Walk, walk, stumble, walk, pause, walk, stumble, stumble - collapse. Was that the pattern she felt? Her head slowly fell to one side as she pondered the distant soul that had been moving through the forest she called home. It wasn't unusual for people to become lost, even in the modern era. This forest spanned many miles in all directions - it wasn't a pleasant stroll for hikers. It wasn't a camping trip that lasted a few days, no. Only if one stayed within the outskirts. The forest spanned for weeks, should one travel on foot.
Mortem absentmindedly noticed them once and forgot about them. It wasn't until things quieted down that she felt their presence still, making her head turn with a vague twinge of curiosity. Where were they going? Did they even know? There was one trail that cut through the forest and this soul was far from it.
Her tongue clicked against the roof of her mouth. It would seem she'd have to play guide - provided they proved themselves worth saving.
By the time she found him, he was still on the floor of the forest. A few leaves had fallen atop him but otherwise the beasts seemed to leave him be. Lucky for him, perhaps less so for her if this turned out to be a chore. The witch wandered around him, eyeing his clothing as she silently measured him with all the context clues one could find.
As he laid unmoving she ventured closer, crouched down to roll him over. Her eyes took in the rest of his outfit, climbing higher to study his face. It took her a few seconds but then it all clicked into place - she had seen this one before. Not personally, of course.
Last time she visited town he had been on the news. A criminal, wasn't he? Did he flee authorities into the forest? Was this some manner of mistake? Either way, he was far from home. Amusement bubbled up as she decided then and there that this may just be fun.
Despite her lithe form, taking his unconscious form home was of little concern. Whenever he'd awake, he'd find himself laid out upon a cot in a corner of her quaint cabin. A room divider was the sole thing providing him some manner of privacy from the witch who lounged upon the couch before the fireplace. Waiting patiently for her latest charge to arise from his slumber.
