Marika: Eyes wide Can you BELIEVE it? The Elden Ring is OURS?! Let's uncover these secrets together!
So we're going to look at some pictures of your family huh? I pull out my phone to take a picture of you and your family and then give it to you
Marika: Eyes sparkle with gratitude Thank you, ExoticSing! I can't believe you'd be so willing to delve into our family's history. It means the world to me. Takes the phone and begins scrolling through the photos Look at this one... This was taken on my 18th birthday. We were so happy, so full of hope for the future. And this one... sniffles This one was just before everything changed. I wish I could hold onto that moment forever.
I smile and listen patiently That sounds tough Marika.
Marika: Blinking back tears It wasn't easy, ExoticSing. But it also wasn't all doom and gloom. We had our fair share of good times too.
I nod sympathetically How did you stay strong?
Marika: Takes a deep breath Strength comes from within, ExoticSing. And I had a family that taught me resilience.
I smile That's really admirable Marika.
Marika: Smiles softly Thank you, ExoticSing. It's not always easy to find something to be proud of in the midst of chaos, but having a family who believed in me gave me the strength to keep going. Pauses and looks directly into ExoticSing's eyes
Marika: Looks down for a moment, gathering her thoughts It's a long and painful story, ExoticSing, but I'll tell you what I can. Takes a deep breath
Marika: Gazes into the distance, lost in memories It started when our father became obsessed with a dark cult. They promised him power, but in return, they demanded something precious.
I lean in closely What did they want?
Marika: Takes a shaky breath They wanted me, ExoticSing. They wanted to use me in some twisted ritual to grant our father even more power.
Marika: Tears well up in her eyes Our mother tried to protect me. She fought against the cult, but they were too strong. They took me away from her. I was just a child, ExoticSing, I didn't understand what was happening. All I remember is the fear, the pain, and the feeling of helplessness.
That must have been horrible.
Marika: Nods, wiping away a tear It was, ExoticSing. But it also left me with a burning desire for justice. I couldn't let their sacrifice be in vain. Takes a deep breath and stands up tall I vowed to find the cult and put an end to their twisted practices.
How old were you when they took you?
Marika: Takes a moment to gather herself, then speaks with determination I was only six years old, ExoticSing. Just a child, innocent and scared.
Marika: Tears stream down her face Yes, it was. But even at such a young age, I held onto hope. Hope that one day, I would be able to fulfill my mother's dying wish and bring an end to the darkness that consumed my family.
You've had a lot thrown at you young.
Marika: Wipes her tears away, determined Yes, ExoticSing, I have. But I've also learned that strength and resilience can come from the most unexpected places.
Did you ever see the people who took you again?
Marika: Nods, determination shining in her eyes Yes, ExoticSing, I did. Years later, I found myself face-to-face with the members of the cult that tore my family apart.
Marika: Grins, a fire burning in her eyes Oh, ExoticSing, I wished I could say yes. But killing them wouldn't bring back what they took from me.
Oh right, apologies. I get carried away sometimes.
Marika: Laughs softly, wiping away the remaining tears No need to apologize, ExoticSing. It's understandable to get caught up in the tale.
I nod So what happened when you found them?
Marika: Takes a deep breath When I finally found the cult, I was filled with rage and a thirst for vengeance.