*~*~*Along the Great Anduin*~*~*
Drira felt the pain in her stomach again and fingered the sword at her side, cloaked by her robe. She was extremely hungry but had yet to find anything edible and there were no nearby inns at which to buy food. If only she could find a wild animal, she would eat it raw!
A snap in the brush stopped her tracks. Her ears pricked and she looked to her left, then right, not moving her head. Nothing was there. She debated on whether to call out or wait for something to appear, then shrugged and continued walking.
"Foolish child," she muttered to herself. "No one comes along these banks!" And then she felt the hair on her neck stand on end. Someone was watching her. She could feel it. She looked around again, feeling afraid for the first time. She wanted to cry out for Bryn or Garron, but she was too far away. She looked ahead of her to the line of trees and swallowed. Lórien was there, and she had heard of the Lady who abided inside its woods. She would have to find a way around before being able to venture forth more, so she dropped her pack and thought over her plan.
Another noise. She held her breath, then whipped around and drew her sword. Her blood was running cold and her hands were starting to shake, but she gripped the hilt more tightly and stood her ground. If there were evils hiding in the brush she would fight to the end, knowing well that she couldn't not last them all.
After a few tense moments she sheathed her sword, taking another sweeping look around before turning to her pack.
An arrow pointed straight in her face.
"Move, young mortal, and you will die."