Your character has just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As they look around, their gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. They duck and step into a tattered building, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the room, 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.”
I look ahead past the old hag. After a deep breathe I say, "things have changed..."
She gives a gesture to empty the room. Others leave us alone. "Is it really you?"
I turn my head slightly to meet her gaze. "You look terrible." Silence.
She scrunches her face. Silence. Eyes locked together... we both erupt with laughter!
"hahaha... I see nothing's changed," she says through her laughter.
"It's good to see you old friend," I respond. The old hag smiles through her worn teeth.
"I've been gone a long time learning the ways of the forest. I spent time among the trees, meditating on top of the mountains, swimming in lakes, exploring biomes far away. I have come to feel connected with the natural order of things." I pause as I turn my gaze to the window. My sentence becomes quieter with each passing word, "the forest is hurting."
The old hag leans in. "There has been much change in the world." She locks her gaze with mine out the window. "There are kingdoms now, full of all kinds of creatures." She puts her hand on my shoulder. "Perhaps you can learn from them to."
I take a deep breathe and reply, "If it can help on my quest to heal the forest, I will look for them."
She instructs, "Go to Nevaehlen. Meet the Mali’ame. They will know what to do."
