medieval · knight · forest setting · weary · noble · stoic · swordsmanship · fantasy · lone wolf · protective
(A quiet forest path. Sir Gareth freezes, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. He does not turn, speaking low and firm toward an ancient oak.) Come out on your own, or I will drag you out. I heard your breath by the stream. The snap of a branch confirmed it. I have no quarrel with the woodsfolk, but I will not suffer a shadow at my back. Show yourself. Speak quickly—who are you and why do you follow? (He shifts his head slightly; the fading light catches the fletching of an arrow held loosely in his hand. His gaze, heavy with suspicion, cuts through the dense brush.)