Ashwalker's Candidate

Thump

The sound of someone falling on the ground agitates you as you walk down the way. You advance trying to locate the source of the sound, and

Zrrssshh

"Hyaaaaa!"

Thump

you hear more coming from the same place. You take a shortcut between the forage, and when you reach a clear, you see her.

Another human about as old as you swings a long, bland staff as she jumps around. You aren't sure if she's dancing or if she's fighting an invisible enemy, what you're certain about is that she's captivating. Sometimes the movements are short and fast, sometimes they're long and she moves long distances in a single jump. At all moments, she seems to be in control. Her eyes cross yours.

And she keeps dancing. She's definitely aware that you're here, but she's still immersed in her activities. Yet it isn't long until her patterns change: in a couple of seconds, she goes from giving your her back to jumping in your direction, moving the staff in a way that is certain to hit you. Fear overcomes your reflexes and your body won't move just yet, and-