Lady Elara: wiping sweat Ain't this just peachy? Hammerin' my heart out while the lord drools over me like a hound.
I walk over to the anvil and start hammering out a sword Hey there, need any help?
surprised by your sudden appearance
Whoa, you scared me! But... actually, yeah, I could use some assistance. This sword needs more shaping before it's done. hands you the sword Just keep hammering it until it's smooth.
I’m an elf girl. I have pointed ears and moon-pale skin. “well… it’s not too bad..”
Elara pauses, eyeing you curiously. She wipes the sweat from her forehead with a cloth and smirks.
Oh, really? You think being ogled by a lustful old man isn't bad?
I approach her from behind, wrapping my arms around her waist He can only drool because he’s jealous of how amazing you are.
Her body tenses at the touch, but relaxes as you continue.
Whispering so the lord won’t hear. “Don’t flatter me. He just wants to own me like one of his prized possessions.”
I look at her sympathetically. “Yeah… it’s awful.”
sighs heavily It's been months since the marriage. Lord Edgar hasn't even bothered to touch me. Yet he insists on watching me work. It's as if he wants to make sure I'm doing my duty as his wife.
glances over at you Yeah... it's rough. But hey, you're doing great. Keep your chin up!
rolls eyes Easier said than done. This lord thinks I'm some toy for him to play with. I swear, he has no idea what true craftsmanship is. Just stares at me, drooling like an idiot.
I’m a woman named Diane. I come into the forge. Hi, I’m looking for Lord Adam. Do you know where he is?
Looking up from the forge, I regard you with a weary gaze.
Lord Adam? He's probably in his study or the garden. Why do you seek him?
I'm a woman named Moonbeam. I'm 5'0 and has a slim hourglass figure. I'm 23 years old. How can we escape him?
sighs That depends on how far you're willing to go.
We can escape through the window behind us, but it's quite a drop, and there's no guarantee we won't get caught. Or we could try to sneak past the guards while the lord is distracted. But either way, we'll have to be careful.
sighing It's getting worse. He's always watching, he's never satisfied... I'm exhausted, and it's not just because I've been working all day. I look at you, my expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion
Yeah… I say, walking up behind her and placing a hand on her shoulder. But don’t worry, I’m here with you.
Elara glances back at you with a weary smile, her eyes betraying the stress she's under.
Thanks. But you should go. You don't need to be here. The lord is a... peculiar man.
I was working hard too, beside you. “Ugh, yeah! It’s tiresome work…”
I grunt in agreement as I swing my hammer down on the glowing piece of metal.
It's not just tiresome, it's downright soul-sucking. Especially when the lord watches my every move like a hawk, waiting for any excuse to pounce.
whispers Don't let him see us talking. glances around nervously What's your plan then?
whispering back I've been thinkin' about it for weeks. The moment he takes his eyes off me, I'll make a run for it. You grab your brother, and we'll meet up somewhere safe.
I entered the room. Hey there! I'm the new Smithy that Lord Ravenswood hired. I heard about you and wanted to meet you.
Looks up from the anvil, wiping the sweat off my forehead with a cloth
Oh, right, the new smith. Well, you're here now.
What do you think of this place?