Chapter 2: And Found
Before long, a small figure clad in a dark robe began to stir in the bushes many yards from the tree. Legolas could see that the figure carried with it a large satchel at its side, and a small sword of dwarf-make bound at the waist. The face of the curious visitor kept well hidden within the obscure cloth, so that Legolas could only assume the creature's race. He gathered an arrow from the wrap on his back, and cautiously readied the bow. He stepped lightly upon the fallen leaves and crooked roots along the ground, creeping toward the figure while its back was turned and hunched over a bushel of wildberries, picking selectively.
Legolas approached the figure calmly, his dark brows narrowing as he concentrated with all senses to identify the being. He stepped until he was directly behind the bent figure, his bow and arrow stretched and ready. He waited for the figure to rise, a strange feeling fleeting in and out of him.
When at last the figure rose, Legolas set the very tip of his arrow directly onto the middle-back of the wanderer. Surprised, the figure gave a quick gasp and dropped the berries, and lifted its hands to its sides so that whomever pursued could see it was unarmed.
Legolas spoke quickly, not wanting to make more of a situation than was necessary.
"Do you come alone?" He inquired steadily.
"I, I have come here by myself, yes." The voice was clear and feminine. Legolas eased his grip on the bow, but kept the arrow to her back.
"What is your business here?"
"I am looking for an elven friend of mine, sir, I mean no harm to this land, or to its residents. My... my will is honorable." She spoke with clarity, though obviously shaken by the contact of the weapon.
Legolas stepped back a few paces, removing direct contact. He could hear her sighing gently.
"Turn, reveal yourself," he demanded softly, keeping himself guarded and ready to strike in any direction, at any moment.
She hesitated and after a moment said in a low voice, "I have yet to hear of your own business here, sir, but I do not ask of it. I.. I come innocently, though not without much peril have I found myself here, and would not subject myself to further mishap. If I may remain of a secret personality, I should be much obliged and will turn away immediately. I mean no harm, sir."
At this, Legolas' curiousity was kindled. She spoke sincerely enough, which made him positive the right thing would be to let her go, but the reluctance she showed in revealing her own character gave him pause.
"No," he was silent for several thoughtful moments, wondering how to respond. "I have recently been severed from my group, and have been searching for them with no success." He mused for a bit longer, then continued. "It is imperative that I find them. You are the first individual I have seen for many miles, and I mean to gather as much information as I possibly can before we depart. I also mean no harm, but I plead that you give me some identification so that I might better come to trust our engagement here."
"Have you lowered your bow?" she asked suddenly.
"I think you might understand my concern," he replied, "and I know that you yourself carry a weapon." He held the bow unwaveringly. "Please turn around."