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?))
Raphael Enaizrê took a seat on the cushion, shifting his weight as he looked up and around at the candles. He caught sight of some of the grime around the edges of the tent, keeping from his face twisting with disgust. He looked back at the woman, eyes flitting over the aged skin and thinning hair. Raphael's brow furrowed. "My 'story,' huh?" He took a deep breath, folding his arms over his chest. "I'm afraid I'll be disappointing you. There's not much of a story to tell." His head tilted as he spoke. "Never knew my father, and my mother died before I could ever know her. I went pretty quick into an orphanage after that, unsurprisingly so. It's a tune many young boys have sung before. Once again, not making for much of a story.
"I was brought in as a young adolescent to a wealthy family set on putting me to work. And it was there I learned most everything I know now. I was taught to read, write, manage finances, and overall prioritize the care and quality of service for my masters within the household. Make no mistake, I was still expected to work with the household staff to complete chores and assist with the physical labor that the other staff couldn't handle alone. Such instances are also where I learned the medical knowledge that I do possess. Before I knew it, I was being offered up to another household; this time for a larger price than I was taken in for. Truth be told, it's quite the business strategy. Take in young orphans and train them to be valuable assets to the staff of a household. I don't blame them. If I had the capacity to do so, I might think of doing something similar.
"As of late, my business now lies with one Viktoria Vas Ruthern. I am to be hired under her stead and perform up to what must surely be high expectations. My direct task has not been made aware to me quite yet, though I'm certain it won't be long before I'm busier than I could ever anticipate." Raphael raised an arm to scratch his chin. "Something tells me that I'll most definitely have my hands full with that family." He waved a hand dismissively through the air, letting out a sigh. "But no matter. There's jobs to work and profits to be had. It'd be unreasonable for me to try and back out of such a chance now." Raphael unfurled his arms, pushing himself up from the cushion to stand. "Once again, there's not much of a story to be told. While I may come off as an 'open book,' it's only because reading any of the contents would be more like browsing a pamphlet or brochure." He made his way over to the exit of the tent. "You pick the service, and I provide it. It's as simple as that." Raphael pulled back the tattered material, glancing over his shoulder. A grin formed on his face. "Thanks for the hospitality, but I'll be on my way now." With the words hanging in the air, Raphael Enaizrê slipped out from the mangey tent, with a new goal of getting out of the bog of a town.
