Unponderable

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?))
 

He’d offer her a gentle- albeit almost smug smile, shaking his head at the offer and opt to stand instead. Beneath the toothless grin, however, lies tense shoulders and harsh, watchful eyes. “I have heard of that one before.” The words are cold, riddled with distrust and disinterest in sharing. But- with a small sigh, he’d relent. “I am son of Aubron- I have not lived to see my centuries but I wish to serve my people- I will serve my people.” He’d pause, pursing his lips, eyes searching for words. “I have little a story to tell- there is nothing of great note in my…pages. My father was a farmer, one that carried the belief that other elves were misguided, in need of proper teaching. That perhaps, whoever my mother was- he’d be able to guide her?” His words would be questioning, eye raised, awaiting the hag to say otherwise. “Or perhaps he thought he could…no matter, it does not concern me anymore.” More silence, even greater confusion. “I am an artisan- a blacksmith when my servitude amongst the Ivae’Fenn is not needed, and I serve the colony my father lived doing that thing. He taught me the trade- as he taught me all other things- the hunt, the fight.  Trained me, I should say.  He had great desires for my life, my future, made sure of it from the moment I could...walk. That I'd be set on the path he wished for me. He...” He’d continue to glare at the hag, seemingly crumbling under the weight of her gaze. “ “There is nothing else to this story.” The man would begin to slip out of the tent, “Ito nae elannil'isvin,” and take his leave- shoulders tense and expression unsettled.