PheneTV

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.”


Mallory nods her head, respectfully, before seating herself. Her nose wrinkles at the stench, but she politely smiles at the creature at the back of the tent.

"I'll start from the beginning."

"I was born in Norland, into a family of butchers. We had an idyllic home, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and we were perfectly happy. Both my parents were caring and capable, and they kept us safe and content. My eldest sister, Morel, and I were very close too, but... she left when I was fourteen."

Mallory bows her head, clearly upset. "I haven't seen her in five years." she murmured.

"But I had a great childhood!" she chirped, appearing to brighten up. "Norland is such a beautiful place. But, I suppose I wanted more. It was a quiet life, and nothing ever seemed to happen. We didn't live in a largely populated area, either; it was just us and our animals. I couldn't stay there any longer."

"So, on my eighteenth birthday, I bid farewell to my parents - and my cat - and set off. I didn't know where I was going, just that I would finally have some action in my life. But even after months of travelling... nothing had happened. I'm still not satisfied." She pauses for a moment, lost in thought.

"I guess, deep down, I don't want action. I just want my sister back."