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?))
Soleil's shoulders tighten as their lips thin to an unimpressed line. They're quite clearly hesitant to listen to the old woman, instead leaning their head back as if to call out- or perhaps listen for any indication that it might not just be the hag and themselves in this miserable space. It takes a moment or two, at least 4 breaths, before Soleil indulges in her whims and plants lightly on the cushion, legs tucked under themselves. It seems even if they are content enough to stay they have no intentions of staying for long.
"I wouldn't tell you more than you need to know," Soleil warns within a tired sigh. "Just as much as is needed to continue my journey."
But it wasn't as simple as that. Like a stream that slowly whittles away the sides of the mountain until it gushes a river Soleil could not help the flow of words that tumbled helplessly from their lips.
They were born into a compound of zealots, raised with the hope and praise that they could be the next avatar for a merciless God. But when they were chosen, they could not help but find themselves... non-believing. In their heart they could not submit. And so in retaliation this merciless God, true to their character, cursed them and branded them with the mark of betrayal. From then on they would no longer see the world for what it could have been if they had submitted- willing or unwilling.
Soleil blinked a moment, pale purple eyes eyes clearly wetting before heaving a heavy sigh and continuing.
Instead, they would see the decay they had wrought by their blaspheme. All living things were decayed in their eyes, men and animals as walking corpses- plants withered. They made eye contact with the hag for just a moment before looking away again, unpleasant frown growing deeper.
"One would be surprised how much life exists even in places like these."
But for all the appreciation for life Soleil had gained, even in it's most horrific form, they could not help but feel anger. Pure seething rage at those who would do this to them- at their God. Justice. Soleil's essence called for retribution. In that journey they ended up here, shifting uncomfortably as their legs began to ache from sitting on them too long.
"I have told you my path, I believe fair trade is to give me yours. I care not for your history- if you expected me you know what I am here for."
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