Elise's back and side was soaked from the wet grass beneath her. Her t-shirt clung to her slender frame, highlighting her prefect curves. Since she had fallen on her back, she had made no move to get up, but inside was curled upon her side, her had tucked tightly into her chest. She feared getting to her feet, in case the headache returned with full strength. Whimpering, as she felt the first drops of rain caress her body, she made herself smaller, a tighter ball. Above her, the grey clouds loomed, stretching. In the trees, the birds had hushed their song, hiding within their safe havens, away from the rain. The same went for the creatures in the undergrowth. They had ceased moving around. Elise herself did not move. Her t-shirt was stained with the blood from her nose, but that was the least of her worries. Her camera was tucked safely against her chest, unharmed from the fall. Screwing her eyes tight, she began to hun gently to herself, trying to calm her sudden frightful mood. The song was soft and warming and eventually, she felt she could raise her head to look around. As she did, a voice rung out amongst the trees. The words were fairly clear, which meant that the person was close. Sitting up, Elise frowned as she listened to her name being called over and over, by a male voice that she barely recognised. Scrambling to her feet, she looked around, the rain pattering down harder, as she pushed her hair from her eyes.

"Here!" She called weakly, listening for the response, when she heard none, but only her voice being called. She started towards it at a brisk walk. Uncaring to who it was, she was eager to find the group once again. She should have never wandered in the first place and deeply regretted allowing her curious nature to get the better of her. However, what had brought the headache one, she had no idea and she didn't want to think about it. Elise hurried through the trees to the figure she could see some way off. Increasing her pace, she began to run, the camera bouncing against her chest painfully, but she ignored it. As she got closer, she could tell exactly who it was. Nathan. And suddenly it didn't matter that they had barely spoken to one another. He had come to find her and for that she was grateful. Obviously he had followed her when she wandered off. His back was to her and when she was close enough, she called his name to get his attention. Flinging her arms around him, she didn't care if he pushed away, just that he was there. Burying her face against his shoulder, she let out a tiny cry of happiness. All signs of her bouncy, happy self had disappeared. She looked drawn and fearful as she hugged Nathan tightly, her arms around his back. Never before had she been so forward with anyone, but this was a whole different case. After being alone in such a odd place, she was grateful to him, more than he could imagine.

Just as she had been when Joel had saved her...

"This yours?" A voice cut through Elise's thoughts and she looked up angrily through her fringe. Joel was bent over her, as she lay on a bench, holding a painting for her to see. She reached out and snatched it from hos grasp with an almost growl. She placed the painting back on the easel where it had been resting before, as she worked on it.
"What's it to you?" She demanded, placing her hands on her hips as she got to her feet. Tossing her hair over her sholder, she fixed him with a glare as he continued to admire her work, which was now on the painting stand. "I said..."
"I heard you the first time," Joel smiled at her brightly, which took her a little off-guard. However, her normal witty response never came, something stopped her. Her glare turned to a frown as she watched him, clearly assessing the quality of her work. Elise prepared herself for the criticism that was bound to come next. "You have a talent, that's for sure..."
Elise opened her mouth to respond furiously, but was once again taken off-guard. "Um...excuse me?" She muttered, her frown returning, though there was a glint in her eye, that dared him to say anything bad.
"I'm looking for a young artist to basically...well take a chance on. I think you're the one. I've been searching for well over a year now and nothing has caught my attention, but this...this is beautiful...What's your name?" Joel took out a pen and paper.
"My name is Elise..." She whispered, clearing flattered by his words and though her frown remained, a pretty smile broke through as well."

Elise stepped away from Nathan, giving him a half smile. "I am so glad to see you. How did you find me? Not that it matters, I'm just so happy you did! Thank you!" She babbled, throwing her arms around him again. "I'm sorry," She laughed, stepping back, however her laugh seemed false compared with her earlier ones. "Please tell me you know the way out?"

In the back of Elise's mind was a knawing thought. What had caused her headache? Why had it been caused? And what was the voice she had heard? A shudder crept up her spine at the thought. Something within these woods wasn't right. Something was lingering here that was dangerous. And it was putting Elise on edge. Now that she had experienced it first hand, she didn't intend for it to happen again. Yes, she still wanted to explore, but she would not wander from the group. It was lonely out here and she didn't doubt that if Nathan hadn't found her, she'd be stranded out here and never seen again...