Scorpios2024

A beaten and worn-down Ashera runs out of the undergrowth, and into a swampy, dingy town. As she looks around, seemingly disgusted at the sight of murky water, and the strong scent of wet moss radiating throughout, something catches her eye. A tent, illuminated by a faint glow. Without hesitation, she approaches it, lowering her head slowly and stepping inside, only to find a series of candles suspended in the air, and an old hag at the other end.
The hag raises her head, meeting Ashera's cold gaze. "You. What brings you to this dingy town?" she begins, before pausing to study Ashera's broken appearance. The old hag takes note of a worn knife by Ashera's side, as well as a shattered bow in her hand, and a quiver on her back, held together by mere threads... She'd then lock eyes with Ashera. ”Hm. I’ve been expecting someone like you. Have a seat, and listen to everything I say.” she gestures at a mossy cushion opposite her, opening her mouth to speak once more. "Tell me your story. What brings a person like you here?”
Without any other option, Ashera slowly steps towards the hag. She then spoke. "I'd prefer to stand than sit on that... thing." The levels of disgust could be heard in her voice. "Is there a stool, or what?"
"No need to be so rude, Elf. Answer my question." As she spoke, her chair would creak as a grin took over her face. Clearly, she knows something Ashera doesn't...
Ashera tries to calm herself with a deep breath. "I need the whereabouts of my younger brother. He looks similar to me, and he's also battle-worn, unlike yaself. Just passed through 'ere a while ago, I think."

"Ah, that coward-?" Ashera would cut off the old hag suddenly, seemingly infuriated by this comment. She rapidly scans her newfound target with her eyes, as words flow out of her mouth. "COWARD? Ya wanna repeat that? Be my-." She'd look down to her dagger, then look back up to the hag after being cut off. "If you want what you seek, I would suggest you refrain from letting loose your... violent tendencies. Now, tell me what I wish to hear."

Ashera calms herself and reluctantly agrees, clearing her throat to speak. "Don't ask for further detail, yeah? I don't got time like ya do yaself. I'm a High Elf, born in a low place. I don't know my parents all that well... lost 'em to the sea. Feeds into my fear of the ocean as well... Anyway, my brother's the only person I got. And if ya're wonderin' why I look the way I do, it's because me and my brother're undertakin' a hard bounty. It's our job, and we know it better than anything else... aside from the importance of a good drink and gamble. And now, it's your turn. Tell me what I needa know."

The hag clears her throat. "Hm. It actually is you." The hag got up, slowly walking towards the tent's entrance. She'd gesture towards a chest on her left as she stepped. "Take the bow in that old box. There should be bandages in there as well, and maybe a snack." Eventually, the hag reached the exit, before taking a few more steps outside. "Remember to share." She looks out and away from the tent.

Ashera cautiously approached the chest, swinging the lid open after. She discards her broken bow, picking up the new one, inspecting it for damage. She then focuses her attention onto two lonely bandages, laying at the bottom, next to some wrapped up bread. She reaches her hand out, scooping up the supplies and throwing them into her pack. After, she walks to the hag, awaiting her next line.

The old hag gestures towards a building, a short run away. "Your brother must be there. He was asking for a drink, and that is where I pointed-" Ashera shakes her head in disappointment, cutting the old hag off. "He needs to learn that drinks're for after success, not before. What an idiot."

The old hag lets a small chuckle slip out. "Go on now. Continue-" The hag stops, noticing how Ashera is hastily sprinting in the building's direction. Ashera gave the hag a small smile and wave as she departed.