waats

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?)) Haeilie gave her a slow glance and nod, analyzing her and the surroundings, her first instinct was to memorize an escape route. She could've easily slipped into the darkness if necessary. She took a breath, following the old hag's lead and sitting. "How curious, you say you were expecting me?" Haeilie was tall even when sitting, her pale complexion and dirty blonde hair catching the candle's light to cradle her face, revealing a more elven softness to her features. She took a breath and thought carefully before speaking. "My story, hmm..?" She wasn't sure what to make of such a request from a stranger... But, contrarily, if this old hag was expecting her, she wasn't in a position to say no either. "There's not much to tell... I've had a rough start with my father and the other Highlanders who seem to forgo foresight in lieu of taking on another disaster, I have an estranged mother who I never had the chance to meet, I seem to not fit in with humans... And get strange looks from other races." She let out a long sigh between speaking, relaxing in her seat with one leg crossed over the other. Her hands proceeded to fidget with her hand-carved willow bow. "Though, I gather you already know my story. A fool's errand, perhaps." Haeilie was naturally avoiding the question. She took an arrow from her quiver, sharpening it with a small dagger from her satchel. A common habit of hers was to fiddle while thinking. "You are probably asking the same a royal guard would ask, I'd wager. Highlander, Haense of Karosgrad... Looking for something more than war and primitive gratification, much to dad's dismay." She'd hold direct eye contact now, an intense gaze seeing through most people. "I never quite took to the ways of our ancestors... While I'm mighty grateful, I see more value in a head like mine somewhere far away. Somewhere where I can learn all the secrets of the world. I'll keep wandering the vast expanses, looking for knowledge no matter the cost. Maybe even learn more about the Oren."