Lorelai trudged on, the sun had set some hours ago, giving way to a sky full of stars. In spite of everything, the stars still shone brightly, undisturbed by the chaos going on below. She carried on a little further, hoping that the sooner she got to Redcliffe the sooner things would be resolved. Stopping momentarily, she took a swig from her waterskin, draining the last of it. Luckily she'd kept close to the stream. She made her way to the water's edge, bending down she began to refill the water skin. The gurgling water concealed the footsteps creeping up behind her. Suddenly she felt the cold steel of a blade resting against her neck. Reflexively she reached for the small dagger she kept in the front of her belt.
"I would not do that if I were you." A silkily smooth voice spoke. "Now stand up and turn around slowly."
Lorelai remained kneeling for a moment, trying to get a glimpse of her attacker in the water's reflect. Gradually she stood up, her hand still resting on the hilt of the dagger as she slowly turned around.
"Well well well. What do we have here? It would seem today is my lucky day." The elf's eyes drifted casually over Lorelai.
"How do you figure that?" Lorelai asked as she took in the elf's lithe form, noticing the tattoo on the side of his face she wondered whether he was one of the Dalish, but his armour was too fine, too expensive looking.
"Here I am. And here you are. All alone. At night. In the woods." The elf smirked and took a step closer to her. Lorelai felt him undressing her with her eyes and started to feel uncomfortable.
"I'm not alone."
The elf laughed loudly, "You my dear are a poor liar."
Lorelai swallowed noticeably "Look. I don't know who you are but I don't want any trouble. So if you'll just let me be on my way." Lorelai went to side step the elf, but he grabbed her left wrist. He was strong for an elf, she licked her lips nervously.
"It seems you have stumbled into trouble."
Lorelai flashed him her best smile "Perhaps." And with that, Lorelai removed the dagger from her belt, swiping it across the elf's cheek. The elf let go of her and she ran. She didn't know if there were others about but she didn't want to stick around to find out. Not once did she look back. She kept going as fast as her feet would carry her, but the ground was uneven. Without warning she tripped over a root, landing face down in the dirt. She was certain she heard her ankle snap. She tried not to scream out, lest she alert anyone to her position but the pain was too much. Grunting she got herself onto all fours. Her whole body shook as she tried to steady herself. Taking a deep breath she readied herself to stand, but when she lifted her head, there was an arrow pointed directly at her.
"Woman. All the same. They always try to play hard to get." The familiar voice spoke from behind as he strode forwards to stand by the redhead holding the bow and arrow.
"Now if you are quite finished running, perhaps we can start again hmm?"
Lorelai reluctantly nodded her head.
"Good. Now if you could stand up and follow us."
Lorelai looked between the elf and the redhead. "I-I can't. M-my ankle. I-I think it might b broken."
The elf cocked his head at the redhead who lowered her bow and removed the arrow. Securing the bow to her back she moved next to Lorelai. Swinging one of Lorelai's arms around her shoulder, the redhead helped Lorelai to her feet. Suppoting Lorelai's weight, the redhead began to walk. The elf fell in behind the two woman, no doubt enjoying the view.