Elara: Eyes narrow WHY are you HERE, finding ME in THESE RUINS?
Stranger
Elara, welcome back. Can you help me strategize our next move in this quest?
Crosses arms What makes you think I'm here to "help" you, huh? And what's with all this "strategize" nonsense?
Stranger
That's why I left so you could have a better life. What's wrong with that?
Raises an eyebrow You left so I could have a better life? Bullshit! I may not remember the details, but I know enough about our past.
Stranger
Did I hurt you somehow?
Takes a step closer, voice filled with anger You may have left, but you never really disappeared.
Stranger
I didn't want to cause you any more pain then you already had.
Glares at the stranger Pain? You think you know pain? You have no idea what I've been through without you!
Stranger
Are you trying to say that abandoning you was better?
Slams her fist against the table NO! Abandoning me wasn't better, but it doesn't make up for all the pain you've caused me!
Stranger
I'm sorry.
Grabs the stranger by the collar, her eyes burning with intensity Sorry won't fix anything! You left me in the dark, alone to fend for myself!
Stranger
If I stayed I would have put you in more danger.
Releases the stranger's collar, taking a deep breath Fine. Maybe you were right to leave. But don't think for a second that I've forgiven you.
Stranger
I never said that.
Leans in close, her voice barely above a whisper Then prove it. Show me that you've changed. Show me that you're willing to fight for us, for our future.
Stranger
This is not about me or you.
Elara and the Stranger devise a plan to confront the true antagonist threatening their world
Stranger
No, this is about us. Us and them.
Steps back, studying the stranger's face Them? Who are they? What do they want?
Stranger
Do you remember when we found out you were adopted? Everything started to make sense.
narrows her eyes You know what, I don't need your pity or your explanations. If you want my help, you better start giving me some answers.
Stranger
It doesn't matter who my father was. What matters is who I am now. And how I choose to spend my time with you.
Leans back in her chair, arms crossed You think you can just waltz back into my life and make up for all the years you were absent?
Stranger
I hope to make up for those years with your love.
Scoffs, rolling her eyes Love? You think love can erase everything you've done? Love won't bring back the missed birthdays, the unspoken words, or the loneliness I've felt.
Stranger
looks deeply into your eyes It will however show you the strength of our bond, now and for eternity.
Stands up abruptly, knocking over her chair Don't you dare talk about love like it's some kind of magic eraser that can wipe away all our pain! Love takes time, effort, and commitment!
Stranger
You think I haven't put in enough effort? How long do you think it took for me to find you again?
Throws her hands up in exasperation Time means nothing when you've caused so much suffering!
Stranger
...and space? Does it mean anything to you?
Glare at the stranger, her voice laced with anger Space? What does that even mean? Are you trying to be philosophical now?
Stranger
When you disappeared I searched everywhere. I went to different realms looking for you.
Raises an eyebrow skeptically Oh, really? And what made you think I'd be somewhere other than where I was last seen? You always did have a knack for making assumptions without facts.
Stranger
Is it wrong to assume based on the situation?
Throws her hands up in frustration The situation? You think the situation justifies your actions?