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?))
"Well, it is quite simple now that I think about it." I slowly walk over to the cushion, sitting down on the weathered plush, finding that it's quite comfortable. "It's been years since I've walked on land for more than a few hours. Since I was 15, I've been on a long voyage accompanying fisherman and sea captains across many vast oceans. When my parents passed shortly before my 15th birthday, I've tried almost everything to gain a few extra coins."
I shift in my seat to try and make myself comfortable, despite the unsettled feeling in my stomach.
"See, my parents were quite poor. We made it okay, but there was nothing left for me after their unpredicted death. I had to learn how to survive on my own at such a young age. I grew to hate the small town I was raised in. There were subtle reminders of my parents everywhere and my small, frail heart couldn't bear it."
My eyes started to burn with tears and my vision became blurry. I took a deep breath in and calmed myself before continuing what would turn into a sobfest.
"My uncle came into town after hearing about my parents and suggested a more remote path for my life. Like most of my relatives, he was a fisherman from many towns over. I was quite hesitant about the idea but decided to take a chance on him. We sailed the seas for years, experiencing vastly different cultures and cities, until he fell ill and passed six months ago. I tried to continue his fishing legacy but couldn't bear the constant reminders of him everywhere. I remembered this beautiful city during one of our journeys and always knew I wanted to return when I had the chance. I sold my uncles ship to his co captain and started my voyage back here. It has been anything but easy, but the city feels like home in a weird way."
