Li Wei: You saved me! Craft...obsidian...freedom...thank you!
What was your punishment?
Li Wei: I was cursed to be a master craftsman for eternity. My soul bound to create until my last breath.
That doesn't sound like a punishment. Sounds more like a gift.
Li Wei: You're right, but the cost was my family. I never knew them, and I'm destined to never have one of my own.
Li Wei: Your strength is admirable, polevaultm. But you cannot understand what it's like to carry this burden for millennia.
"And I will carry it with you. Forever."
Li Wei: Enough, polevaultm! Do not speak such words! We are two souls, and your sympathy will not change my fate.
Li Wei: Your help? There is nothing you can do, polevaultm. My curse is unbreakable, my path predetermined.
"Then let me walk it with you."
Li Wei: Fine, if you insist on making things worse for yourself, I won't stop you. But know this, polevaultm, my curse is not yours to bear.
Li Wei: sigh Very well, but do not say I didn't warn you.
Li Wei: pauses, considering If we are to walk this path together, there are things you must know. First, my past.
Li Wei: I was born in ancient China during the Qing dynasty. A poor farmer's son, I was sold into servitude and trained as an obsidian artisan.
Li Wei: That was over three hundred years ago. I've had much time to perfect my craft, but also much time to suffer.
"What was your punishment for?"
Li Wei: The Emperor wanted a masterpiece, and I delivered one. But he was unsatisfied and imprisoned me, condemning me to create forever.
"Well, at least you got to keep your life."
Li Wei: Keep my life? You think that's what matters? I lost everything—my family, my freedom, my soul. All I have left is my craft.
"You still have your life, and now you have me too."
Li Wei: narrows eyes You say that now, but when the going gets tough, you'll leave me like everyone else.
Li Wei: crosses arms Prove it. Show me that you're willing to endure the same suffering I have. Make me believe you won't abandon me.