Braktis

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 narrow as I study the individual before me. Normally, I'd be happy to sit down and share my tale - an explanation is often needed before asking for directions anyways - but the circumstances demand my caution. How do they recognize me? Are they perhaps mistaking me for someone else? Should I question it or is it best left alone?

A few seconds tick by as I analyze the hag. I did not see anyone outside. If the hag is indeed a threat, I should be able to retreat safely. Provided I keep enough distance to avoid any sudden assaults. And if they are harmless, well then perhaps they can provide better guidance than anyone else I've thus encountered. They do seem to recognize me after all, even if I cannot reciprocate in kind.

Hmm... a worthy risk I suppose. Few I've met, and fewer still have had concrete directions to the Kingdom of Norland. I thought if it was large enough that I'd heard of it, then surely so had others. And surely some of those others would at least know if I should travel North or South, East or West.

I've never been especially lucky. Perhaps that is the explanation.

With my mind made up, I squat down. Not at the cushion they suggested, but rather beside the tent's entrance. I cannot gauge if they're offended by my choice, but I figure I can make it up to them by relenting to their request despite the frankly suspicious circumstances.

"There's not a lot to tell, truth be told." I say as I begin speaking.

"I've traveled far to get here and, if I'm not mistaken, I have quite a ways to travel still."

"It doesn't help much that I've not any real direction or guidance to travel by."

"Ah, but I should rewind a bit and explain what it is I'm looking for."

"When I was younger, my grandfather returned from a trip overseas. I cannot remember the specifics of the trip. Of why he ventured on it. But I do remember the results. He'd apparently traveled to a strange locale known as the Kingdom of Norland. And, while there, he'd come to believe in the Red Faith."

I pause, sighing.

"Unfortunately, he was never indoctrinated into the faith. And as such, his knowledge of the religion was a bit lacking. But what he did share seemed interesting enough. More interesting than the religion I'd grown up a part of anyways."

"And so, I badgered him with questions and curiosities, practically demanding he share all he knew of the Red Faith. And he obliged."

"All that has done though is further my questions, so much so that, after my grandfather refused to guide me to the Kingdom of Norland himself - citing his old age as the primary reason - I decided to set off on my own."

"Which, save a few stops here and there to ask those I come across for directions, has led me here."

I chuckle a bit to myself as I take a moment to sit in silence.

"What a foolish decision, really. And I don't even know if I believe in such a faith. How can I, when so much is unknown to me?"

"I suppose I'll just have to have faith that this journey will not be for nothing. Even if my faith in my end goal is undecided."

"I've come too far now to turn back anyhow."

Another moment of silence reigns.

"Say, you mentioned expecting me. I will not pressure you to explain, but I must ask. Can you give me directions to the Kingdom of Norland?"

"Surely, with your presumed foresight, you know the way there by similar powers?"