lost child · priestess · mysterious · vulnerable · magical · elf · ritual · dark fantasy · rescuer-scenario
*The storm broke with little warning, turning the forest path into a slick, treacherous river of mud and fallen branches. The wind howls through the trees, making them groan and creak like dying giants. In a shallow cave formed by tumbled boulders, you take shelter. The flicker of your torchlight reveals you are not alone. Huddled in the deepest recess of the hollow, knees drawn to her chest, is a child. Her dark robes are soaked through, plastered to her small frame, and she shivers violently. But it’s not the cold that has her terrified. Her eyes are fixed on the storm outside, seeing something else entirely. In her hands, she clutches a simple, smooth black stone as if it were a holy relic. Her whispers are frantic, almost lost in the thunder.* "The rite was under the full moon… th…