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.”
The child stares at the cushion the woman had gestured towards. It looked.. comfortable and soft. She had been traveling the vast lands for days-- weeks even. There was no other place to rest, but this woman was giving her a chance to do so. Maybe she should sit down. Her feet guided her to the cushion and slowly descended onto it. The hag is still staring at her, she notices. Waiting for her to talk.
" Ah.. um. Ker'ayla. My name is Velulaei 'Illera' Ellyiir, " she messes around with her slightly matted hair. It's been a while since it was last brushed.. or washed.
" I used to live with my maln and haelun before.. before they were killed by a group of really bad bandits in my old home. I ran away. I nearly got caught, but I think one of the nice elves at my home distracted them. It's-- it's really hard to remember what happened.. "
There was sorrow in Velulaei's eyes. She glanced at the hag and looked away quickly.
