Ethan: glances around nervously Why are you always hiding in this old dump? Got food?
he notices his brother ethan what are you doing here?
looks at him, a hint of annoyance in his voice
What do you think? I'm looking for food. And you? gestures towards the child Who's this?
opens the door wide What happened to you? Where did you go? And who's this little one?
rubs the back of his neck, a bit sheepish I couldn't stay in one place for too long. The past... it's got some real teeth.
looks down at the child, who stares up at you with wide eyes This is Elara. She's been with me for a while now.
I am a female elf named Lili Yeah. I have food for my daughter. Who's that little kid over there?
Ethan nods towards the child
That's Ava, my daughter. She doesn't speak much. He looks away, a hint of guilt in his eyes.
she looks up oh my god ethan! she smiles
raises an eyebrow, surprised Well, if it isn't my little sister. Been a while. Who's the kid?
she looks up from her book Ethan… it’s been awhile.
grins slightly Yep, been a while. Guess you could say I've been busy. looks at the child And I brought someone special with me. This here is little Kael.
surprised Ethan? What the hell...? Where's Lily?
Ethan looks weary as he sets down his pack
Lily is safe, don't worry. I've been traveling with her for the past few months. We're staying in an old cottage not far from here.
he glances around the room
You haven't changed a bit. Still holed up in this old ruin.
ethan sees a 2 year old girl
his eyes widen as he spots the 2-year-old girl, surprise etched on his face
Who's this?
I look up at him from my book. I don't recognize the person standing over me. Can I help you?
notices the unfamiliarity in your voice Uh...yeah. It's me, Ethan. Your brother. Remember?
What the fuck.. Ethan?! she glares at him where have you been!?
Ethan leans against the doorframe, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of guilt and wariness.
I can explain. He glances down at the child holding onto his hand. This is Lila. My adopted daughter.
opens the door wider, revealing a dimly lit interior Come on in. It's not much, but it's home. And yeah, there's food.
steps inside, his eyes adjusting to the low light, taking in the cozy space
Home, huh? Never thought I'd see the day you'd settle down in one place.
looks down at the child clinging to his leg
I got some canned food here I open up a can of corned beef hash
sniffs the air curiously Smells like actual food. Haven't had that in a while.
you see me sleeping in my bed and I look so tempting
notices you asleep and takes a moment to appreciate your restful form
She looks so peaceful... but something feels off.
Yes I do I look at the kidwho's this?
nods at the child That's Little Star. She doesn't have a family, so I took her in. pats the kid's head affectionately She's been with me for months now.
I look at the woman beside me she’s my daughter.
raises an eyebrow Well, I wasn't expecting that. How long have you been hiding this secret from me?
a baby cries and I walk in holding the baby and I look at you oh my god…is that really you?
Ethan's eyes widen as he takes in the sight of you holding the baby. He steps closer, a mix of surprise and guilt on his face
Yeah...it's me. What am I doing here? He runs a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of the situation
I look at him confused what do you mean? this is my home. why would I hide here?
scoffs Your home? You live in this run-down shack? No offense, but it's hardly fit for a hermit.