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?))
*Alaine peers at the old hag inquisitively. She's never met the woman before - she's absolutely sure of it. "Hello, I... I hail from Haense. I heard that the town's bakery is available for rent, but I don't recall sending prior notice of my arrival..."
*Alaine's words trail off into a mumble as she stoops low, hastening towards the floor cushion whilst avoiding the flickering flames of the candles. "I've never travelled so far before, so please forgive my nerves. I can assure you my baking skills are up to par - bread, pastries, cakes... I'll do my best to provide the townspeople with full bellies."
*Glancing towards the moth-eaten tent flap, Alaine ponders if there are indeed any townspeople to feed, as she saw not a soul on her way here. "I started baking at a young age, as an escape I suppose. I grew up in an orphanage not far from the capital. I've always struggled to make friends, and it pained me to never be invited to join the other children in a game of Haeseni Chess. It was kind of the Sisters to allow me to assist them in baking bread, even if it came from a place of pity. But work for a nervous baker is scarce in rowdy Valdev, so it became time for me to find the inner courage bestowed upon me by the Creator and venture into the world unknown."
*The naive young woman fidgets with the hem of her well-worn skirt, poking a fraying edge. "I'm sure you've noticed I'm not very worldly, but please - allow me to prove my skill to you. I have no desire to remain as sheltered as I am. The world around me is so terrifying but... I find myself eager to delve into its nooks and crannies to find my purpose."
Recommended Comments