The Thief and The Blind {Autumn Tale}
There is an old Ivratian story, often recalled in the foggy days of Autumn, called The Thief and the Blind. It’s a tale as old and hazy as the mists that inspire it—the details changing with every retelling, save for the name and the core of the story: two enemies caught in an eternal chase.
A cautionary tale about accepting gifts from strangers
Author's Notes
Word Count: 351
word count (3) + world-specific (1) + familiar (1) + atmosphere (2) = 7 x 2 for prompt response = 14
Total: 14 gold
Prompt 2: The Blind
Does your character accept the ivy?
Roe takes the Curse of the Harvest
The insane stranger laughed. It was deep and guttural, laced with a nasty after-tone. Roe's blood ran cold, every hair on her body standing on end. More footsteps followed after them, these ones frantic and fast. The first stranger disappeared as they had appeared, clearly scared off by whoever followed. She was only alone for mere seconds before another joined her. This one, too, was wearing a mask. It was different than the first. This mask was roughly carved with a single teardrop under the eye slit. Little care had been taken in its making.
The second stranger seemed as though she was an inconvenience in their day. He spoke, rushed, barely making sense. They asked if she had taken anything from 'the thief' and she shook her head, frowning. Regardless of her answer, they offered her another 'gift'.
'A curse from Grace,' The Blind says hurriedly. 'It will keep you safe—just take it. And remember, whatever happens, it is only temporary.'
Offered to her was a small twirl of ivy. It was strange. The ivy was dark in colour, almost black in the pitiful light that attempted to peer through the thick fog. It moved in a way that was almost worm-like, as if it were alive. A sickening feeling overwhelmed Roe and she thought, for a moment, that she was going to be sick. The immense threat of horror haunted them and Roe recoiled. Even though she hadn't accepted the first gift, she still felt the presence of the dark magic that ran deep within those bones. This new gift only added to that. Her trusty sidekick, Emrys, pleaded with her not to take the ivy and Roe was wise to listen. In her heart, she truly believed that both the strangers were lying. Neither gift was going to grace her with anything good.
Once again, she stepped away from the stranger, shaking her head firmly.
"No. I don't want anything from you."
The unfamiliar beast shrugged their shoulders, leaving as quick as the first. He seemed unbothered by any repercussions of her actions, should they truly exist.