Three (and a half)

The Elves and Orcs were far behind her. Though with her sharp ears, she could still hear the sounds of battle. Mithril and Iron mail clashed loudly, and bows, axes, and swords whistled constantly.

Then, a sound in the bush, much closer to her. She silently rose to a standing position, readying herself to leap on the intruder, leaning with one hand against the trunk to steady herself. She reached to her hip, and shook her head, chasting herself for not taking her daggers with her when she made her escape.

A young man stepped out of the brush, glancing around and weilding a sturdy bow. She could sense that he was an experienced hunter, so she stood as still as her body would allow.

Shimera closed her eyes, the sound of the young man's heart beat reverbarated through her ears like a war drum. He was frightened. She watched him as he walked cautiously until he was nearly beneath her. If needed, she could drop down and drink him dry before he could make a sound, but instead, she watched.

A large crow landed beside Shimera and let out an unearthly caw, startling her out of her set gaze. The man looked up, and without hesitation, fitted an arrow and let fly at her. His aim was true, and he did not miss.

Not Really.

Shimera caught the arrow mid-flight, silently watching the man's reaction. His eyes widened slightly but otherwise he did not show his surprise at her skill and speed. She nodded gently in his direction, and before he could fit another arrow, she dropped in front of him on all fours like a cat.

Holding out her hand with the arrow, she smiled disarmingly at the young man. "That was quite a good shot young master." She said softly, trying to hide the age in her voice, "You are quite skilled."

He glanced at the arrow in her hand, then the bough that she had been standing on. The crow stared down hautily, still cawing loudly in the quiet night air. His bright blue eyes caught hers and he gently took the arrow back. "And that was quite a catch." He watched her warily.

Shimera smiled again, holding her hands, palm up. "As you can see young master, I have no weapons. If I had wanted to see you dead, you would not have had time to loose that arrow at me." She looked into his eyes again. "I must admit, your eyes distracted me, they are so bright, like an elves."

He laughed, a beautiful sound in the still air, the crow, now being the one surprised, flew into the air in a flurry of feathers. "I am no elf, my lady. I am but a humble hunter." He smiled, and bowed to her, "Erik is my name."

She grinned and returned the bow, "And, if you please Erik, I am Shimera."

Shimera sat against the thick trunk of the tree, drinking in the moonlight, and getting her breath back from the short but furious chase. The wounds on her wrists from the rough rope were already healed neatly, with only a slight redness to show that there were marks at all. She hung her legs lazily over the branch and idly listened to the sounds of the woods.