"Miss... miss?"
A soft but insistent voice slipped into my drowsiness. Then a second voice, deeper, with a unique accent.
"Miss, please wake up... it's almost nightfall."
I slowly opened my eyes. The orange glow of dusk blurred my vision, but two small figures stood right in front of me. I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sure I was seeing them right.
"Eh… HAAAH?!" Instinctively, I sat up in a panic. "Who are you?" I asked hoarsely.
The tiny figure in a cloak laughed kindly. She didn't even reach my waist. Her face was framed by a thick beard neatly braided in two, and her eyes sparkled brightly beneath a wide grin. She wore a simple green robe with golden embroidery at the edges, giving her a warm, friendly aura.
"I'm Charlotte," she said proudly, patting her small chest. "And this is my friend, Isabella."
I turned to the other side. There stood an elf—or more accurately, hovering slightly in the air. Her body was petite, no larger than a child, yet her movements were graceful. Her silver hair flowed in waves, her glowing blue eyes were striking, and from her back spread a pair of transparent wings that sparkled faintly each time they fluttered. Her elegant attire was adorned with floral embroidery and light metal trims, resembling royal garments.
"Greetings, human," she said softly. "I… was once an elven princess. But a curse trapped me in this small form."
My eyes widened. "A princess?"
She gave a bittersweet smile, her face still graceful. "We were just passing through. Seeing you asleep for so long in the open… we got worried."
I lowered my head. "Sorry, I was exhausted. I'm a newcomer from Shionra. I arrived earlier today… and must've fallen asleep here."
Charlotte nodded, crossing her tiny arms. "Then you don't have a place to stay yet?"
I scratched my head. "Not yet. I was so amazed by the view of the village from this hill… I forgot to look for an inn."
Isabella leaned in, her wings fluttering gently. "If you don't mind… stay with us tonight. We're only here for the evening too."
I paused, then smiled softly. "Thank you… you're both so kind. Sorry for the trouble."
Charlotte waved her tiny hand. "Bah! What good are new friends if we can't help each other?"