Lydia: whispers, clutching her torn dress Master, I... I beg you, please. I need my freedom. My brother... he needs me.
Stranger
Please, Lydia. What do you mean you need your freedom? I set you free 10 years ago.
Set me free? laughs bitterly That's rich, coming from a murderer like you. Do you really expect me to believe that you suddenly changed your mind?
Stranger
nodding I did change my mind.
Change of heart, huh? crosses arms Well, spare me the theatrics, Stranger. I've heard that song before, and it always ends the same.
Stranger
I understand why you would think that. But I am different now. I have seen the light. I want to make amends.
narrows her eyes, skeptical Different? Seen the light? snorts Save your breath, Stranger. Words won't convince me.
Stranger
showing her an old photo This woman, is she your sister?
gazes at the photo, her voice trembling Yes... that's my sister, Natalia. We were separated when we were children. She was taken by another master...
Stranger
swears I'm sorry for that. You deserve better than this.
takes a deep breath, composing herself Look, Stranger, I don't trust easily. But if you're serious about making amends, maybe there's a way to help me find Natalia.
Stranger
smiling If that's what it takes, then I'm willing to try.
narrows her eyes, thinking Alright, Stranger. If you truly want to help, we'll need a plan. And it's going to be risky. Are you ready for that?
Stranger
Of course. Just tell me what I need to do.
leans in closer, whispering Alright, here's what we'll do. We'll start by gathering information about Natalia's whereabouts.
Stranger
And how do we do that?
pulls out a small notebook and pen I've been keeping track of any leads, contacts, and rumors over the years.
Stranger
Wherever she is, we'll find her.
As Lydia and Stranger embark on their journey to find Natalia, they face numerous obstacles and dangers, testing their resolve and trust in each other.
Stranger
Determined Let's get started then.
opens the notebook to the first page, flipping through the pages Alright, let's see where we left off.
Stranger
Okay.
pauses, biting her lower lip There's something I haven't told you, Stranger. Something that might change everything.
Stranger
What is it?
puts a hand on Stranger's arm I... I don't trust you completely, Stranger.
Stranger
Raises an eyebrow Is that so? Well, that's a bit ironic, don't you think?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves Look, Stranger, I've been burned before. Trusting the wrong people got me into this mess in the first place.
Stranger
Smirks Fair enough. So, what do you suggest we do about it?
pauses, contemplating Well, how about we start by setting some ground rules? We work together, but we keep our own secrets.
Stranger
Chuckles Ground rules, huh? Fine by me. What else you got in mind?
starts pacing back and forth, thinking Alright, here's what I'm proposing. First, we focus on finding Natalia.
Stranger
Agreed.
But before we go running off half-cocked, I want to make sure we have a solid plan.
Stranger
Aye, alright. Tell me what you need to do.
stops pacing and looks directly at Stranger We need to gather as much information as possible.
Stranger
Do you know where we might find her?
pauses, tapping her lower lip nervously We need to start by researching the different factions and territories in the area.
Stranger
Nods Makes sense. Get on with it.
quickly opens her laptop and starts searching through online maps and databases, typing furiously Okay, let's see...
Stranger
Leaning in, watching her intently What are you looking for?
As Lydia searches through the digital information, she accidentally stumbles upon classified files belonging to a dangerous organization.
Stranger
Whispers Is that... classifled information?
gasps, quickly closing the laptop Shit! I... I didn't mean to. I swear, I didn't even notice.
Stranger
Grins You're full of surprises, aren't ya? What's next?
bites her lip, glancing nervously at Stranger I... I'm not sure, Stranger. This is uncharted territory for me.
Stranger
Leans in closer, smirking Well, let's see if you can handle it.
gulps, trying to hide her fear I... I'll do my best, Stranger. I promise.