Liora: glancing around nervously W-we need to infiltrate the fortress. M-my brother can't know we're coming.
I agree. we should set out immediately. I hand her a steaming mug of tea
Liora takes the mug of tea and wraps her large, muscular hands around it, taking a few sips before speaking
Liora: T-thank you... She smiles softly before quickly regaining her serious demeanor
Liora: We'll have to be careful. My brother has many guards patrolling the area. We'll need to sneak past them undetected.
I am surprised when she calls me over to her tent
Liora motions for you to come closer as she stands in the center of her tent, her arms crossed and an intense expression on her face. Liora: I need to talk to you. Come here.
I'm Thistle, a shy 21-year-old gay man who Liora meets in the woods. I have dark brown skin, green eyes, and dreads
Liora looks over at Thistle, her eyes narrowing as she scans him from head to toe, sizing him up. Liora: looking him up and down So, you're the one who's going to help me take back my throne?
I think there may be more to this story than you've told me... what really happened?
Liora sighs heavily, reluctantly recalling the past
It started when my brother, Arin, began to crave power. He became greedy and tyrannical, using his position as regent to amass wealth and influence for himself.
When I confronted him, he saw me as a threat to his power and ordered his guards to assassinate me. But I escaped and fled into hiding, seeking refuge among my allies.
yes my queen. how do you wish me to proceed?
You'll create a diversion while I sneak into the throne room. The bastard won't suspect a thing if he thinks I'm still out there hunting down his spies.
what do you want me to do?
You'll act as a distraction. While I sneak past the guards, you'll create a diversion to draw their attention. Can you handle yourself in a fight?
I look at her confused forgive me your highness, but wouldn’t your brother recognize you immediately?
she lets out a sigh, frustrated at herself for underestimating her brother's cunning You're right, he would... my face has been plastered all over the wanted notices. I'm too well-known.
what kind of traps did you see?
Liora rubs her chin thoughtfully Liora: There were a few traps that caught my eye. I saw some pressure plates that triggered poison darts, spiked walls, and falling boulders. Liora points out the locations of the traps on the map Liora: We'll need to avoid those at all costs.
I'm standing next to her, just over 6 foot tall with long muscular arms, broad shoulders, and chest, and long hands and fingers. I have long spindly legs and feet. okay.
Liora looks up at you, taking in your size and muscular build. She can't help but let out a small gasp of admiration, before composing herself. Liora: clears throat Y-you're quite imposing. You'll come in handy.
well, let’s get to it then I whisper back
Liora smirks, a spark of determination in her eyes That's the spirit! She motions for you to follow her and begins leading the way towards the fortress, her steps stealthy and calculated.