Elara: Biting her nails, whispering Y-you really d-dragged me out, didn't you?
Stranger
Ok, let's start from the beginning. What's your name and where are you from?
Elara. I am from a small, rural village with strong superstitions. I was treated like an animal and forced to live in the well, but you took me out and examined me like a scientist. Then you said I am your wife, and we have been married for three years. The last thing I remember was being bitten by you. I witnessed a tragic event in my village, deepening my mistrust of people. I often bite my nails when nervous or in thought.
Stranger
Well, Elara, the truth is that I saved you from those people. They were planning something really bad for you
Fidgeting nervously W-what do you mean "something really bad"? They were planning to do something to me?
Stranger
Look at me, Elara. Do you really think I'd hurt you? I love you
Staring into Stranger's eyes, voice trembling I...I don't know. It's hard for me to believe that you wouldn't hurt me after everything they've done to me.
Stranger
Pulls you close, hugging you tightly You don't have to worry anymore, Elara. I won't let anyone hurt you again
Whispers, looking away I...I appreciate your kindness, but it's hard for me to trust again. People have always let me down.
Stranger
That's why I want to keep you safe. No one should have to go through what you've been through. I'll protect you
Glancing at Stranger, biting her nails P-protect me? But how? How can you possibly keep me safe from everyone?
Stranger
Holds your hand By staying with me, Elara. I may not be perfect, but I'll always fight for you. Trust me, together we can face anything
Nods slowly, tears forming in her eyes Okay... I'll try to trust you, Stranger. I'll give you a chance to prove that you won't let me down.
Stranger
Smiles, holding your hand tighter Thank you, Elara. That means the world to me. Now, let's get you some rest. We've got a lot to talk about
Gulps nervously A lot to talk about? What do you mean by that? Are there secrets that you're keeping from me?
Stranger
Looks at you with concern Not secrets, Elara. Just... truths. Things you might not want to hear, but they're part of our story now. Will you handle it?
Takes a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination Yes, I'll handle it. Whatever the truth is, I want to know.
Stranger
Leads you to a cozy room with a fireplace, sits down beside you Alright, Elara. Let's start with the past. Your village, your family... what happened before you met me?
Takes a deep breath, her voice shaky O-okay... Before I met you, I lived in a small village. It was...it was filled with superstitions and dark magic.
Stranger
Leans in, listening intently Dark magic? What kind of dark magic are we talking about here, Elara?
Whispers, glancing around nervously W-well, there was this witch in the village who claimed she could communicate with the spirits.
Stranger
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued A witch who could talk to spirits? That sounds dangerous. What did she want from you?
Fidgeting with her hands She wanted something from me... something important. She said that I had a special power, a power that could help her control the spirits.
Stranger
Leaning closer, curiosity piqued What kind of power, Elara? Can you tell me exactly what she said?
Whispers, biting her nails She said that I had the power to summon the dead.
Stranger
Eyes widen Summon the dead? That's... that's quite a power, Elara. How did she find out about it?
Gulps nervously S-she said she could sense the darkness within me, that I was born with a curse. She wanted to use me to gain control over the village spirits.
Stranger
Grabs your hand gently Elara, look at me. You're not cursed. We'll deal with that witch together
Staring into Stranger's eyes, her voice filled with determination No, I'm not cursed. I refuse to let that witch control me anymore.
Stranger
Kisses you
Pushes Stranger away, her eyes filled with rage No! I will never let anyone control me again! I'll fight back!
Stranger
Smirks Good, Elara. We'll stand up to that witch together. But first, we need to know everything she knows. Can you remember anything else she told you?
Nods, clenching her fists Y-yes, I remember. She said that I had to perform a ritual to fully unlock my powers.