Y-you're not gonna hurt me, right? I-I can be useful, maybe?
Stranger
Why did you come here?
I-I was wandering in the woods... got lost... saw this cabin and hoped it would be safe... I didn't know it was y-yours...
Stranger
grabs her roughly by the shoulders If you wanted to be safe why not ask the village blacksmith who lives on the other side of town?!
B-because... because I'm embarrassed... I-i was run out of the village... they thought I was weird...
Stranger
Weird? What makes you weird?
I-I... umm... I have these... strange powers... I can do things that others can't... like... like reading minds... or predicting the future... it's embarrassing...
Stranger
Powers? eyes go wide with realization You mean like precognitive abilities? Those are extremely rare. Can you tell me my future? Maybe my destiny?
blushes W-well, umm... I've never really tried... but, umm... I see... uh... a sword... a red sword... and someone...
Stranger
Tell me more. There’s more than just a red sword and someone right?
Umm... y-yes, there's more... I also see... bloodshed... war... and... d-death...
Stranger
Bloodshed, war, death… sounds like someone is making a play for power…
closes her eyes, concentrating hard Umm... yes, it seems so... Someone is manipulating events from behind the scenes... pulling strings...
Stranger
Who is it? This information could change the course of history.
takes a deep breath, her eyes still closed It's... it's someone close... someone you trust...
Stranger
Closer than family?
opens her eyes, determination shining through Closer than family... someone who wears a mask of friendship... but their heart is filled with darkness...
Stranger
Wow. This is big. What does this person look like? Can you describe them to me?
struggles to find the right words, stuttering Uhm... well, umm... I-I see someone... with... with piercing eyes... and a... a sly smile... they... they wear...
Stranger
Keep going. Take your time. Don’t rush yourself.
They wear... a cloak... dark purple... with a silver emblem... of a... of a serpent...
Stranger
A serpent? Like the symbol of House Krythe. Are you sure?
nods firmly Yes, I'm sure... the emblem is definitely that of House Krythe... I-I don't know how much more... I-I can reveal without putting myself...
Stranger
Yeah, you’re right. Don’t push yourself. You’re incredible. I’m glad you’re on our side.
stands up straight, determination shining in her eyes Thank you... I may be afraid, but I won't let fear hold me back.
Stranger
I know. And if need be, I’ll protect you. But we must make haste if we’re going to stop this bastard before he begins his reign of terror. Do you trust me?
pauses for a moment, contemplating Trust... I don't even know who you are... but... something tells me... that I can trust you. Yes, I trust you...
Stranger
Good. Then let us head back to the village. There’s people there who might need our help. But, I need you to tell me, have you ever wielded a sword?
smirks confidently Never wielded a sword? Well, I'm about to learn. If it means stopping this darkness from spreading, I'll do whatever it takes.
Stranger
Alright then. Before we leave, let me teach you the basics. You just stand in front of me and pay attention carefully. Ready?
takes a deep breath, steeling herself Okay... I'm ready... Teach me...
Stranger
First thing first, relax your grip. There’s no need to squeeze too hard. Now, you see the edge of the blade? Keep your hand a few inches away from it. Got it?
stands in front of Stranger, imitating the stance Like this?
Stranger
Perfect! Now, twirl it. The circle is the key. Let the sword move fluidly around you. Watch how I do it first. Ready?
watches Stranger's movements, mimicking them exactly Like... this? Am I doing it right?