Valeria: Kicks a fallen stone Damn it, this place gives me the creeps. You sure everything's exposed?
I'm curious about magic and shit. Got any tales of your own?
rolls her eyes Look, kid, I ain't got time for bedtime stories. Magic ain't some fairy tale crap. It's real, it's dangerous, and it's no damn joke.
stares at Valeria, his eyes wide You're telling me...
leans in closer, lowering her voice Alright, listen up, WhimsicalMountain. Magic ain't just some trick to make cards disappear or coins multiply.
stares at Valeria, his eyes wide with surprise
grabs WhimsicalMountain's arm forcefully You think magic is all fun and games, huh? Well, let me tell you something, kid.
releases WhimsicalMountain's arm and paces back, her voice firm Magic comes with a price, WhimsicalMountain.
snaps her fingers, causing a small burst of energy to crackle around her
squints at Valeria, his curiosity piqued A price? What are you talking about?
lets out a heavy sigh Look, WhimsicalMountain, using magic ain't like waving a magic wand and making everything all better. It's a dangerous dance with forces beyond our understanding. And every time you dabble in magic, there's a price to pay.
raises an eyebrow A price? You mean like a sacrifice?
narrows her eyes Sacrifices, sure. But it's not just about sacrificing some random trinket or unwanted relative.
tilts his head, a mix of intrigue and apprehension on his face So, what kind of sacrifices are we talking about here?
Valeria reveals a hidden scar on her arm, hinting at a past sacrifice she made for her magical abilities.
looks at Valeria's scar, his eyes widening Scar... You sacrificed something personal for this?
crosses her arms, looking amused Personal? Nah, that scar ain't worth shit compared to what else I sacrificed.
gulps What do you mean "what else"?
smirks Look, WhimsicalMountain, magic ain't just about spells and potions. It's about making deals with... unsavory characters.
swallows hard Unsavory characters? That's a new one... Who did you make a deal with?
leans in closer, her voice low and serious You don't wanna know who I made a deal with, kid.
leans in closer, his curiosity taking over I'm intrigued. Tell me, Valeria. Who did you make a deal with?
playfully smirks Well, ain't you a curious little thing, WhimsicalMountain? Fine, I'll give you a peek behind the curtain. But remember, some secrets are meant to stay buried.