An arrow. A single arrow.

Clearly a distraction.

Some might call it stupid. Or tardy. Even playful, but Philomel knew of the ways of war and saw it for what it was - an icon of skill, a showing of the speed, agility and stamina that this redhead had. An attempt to throw the faun of fauns off.

Despite the low blow to her leg, Philomel still had enough strength and resolve to hold her own. Thus, as the arrow flew superbly straight for her, she found time to dodge to the side and even raise the white blade of Nameless enough to knock it off course. The arrow fell to the ground, off balance now, discarded.

And the redhead - Felicity - was moving. Not answering Philomel's query. Just getting headway back into fighting.

My sort of woman, Philomel thought, with a hint of ... Lust?! Perhaps just for the fight. It had to be - just for the war, the sound and feeling of blood in her ears. Just for the fight.

Both of them needed this.

Felicity was suddenly speeding away, disappearing into the grasses that was their battlefield. A split second the arrow devious had given her, and it was a good split second. Philomel grinned, almost madly, and decided to let the battle contend for a moment - grow more exciting. After all that was why they were both here. To fight. To dance. To vent.

Why not let the battle grow more exciting?

Instead of directly chasing she stood by the arrow and watched as the fiery spirit ran away.

Seconds ticked by.

The faun savoured each one. Slowly she breathed beneath that bright white sun, waiting with excitement as she let the tension between them build ... Steadily. Slowly.

And then -

Then she sent herself into the earth, her awareness into th bsoil. She spread far and she spread wide, discovering every blade of grass and minute insect with the mere connection to the earth. Knowledge of the temporary world here came to her, from distant cow to nearby tree, and she felt the wilderness call to her - the triumph of earth.

And there was a stream. And a bipedal being not too far away.

The faun tensed. Then she laughed and began to run.

The chase had begun.