>>6073412Several seconds pass, and you hear a husky voice call out, “Come in, Marshall.”
The vapors leaking from her door give only a modest hint at the gust of vapor that washes over you when you enter. As the steam dissipates into the hallway, you see Sasha’s smooth, caramel back unclothed, covered in a strange mandala tattoo that is decorated with ritual symbols you can only vaguely recognize. The room is similar in layout to yours for the most part, although already cluttered from her ingredients, like Olaf’s table but more widespread. Still, you don’t see any evidence that she’s brought anyone along with her.
She’s standing in front of the fireplace where a small cast iron cauldron bubbles, which is the source of the steam. A more chivalrous man might blush at her shirtlessness, but Chalmuthian women aren’t known for their modesty, so it doesn’t bother you at all. “Sasha, I’m glad you remembered me, and even seemed to be expecting me. You ought to have said ‘hi’ last night.”
Sasha pulls a wooden spoon out of the cauldron, blows on it, and softly sips from it. “Did I ward in Chalmuth? You should have come to see me if you wanted to speak.” She says matter-of-factly. “I knew you would in time, and knew you would need this too.” She picks up a clay cup and spoons several spoonfuls of the concoction into it. She turns, making no efforts to cover her small, perky brown breasts as she offers it to you. “You had quite a lot of wine last night, I think you’ll need your wits about you today.”
When you left Crain, you were both practically children, not even teenagers yet. Now, Sasha is a woman grown, and every bit as much a witch as the hags you used to capture toad-eaters for in exchange for lessons in their esoteric arts. You grin and take the cup. “Well, you have certainly grown up.” You take a sip. The brew is so thick as to nearly be a syrup, and mauve in color. The odor seems a lure when it passes slowly over your tongue, sickly sweet and so spicy you want to cringe, but you maintain your composure, taking several swigs of the potion. Despite its vices, a wave of relief seems to pass over you almost immediately, and you break out into a sweat.
A soft, flat smile passes over her face, “And you, Marshall. We don’t have much time, so tell me. Was there anything else you wanted except a cure for your aching head?”
What do you want to talk to her about?
>That was it! You’re ready for the contest to begin!!>Ask her about what she thinks of the contest. What are her goals?>Just catch up with her, see what she’s been up to in the years since you last saw each other.>Write in.Discuss teaming up?
>Yes, to put her on the throne if she wants it.>Yes, to put you on the throne.>Yes, and determine who ought to rule as you approach the contest’s end.>No, not now. 