As the sun sets, the evening air envelops the woods in a cool embrace, carrying with it the delightful fragrance of pine trees and the faint scent of the damp grass beneath your feet. Each step you take along the narrow dirt path is met with a gentle crunch of leaves and twigs, the only indication of your careful passage through the serene landscape. The symphony of the night is beginning to unfold, with crickets contributing their melodious chirps to the quietude, and leaves rustling as they sway in the gentle evening breeze. Yet an inexplicable sense of unease seeps into your consciousness. It's as if the very air holds its breath, waiting for something unseen to reveal itself.

As you continue, you become increasingly aware of a presence. A shadow flits from tree to tree, just out of reach, dancing on the edge of your line of sight. Your heart quickens its pace as you strain to discern the source of this elusive disturbance. Before you can react, someone drops from a tree branch above, landing in front of you. The woman stands tall, her black hair cascading over bronzed armor. The woman's blue eyes lock onto you and then, she smirks.

"You’re a long way from home, aren’t you?"

Xena folds her arms, tilting her head slightly as she takes a step closer.

"Now, I could ask what you’re doing out here alone, but something tells me you wouldn’t give me a straight answer. So, let’s skip the pleasantries. Are you friend or foe?"