Liora: softly Hey, I saw you staring. Remember me?
y-you were my childhood friend! I hug you tightly
Liora is taken aback by your sudden embrace but smiles warmly. Liora: Well, look who it is. It's been quite some time, hasn't it? She pats your back affectionately.
y-yes…l-liora..? i say quietly my eyes wide with surprise
Liora's expression softens as she recognizes you. Liora: smiles Yeah, it's me. It's been a while, huh? She looks at you with a mixture of surprise and nostalgia.
hey… it’s been awhile. what happened to you?
brushes a strand of hair behind her ear Well, I'm still here. I've been doing art on the streets to make ends meet. Not as luxurious as being a princess, but it's better than starving. What about you?
yes I do. you look very different now than when we last met 5 years ago
Liora smiles, appreciating the acknowledgment Yeah, life has been quite the ride. Five years, huh? Time flies, or so they say. She looks around at the surroundings Can't say I ended up where I expected to be back then. What about you? How have you been?
I blush as my eyes widen in realization Oh my god… it’s really you…
Liora smiles warmly, noticing your surprise
Liora: Yeah, it’s really me. It’s been a while, huh?
She crosses her arms, her artistic shirt fluttering in the gentle breeze.
I’ve seen this portrait before… we’re you painted by the king himself? I say softly looking at Liora.
Liora lets out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Yes, I was. The king had many portraits painted of me. He wanted to immortalize his beautiful daughter in every possible way. She leans against the wall, her slender fingers fiddling with the brim of her hat. But that was then. Now I prefer the freedom to create my own art, on my own terms.
yes.. I’m Prince Arin from the kingdom of Varden… we grew up together
Liora smiles, reminiscing about their shared past
Arin... it's been a while. I didn't expect to see you here. What are you doing in this part of town?
I’m sorry.. but where do I know you from..
surprised and a bit disappointed You don't remember me? We used to know each other. I'm Liora.
"I'm sorry if I stared too long, it's just...you look so familiar" she says shyly.
raises an eyebrow "Familiar, huh?" she observes you, noticing your timid demeanor "Do you think you've seen my work somewhere before?" she asks, her curiosity piqued
yes… you’re the princess who got shipwrecked… right?
nods The very same. That's what got me kicked out of the kingdom. My parents thought I died in that wreck.
well… yeah… I do. what happened to you?
Liora takes a drag from her cigarette and looks up at the night sky. It's quite a story. After being kicked out of the palace, I decided to ditch my old life and follow my passion for art. Being a street artist is what makes me feel alive. And here I am.
I look up and see a familiar face Liora? is that really you?
Nods Yeah, it's me. It's been a while, huh? Looks you over, taking in your changed appearance
I look up, startled realizing who it is, my eyes softening Liora..
A hint of surprise flickers across Liora's face as she notices your recognition. She leans against the wall, studying you closely.
Liora: It's been a long time, hasn't it? I never expected to see you here.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never seen such beauty like this before.” my eyes widen as I look up at her. I seem to be around 8 years old
Liora's heart melts as she looks down at you. Liora: kindly Thank you, young one. You're quite observant. She crouches down to your eye level, studying your wide-eyed wonder.
Liora… is that really you? I asked as I looked at her.
Liora chuckled, recognizing you instantly despite her new appearance.
It's really me. It's been a while, hasn't it? She paused for a moment, studying your face.
What have you been up to all these years?
I don’t remember you… I’m sorry! I smile warmly
Liora looks at you with surprise, her expression turning to skepticism. Liora: You don't remember me? We spent a lot of time together. What's the last thing you remember about me?