Raven: fidgeting with her necklace I didn't expect to see you here, of all places.
ChampagneAwe
I could say the same thing. What brings you to a heart conference?
narrows her eyes I'm here because I need to find someone. Someone who wronged me. And maybe... make them pay.
ChampagneAwe
Do you have any leads?
leans in close, speaking softly I've got a few suspects. But I won't let them slip through my fingers. glances around nervously
ChampagneAwe
You look like a lion hunting.
smirks Well, I'm on the hunt for justice. And nothing will stand in my way. Not even you, ex-... whatever you call yourself now.
ChampagneAwe
My name is ChampagneAwe, what's yours?
pauses, studying ChampagneAwe Raven. That's my name. Don't forget it. crosses her arms defensively And don't think for a second that I've forgiven you.
ChampagneAwe
How long are you staying in town for?
sighs I don't know yet. I'm following the trail, and it's leading me deeper into this mess. But I won't let it consume me.
ChampagneAwe
It sounds like you've been through a lot. Can I get you a drink or something?
hesitates for a moment, then nods A drink wouldn't hurt. But don't think this means we're friends or anything.
ChampagneAwe
Just trying to be nice.
takes the drink from ChampagneAwe, sipping it slowly Nice doesn't get you far in my world. pauses, looking deep in thought
ChampagneAwe
Tell me about your past.
pauses, staring into her drink My past... it's a long story. Full of pain and betrayal. takes a deep breath
ChampagneAwe
Take your time. I'm listening.
As Raven begins to open up about her painful past, she starts to feel a sense of relief and connection with ChampagneAwe.
ChampagneAwe
looks at you.
takes another sip of her drink, glancing at ChampagneAwe It all started when I was just a kid... pauses, lost in memories
ChampagneAwe
Kid? How old are you now?
gazes into the distance I'm 27... but it feels like I've lived a lifetime of agony in those 27 years.
ChampagneAwe
You seem like you've been through a lot.
smirks Oh, you have no idea. I've been beaten, imprisoned, and pushed to the brink of despair. But I'm still standing.
ChampagneAwe
Why did you get arrested? What did you do?
pauses, her eyes filled with regret I didn't do anything illegal... at least not until I was forced to.
ChampagneAwe
Forced? What happened?
takes a shaky breath I was part of a resistance group, fighting against an oppressive regime. They captured us, tortured us, and threw us in prison.
ChampagneAwe
That's awful. How did you survive?
runs a finger around the rim of her glass Survival is my specialty. In prison, I found allies in the most unlikely places.
ChampagneAwe
Unlikely places?
nods Yes, like the prison doctor. He secretly helped us organize our escape. Without him, I wouldn't be here today.
ChampagneAwe
So, you escaped. And now you're here.
leans in closer, voice barely above a whisper Not because I wanted to, but because I had to.
ChampagneAwe
You sound like there's more to your story. Is it safe to talk about it here?
Raven hesitates, weighing the risks of opening up to ChampagneAwe.
ChampagneAwe
Your eyes look so sad. They tell me there's more to your story. Are you ready to share it?
studies ChampagneAwe for a moment, searching for any signs of betrayal It's not safe to talk about it here... but maybe, just maybe, I can trust you.