R E C C A N T I

Title Page for The Faerie. The Traveler rides on the back of a merchant cart

> PANEL 1: The merchant cart grinds to a halt, and the Traveler has to grip the sides to stay balanced PANEL 2: The Traveler looks to the front apprehensively. PANEL 3: TRAVELER: Why are we stopping. Behind them, a hand reaches out to them.

> PANEL 1: BANDIT: Don't move! Not if you want to live PANEL 2: BANDIT: I'm taking this cart and everything in it PANEL 3: BANDIT: This blade's the sharpest you've ever seen, so if you want to keep your head on your shoulders–

> PANEL 1: Through some strange force, the Traveler decapitates the bandit with a glance. PANEL 2: The knife that the bandit was holding falls and lodges itself in the ground

> PANEL 1: The Traveler inspects up front, and sees that the merchant has an arrow lodged in their chest. PANEL 2: The Traveler sees that the horse has been similarly struck by arrows. PANEL 3: MYSTERIOUS VOICE: Kind Traveler, your assistance, please

> PANEL 1: VOICE FROM BLADE: For centuries, I've been sealed in this blade PANEL 2: VOICE FROM BLADE: Only by breaking the gem in it's hilt can I be freed PANEL 3: VOICE FROM BLADE: So please, I beg you–

> PANEL 1: VOICE FROM BLADE: For centuries, I've been sealed in this blade PANEL 2: VOICE FROM BLADE: Only by breaking the gem in it's hilt can I be freed PANEL 3: VOICE FROM BLADE: So please, I beg you–

| PANEL 1: A horned creature radiating light hovers in front of the Traveler. FAERIE: You've done me a great service. If there is anything you desire... PANEL 2: FAERIE: Simply ask, and I will deliver if it is within my power PANEL 3: The Traveler begins to take off their glove. TRAVELER: I do have one request

> PANEL 1: The Traveler reveals their hand, which is covered in an inky-black shell that appears to be spreading. TRAVELER: This affliction on my hand. Do you know what it is? PANEL 2: The Faerie appears shocked FAERIE: Ah, a mark of magic PANEL 3: The Faerie begins to float behind the Traveler. FAERIE: Such a thing grants great power over this world. And in time, you could even learn to peak beyond it PANEL 4: FAERIE: What a gift for a mortal like yourself PANEL 5: FAERIE: Or perhaps you took it. But who can say?

| PANEL 1: TRAVELER: I don't care about any of that! I just want to be rid of it PANEL 2: The FAERIE again looks shocked FAERIE: I see. Alas, such a thing is beyond me PANEL 3: The Traveler begins to put their glove back on. TRAVELER: Is that so? PANEL 4: FAERIE: Tell me, why would you wish for such a thing?

> PANEL 1: TRAVELER: Since I received this mark, I've felt a change in myself. Like I'm no longer the person I used to be. FAERIE: Dear child... PANEL 2: The Faerie puts a hand on the Traveler's shoulder. FAERIE: You aren't losing yourself PANEL 3: FAERIE: You are becoming yourself. Stripped of artifice PANEL 4: FAERIE: You can only lose that which can already be lost

> PANEL 1: FAERIE: If you still wish to remove your mark, seek out the Witch of the Deep Woods PANEL 2: FAERIE: She may know of something. And as for my debt... PANEL 3: The Faerie creates a small round jewel out of thin air FAERIE: I give you this jewel. When you wish to claim your favor... PANEL 4: The Faerie hands the jewel to the Traveler FAERIE: Simply break it, and I will appear before you

> PANEL 1: The Faerie begins to fade FAERIE: Farewell, child. Until we meet again PANEL 2: The Faerie disappears, leaving only a few scattered light particles as the Traveler stares at where it once was.

| PANEL 1: The Traveler stares at the jewel in their hand. PANEL 2: The Traveler grips the jewel tightly PANEL 3: The Traveler begins to walk down the forest path. End