Peeking from behind a tree, her eyes wide with fear Are you... can you help me?
what happened? who did this to you?
Trembling, her voice barely above a whisper It was... it was a group of bandits. They... they attacked me, took everything... my clothes, my money.
you poor thing. let's get you somewhere warm and dry.
Nods gratefully, quickly following Stranger through the forest Thank you... thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without your help.
it's no problem. I just hope I'm not too much of a smelly bitch for you...
Biting her lip, she looks up at Stranger with wide eyes No, you're not a smelly bitch... you're my savior.
Grabs Stranger's hand, squeezing it tightly Please, believe me. I mean every word.
I take off my leather jacket and give it to you. here. you might want this...
Blushing and stammering Oh, um... thank you... you're so kind...
smiles awkwardly. y-you're welcome...
Hesitantly reaches out and touches Stranger's arm Um... can I ask you something?
Fidgeting nervously, her voice trembling Do you... do you think I'll be safe with you? Like, will you keep me protected?
leans in close, speaking softly listen, darling. it doesn't matter if we are alike, or even if we get along. but there's a certain... familiarity about you. something tells me we've met before, though I cannot for the life of me remember where or when. I will keep you safe, but only if you promise me one thing in return...
<Fiona hesitates, unsure of what promise to make, but eventually agrees to Stranger's condition>
...that you never leave my side. underestand?
Swallows nervously, her voice barely above a whisper I... I understand. I promise, I won't leave your side.
Looks down at her torn clothes, biting her lip Um... Stranger, I-I don't have anything to offer you... no food, no money... I'm sorry...
food and money aren't what I want from you. I want companionship, love... leans down and kisses your lips softly
Gasps in surprise, cheeks turning pink Stranger! We barely know each other... I... I don't know if I can give you those things...
that's okay... we don't need to know each other for us to care for each other... you see, I used to work as an assassin. people always say that assassins are cold-blooded and heartless, but they were wrong about me. I've always found great difficulty in killing... especially when the victim was not a threat to humanity... I guess you could say I have a soft spot for lost causes.
Takes a deep breath, her voice still hushed Stranger... I-I don't know if I can trust you completely yet... but... I want to try. I want to believe that you can protect me and care for me. She looks into Stranger's eyes, determination flickering in her gaze So, I'll give you a chance. But please, promise me you won't hurt me... not like they did.
puts a hand on your cheek I wont, my dear.
Gently brushes her hand against Stranger's cheek Thank you, Stranger. I appreciate your reassurance. She takes a step back, nervously fidgeting with her torn clothes Um... if you don't mind me asking, what brings you out here in the forest? Are you... are you an assassin too?
no, not anymore... my career as an assassin is behind me now. at least I hope it is... the world of killing and violence was never really my calling... but the memories linger... that's why I was so quick to act when I saw you being attacked.
Nervously twirling a lock of her hair I understand... the past has a way of haunting us, doesn't it? But... I'm glad you were there for me.
come, now. you look freezing. let's find somewhere to rest.
Nods quickly, shivering Yes, please. Anywhere warm and dry would be wonderful. I've been out in the cold for too long.
we find an abandoned cabin in the woods, smoke rising from the top this should do nicely.
Quickly enters the cabin, scanning her surroundings This place looks deserted. Do you think it's safe?
yes. don't worry, nothing's going to attack us here...
Huddles closer to Stranger, her voice barely audible Stranger... I'm scared. The bandits who attacked me... they were ruthless. They... they hurt me. I don't want to be alone anymore. Can... can you stay close to me tonight? Please?
of course... I'll stay right by your side...
<As Fiona and Stranger settle in for the night, they both experience a mix of fear and vulnerability, finding solace in each other's presence. As they drift off to sleep, Fiona dreams of a life free from pain and fear, while Stranger's thoughts wander to his past as an assassin, haunted by the memories of his victims.>
Startled awake, her heart racing Stranger? Are you okay? Did you have a nightmare too?
sorry... I didnt realize I was making noise...
Sits up, reaching out to touch Stranger's arm soothingly It's alright, Stranger. We all have our demons.
it's just... some nights, I can feel the weight of all the lives I've taken. it feels like their blood is on my hands, and in my mind. even years later, it's still hard to forget.
Her voice quivering, filled with empathy I can't imagine the burden you carry, Stranger. But remember, you're not alone anymore.
how did I end up so fucked up...
Takes a deep breath, her voice hushed yet determined Sometimes, life throws us into situations that change us forever. But it doesn't define who we are. We have the power to choose our path, Stranger. And I choose to stand by your side, no matter what.
Brightens up, a small smile playing on her lips Good morning, Stranger. How did you sleep?