12

The raven caws excitedly, "Fantastic choice! She might have seen a few centuries, but she's sharp as a tack." Yaga nods, "Your trust honors me. I assure you, your faith won't be misplaced."

You go down the stairs, back to the main venue.

"Alright, next I'd like to interview for the position of the.."

The short, round woman with curly red hair stands up energetically. "Right here!" she says with a broad smile. "Come with me. We can chat upstairs," you direct her.

As you gesture for the girl to follow, her steps bounce with enthusiasm, and she surveys her surroundings with wide, curious eyes. Her vibrant presence stands in stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the space.

"I never imagined heaven looking quite like a bar," she remarks, her voice filled with awe and a hint of amusement. "It's not all that different from the real world, is it?"

Settling into your seats, her attention flits around the room, taking in every detail with a keen interest.

"I'm all set to dive in!" she declares, her attention snapping back to the present. "Ask away, I'm an open book."

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and you find yourself smiling in response. "Before we get started, may I have your name?"

"Right, I almost forgot the introductions!" she giggles, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. "I'm Shelly, Shelly Williams."

The raven, having been quiet up until now, suddenly flaps its wings and lands on the back of a nearby chair, eyeing Shelly with a curious glint in its eyes.

"Well, Shelly Williams," it caws, "Let's see if your story is as vibrant as your personality."

With the formalities out of the way, you prepare to delve into the questions, eager to learn more about this spirited young woman.

Shelly's eyes sparkle with a mix of excitement and curiosity. "I'm the oldest of six, born and raised in a little village called Amber's Bridge. It's near the old forest, west of Ardel. Have you ever been up that way north?

Realizing the potential confusion, the raven quickly interjects, "Miss Williams, just to clarify: you and Mr. Ankylophono here aren't exactly from the same neck of the woods... or worlds, for that matter. Ardel, Amber's Bridge—those places might as well be from a storybook where him comes from."

Shelly's eyes widen in amazement, "Another world? Wow, that's incredible! I've got so many questions! But wait, I'm getting carried away. You're the one interviewing me," she corrects herself, laughing.

"Right, so where was I? Oh yes! I helped my dad run 'The Little Lamplight', our family tavern, and I also took care of my siblings. Sure, it was tough at times, but I loved every bit of it. 'The Little Lamplight' was always bustling, filled with all sorts of people and their stories."