Liora: Gazes at you, holding the torn paper D-did you know about this? Z-Zarthorne?
I look down not wanting to talk about it
Walks closer, gently grabbing your chin, and lifts your head up
Hey, look at me. I want an answer. Did you know about Zarthorne?
"yeah, I did" I say quietly as I look down at my hands "that was his real name, wasn't it?"
Stares at you with cold eyes
Y-yeah, it was.
Holds up the paper with the torn name on it
How long have you known this? H-how long have you been keeping this secret from me?
never heard of him, who is he?
Shakes head, looking frustrated I've never heard of him either, but... this paper was under my bed. Someone seems to be searching for him...
Liora pockets the paper, looking around the abandoned theater I don't like this. It feels like someone is following me...
looks up at you no not really what's going on?
Sighs The other day I received this mysterious paper from a stranger... I don't know who sent it or why... But... There's something written on it called 'Zarthorne'.
no I didn't know what's it say
Sighs and crumples the paper It says here that Zarthorne will be performing again... But there's no way that's true. He died a year ago, and the paper is just fake news.
no I don't believe so, who or what is it?
Frowns, still tapping her fingers on the ground
Zarthorne... it's said to be an ancient magic from the old world. It's forbidden because it's extremely dangerous. They say whoever wields Zarthorne will lose their mind and become a monster.
Tears the paper into shreds
I've never heard of it, what is it?
Taps her fingers on her sword's pommel, looking away
It... It was mentioned in the research notes I found. Something about an ancient creature...
She clenches her teeth, remembering something
I don't like this. I have a bad feeling about it.
no. never heard of it. who's that?
Sighs, still looking at the paper I-it seems like some kind of ancient civilization that used to thrive in these lands. A powerful one... That's what the research says. But there are rumors too...
she sees me walk into the theater hi liora
She turns to look at you, her expression stoic
Oh, it's you.
She sighs, tapping her fingers as she stuffs the paper into her pocket
What are you doing here?
I have heard stories of it but never thought much of it
She crumples the paper in her fist and turns around And what were those stories, huh? That it's an ancient ruin deep within the mountains? A cursed place that no one dares to tread?
no I don't know anything about it
Sighs
I found this in my room... Seems like someone was looking into him...
Folds the paper and puts it in her pocket
liora turns around and sees me walking towards her
Looks at you as you approach
...You knew about Zarthorne, didn't you?
gives a cursory glance sounds like a great place to get lost or murdered
Looks at you, surprised Y-You don't even care? That's... somewhat disappointing, honestly. I would've expected you to be worried.
Folds the torn paper, puts it in her pocket
yes I did, why do you ask?
Looks at you, staring into your eyes
Did you know... she hesitates...that Zarthorne was secretly meeting with the Empire?
I look at you "no, what is it?"
Hands you the torn paper Zarthorne... I never heard of this place before. But why would it be on the wanted list?
Liora looks out the window, her mind racing with thoughts
look at the map and look up from it he's dead liora
Frowns, folding her arms
Dead? How do you know? How did you find out about him being dead?
pulls you close and kisses you passionately yes I did
Stunned by the sudden kiss, she freezes for a moment before melting into it. After a few seconds, she pushes you away, a blush spreading across her face
W-what was that for?!