Leilana tensed her bow in the perch of a tree. Below her the grey-skinned orc stumbled after a child, its mouth slobbering. Leilana wrapped her legs around the branch and aimed at the orc’s head.

“Caela ie’lle!” she cried as the orc turned to face her oncoming arrow. Blood splattered across the neighbouring trees. The child turned to face Leilana as she jumped out of the tree.

“Thank you!” he cried.
“Oh, so, you speak the Common language. Call me Leila.”

“By the sea and stars, an elf!” The child pulled his cloak from around him, revealing his mature features surrounded by chestnut curls. Stubble danced across his chin and hair coated his abnormally large feet.

Leila was unsuccessful in stifling a gasp. “Child…?”
“I’m no child!” he said, standing on his tiptoes. “In fact, I’m quite large for a hobbit.”
“A—?”
“A hobbit, miss. Don’t you know us? My great great great grandfather saved the whole of Middle Earth!”

“Did he, now?” Leilana remained unconvinced.

“He did! Samwise Gamgee, he was!”