Lake, dusk Wednesday, under the willows (closed to Merlin)
She had laid out a picnic blanket under the willows, and her basket with goodies for people and beasts alike. Sam was there, since it was the park and she frankly didn't want them snuck up on; she leaned back on his broad, hairy flank as she rested from a bit of spell-casting.
It was seventy degrees and breezeless under the willows, the whole scene limned with soft bluegreen light--and that unfortunately had brought the ducks running. Many of whom were chattering in raucous voices. "Hey, swimmin' lady!" "Got bread?" "Me first stupid!"
Fortunately, she had brought bribes.
She had a portable CD player with Steve Miller Band, and was gawping over the fact that one of the ducks had told her to turn it up, when she heard footsteps approaching. She swallowed and tried to keep calm.