The Witch's Hut

​I despised working at the Cargo Lift. Turns out, I loathe being a farmhand even more.

​I still remember when we got shut down as the Shroud-infected water spread to our upper canals. Dragging sandbags around and building makeshift barricades to "ensure water purity" downstream, all while enduring this rotting stench.

​Then, poof: No lift, no work, and I was stuck with a scratchy throat. My new life on the farm is lonesome as hell. The cough and birds around were my only company... 'til yesterday.

​While tilling, I saw something shuffle through the trees. The thing was so crooked, I thought it was some sort of beast. Then, bang! Thunder! Lightning! A strange bird's coo! I was distracted by the ruckus above, and when I looked back at the thing, it had moved closer.

​No longer hiding behind a tree line, it revealed itself as a hunched-over hag, cawing: "Your cough is bad, my boy - but you're in luck! I'm an herbalist. Come by my hut, and let my healing tinctures soothe you." ​As if on cue, a flight of birds near me took off and soared past. Had to shield my face and all, so close were they! Moments later, the birds and crone were gone.

​I'll go see her tomorrow. Got nothing left to lose. ​ - J