>>26972757>Be Anon>Hunter extraordinaire >Atleast that's what you would call yourself if you'd manage to catch anything>You've been stalking this deer for the better part of...well you're unsure>Frankly this is the first time you've taken your rifle out ever sice getting licensed in the Mystery Woods >Sure the district overall was spooky, unnerving, and had the overall atmosphere of being in one of those horror cryptid missing persons videos you watch>But other than that it was really pleasant>The chuubas here ranged on the bestial side so there were plenty of hunters, rangers, and overall outdoorsy types to mingle with>Even some of the more magical types made their abode here, what with a looming dark forest vibe and all>Your eyes finally have their sights on the prey that has eluded you for quite some time, grazing in some brush nearby>Immediately you sink down and crouch behind some brush not wanting to startle it (again) with your presence >In a moment you have the barrel set upon the creature, when a shot crackles across the forest canopy>The deer falls dead on the ground>Except that wasn't your shot"What the heck," you mutter.
>Just to the far side of you a figure steps up to collect their quarry>You're greated by an elvish woman dressed in what can only be described as a very accurate portrayal of Davy Crockett >By the time she retrieves her skinning knife you decide to step out your hiding spot"Uh, hey there!"
>You're unsure whether she heard you or not as she goes on dressing the deer in front of you>You clear your throat"That was a pretty good shot back there!"
>"Mhm." >The rather curt response from the elf woman has left you feeling undesired>Never one to catch on to social cues you press again anyway"Is that costume yours," you say pointing to her blood soaked garment. "I didn't know there was a period reenactment scene here. Your clothes look so authentic!"
>She pauses on her butchering and glances up at you through her coonskin hat>Underneath the furry brow the elf's heterochromia now stands apparent, with her green and amber eyes affixed on you with their cold glare>"Thanks.">And with that exchange she falls back into her task>Unable to cut your losses and retreat back to your cabin you try to turn the conversation towards her hunting effects>Everything on her looks historically accurate, from the clothing, knives, side pistol, to the gun itself>In fact, taking another look ather rifle, you're impressed she was able to hit the deer with that>An authentic looking flintlock rifle addressed in leather charms hanging off the stock>You let out an impressive whistle"You must have some superb marksmanship too with the way you nearly sniped that deer off of planet Earth with a piece as old as that. Mine definitely isn't the latest toy but if an idiot like me could shoot that deer I imagine how much if a crack shit you'd be with something modern."
>"You couldn't.""Come again?"
>"You couldn't. Shoot that deer. You couldn't." "Well, sure, I'm a little rusty-"
>"You were going about it all wrong. Even with the aid of your gun I would still have a considerable advantage. Ah.">Her hands reach through an incision in the carcass and retrieves its hefty liver>"Good. That will come in handy. Hm? Oh. Still here? Sorry. I need to finish this up. Off you go.""Now see here, don't think just because you're good with some old gun that makes you a better hunter."
>"Ah.That isn't right. It's your fate to be bad at hunting. That's all.">Flabbergasted your words fail to find purchase"So you're better than me? Is that what you're implying?"
>"Not in the slightest. Atleast intrinsically I should say. I know I am superior to you in hunting because you are, quite literally, fated to be bad.">With the dressing finished the elf stores the various meats and things in her bundles and packs>Before she heads off you ask how she could possibly know that>"Because I am a witch," she replies>With a snap of her fingers her bloody clothed transform into an ornate purple dress straight from the Victorian era, with her coonskin cap ballooning into a wide brimmed witch's hat just like the ones you see in fantasy movies"Oh. That...clears things up atleast."
>"I bet it does." With a wave of her hand she materializes a broom and sets her pack of meat on the back>Feeling more than slightly demotivated you ready to head back home empty handed when you see something small fly towards you>"Here.">Catching it reveals it to be the leather charm the witch had on her flintlock>"That may aid you the next time you come out here. Maybe with the help of magic you could deny even the Fates.">Settling upon her broom the witch flies off through the forest>You examine the charm closely and find it's a small leather disk with an intricate pattern of ornate sigils burned on the surface>It looks like something straight out of a fairy tale>On the back you find a name in small script >"Atropa Everwood">Neat 