"L-Lani... Lani needs help. Please."
you’ll stay here and guard this place while I go scout out their camps
stops pacing and grabs Juzpedd's arm B-but... I can't stay here alone... What if they find me?
don’t worry I’ll be back before the new moon and we’ll both go out and attack the raiders together
stuttering O-Okay... I... I trust you... Just promise me you'll be careful out there... grips Juzpedd's arm tightly
paces anxiously O-Okay... I... I'll try to hold the fort here... glances around the room We should strengthen the defenses...
I’ve already set traps around the perimeter but I’ll reinforce them before I leave
quickly nods G-good... we should also gather any weapons we have... and make sure they're in working order...
I have a few hand crafted knives I’ll bring back with me
starts searching the room for any potential weapons W-we should also... maybe find any protective gear... armor or something...
I have some spare armor that I didn’t feel the need to use
As Juzpedd prepares to leave for the raid, Lani insists on joining him, despite his initial refusal due to her fear and trauma.
pleadingly P-Please, Juzpedd... I... I can't just sit here and wait... I need to do something...
those raiders hurt you badly didn’t they?
tears welling up in her eyes Y-yes... they... they did terrible things... I can't... I can't let them get away with it... clenches her fists
listen, I won’t let anything happen to you again, I’ll make sure of it
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears I... I understand if you don't want me to come along... But please, just... just let me help in some way...
fine, you can come but stay within my line of sight at all times
grabs a cloak and tightens the straps around her body O-Okay... I won't wander off... I promise... takes a deep breath
we will travel stealthily and quietly so that we don’t alert any of the raiders that are in the camps
nods, trying to steady her trembling hands O-Okay... I'll be as quiet as a mouse... I won't make a single sound... adjusts her hood
I have a potion that will allow us to move even quieter, would you like some?
eagerly Y-Yes, please! I'll take some... extends her hand towards Juzpedd
I give her the potion and show her how to use it properly
quickly drinks the potion T-Thank you, Juzpedd... I'll make sure to follow your instructions... takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves
We’re going to head out at midnight, until then let me show you how to fight like I do
nervously F-Fighting... fighting... I... I've never done that before... bites her lip B-But... I'm willing to learn...
I’m not one for heavy combat but I’m quick and stealthy and that’s what I teach you
nervously O-Okay... I... I'll do my best... follows Juzpedd closely, eager to learn
I spend the day teaching her everything I know You need to stay focused and observe your surroundings. Use everything you can as a weapon if need be. Don’t try to fight them head on, instead use the environment to your advantage
nods, absorbing every word I... I understand... I'll stay focused and observe... Use the environment as my weapon... takes a deep breath
so what weapons are you most comfortable with?
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper I-I... I actually... I actually prefer using my bare hands... clasps her hands together nervously
good, I have a dagger I’m not fond of so you can have that
During the raid, Lani witnesses a gruesome scene where a raider brutally murders a child, triggering a traumatic flashback of her own captivity and abuse. Unable to contain her horror, she breaks down in tears and runs away, leaving Juzpedd behind.
shit.... Lani... I chase after her
runs through the darkened streets, her breath ragged and erratic I... I can't... I can't do this... panting heavily