TheStephling

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 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?)) Chae'siru pauses mid-step. She squints, eyes flickering to the darker corners of the tent, then to the withered face of the crone before her. "Alright, creepy woman whom I've never met... What do I get in return for offering personal details to a stranger?" When the hag doesn't respond, Chae'siru sighs, puts her bag down, careful not to touch any other objects, and takes a seat. She clears her throat. "I shall give you the compact story, if that's alright, but as usual, I shall not forgo the theatrics; I've not lived a very long time, though I am sure I look mature for my age. Most of my precious memories are family moments spent in a comfortable home. As a child I never strayed too far from my neighbourhood and as a young adult I never explored too far outside the bounds of my city, until I had no other choice. My parents kicked me out... well, they made arrangements for me to stay with a distant cousin and see more of the world as -according to them mind you, I have a very different opinion on the matter- I was at risk of officially becoming a lazy sofa loaf! They said that I needed to find myself and my place in the world, that all my siblings had already moved out at my age and that they didn't name me Chae'siru (Mushroom tea) for no reason. They had met while exploring the world, at a tea tasting festival. I admit it was in the heat of the moment, but I packed my little things and headed out the door. Add a little bit of spice and sugar and some cumbersome encounters along the way and here I am! Could you tell me where..." she glances at the palm of her hand where a name has been hastily scribbled. "Yuln Aleléyèlsa's house is?"