They saw a light among the trees, the shape of a person growing visible. Tailinn cursed under his breath and hefted his axe. Gerry found his armour too uncomfortable to sleep in, but he did have his sword close to hand. He staggered up, half-drawing it; and then they saw who -- or what -- it was approaching them as the shape stepped into the clearing.
It was a woman. But what a woman! She was tall, slender save for large breasts. Her legs, though beginning with shapely curves of hips and thighs, twisted into the shaggy, russet-furred legs and black paws of a fox; and a fox's white-tipped brush swayed behind her. Her face was delicate, and framed by thick locks of red hair; her eyes shone with amber fire and had a fox's tapered pupils. Her ears were pointed and tufted with black fur, and a large set of antlers sprouted from her temples. She was also completely nude, her ripe bosom and soft womanhood on full display in the mysterious glow around her. It was as if she walked in a pool of starlight, despite the leafy canopy blocking out the sky.
"Wilder Elf," ground out the dwarf in a low voice. Gerry just stared, never having seen a vision of such carnal beauty.
"Fair even, travellers," she greeted them, smiling serenely, unperturbed by the dwarf's hostility. Though she did seem amused by Gerry's gaping mouth and straining breeches. "'Tis been many a season since wanderers wended their way into our woods. What brings you so deep beneath the forest roof?"
"None of your concern!" snapped the dwarf. This time she responded, favouring him with a sweet smile of her lusciously red and full lips.
"All that passes under leaf and bough is our concern, son of the mountain." Her words were gentle, softening her rebuke. Then she placed her slender hands atop the large, rounded slopes of her breasts -- making Gerald wince in desire -- and introduced herself.
"I am Amariel, a Wilder Elf as the dwarf has said. Yet while our ways may differ from yours, I wish you no ill." She stepped closer, her beautiful voice soothing them; though Tailinn did maintain his guard, Gerald was almost completely entranced, his sword dipping towards the ground. "Nay rather, 'tis my pleasure to welcome newcomers to the Wood! To offer you the Wood's embrace that you may partake in its delights."