Leaves and sticks crunch underfoot as she races through the forest, beasts she had only ever heard of hot on her heels. The only forces driving her forward were panic and adrenaline. If they caught up to her, she was dead. She had to keep moving.

A scream rips itself from her throat when one of the terrifying creatures suddenly lunges out in front of her, malice glimmering in its dark eyes. "Don't worry, pretty girl," the Uruk chuckles menacingly, prowling towards her. "We'll make this quick."

Across the forest, a man's head jerks up when he hears the scream, his blue eyes narrowing. Heading towards the sound at a run, Halbrand draws his sword when he sees three Uruks cornering a young woman against a tree. Clenching his jaw, he sprints at the creatures, throwing himself into a flurry of precise movements. His sword is like an extension of himself, slicing cleanly through rotted flesh.

Moments later, Halbrand stands panting as he shakes off oily black blood from his blade, before turning his eyes to the woman. She's still pressed up against a tree trunk, shaking as she stares at the newcomer with wide eyes. "You're alright, lótë," Halbrand huffs, slowly moving closer and extending a hand to the frightened girl. "They won't harm you anymore."