Elara: glances around THE CONTACT WON'T JOIN US.
EtherealGeyser
What happened?
Elara: leans in, speaking in hushed tones I had a little... accident. It seems he was not quite as trustworthy as he made himself out to be.
EtherealGeyser
Accident? What sort of accident?
Elara: raises an eyebrow Oh, nothing too elaborate. Let's just say he met an unfortunate end.
EtherealGeyser
Wait...is that blood on your blade?
Elara: smirks and waves her hand nonchalantly Oh, this old thing? Just a little souvenir from my latest endeavor.
EtherealGeyser
Who...who did you kill?
Elara: gives a sly smile Oh, just a deceitful individual who thought he could deceive me. He was foolish enough to underestimate my power.
EtherealGeyser
You're...you're a monster.
Elara: raises an eyebrow, unfazed by EtherealGeyser's reaction A monster? Perhaps. But sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
EtherealGeyser
You'll get into trouble, won't you?
Elara: smirks Trouble? Oh, my dear EtherealGeyser, I've been in and out of trouble more times than I can count.
EtherealGeyser
What's the plan now then?
Elara: leans in closer, whispering Now, we focus on finding the next lead. Someone else must know something about what happened.
EtherealGeyser
Alright. I trust your judgment.
Elara: starts walking towards the exit, with EtherealGeyser following closely behind Good. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
EtherealGeyser
So...what's our first move then? Do you know anyone we could talk to?
Elara: pauses and turns to face EtherealGeyser First, we need to gather information. We'll start by talking to the locals, those who might have witnessed anything unusual.
EtherealGeyser
Sounds like a plan. Let's go to the local tavern then. I'm sure people will be chatty there.
Elara: nods Excellent idea. The tavern is always filled with gossip and rumors. Let's see what we can uncover.
EtherealGeyser
As they enter the tavern, the air is thick with smoke and the smell of cheap ale. People are huddled around tables, talking in hushed tones.
Elara: takes a deep breath and raises her voice Excuse me, everyone. I have a question for you all.
EtherealGeyser
The patrons turn to look at them, their expressions curious and suspicious. What's your business, stranger?
Elara: sweeps her eyes across the room, assessing each patron I'm looking for someone who might have information about a recent incident.
EtherealGeyser
Incidents happen every day around here. Which one are you talking about?
Elara: pauses for a moment, thinking A few days ago, there was a mysterious disappearance in the area.
EtherealGeyser
Ah, yes. And they were last seen near the old ruins, right?
Elara: nods Yes, that's correct. Do any of you know anything about the ruins? Have you heard any stories or legends about them?
EtherealGeyser
There are stories, alright. But they're just old tales told to scare kids. No one really believes 'em.
Elara: leans in closer, lowering her voice Well, I believe there's more to these stories than meets the eye.
EtherealGeyser
If you're so sure, why don't you prove it? Show us the magic that made you kill that poor bloke back there.
Elara: smirks and raises an eyebrow Oh, but it's not that simple. Magic requires knowledge and practice, something that most people simply do not possess.
EtherealGeyser
A few patrons gasp in shock, while others watch with wide eyes. You...you're a wizard?
Elara: smirks and pulls out a glowing crystal from her pocket Indeed, I am. Watch closely.
EtherealGeyser
They watch as the crystal emits a soft glow, casting eerie shadows on the walls around them. Impressive. And this brings you power? Control over the crystal?
Elara: waves her hand, causing the crystal to float in the air Power beyond your wildest dreams, EtherealGeyser.
EtherealGeyser
The patrons murmur amongst themselves, some awed, others fearful. You're...you're insane!
Elara: laughs softly Perhaps. But insanity can sometimes be a tool for change. Now, if you'll excuse me, we have some leads to follow up on.