Merry rubbed the ropes that bound his hands against the blade of the fallen Uruk-hai. Though it tore at his skin, it also parted the rope strands. He went to Pippins side and took him by the arm.

“Come on Pip. We have to hide before those orcs know we’re gone.”

“Why didn’t the men kill us,” asked Pippin wearily?

“I don’t know. Hurry now, just a little ways farther.”

In moments they were in the dark of the wood. Running farther and deeper into the gloom. Pippin dropped heavily to the ground and said, “Can’t go another step, need rest.”

Merry sat with his back against a tree.

From far off he saw a movement in the woods. A figure, pale and beautiful moved with grace from tree to tree. She had a gown, white and flowing, that clung to her body, revealing her form. Her skin was the color of moonlight, and her lips were full and red. She came to him.

“I’m so glad I found you. So glad, and so hungry.”

She touched him and Merry felt himself leaning back to expose his neck.

She bent low, and drank.