Your character has just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As they look around, their gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. They 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?))
“…You’ve been expecting me?” Flutter says with a faint, tired laugh. “That’s a first.” They shift, pulling the soaked cloak tighter around their shoulders.
“Name’s Flutter Paradigm. Strange name, I know—it’s not the one I was born with. Just the one I kept.” A pause. “I’ve been walking for days through that gods-forsaken swamp, following signs I don’t fully understand. Dead birds. Faint lights at night. Voices that only speak when I’m half-asleep.” Their eyes flick briefly to the floating candles. “I’m not here to make trouble. But something’s pulling at me. Like a thread wrapped around my ribs. I thought I was chasing it. Now I’m not so sure it isn’t chasing me.” They glance at the hag, more serious now. “You said you were expecting me. So either you’ve got answers—or you’re part of the reason I’m here. Either way…” They gesture toward the flame-lit gloom behind her. “…I’m listening.”
Recommended Comments