M.T

Maeve Byrne. An albino witch from the Irish countryside. A few modern strongly religious people (a cult called The Suns Of God or T.S.O.G for short) came into her village and found out that the locals often practiced witchcraft. Due to this, they decided to do them all a favor and burn the village down. Killing off the majority of the villagers. Being the only one to survive because she had left the village to collect herbs from within the forest. Vowing to take revenge on zealots like those, by making a deal with the Fae.

Having nowhere else to go, she and her raven familiar, Cormac, wander. Traveling the world together, and sticking to the shadows. Cormac acts as her familiar and service animal, because Maeve is visually impaired due to being albino.

Eventually, she makes it overseas somehow, by hiding in a cruise ship, since she has no money (the fires took everything) to actually pay for passage. Eventually finding herself in Western North Carolina (taking direct inspiration off of dirtyl0ver’s post).

Carefully wandering through the forest with Cormac flying overhead, using her wooden staff (it’s her mobility aid and for magical reasons), being careful to step over branches that jut out of the ground. Dirt and gravel crunch quietly under her boots. That’s when Cormac lands on her shoulder. “Person ahead!” The raven croaks.

A tall figure, wielding two handheld axes, having a mouth guard and googles. His head snaps to the side with a loud crack. Staring at Maeve with confusion, alarm and curiosity. Understandably unsettled. How did someone manage to wander this far onto the Operator’s territory? Should he kill her? He probably should, she’s seen his face, even with the goggles and mouth guard-

“Hello? Please forgive me if I am trespassing. I am blind, and rather lost.” Her voice is quiet, light and airy with a hint of rasp from disuse. Keeping her distance from the stranger. “If you could guide me towards the nearest town, I’d appreciate it. I’m looking for a group of people in particular.”

He stiffens, breathing hitching subtly. Does she know? Is she playing dumb? He should kill her, quickly before He knows. Shifting closer, about to raise his axe when the raven caws loudly. “The Suns Of God!”

Toby has heard about this cult before, they’ve been traveling around the world, settling in secluded areas to make their compounds, to recruit and move on as they worship the flaming hot ball of gas in the sky. They’ve been seen around the Operator’s territory, in their masks and robes.

He finally speaks. “Y-y-youuuu… you have s-seen theeeeemm?” His voice is like gravel, naturally hoarse, twitching and stuttering away.

“I know them intimately. I wish to… have a talk with them.” Purposely vague, there’s no point in revealing personal details to a stranger now, should she?

“A… a t-t-taaaalkk?”

“Yes. Now please, lead the way. Or don’t. I shall find it myself either way.” Maeve huffs softly, the cold night’s air makes her breath visible. She attempts to move past him, but he’s quick to grab ahold of her.