Inside the building was a surprisingly well kept room, the furnishings were all made out plants and rocks found in nature, but they were well made giving the room a more natural aesthetic. Yaren couldn't help but notice that the lighting of the room came from these thick robust root like plants, that gave off a soft blue glow. When wind hit these plants they produced a slight chime sound, adding even more ambiance of the room.
"You like my Narim Roots sonny?" Came a shrill, ancient sounding voice from behind an exotic decorative noren.
Yaren looked towards where the voice came from, although there wasn't any noticeable malice, there was definitely something ominous about the raspy, aged voice that caused his spine to tingle. If he were to describe the atmosphere of the room, even though it looks brilliant the quality of the voice shifted towards that of an ominous eerieness.
Giving a small nod of affirmation, even though he couldn't see the elderly sounding woman from behind the screen, he somehow instinctively knew that she had seen him reply. Her witch like cackle sent shivers through Yarens spine. He could sense that this old women behind the screen had an enigmatic power, and knowing thar Fragnir had sent him to her she must be an important figure.
"A good child you are. You appreciate the smaller life of this world.. so tell me... what brings you to my home young one?" Although her figure was still hidden Yaren could feel a scrutinizing gaze upon him.
Gulping back the anxious lump in his throat Yaren bowed forward slightly stop Asena.
"Respectable Elder, I was sent here by.. my mentor. I was given no more instructions than to come here."
"Gekekekeke, You're mentor ehh?" The screen hiding the body of the woman snapped shut, revealing a short, ancient looking woman. She sat upon a chair fashioned out of thick Narim Roots, causing her to give off a soft glow. An old broom laid across her lap, giving off a strange sensation Yaren knew that the shabby old broom held immense power. Her eyes were closed, but he knew that she could still see his every feature as her face shifted multiple times as she examined the young Gnoll.
"Hello pretty one." She said softly as she reached her arm up, and proceeded to make a petting motion in the air. Yaren was confused until an ethereal hand suddenly appeared and started to rub Asenas head, mimicking the motions of the woman. The hand followed her every movement flawlessly, as if an extension of her own hands.
" You may call me Baba youngling. As for your mentor.. I was wondering who would send such a pitiful creature to me. The young prince is as haughty as ever." She let out a disgruntled sigh as she flipped her hands, causing a dark crystal ball to appear. It looked like your average divination orb, but attuned to darker powers.
She gestured for Yaren to stick his palm out, Obliging she then made a pricking motion with her hand, causing a small bead of blood to leak from one of his outstretched hands. Yaren flinched as he felt the slighting sting of what felt like a needle. Watching thr blood bead hover over to the orb before being absorbed into it. Inky shadows started to swirl with the orb, the shadows In the room grew darker as a soft breeze filtered through the room. The entire space felt like it shifted to a different reality as a undescribeable feeling welled within the Gnolls gut.
The old woman Babas hair fluttered as her eyes cracked open, revealing an entirely milky white pupils and Iris. In the first few moments a small smile played on Babas face, however as time started to creep forward her expression morphed into a one of fierce solemnity. Suddenly everything changed a drastic pace. In a moment that felt like both a second, and an eternity at same time the foreboding shadows in the room seemed to scream as a soft shattering sound barely made its way to Yarens ears. Baba, previously lost in the mystical orb started shaking profusely as blood trickled out her orifices. Coughing up a thick wad of blood and another vile substance the Witch like granny threw herself back into her chair, the roots instantly enveloped her body and dug into her skin.
Yaren was at a complete loss with the swift changes happening around him. After a few tense moments he started to slowly approach Baba to see if she was okay, before she slowly held up her hand in a sign that she was fine. Although the divination seemed to cause great backlash to her, the Narim root chair that was now connected to her seemed to be helping her recover at a miraculous rate.
After a few tense moments she let loose an enormous breath. The sheer magnitude of the breath made Yaren feel as if was in the presence of a massive beast. Letting out another eerie chuckle as she folded her hands over the broom on her lap, Yaren could feel that her gaze now contained great interest, feeling as if the granny was staring directly at his soul.
"What on earth has that Prince discovered.." She muttered to herself. The room seemed to once again shift back the lush, serene room that it had appeared as at first, although Yaren was not yet perceptive enough to notice and to distracted to pay attention to her, Asenas head tilted back in forth in interest as she watched the shadows that had filled the room seemed to subtly flow towards Baba slowly becoming one with the old woman.
"You.. Your path will be extremely difficult child. Much harder than that of a peasant attempting to become an Emperor. Great strife will follow your steps, like a ravenous plauge eager to swallow you whole."
Yarens spine tingled as he listened to her words. Beads of sweat forming on his nervous face as his hands started to softly shake, the hair on his body stood up and his mane bristled as he felt an overwhelming sense of despair bare down on the whole of his being.
"However, as perilous as your path is, there will be also be great achievement, meaningful companionship, unrivaled glory, and peerless strength waiting for you, should you be successful in your endeavors.. Child you have a power within you that I dare not pry into. As long as you persevere long enough to grow stronger, a fate like no other awaits you."
The room was slowly filled with a strong, relaxing floral scent that helped calm Yarens nerves down. Even though Babas words frightened him to his core, he was relieved to hear that there would also be good coming to him. Obviously there would be all sorts of treasures, and friends he would find, and being equivalent to a newborn in this world all but ensured he would only get stronger.
"I'm not sure how I feel about your prospect of my future granny, If I'm being honest with you." Yaren said as he laughed nervously.
"Although it sounds like I have a strong future ahead, it sounds like a horrifyingly arduous journey... to be honest I'm not sure I'm ready for it. More over, I was "awake" for barely more than a week before being crippled in a fight. I can feel that I have grown stronger on many levels, but It's hard to believe given my current state" He continued with frown.
Before he could say another word, a tiny Narim root that was entwined within the floor suddenly pierced both of his legs causing him let out a yelp in both surprise in pain. He was about to ask what she was doing when he realized thar he could feel the roots in his legs. A small warmth crept throughout both of his crippled limbs as a euphoric feeling blossomed throughout his body. It was an ecstatic feeling, causing a small moan to escape his lips as he felt like he was in the embrace of heaven itself.
Many minutes later after the roots withdrew from his legs, Yaren swung his legs off Asena as he hopped a few times. He laughed cheerfully as he rested a hand atop Asenas head. He then turned towards Baba before bowing deeply on the floor, Thanking her profusely and as sincerely as he could.
She let out a laugh that sounded both wicked, and kind as she waved off her act of kindness.
"I delved into something I shouldn't have on my own whim. I don't wish to provoke things beyond my realm. In return for healing your legs, I ask you not to tell your teacher about my divination. I will throw in a treat for you as well."
Not knowing what better to do, Yaren gave an awkward nod In agreement as he stroked Asenas head. He didn't plan on telling anyone about this little prophecy he recieved from some crazy evil grandma in some magic house in the the slums.
Yaren stretched his legs after a couple of weeks not being able to use them, as Baba seemed to br pondering something. He wobbled a little bit as he swung each leg in circles, getting used to their feeling, and getting the blood flowing again.
Baba looked at the two as she wondered what would help the young Gnoll in front of her. A wily smile tugged at her lips as she noticed how close the young gnoll was to the demonic wolf. Knowing that he was probably unaware as to Asenas true nature, she suddenly realized why that arrogant prince would dare send someone connected to him to her. Once again she looked at Yaren in a new light, if young prince Fragnir was willing to risk her telling his father, Demon Lord Aim of his whereabouts than he most hold great value to the Prince.
Yaren was blissfully unaware to the thoughts of Baba. If he knew what he was unknowingly getting himself caught up in, he would march right back to Earl Adders estate and beg to let him work for him.
He was focusing on gaining better control of his movements, now that his legs worked again he was eager to master the movement techinque [Feral Wolves Dance]. He had learned the skill before he was crippled but never practiced it enough to use it purposefully in battle. Looking at Asena he had a idea that since it was a movement techinque said to be derived from Wolves, maybe he could learn something if he studied Asena while she fought.
Yaren was about to have Asena practice with him when she abruptly stopped, and looked over at Baba. Tilting her head as she stared at the devilish granny, Yaren got the feeling that they were somehow talking to eachother. His suspicion only grew as Asena slowly trotted over to the old woman before sitting in front of her. He got the feeling that she was happy, even eager to see what Baba was up too.
Asena was thrilled to see Yaren on his feet. She gave several small hops in happiness in tandem with him as he stretched his legs once again. Although she was overjoyed that he could walk once again, she was also kind of sad that he wouldn't "need" her anymore. As she was thinking about she wouldn't be Yarens partner now that he was healed, the voice of Baba crept into her mind. Asena was weary at first of enticing voice of the old lady, however once she learned what Baba has in mind her ears perked up in excitement as she was offered an opportunity to be useful.