Actually your character could be in the beginning world right now. An industrial city is definitely something that could be found on it. So no kidnapping or portal just travel. The distance between our characters doesn't have to be so large.
Yeah... You just need an excuse I travel into the woods.Looting? You heard a cry for help? Something like that. Anyways we'll do that once someone else posts. Ima make a post. Whatever attracts you to the woods will be your decision. Just dont make it something ridiculous and i suggest you place the woods on the outskirts of the town. Not inside or something... Also it wont be like this always where you get to create your surroundings to clarify.
Perhaps a kind of wolf with heightened senses and abilities? You caa pick from normal animals also. Just dont throw anything too powerful in. If you have an idea of what it is tell me and I'll see.