Emilio Valdet arrived in a swampy, dim town. As he look around, his gaze was met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. He ducked, stepping into a tattered tent, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the tent, an old hag raised her head, “What brings you to this dingy town?" She began, pausing to study his face—”Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestured at a cushion, “Tell me your story.”
Standing tall, Valdet frets to lose his confidence while meeting a stranger, he's only too familiar with the situation. "My apologies for intruding, but I can only hope you'll allow me to stay a while till the sun shines once more." He'd pause a moment, processing her words. "A story I shall tell in return for your hospitality."
Valdet would clear his throat, pardoning himself to enter further and take a seat on the cushion. On his back, he carried a large bag containing his entire life. Perhaps that's an exaggeration... The bag would hit the ground with a thud! The weight on his back relieved for just a moment. The male would straighten his back, stretching it. It almost burdened him to have such weight with him all the time, but it's how he's survived this long. On the side of Valdet's bag sat a half-filled flask, filled with water—liquor was only a luxury for the rich to have. His chest rose up and down, patterning his breath as he began to explain himself, "I have traveled far and wide in order to achieve better opportunities. I am hopeful to learn how to defend and how to heal, so I may protect my family back home." Valdet's tone was sincere yet hopeful. His eyes would soften, turning to the hag. "You see, I do not come from a lot. In fact, I come from very little. My family is not as fortunate compared to many... there are days where we fight to have enough food on the table."
Valdet lived a complex life, seeking sovereignty in the outskirts of the New Kingdom of Hyspia. He hoped to smell and taste the wonders of what the Kingdom brought, however wasn't fortunate enough to. "The people were kind in my home, we helped each other. Travelers visiting Hyspia weren't the nicest... some decided to steal from those less fortunate, and for what?" His eyes almost pleaded, horrified by how him and his family had been treated. "I wish to make a change in the world. I will always know where I come from, but I know I cannot stay there, not for long." His hands rested on his lap, gripping the body of the flask tightly. His excitement grew as he explained his desires, at least someone listened to him... "I want to learn to wield a sword and shield. Or to heal with bandage and medicine. I want to learn and see further than pages in books... I want to make a name for myself in honour of my family."
The soft warmth of the sun pierced through the fabric of the tent they both sat in. Soft beams of sunlight peaked through, casting it's shadow. Ahh, at last, a new day has dawned. Taking a moment to breathe, Valdet would embrace the warmth as it crept in. His mind cleared of worry, reassured he'll find his way. He would gently return his flask into it's correct location, tugging the bag back onto his back as he stood. "Thank you for your hospitality... I shall be taking my leave now." With his kind words left behind him, he'd shuffle his way out, meeting the sun's burning gaze. With a sharp inhale, and quicker exhale, he'd once more treck through a new town. Hopefully, he'd find what he was looking for sooner rather than later.
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