[ That...stops her quite handily, her expression freezing up as she watches the woman closely. The grip on her staff loosens just enough so she can pull back, setting the weapon in the moss and the earth and behind her, out of casting range. She draws herself up, both propriety and pride keeping her straight-backed as she addresses her. ]

My apologies. I am...not used to being on my own. I mistook you for someone looking for me.

[ Or for a beast or a monster. She is so used to traveling with friends, with a clan, with soldiers that it has made her more sensitive to the dangers around her. ]

I was only hoping to protect myself.