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?))
My eyes widened, startled by the old hag's unexpected appearance. I had tumbled backwards, almost tripping on my own feet. "Um," I start, but couldn't speak as I was trying to gather my thoughts. "I... who, are you?" I managed to speak up. "And, what do you mean by you've been expecting me?" I await a response.
The old hag smiles, giving me an uncomfortable feeling, but for some reason, I felt myself lower my guard. The old hag spoke, "Worry not, I mean no harm. I cannot harm you, even if I wanted to."
I hesitantly walk forward, heading toward the cushion. Every step, heavy and taken with caution. I sat down, nervous. "So, my story?" The old hag nods. I bite the lower of my lips before speaking. "It's nothing interesting, really. Allow me to start from the beginning. I was born between two high elves, pure-bloods. However, my family didn't live in a city of elves. Instead, we lived where the humans reside, and some few other races as well. At least, that's what they told me. I, never went outside. My parents didn't want me to, though I never knew why... Ah, sorry, I'm getting side-tracked." I clear my throat. "Right, then. You might be wondering how I'm here, if my parents were strict. Well, that's because they're no longer here with me- and don't take it the wrong way! It's not like they're dead, it's just that they went missing a few years ago. They had left the house, as usual, but never returned. I had starved for a few days before coming to the realization that they might not ever come back, so I drowned in despair. I didn't know anything about the outside world, my parents were to overprotective. I was scared, but moreso, I wanted to live. So, one day, I finally got up, tidied myself, and left out the front door. At first, I wandered around, lost, but then I had a mentor that noticed my need of aid, and thus taking me in. He raised me for 3 years before passing away. I'm grateful for him, and everything he's done to help me. His last wish was for me to live happy, and accomplish my dreams." I paused, and quietly chuckled to myself, "I wanted to fulfil his dying wish, but I didn't have a dream, and how could I be happy when my loved on died?" My voice seemed to grow heavy, but I regained my composure. "Still, I continued with my life. Ever since then, I tried finding out what I wanted with my life, and one day I came across an old photo of my parents and I. Seeing it made me want to learn more about my origins. So, I decided to head to the city of elves. It's been 2 years since my mentor passed, and just a couple months since I went on my journey. I stumbled around this area, hoping to find the city of elves, but this place seems... how do I put it? ...Empty? So, I was startled to see you here, ma'am. And that's basically all there is to my story. I apologize if I bored you."
"Hohoho," the old hag laughed. "Bored? Most certainly not, child. I quite enjoyed your tale, so thank you for sharing. Since you cared to share your story with this old woman, why don't I help you out? I know the way to the city which you search for."
I jump from my seat, "Really? You know where it is? You'll help me?"
"Yes."
------
Thus, I was able to find the city of elves, which my next task was; getting inside.
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