Quote:
Spring storms can often appear with out little notice and last for days. They are filled with strong winds and heavy rain, which means one must halt their travel if they are able to even get outside during the downpour. Your character has found themself stuck away from home in an area with others seeking to avoid the storm. Who do they meet? What do they talk about? How do they feel about the storm?
Karothdra trudged through the muddy path, her cloak billowing around her as the wind whipped through the trees. Dark clouds loomed overhead, heavy with the promise of rain, and she quickened her pace in a futile attempt to outrun the impending storm. But it was no use. Within moments, the heavens opened up, and she found herself drenched to the bone, her hair plastered to her face and her boots sinking into the sodden ground. To say that Karo was annoyed and bitter at being sent to Matori was an understatement, especially since it was the rainy season.
Cursing under her breath, Karo scanned her surroundings for shelter. To her relief, she spotted a small cottage nestled amidst the trees, its windows glowing with the warm light of a fire. With a sigh of relief, she hurried towards it, her footsteps splashing through puddles as she approached.
As she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, her hand poised to knock. Who would be inside? And would they be willing to offer her refuge from the storm? She was an Oban after all, Matori might not take kindly to offering her shelter. With a shrug, she rapped sharply on the wood, hoping for the best.
To her surprise, the door swung open almost immediately, revealing a group of Matori huddled around a crackling fire. They glanced up as she entered, their expressions wary but not unfriendly. Karothdra nodded in greeting, her eyes scanning the room for a place to sit.
"Come in, come in," one of the Matori said, gesturing towards an empty chair by the fire. "You look like you could use some warmth."
"Thank you," Karothdra replied, her voice muffled by the wet fabric of her cloak. She made her way over to the chair and sank into it gratefully, the heat from the fire seeping into her bones.
For a while, they sat in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as the storm raged outside. But eventually, the Matori who had opened up the door for her struck up a conversation, eager to pass the time.
"So, what brings you out in weather like this?" he asked, his tone curious.
Karothdra hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. She didn't usually share much about herself with strangers, but something about the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of the group made her want to open up. Just a little of course.
"I was on a short mission," she admitted, her voice quiet. "I didn't expect the storm to hit so suddenly."
The Matori nodded sympathetically, exchanging knowing glances with one another. "It's been a rough season for weather," one of them remarked. "We've all been caught out in it at one time or another."
As they talked, Karothdra found herself opening up more and more, sharing stories of her adventures and listening intently to theirs in return. Despite their differences, she felt a sense of kinship with these strangers, a shared bond forged in the crucible of the storm.
"And what about you?" she asked, turning the conversation back to her companions. "What brings you to this remote spot?"
The Matori exchanged a glance before one of them spoke up. "We're just passing through," they explained. "We heard rumours of ancient ruins nearby and thought we'd investigate."
"Ruins, you say?" Karothdra's interest was piqued. "I've always been fascinated by history."
The Matori nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yes, there are said to be ruins deep within these woods. We've been searching for them for weeks."
"That sounds fascinating," she remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice. "I wish you luck in your search. Perhaps one day, I'll have the chance to explore them myself."
The Matori smiled gratefully, appreciating her encouragement. "Thank you," one of them replied. "We'll be sure to share any discoveries we make."
As the storm continued to rage outside, they settled back into their conversation, the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of the group creating a sense of peace amidst the chaos. Eventually, as the storm subsided and the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees, Karothdra knew that it was time for her to leave. She had a mission to complete, and she couldn't afford to waste any more time. Quietly, she slipped out of the cottage, careful not to wake her sleeping companions. The rain had stopped, leaving behind a glistening landscape bathed in the soft light of morning. Taking one last look back at the cottage, Karo set off into the forest once more, her heart filled with a sense of gratitude for the brief respite from her lonely journey.
Word count: 784
