donnie12399

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?)) Theren hesitates at the entrance of the tent, his hands visibly trembling. The loss of his faithful companion, a loyal pup that had been by his side since its birth, weighed heavily on him. He gulps nervously, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I've come for help," he stammers, avoiding direct eye contact with the old hag. "It's about my pup, my loyal friend... he... he passed away." Theren's eyes well up with tears, a mix of sorrow and desperation evident in his expression. "I heard tales, rumors that you possess knowledge beyond the ordinary. Is there... is there any way, any magic or potion, that can bring him back?" His voice cracks with emotion, his usual composure as a seasoned bodyguard replaced by the vulnerability of a man seeking a miracle to mend his broken heart. He takes a step forward, his eyes now pleading for an answer, any glimmer of hope. Backstory Theren Silverleaf's journey as a caravan bodyguard was one marked by solitude and the constant motion of travel. That was until he found Fenrir, a small, abandoned wolf pup he discovered one cold evening nestled against his mother who had not survived the harsh winter. Theren, who had always felt a deep connection to the natural world, couldn't leave the pup to fend for itself. He named the pup Fenrir, after a legendary wolf from ancient tales. Fenrir quickly became more than just a companion; he was Theren's loyal friend and protector. The bond they shared was profound, transcending the simple relationship of a man and his dog. Fenrir proved to be an intelligent and brave creature, often alerting Theren to dangers on the road, helping to track paths, and even fighting alongside him when threats arose. As the years passed, Fenrir grew into a magnificent and robust wolf, his fur a mix of greys and whites, his eyes a piercing blue. He was a sight to behold, and his presence often drew the attention and admiration of those they encountered. Together, they traversed treacherous paths, faced bandits, and braved storms, always watching over each other. Tragedy struck one fateful night when the caravan Theren was guarding was ambushed by a group of ruthless bandits. The battle was fierce, and in the midst of the chaos, Fenrir leapt to defend a young family caught in the crossfire. His bravery saved them, but he was gravely injured during the skirmish. Despite Theren's desperate attempts to save him, Fenrir succumbed to his wounds under the starlit sky, with Theren holding him close, whispering words of gratitude and farewell. Devastated by the loss, Theren buried his loyal friend beneath a tall oak tree, marking the grave with a simple stone. The loss of Fenrir left a void in Theren's heart, a void he thought could never be filled. Rumors of a wise woman in the swamp, known to possess ancient knowledge and mystical powers, reached Theren. In his grief, he clung to a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could bring his beloved Fenrir back, or at the very least, offer some solace or guidance on how to cope with his loss. With a heavy heart and a restless spirit, Theren made his way to the swamp, each step a reminder of his solitary journey, and the friend he had lost. As he entered the tent of the old hag, his usual calm and composed demeanor was replaced by a sense of vulnerability and a desperate yearning for a miracle to bring back his faithful Fenrir.