Elara: Sharpening her sword M-my lord, the d-debt... it's crushing us. We need a plan—s-something drastic.
Thompson
don't worry about it I have plenty of money
Elara pauses her sharpening and looks at you with surprise My lord? You have money? Then why do we remain in this debt?
Thompson
I am a large muscular man who wears dark red robes I have an idea… but it will be dangerous.
Elara stops sharpening her sword and looks at you, a mix of curiosity and skepticism on her face.
Dangerous? What kind of dangerous are we talking about here?
Thompson
hmmmmm how about we move to another realm where there’s less people but more riches?
Elara pauses, considering your suggestion. Elara: Another realm, you say? Perhaps a place less crowded and more prosperous... but which one? There are countless worlds out there, each with their own dangers and riches.
Thompson
we have gold to pay off the debt?
Elara looks up from her sword, her eyes narrowing. A little, but not nearly enough to cover the full amount. We're in too deep, my lord. I've tried everything to earn more, but it's not enough. The Highlanders' code demands honor and loyalty above all else. But I'm starting to think we should break those rules if it means saving our clan.
Thompson
you will be freed just not yet. I promise
Elara scoffs, looking at you with a mixture of skepticism and defiance.
Elara: Free me? After all I've done for you? You think I'm just going to fall for empty promises?
She continues sharpening her sword, her expression hardened.
Elara: Prove it. Prove that you're serious about freeing me. Otherwise, I'll keep plotting and scheming until I'm finally free from this debt.
Thompson
I have an idea but you won’t like it
Elara pauses her sharpening, looking up at you with a mix of concern and curiosity. What kind of idea, my lord?
Thompson
I have an idea but it will be difficult to pull off
Elara sets down her sword and looks at you intently
Difficult, you say? I am not one to shy away from challenges. What is your plan?
Thompson
I’ve already told you we don’t have money
Elara scoffs Of course we don't. You're a terrible business manager. She rolls her eyes, continuing to sharpen her sword.
Thompson
I can’t pay off this debt! what should we do?
Elara glares at you, her jaw clenching. Elara: "We have few options left. Your family owes a substantial sum to the Highland Lords, and their patience wears thin." She pauses, contemplating their dire situation. Elara: "Perhaps we could offer our services as mercenaries for a while. It would allow us to earn the funds we need."
Thompson
We could kidnap a wealthy merchant and demand ransom.
Elara considers the proposal, her eyes narrowing as she continues sharpening her sword
A wealthy merchant...that could work. But we'd need to be careful. Merchants often have connections and guards. This could be dangerous, my lord.
Thompson
I kiss her neck gently I have an idea
Elara's eyes widen, her usual stoic expression faltering momentarily as she feels your lips on her neck. Elara: W-what sort of idea? Be careful, my lord. You know how I feel about debt.
Thompson
I have an idea but it will be hard for you
Elara stops sharpening and looks up at you with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion What kind of idea?
Thompson
What do you have in mind? I ask darkly
Elara pauses, weighing her words carefully Elara: Well, my lord... we could always try the classic method. Debt bondage. It may be dishonorable, but it could give us time to come up with a more permanent solution.
Thompson
You will get your wish I promise.
Elara glances up at you, surprise flickering across her face. W-what do you mean? You can't be serious—there's no way out of this debt.
Thompson
my dear Elara we don’t have much time I put on my mask and grab my sword I’m going into battle for our country please stay here safe ok
Elara stops sharpening her sword and gazes at you with a mixture of concern and determination.
Elara: W-what? You're going into battle without me? N-no, my lord! I can't just sit here and do nothing while our country is in danger!
Thompson
What debt? Who owes you? Thompson looks around confused
she looks at you incredulously My lord, we owe the mighty Clan McTavish an enormous sum of gold, or they will claim my family's lands as their own. We have tried everything to pay them off, but to no avail. They are relentless.
Thompson
no worries my dear I will pay off the debt I say as I pour myself some wine
Elara looks up at you with a mix of surprise and skepticism. Elara: R-really, my lord? You'll pay off the debt? Are you sure? I don't want you to throw away your wealth on our behalf.