AcrilicChicken

You’ve just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As you look around, your gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. You duck and step into a tattered tent, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the tent, an old hag raises her head, “What brings you to this dingy town? she begins, then pauses to study your face—”Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestures at a cushion, “Tell me your story.”

((How do you respond?))

"Oh, hello mistress." Petra knelt down holding the tent's leather covers over his head. He knocked the grime off his boots before stepping in. "Quite the place you've gathered here. The mosses make for a fine welcome mat. I am Petra, and I've been working my feet through this bog for many a night." He sat down, seemingly unphased by the eerie nature of the smoke and lady before him. "I am an architect, who despite my slim and weak eyes, have always had an eye for beauty. In my home village I was always a hard workin' soul, but I hear tell of an architect needed for the house Theonus." The hag tilts her hair mildly. "Aye the royals there have grand visions. Who am I to refuse the chance for some silver? Packed my satchel tight with my tools here and left home. The boots are muddy, but that aint nothing a few rags and some clean river water can't fix. My parents always had great ambitions for me. Us halflings don't get up to much. We stay out of the way of the whips, and keep out heads down from flyin' arrows. I never saw myself working for royalty. Bunch of rich snobs if you ask me. I'll take my chances with the Theoneans, but if I get a good enough paycheck, aye, I might as well go back home. Money doesn't make my world go round. I just need steaming food every night and a bed." The woman, pulling her loose flowing sleeves down her arms seems uninterested. Petra notices and quickly changes his tone. He should get on the road. "I don't want to bother you too much with my troubles though ma'am, I appreciate you lettin' me stop through. The floating candles are mighty interesting, I must say. You mages sure are a wonder. I'll head into town, and be on my way. Thank you again ma'am." Petra stepped out, and continued further into the swamp.