Tiana

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?)) Tohaan pauses to look at her, trying not to show the lady the curiosity as to how she knows who Tohaan is. "Hello, I am Tohaan Taldra, a High Elf. I apologize for the intrusion, I have been traveling for some time now and saw your town, figured I'd stop by." She says with guarded sincerity while slowly making her way to the cushion, studying the surroundings. As the lady gets comfortable, Tohaan sits down and begins to speak, "My parents and I grew up in a small town, far away from most people. We lived off of the land and enjoyed the company of our people. I was taught to love and cherish every moment in life, to not wonder what comes after, and send wishes for the lost to have a safe journey to wherever they may be headed." Tohaan visibly tenses up and clasps her hands between her knees. "There was a day when I was very young, I remember getting ready to go out into the fields, when I heard distant crying. Crying in our village was very unusual, everybody was always humming or fine tuning their work. I went over to see what had happened but there was only a woman on the ground, shaking and drenched with tears. Everybody seemed in shock and disbelief. As I was walking over to help her up, I realized she was the villages bookkeeper. I had quite liked her, Lily." Tohaan smiles and looks at the lady sitting across from her, "She always had a cookie or a piece of cake for me and most nights, read me to sleep," Tohaan looks back at her hands, reminiscing in her childhood. "Anyways," she said clearing her throat, "as I was walking up to her, she turned to me. She looked drained and hollow. Lily started screaming and shook my shoulders 'THEY ARE HERE. THE PAST HAS COME BACK TO HAUNT US.' after she finished, she just fell over. Everyone fell into a panic trying to pack their things and leave, being the tight and trusting community we were. After just a few hours everyone had packed their things and we had started our journey across the forest. Day after day we walked and sang to try and keep strong, but that didn't last very long. when we were about to reach the main path to a nearby town, everybody fell silent. I was a very loud and outgoing kid, doing anything and everything to help my family and friends. I spoke up, asking aloud why we were so quiet. My father turned and stuck me across the face. I had fallen over from the strike. Shocked and dazed, I didn't realize for a moment that everyone was running and screaming, trying to get away from whatever they were running from. I tried getting up from where I had fallen over and running after someone I trusted, but I was pushed over by someone. It was nightfall when I woke up. I knew the basics of lone survival; my father had taught me that. I knew I need to either find or make a shelter and food. Ever since that day when I was 14, I've been on my own. I've been trying to search for my family, or even a distant family friend from the village but I've had no luck. I know that I have changed from the village. I used to be so outgoing and thoughtful. I helped a lot around the village. looking after the elderly and helping everyone with their chores. The village didn't have many children, it was only me and another girl, she left with her family in hopes of finding anew. I've grown used to the colder nights and stone-hearted from being all alone. I have learned many combat techniques from the different towns and cities I've been to. Meeting fellow herbalists and plant experts, growing my knowledge on how to live off the land. I don't really enjoy being around people anymore. I feel like all I have is myself and that if I trust another with my secrets then I have put myself under their hand." Tohaan drew a deep breath as she looked at the lady again, this time, her face stone, hiding her emotions and her posture rigid. "This town is the first I've seen in many weeks. I'd hate to impose but I was wondering if you've an extra bed to spare? I've got some money to pay if you'd like or I can also cook, clean, and gather if that's what you'd prefer."