15 - Predator

by SilkyNoire

The rustling leaves and chirps of birds were the only company Sariel had as she stalked through the forest. She and Valna had gotten separated after the wood elf had stopped to look at some mushrooms.

"Go on, Sariel! I'll be right behind you!"

Sure, Valna. Of course, she wasn't right behind Sariel. She was nowhere to be seen!

Sariel sighed and reached into her bag of holding, withdrawing a scroll case. She opened it, and took the map from it. According to the map, there should be a small stream about two hundred feet in front of her. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and listened. Sure enough, she heard the slight trickle of water above the wind and the birds.

The snap of a stick suddenly caught her attention. She quickly put the map in its case, then back in her bag. Her left hand went to her side, and slowly - quietly - drew her dagger. She quietly creeped forward and peered around the tree.

Nothing. But she couldn't escape the feeling of being watched.

She sighed again and sheathed her dagger. Taking a deep breath, she turned around to get back on track.

"Hi Sariel!"

Sariel leaped back, her daggers already in a defensive posture before her. It took a moment for her to realise it was just Valna.

"Valna, you can't do that." She said, breathing and putting her daggers away for the second time.

"Say hello?" Valna inquired, confused.

"Sneak up on people!"

"I didn't realise I was sneaking up on you! Usually you hear me coming." Valna replied, her head slightly tilted.

Sariel leaned back against the tree.

"Well, I did hear the branch you stepped on."

Valna frowned. "I didn't step on any branches. I was quite careful not to!"

There was a moment of first awkward, then tense silence. The two drew their bows, and silently stood back to back, watching the treelines. Something was watching them.