YANA the CHAMPION OF HEALING
& SELF-PROCLAIMED SWAMPWITCH

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She trails her curious gaze after the monolithic beast traipsing through the swamp. Her swamp, though she still refuses to utter the words aloud. To speak the words is to admit to her claim of the land of murky water and ashen tree, and she is not prepared to make that mistake again. She will guard her domain like the etched black pillar watching over it before her: silent, stoic, steady. At least until I've discovered your purpose. Her starry shoulder leans into the obelisk as one may seek support from a friend; the witch's black flesh does not flinch at its touch. I'll have to put forth the brunt of the effort until then. With the canopy of willow, aspen and ash to cast shadows against her midnight hide, the little witch is free to muse over the intentions of her guest.

A midnight stroll amongst the stars? Allowing herself a chance to free her stare from his dark form she quickly glances up at the aforementioned canopy of densely woven branches. But there is no sea of stars to look upon here. Her gaze is as cool as the pillar's smooth surface whilst she watches the child-man splash through stagnant pools of green water. Why bother having wings if you do not seek to use them? For such a lanky creature he bodes quite well amidst the treacherous pools -- the witch has rescued many an adventurous colt who fell into a bog deeper than it seemed -- but the same cannot be admitted regarding his use of stealth. Be it the length of limb or the addition of (remarkably peculiar) golden appendages, the lad is at a disadvantage when it comes to tiptoeing through the witch's territory.

Rather than allow the warrior to continue with his secretive plot, the hag calls out to him from her position amongst the shadows, "I believe warriors are meant for greater things than skulking about, don't you?" Her tone is both heavy and light: a confusing mixture of amusement at his covert operation and scorn for his lack of consideration. The majority of the Dusk Court have come to associate the swamp with their resident witch and Champion; why is it that Damascus feels obligated to approach her for services in secret? "If you've something that ails you there's no need for that. Come closer; I'll need a better look at you."