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?))
For just a moment, my stomach sunk. "I- How- Who-" I stopped, forcing myself to take a breath, "Hello. Do I know you?"
The old lady let out an amused chuckle "There's no reason to be so scared, dear. Take a seat." She once again gestured towards the cushion. Hesitently, I made my way over and sat down. "Now, I am very intrested in what you have to share."
"Well," I started, depating how much information I wanted to give "I mean, I've been looking for jobs-"
"That's what you are doing, dear," Her words caused me to tilt my head in confusion "My question was on your story." I studied the her eyes. They were rype with age, but full of both knowledge and curiosity. Something about her felt genuine. Trustworthy.
I took one more breath before speaking. "I grew up in a forest of Valinor. My village was beautiful. My family was centered on foraging and farming, so we always had an abundance of crops. However, one night, I was messing around, and the torch I was holding fell... The fire spread so quickly, there was nothing I could have done to stop it... So I ran... I stole a boat, came here, and never looked back..." I let out a sigh, before recaging my composure, "But, that was over 10 years ago! Since then I've been traveling looking for jobs. Trying to save up enough to buy my own land and farm. There... uh... hasn't been too much sucess, but I've made a friend! He's trying to become an alcamist, so I can at least provde some materials to him! We've been traveling together for a while now, and recently someone else has joined us! I'm... not sure how they feel about me. They rarely tell me anything about themselves, and it's kind of awkward sometimes, but I'm sure they'll open up eventually!"
Remembering them and how far I've come brought a smile to my face "I'm really happy with my situation. I may be very low on funds but its finally starting to feel like there is a place where I belong."
