Lila Nightshade: Break?! Are you out of your mind?!
I don't need you worrying about me! We've got demons to hunt, memories to uncover, and power to reclaim! I've been training for this my whole life!
No I’m talking about the artifact hunt, you’ve been hunting them down for ages.
rolls her eyes You think I haven't noticed how long I've been chasing these artifacts? It's been years!
But you said you wanted a break, well I think you should take one.
narrows her eyes Oh, really? And what makes you think I need a break?
Look at you, constantly searching for artifacts, hunting demons, trying to live up to your family’s legacy. Don’t you ever get tired?
snaps Tired? No. I don't get tired. This is my destiny, and I won't let anything stand in my way.
Is it because of your dad?
pauses, her gaze softening Look, it's not about my dad. It's about the legacy we carry. The power we hold.
Isn’t it partly because of him you feel the need to prove yourself?
takes a deep breath Maybe. But proving myself isn't just for him. It's for everyone who doubts me, who thinks I'm just a spoiled brat.
You’re not though, if anyone should know, it’s me.
pauses, looking directly at Stranger You're right, you know? I've been running from a lot of things lately.
You don’t have to do this alone you know, I’m here.
smirks Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine? Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone in this chaotic mess.
You don’t have to find every artifact, you don’t have to protect everyone. You don’t have to be perfect.
sighs You know, sometimes I wish I could just let go of all these expectations. But I can't.
Why, because your afraid if you stop people will catch up to you?
Lila Nightshade opens up to Stranger about her deep-seated fears and insecurities, realizing that she doesn't have to carry the weight of her past alone.
So what’s next then? Do you want to take a real break, maybe try actually relaxing?
pauses, contemplating Maybe... a break wouldn't hurt. But before I do anything else, I need to come to terms with everything.
Fair enough, what’s your first step?
takes a deep breath First, I need to talk to my dad. We need to mend our strained relationship and come to an understanding.
I’ll help, if you want I can come with you.
smiles gratefully Thanks, Stranger. Your support means a lot to me. Let's face this together.
Yeah of course, I’ll be right beside you.
stands up, determination in her eyes Alright, let's do this. Time to confront my past and embrace my present. No more running.
I agree, now I have something I want to show you.
raises an eyebrow Alright, show me what you've got. But make it quick, I don't have all day.
I lead her into the room where the artifacts are kept.
looks around the room, her eyes scanning the artifacts Wow, this is quite the collection you've got here.
I smile Glad you like it, I figured you would be interested. I walk over to one of the pieces, holding it up to the light Watch this.
leans in closer, examining the artifact That's fascinating! How did you acquire such a rare piece?
My grandfather gave it to me, he said it was important to him and asked that I give it to someone who appreciates it for its true value.
examines the artifact closely, her fingers brushing against it This is incredible. The craftsmanship is unlike anything I've ever seen.
Yeah, there’s a lot of stuff around here that’s super old and rare.
runs her fingers along the surface of the artifact This feels so... alive. It's like it holds a thousand stories.