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.”
Althea'd quickly look around her, was that woman talking to her? Not seeing anyone else near her she decided that yes, that old woman was indeed talking to her. 'Oh uhm...' Taking a deep breath she stepped over to the cushion and prepared to sit down, making sure not to crease her dress. It had taken a while to get made so she did not want to dirty it already.
Getting more nervous the longer she sat down, she slowly started picking at her fingers. It was a bad habit of hers that her mother had often tried to stop, with no luck so far. Althea couldn't help it! She got nervous often and being able to fiddle with something helped her calm down, though this was perhaps not a place where she should calm down. If anything she should be looking out for this old woman, what if she poisoned her? Or worse! She could stab her whenever and Althea had never learned how to fight so she was totally defenseless. She was skillful with needle and thread but that wouldn't do much for her in the real world. Embroidery and sewing could be beautiful but is nonetheless far from dangerous.
Realizing her inner thoughts had definitely taken over she started to talk. 'I don't think I have much of a story yet.' She let out a small sigh. 'I'm only 18 you see... I'm still trying to find my place in this world. Though there aren't many options for my future, it's either marriage or... uhm... well that's about it.... I don't have many choices. My father won't let me do anything else really. He says I have no good qualities other than childbearing. ... Maybe I shouldn't be talking to you...'
Althea had often enough been called gullible, and too trusting of others. Talking to this woman was only confirming that more.
'You know what....' She quickly looked around her, making sure there was nothing dangerous near her. 'I should really be heading home, my parents don't know I've left the house.' Quickly getting up and running her hands down her dress. 'It was... nice to meet you.' She said with some uncertainty in her voice. Althea left the tent with a quick pace, ready to go home where it might not be cozy but at least it was safe.
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