The darkness enveloped Subaru as he struggled to open his eyes. His body ached with fresh wounds yet an unfamiliar damp earth cradled him. Slowly pushing himself up, sweat and mud caked his hands.
A forest surrounded him, ancient trees towering impossibly high into a cloudy sky. Their gnarled branches filled with crows calling ominously. Subaru turned to see a still form next to him - a young woman with snow white hair extends past her waist wears a hairclip in the shape of a butterfly wing over the left ear.and a beautiful features
Her chest rose and fell, whispered breaths the only sign of life. Reaching out, her skin felt cold yet smooth. Behind closed lids, her eyes darted restlessly. Through muddied memories, Subaru recalled dragging her unconscious form from a burning village. Why had he risked it? He knew not.
The woman's lashes fluttered open to reveal dark irises that surveyed him coolly. "Who are you? Where is this place?" Her voice was guarded yet unafraid. Sitting up gracefully, she took in their foreign woodland surroundings.
Subaru frowned. "I don't know this land. The last I remember was..." Fire and screams flashed before his eyes, replacing the forest. Shaking his head, he forced the memories down as always. "My name is Natsuki Subaru, Subaru is my first name. Yours?"
"I am Echidna the Witch of Greed.You pulled me from the flames, it seems." Her words held neither gratitude nor accusation, simply acceptance. Rare for one he'd saved. Most cringed at his sharp eyes and scarred face and built physique, assuming the worst.
Helping her stand, he gazed into the endless forest broodingly. "We were summoned here for a purpose I assume, I'd wager. My skills lie in combat - you're welcome to follow till we learn more of this place." A challenging look, expecting refusal.
Echidna considered with steady poise. "Very well. I sense...possibilities here beyond what we left behind. Lead on, Natsuki Subaru." Her cryptic manner frustrated yet intrigued him as they walked into the unknown together.
The woods guided their heavy boots endlessly. Perspiration dampened Subaru's clothes yet he marched tirelessly, battles trained each muscle. Beside him, Echidna glided effortlessly over gnarled roots and fallen trunks, barely making a sound. Her movements flowed with a preternatural grace foreign to his warrior's ways.
Pausing to drink from a cool stream, he watched her trace patterns in the dirt, pondering their route. "You've power yet remain an enigma. Speak - what gifts do you offer?" Subaru respected strength above all, in combat and spirit.
Lifting her head calmly, Echidna gazed into the forest depths. "Knowledge and insight are my weapons. I see beyond what is and discern patterns to navigate any fate. Have faith - I will aid our cause well, if you remain open to my counsel."
Subaru considered her words warily. Mages and seers and witches had betrayed him before under false faces of help. Yet her composure swayed where hysterics could not. Grunting acknowledgment, he stood to continue their hunt for answers and purpose in this new realm.
The trees thinned as evening fell, revealing rocky foothills that gave way to rugged mountains piercing the orange sky. Subaru smiled grimly at the familiar challenge of climbing terrain he knew well. Grasping weathered hands and boots, he scaled the slopes relentlessly with Echidna close behind.
Her keen eyes soon spotted flickering lights below in a mountain valley. "A settlement. Let us seek their hospitality - and knowledge of this land." Subaru nodded, redirecting their descent. Information was the true reward here, not perilous heights in darkness.
Torches blazed around clustered wood and stone huts as they emerged onto a dirt road. Suspicious eyes watched from doors and windows of the tiny mountain village. Subaru raised a hand in greeting, keeping an open yet guarded stance. These folk knew not to trust outsiders, as he once was.
An aging man stepped forward, gnarled staff tapping the ground authoritatively. "Greetings travelers. I am ElderMiclotov McMahon - state your purpose here." His lined face and snowy-haired head showed decades of weathering this harsh valley.
Exchanging a glance with the silent Echidna, Subaru replied firmly. "We've come to learn of this realm and aid any who need strong arms. My name is Natsuki Subaru - and this is Echidna. We intend you no harm." Respect and honesty had served him well in past lands.
Miclotove studied them pensively, then nodded. "Your words ring true, it seems. Come, share our fire and I shall tell what I can..."