A Bumpy New Start
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