Gloomsie

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?)) Arsie moved the tents front cover with the back of her hand. Her eyes scanned the room before landing on the woman who sat before her. She paused for a few moments. Was she where she was supposed to be? Perhaps she had taken a wrong turn somewhere along her path. Nonetheless, she took her seat when the woman said to. She took in a deep breath, taking a look at her surroundings. the tent was poorly lit, despite the candles illuminating their glowing light on the tents walls. She could hardly make out the face of the woman sitting in front of her. "You said you were expecting me..?" She questioned the woman. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she grew more skeptical of the situation that was playing out before her very eyes. She shifted in her seat, growing more uncomfortable as time passed. "Well..." She started. She clasped her hands in her lap. "I came from a little town. It's quite far from here actually. I have been on the road for a few days time now. My mother raised me by herself. My Pa passed when I was younger during a war. Said he got pulled in from the sidelines. I'm not too sure however. I was never told the whole story. I don't even know if its true." She paused. Why was she admitting all of this to a total and complete stranger? Must less in a tent. But Arsie couldn't help herself. It was like something was pulling her in. As if she was captivated. "I have a sister. She stays home and tends to the farm with my Ma. She helps her with all the chores n wha' not." She continued, shifting once more in her chair. "But me?" She asked, glancing over at the woman. "I want to be a sailor. I want to explore. I want to travel around and work in different parts of the world. I can feel it. It's what I am meant to do in my life." She replied. Her words hung heavy in the air as she spoke about what she was passionate about. It was her life goal. "But there is only one problem..." She said, turning her head to now look the woman in her eyes. "How do I get there?"