Tinaxing

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?)) *Tinaxia sits down and clears her throat, contemplating how to string her words together.* "My name is Tinaxia, and I hail from the cold northern lands across the sea... I served as a Cataphract under the wing of a Count, enduring countless battles that seemed endless and devoid of purpose. Ultimately, his megalomania and insatiable thirst for power led to a decisive defeat. And now, I find myself here, a deserter in search of a noble lord worthy of my service." *Tinaxia's gaze shifts slowly towards the Old Hag.* "My childhood lacked vibrancy... I was raised in a strict and militaristic noble household. I had my share of troublesome brothers—one was a womanizer, indulging in affairs day and night, while the other lacked the capacity to wield even a dagger, let alone a sword!" *Tinaxia chuckles softly to herself, but quickly regains her composure, adopting a serious expression.* "As the only viable heir, I was groomed to be the best option... but my feeble frame possessed little strength. The sergeants would subject me to their tedious footwork drills, and at times, I even found myself cooking for the militia. The men mockingly referred to me as 'Duchess the Maid,' in jest..." "Before I even realized it, I found myself under the wings of the Count, serving him in his pointless wars, wreaking havoc with his words... Occasionally, that very destruction would also befall us... but this time... it struck me with a vengeance... my entire family fell victim to the Count's most recent war, a crushing defeat... my brothers, my parents, and our cherished home were no more... It was this final blow that compelled me to desert, renouncing the Count's megalomaniacal ambitions and warmongering nature." "And now, here I am... having endured challenging times traversing mountains and hills, enduring cold nights with an empty stomach... sitting in this cramped, small shack, sharing my story with you." *Tinaxia looks down at her hands, contemplating the hardships she has faced.* *Tinaxia sighs with frustration before continuing.* "Now, it is your turn to share a story. I have a profound love for tales."