Barbie

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?)) Apolonia leaned against a barrel, crossing her arms firmly as her head turned to the unknown person that had spoken to her. ''I've been awaited?'' Looked around the tent for a brief moment before she spoke again to the old hag. ''Right, well to know. You best prepare yourself for some long talkin'. My story isn't the shortest.'' Her voice softened, almost whispering, making sure that nobody else around the tent could hear the conversation. ''My name is Apolonia Winogradzka. I am rather young, recently turned 21 years of age. Some may call me an old maid, perhaps they're right. I was born in spring, - according to my closest fellows - somewhere near the borders of Petra. I do not remember my mother, I've been abandoned. Once again, what I heard about my upbringing from the closest to my heart people is that my mother had been out of wedlock when she had me, she brought immense shame onto her family. I was hidden away from the daylight, eventually abandoned, left to live off with bandits, constant travellers and shady traders. That is all I know about my mother, nothing about the father. Perhaps it was for the best. Now, I am mindful of the reputation the people who took me in have, yet I must admit they've raised me well. As well as they could, and I consider the whole group to be my guardians. I've been well educated, I've known how to strike the best deals since I was roughly nine. Constantly living on the run, from one small village, to another hugely populated city. That is what I called home all my life. Riding our horses through the worlds, exploring the beauty and dangers of it. I've never made many long-term friends as a child, usually during our stays the wealthier children swayed away from me as soon as their parents had been made aware of who I am with. Filled with fear of their children being corrupted or possesions stolen. So I kept with the older folks, all from my guild most likely. And I must say, old souls have a lot knowledge to pass onto us. It's always wise to listen to them!'' Apolonia took a small pause in between her sentences. '' Apologies, allow me to get back on track of my thoughts. . . My education mostly circled around trades, businesses and money, they taughted me how to write and read aswell. Ocassionally, I had a chance to grab a book and hide away in the shade, when our group did their thing. Usually less than more moral, but it was out of my sight and knowledge. As a kid I didn't think much of the enviroment I lived in, it was all I've ever known. It was not until I was older that I've grown suspicious of their actions. But I've never had any hatred towards them, it was their way of living, their choice. And I was kept safely, although they had no obligation to care for me. As care-free and thrilling travelling may be, at one point I required a stable ground to live on, to put down roots. And so then, after long, sleepless nights of constant thinking I've made my guardians aware of my decision. I was firm on it, I didn't allow anybody to break me. And so they agreed. We ventured off to find the land of peace where I could see myself staying in for longer. It took us roughly few years, and now I am here. This is our next stop. Is this my final destination? Is this the place I grow attached to the community in? We shall see. We do not know what my fate has for me. But I am more than eager to find out.'' Apolonia now gave the old person a wide smile, bright as the sun and her eyes had that spark in them. ''I have plans, big plans. My dream is to open a tavern, with a good bar on the first floor, warm food prepared with love and good drinks, and well-kept rooms on the upper floors! All for farfolks who travel. To give them a space for a safe rest before their bigger adventures. For a good and fair price for both of the parties! But God knows what awaits me. All I know is that I am well prepared for anything life throws on me.'' Outside the tent you could hear people yell out a name. . . ''Apolonia! Apolonia, for the love of Lord, where are you?!'' Apolonia jumped, surprised as she heard her name. She turned her head one last time to the old hag, waving. ''I am so sorry, I am being called upon. I must not keep them more worried. I hope I didn't bore you much.'' She smiled, quickly standing up and running out of the tent, back to her group. Now, it was time for them to explore this unknown land, to learn it's secrets. (Skin provided below was made by me.)