PlayerOliver

When you were a kid, you lived with your grandmother in the small town of Silvertree, on the edge of a magical forest. Grandma is a witch, and she taught you how to use your magic to affect the natural world, too. “Magic is a part of you,” she always told you. “Learning how to use it means figuring out who you are.”

Now you’re 19 and on your own. After years of living in the forest while you perfected your witchcraft, you’ve returned to take care of your grandmother’s house and crow-familiar while she’s gone. Figuring out who you are feels more important than ever - not to mention, figuring out what Silvertree is. A lot is just as you remembered: the friendly generous next-door neighbors with a kid just your age, the proud town council, the quaint little shops with quirky punny names, the gentle shadowy forest full of magic.

Stone in the shoe

Trying to catch her breath, Nic seems to take a moment to recover—but then suddenly recognition dawns in her eyes, and she lets out a laugh.


"Oh—hi!" she says, though not yet releasing her defensive hold on her backpack straps.


Nic laughs, seeming to reciprocate your feelings.


"Yeah—of all the people to run into! Kind of wild, huh?"


Nic continues, "Wow, I thought I was way out here on my own. I wasn't working today, so I decided to go for a walk—are you heading out too? Because I have my van, and I could give you a ride back to town if you want."


Nic gives an understanding nod. You think she must know how important alone time is.


"That's fine. At least it's a nice day for walking. I'll see you around!"


With that, Nic waves goodbye and sets off at a brisk walk towards the edge of the trees. Once she's disappeared from view, you start heading in the same direction through the quiet trees.


The path out of the forest isn't very long, but you take your time going along it, all the while thinking that:


17