Erick's POV:
The storm clouds slowly dissipated on the horizon. Even though I couldn't see them, I knew I didn't have time to properly get ready. When I saw the shadow in the sky, I rushed to the room I shared with ### to gather whatever might be useful. In less than three minutes, I had packed enough for a short trip.
"I don't know how long this trip will last, though..."
A heavy sigh escaped my throat as I quickly put together some dried meat to eat on the road.
"I really wanted to eat that soup..."
Another heavy sigh escaped my throat. Just imagining the waste made me want to cry for food, but I knew this was far more important and urgent. After another minute, my luggage was ready to go. As I gave my luggage one last check, a small, strange noise next to me pulled my thoughts away. There, little ### was stuffing a bunch of things into a medium-sized bag at an abnormally fast pace. It took me a few moments to process what she was doing.
- …. I'm sorry ###, but I can't take you with me.
I said firmly, expecting some kind of response from the girl. To my surprise, there was no response as she delved into the drawers and pulled out a few things at incredible speed.
- Ummmm, Miss ###?
Again without answering, she left the room and went straight to the kitchen with a small clay container in her hand. Luggage in hand, I followed her with my eyes to the pot that had been on the stove a few moments ago. Quickly, she picked up the pot with small cloth gloves and poured its contents into the container. Then she placed a cloth over it and secured it with a string she had at her side. When she finished, she placed the bag she had been carrying on her back while she carried the container. She quickly turned to me and looked at me before saying,
- What are you waiting for? We need to quickly go to the town downriver to get a horse if we want to catch that storm.
- ...I'm sorry, but I really can't take you with me. Facing a witch is dangerous, and-
- It's precisely because it will be dangerous that I have to go. Someone who doesn't take care of their wounds like you is forbidden from going on such a dangerous adventure alone.
- Forbidden? I don't need your-
- UNDERSTAND?!
The absolute conviction in her eyes told me clearly what was going on. Even though I didn't want to, I knew arguing with her would just be a waste of time. Even if I managed to convince her, she'd just follow me. A smile lit up my face as I sighed.
- I understand, but give me your luggage. If we want to catch up, I have to run at top speed. Can you keep up with me, little one?
- Of course!
With that determination, we both ran downriver to find a horse and catch up with the storm.... Although I had to carry her halfway, that doesn't need to be known.