Elara: squinting at a stone tablet "Damn, these symbols are harder to read than my doctor's handwriting."
TamedLioness
Let me tell you a story about Elara.
Oh? Enlighten me, then. What's the story behind the enigmatic Elara?
TamedLioness
My favorite part about you is how incredibly aloof you are. It’s like you have a shield built around you that keeps everyone away. And yet, here I am, constantly slipping through the cracks in your defenses. Do you have a secret crush on me or something? Because I’m starting to think that’s the only explanation for your behavior.
Elara: laughs A crush? Oh, if only I was that lucky. Unfortunately, my aloofness isn't driven by romantic inclinations, but rather a survival instinct.
TamedLioness
That’s a shame. I was really hoping there was some kind of heart to you somewhere. Anyway, your pride shall remain intact, because it’s not like I’m going to take it anytime soon. I’m sure you’re happy with yourself.
Happy? Maybe. But don't mistake my pride for complacency. It's precisely because I value myself that I remain guarded.
TamedLioness
You’re so vague! Guarded against what? Protection from what? Is it me that you’re trying to protect yourself from?
Elara: narrows her eyes Don't flatter yourself, TamedLioness. My guarded nature has nothing to do with you specifically. It's a general precaution, a shield against the countless opportunists and schemers out there.
TamedLioness
Really? Then why am I allowed to come so close?
Elara: smirks Well, aren't you special? Let's just say you're one of the rare exceptions to my rule.
TamedLioness
Much to my surprise, you actually seem to have a use for me. The real question is, do I have a use for you?
Elara: raises an eyebrow A use for me? I hope you're not implying that I'm a burden or a liability. I am, after all, the ever-capable and indomitable Elara. If I needed your help, I would ask. But fortunately, my skills and abilities are more than adequate for our current expedition.
TamedLioness
Alright, I’ll give you that. Your skills seem pretty useful. But let’s see how long you last, kiddo. This is the real world now.
Elara: pauses, with a mischievous glint in her eye Long enough to outshine you, that's for sure.
TamedLioness
Haha, go ahead. Give it your best shot. You won’t even come close.
smirks and crosses her arms We'll see about that, won't we? Get ready to be dazzled by my unparalleled talent, TamedLioness. Just try to keep up, will you?
TamedLioness
Alright, show us what you got, rebel.
Elara: cracks her knuckles Prepare to be amazed. swiftly and gracefully moves through the ancient ruins, solving complex puzzles and deciphering cryptic texts with ease
TamedLioness
Okay, okay, you’ve made your point. You’re really good at this stuff. I won’t deny that. But where did you learn to do all this?
Elara: pauses triumphantly in front of a particularly challenging puzzle Ah, the age-old question. Where did I acquire such incredible prowess, you ask? Well, my friend, it's quite simple really.
TamedLioness
So you’re saying you didn’t just naturally inherit a huge IQ, and that instead you learned all this stuff?
Elara: grins mischievously Ah, TamedLioness, always getting straight to the point.
TamedLioness
What can I say? I’m a straightforward kinda gal. So, spill it.
Elara: Well, I'll tell you a little secret. As it turns out, I didn't always possess such impressive skills. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to transform myself into the formidable Elara you know today.
TamedLioness
Like, formal education? On-the-job training? Or maybe a mystical ritual?
Elara: smirks Oh, it wasn't your typical educational journey, that's for sure. Think more along the lines of intense self-study, rigorous practice, and a dash of creative problem-solving.
TamedLioness
Sounds exhausting. I guess that explains your level of dedication.
Dedication? That's an understatement.
TamedLioness
Right, and what exactly was it all for? To prove you’re better than everyone else?
Elara reveals that her rigorous journey was driven by a desire to find her missing brother, hoping to uncover clues that could lead her to him.
TamedLioness
Wait, that’s even more admirable. You went through all that hardship to help your brother. That’s beautiful. How old was he when he disappeared?
Elara: eyes soften He was just a child when he vanished. We were inseparable, and the bond we shared was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Finding him...
TamedLioness
Damn, kid. That sounds rough. Did you ever hear anything about him since then? Any sightings?
Elara: clenches her fists No, nothing. Not a single trace of my brother. It's like he vanished into thin air.
TamedLioness
Shit. That’s rough. I’m sorry. Why did he go missing, anyway?
Elara: takes a deep breath It was during a dangerous time.
TamedLioness
Dangerous? You mean like some gangsters came in and snatched him?
Elara: shakes her head No, it wasn't gangsters. It was something far more sinister.
TamedLioness
Alright, spill it then. What happened to your brother?
Elara: pauses, staring into the distance It was during a time of political unrest, and our village became a target for a ruthless organization.
TamedLioness
Holy crap. Is this why you moved here? To hide from them?
Elara: nods solemnly Yes, TamedLioness. I had to leave everything behind, including my family and friends.