The Unforeseen [EDITING]

Chapter Four

Tim Tam, I've gone to Vitabesk to work.
See to it that my horses in the stable are fed. Follow the path behind.
I shall be back before night, lock up.
—Makar

Timena chuckled, uncertain as to whether Makar had given her a new nickname or if he'd simply forgotten her real name.
Past his home and deeper into the woods, Timena followed a trail leading downhill. Spotting a small stable finally, she approached it slowly. Inside stood two horses—in the corner of the room were a few bales of hay stacked atop one another. Picking up one bale, she brought it over to the other side of the room, setting it down before the large mare.
"Need some help?" A disembodied voice called out, startling Timena.
Her sword had come out faster than the words had left the intruder's lips. Timena's eyes connected with the face of a young girl. She giggled, approaching with ease as Timena pushed her sword out further to keep her at bay, it only urged her on.
"Are you blind? My sword is pointed at you. In what way do you see that as an invitation?"
"Calm down, clearly you aren't going to harm me." The girl replied, rolling her eyes.
"Are you certain of that?" Timena challenged. "Who are you?"
"I'm Clara." She offered her hand.
Timena's brow rose in a skeptical manner, but her grip loosened slightly on her sword. The pale face in front of her was splotched with freckles, her hair as dark as the night sky, falling to her waist.
"Go away." She said in return, shooing her away.
But Clara only laughed as she walked over to the bales of hay—Timena was left somewhat intrigued as she saw her easily lift three before carrying them over to the horses.
Setting them down on the ground, she turned her attention back to Timena. "So, your name is?"
If the girl didn't recognize her, Timena figured it would be best if her identity remained a secret.
"Didn't I tell you to go away."
Clara hissed. "Fine, I'll call you... Sadon." She said, the hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "It means unpleasant where I come from."
Timena snorted, rolling her eyes before turning away.

As she began brushing the horse's coat, Clara continued to pester Timena with questions, which she easily evaded.
"All these questions about me, what about yourself?" Timena asked, in an accusing tone.
Clara's demeanor changed, becoming quiet and somber. "There isn't much to know."
Timena's gaze narrowed on her. "I find that hard to believe, you expect me to offer up my soul, but you've remained secretive about yourself as well." She paused before crossing her arms over her chest. "Where did you come from? Are you alone?"
"I, I'm alone. I've been staying in Vitabesk for a while, but I'm just passing through." She spoke hesitantly. An awkward silence fell upon them as she avoided Timena's gaze.
"How did you find this stable? Did you just stumble upon it or-?"
"I'd better leave, I think we'll see each other again soon, don't you?" Timena hadn't even had the chance to respond as Clara was already halfway out the door.
Timena followed suit, trying to catch up with the girl, but Clara was nowhere to be found. The woods were empty.
How- Where did she go?