzzing and wondering… would anyone come looking for her?

With one last sigh, she reached over and turned off the lamp in the room. With it dark enough, Elzia closed her eyes and tried to just focus on sleep. And not the nervous worries that danced in her stomach.

Slowly, Elzia woke up. She blinked a few times, and lifted her head. Yawning and rubbing her face a little. Slowly, her mind began to take stock of a few odd things. Like the lack of an alarm going off… or how dark her room was. After a second or two, and reaching for her glasses, did Elzia feel a shock go through her.

She felt and gently took her glasses, mind nearly going blank. Her glasses were not in their case. And after feeling the other things by the night stand, such as her sketchbook, a cracked screen and even some unsharpened pencils? Elzia let out a nervous breath and unfolded her glasses, placing them on her face before reaching for that lamp. When it clicked on, she found herself in that room. In the home of that Monster woman, Toriel.

"It…. was real." Elzia said to herself breathlessly. After a moment, she took a breath and got out of bed. She looked at the pile of things she had… and decided that it was better left there. Except her notebook. She took that and the pencil along with the sharpener. Those she wanted to keep on hand.

After that, she left the room, walking down the hall and looking about. She cast a glance to the stairwell that was in the foyar, but shook her head and continued onwards. When she came to the living space, she noted a lingering scent of something. She wasn't sure what, but it smelled good. Though once she was in the living area, she had gotten her answer. A couple of pies, looking to be fresh sat there. She gave them a look over and soon turned her attention to the kitchen. "Toriel?" She spoke.

There was a slight clattering of dishes, and soon the goat women walked out. Smiling, Toriel spoke, "good morning, Elzia. Did you have a good rest?"

Nodding, Elzia said, "yeah." Feeling… still a little unsure about all of this.

Whether Toriel noticed or not, the woman spoke, "well, that's good to hear." And walked on in. "I baked us some pie." And went on to say, "I wasn't sure what sort of pie you liked, so I decided to make two kinds. Butterscotch and Cinnamon."

"Oh… um… thank you." Elzia spoke in some surprise. She looked to the pies, and soon said, "and I like butterscotch. I've never been a fan of cinnamon…" Getting a smile and a nod from the women, who went back to the kitchen. No doubt to get some plates and forks.

Still, Elzia walked up, looking into the kitchen as she asked, "What time is it?" Going on to say, "I didn't notice any clocks around." then again, this was all a little disorenting to her.

"It's past eleven, A.M." Explained Toriel. Plates now in hand and taking a moment to gather a couple of forks. Turning around, Toriel said, "I didn't want to wake you, so I thought to let you sleep in."

Elzia slowly nodded, and as Toriel walked out of the kitchen and towards the table, the human girl continued to question. "Shouldn't we have something more… healthier for breakfast?"

Smiling and giving a small laugh, Toriel said, "I know it is a little odd, but I thought a pie could cheer you up after what happened yesterday." Then asked more gently, "unless you want to have something more healthier?"

"No." Elzia got out a bit hastily, "it's fine, really." And took a moment to actually think about it. She was slow to admit, "actually… Pie would be nice." Considering her situation being trapped underground of all things. She tried to not shuffle up to the table and take a seat.

Toriel gave a small glance of concern to the teen that eased her way into the chair. Plate in hand and cutting out a slice of the butterscotch, Toriel said gently, "then I hope you enjoy it." And passed the plate to the teen girl, who gave a small smile and thank you.

With a smile, Toriel nodded and decided to cut out a slice of cinnamon for herself. Though while she did that, she asked, "Eliza… how are you fairing?" Watching the Human closely as they half fumbled with their fork. Pressing on, Toriel went on, "I know this isn't what you wanted. To be down here in a strange place with a strange person and away from home…" Then sighed out, "if I could, I would help you return home. But I know that isn't likely."

Sparing a look up once more at Eliza's stair, Toriel had to take in those blue eyes. They were filled with that edge of caution from when they first met. And even now, they seemed to hold a sort of worried fear. Gently smiling once more, Toriel said, "but please believe me, when I say to you, Child… I will do what I can to make you feel welcomed here."

Turning her eyes away, Elzia said, "thank you, Toriel." And sighed out, "I… I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I just…"

"It's fine, Elzia. I understand." Soothed Toriel. "I am actually glad you're cautious. It makes things better for us both that you be careful down here in the Underground." Knowing that despite how most Monsters were nice? They still may have misgivings of Elzia if they recognized her as human.

Slowly, Elzia gave a nod and soon took her first bite of her pie. Soon her eyes blinked and she looked up. Fork sliding from her lips as she said, "this is… really good."

"Thank you, Elzia." Toriel beamed, "I'm glad my pies are still good. I don't get to bake for others all that often anymore." Sombering up a bit while saying, "it will be nice to have someone to share my cooking skills with again."

Pressing her lips tightly, Elzia asked, "would you… like some help?" Getting a slightly interested look from Toriel. "I… don't really cook… but it's like chemistry, right?" Going on to fumble, "it's about measuring things and mixing them at the right times."

Giggling, Toriel said, "something along those lines, yes. Though there is a bit more to it." Going on to tell, "and I would love to have some help." then asked, "are you into science then?"

Nodding her head, Elzia admitted, "in a way.. But I just like to research into things that I think are interesting."

In an ever increasing amount of interest, Toriel asked, "what sort of things?"

Thinking on it, Elzia admitted, "nothing big." and slowly began to get into her pie. Taking a bite and tasting the food. It was really good and almost distracted her on how it half melted on her tongue. She had to get her mind back on the topic, and soon said, "I mostly just like to read and… well, keep to myself." and then smiled a little, "getting a chance to visit my mom there was also nice. Even if it's for a bit."

Toriel gave a nod herself, and worked that over. Though her mind snagged on to the girl's mentioning of her mother. Before she could ask about the women, Elzia soon asked, "Toriel, I noticed a staircase. Where does that lead?"

Tensing for a moment, but soon relaxing, Toriel said, "it leads out of the ruins." Though when she looked to the human girl, she could tell she seemed a little surprised, if not unsure.

But after a moment, Elzia nodded and said, "then I should probably stay out of there." Which sent some relief through Toriel. "I'm not sure if I want to go out and meet other Monsters. The ones I saw during our walk seemed…"

"They're just weary of humans, Elzia." Assured Toriel in a calming manner. "Most are even unsure about you, or some don't know you're human. It's been a long time since the last human fell down here." Soon smiling in a reassuring way. "Give them time, and maybe come with me on my walks. I'm sure we can change that around."

"You sure?" Elzia asked. "Even after what you said…?"

"I'm sure, child." Nodded Toriel. "For now? Perhaps stay here in my home." Adding on, "I know you may want to go home. But like I said, I fear there is no way to get you to the surface. And the only path that could even give such a chance, is much too dangerous." Something that Elzia felt bothered by.

But even when this was said, Toriel said, "but as I told you, you may live here with me. And I'll be here to help you." That same gentle smile in place. Warm and comforting. "There's not much here in the ruins, but I'm willing to give you the best life I can provide."

It still felt strange to hear a stranger offer such a thing still. But slowly, Elzia said, "thank you… I… I might take your offer, Toriel." and soon went back to her pie, wondering a bit about this strange and seemingly kind goat woman.