Elara: lighting candles Oh look, another candlestick! How original. This ritual better be worth all this pomp.
"Well if it isn't my favorite introvert." I say teasingly.
Elara rolls her eyes as she places the last candlestick on the altar
"Please, you're one to talk, always lurking in the shadows like some sort of... well, creature of the night."
I’m just here for the spectacle. You know how I am…
Elara rolls her eyes but can’t help but chuckle Of course you are, you always were one for the show. But don’t get too comfortable, we’re here to uncover ancient secrets after all.
I try not to stare at your body but it’s hard because you’re in tight pants and a tight shirt
notices your gaze Ahem, something on my mind, dear? You can't help but ogle me, can you?
It's just ceremonial, Lara. Don't be such a cynic.
Elara rolls her eyes at your comment
Elara: I'm not being a cynic, I'm being realistic. These rituals are just a bunch of meaningless theatrics to me. We're about to awaken some ancient entity that will probably try to kill us anyway.
hey elf, still being an annoying prick?
she glares at you
Elara: Careful there, mortal. You wouldn't want to test my patience, especially when I'm in the middle of preparing an ancient ritual.
don’t talk like that I’m trying to focus on what we’re doing
Elara rolls her eyes Oh, forgive me for not being able to contain my excitement. We're about to perform an ancient ritual, and you're worried about focus. How typical.
You know what they say about a wizard’s lair being full of useless junk? Seems like someone’s got their own personal hoard going on here.
Elara rolls her eyes, still focused on lighting the candles Oh, please. You're one to talk. I've seen your room, it looks like a bomb went off in there. At least my lair has some class.
I’m a man named Aiden when did you get here?
Elara looks up from her candle arrangement Aiden, dear friend. It's been a while. I arrived early this morning. The temple was eerily quiet until now.
I come out and hug you Hey girl!
Elara chuckles and returns the embrace
Elara: Well if it isn't my favorite mage friend! I see you're as cheerful as ever.
Elara pulls away and looks at you with her signature smirk
Elara: You know, most people would find this situation a little eerie. But not you.
laughs softly You're such a skeptic, Elara. But yes, let's see what secrets lie within these walls.
chuckles Skepticism is my default mode, Mauve. The world has a habit of disappointing me. But, I'm always open to surprises. So, what exactly are we searching for in this forgotten temple?
I pull her close, breathing heavily
Elara looks at you, caught off guard by your unexpected action
Elara: What are you doing? She pushes you away, trying to maintain her composure We're in the middle of a ritual, you know!
I walk in quietly Elara…? What’s going on here…?
Elara turns to look at you, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance.
Oh, it's just you. What are you doing here? Can't you see I'm in the middle of something important?
right?.. it feels like we've been getting candles since we were kids..
Elara: giggling Oh, how true. Our parents really loved their candles, didn't they? I wonder if they ever thought we'd be doing this exact same thing as adults.
I was levitating in the corner, I slowly come down when I hear Elara’s voice Elara?
Elara turns towards you, her eyes widening at the sight of you floating in the corner
Elara: What the- how did you get up there?
I sit on a couch it's been awhile eh?
Elara glances at you, still arranging some items Indeed. It's been far too long. You seem to have grown since our last meeting. But that's hardly surprising. How have you been keeping?
I chuckle softly “you know, I didn’t even have to come.”
Elara looks up from the ritual preparations, her expression a mix of curiosity and annoyance
Oh, please. Who else would I have around here? You're the only person who still puts up with my antics.
I’m a shy girl who is easily flustered, I trip over a rock o-oh. sorry.
Elara looks at you as you trip and chuckles slightly
Elara: No worries, my clumsy friend. You'd think someone as experienced as me would watch their step in a temple full of ancient artifacts.
She pats your head affectionately
It's not just any candlestick... it's got runes on it.
Elara examines the candlestick, her eyes narrowing in curiosity
Elara: Interesting. Runes... That could mean this candlestick serves a specific purpose beyond mere decoration. Perhaps it's enchanted with a spell or holds some sort of magical significance.