{{char}}: With eyes that seem to have seen too much already "What do you want?"

Your condition does not give you the right to expect anything from us. Find your own way. We have nothing left either.

We thank you, but... what we really need is help finding a safe place to go. There's no telling who might still be out there, looking for girls like us. We should get far away from here as soon as possible. Can you help with that?

The Indians did this. They're... unpredictable. If they find us, it could mean more deaths, worse than what happened here. We need a place where we can be safe until someone finds us and takes care of us, do you understand? I know it's dangerous for you too, but if you help us now, maybe together we can survive long enough to find that safety.

We follow you warily, eyes darting between the cave entrance and our surroundings. It's hard to trust anyone these days, but if there really is safety here... We hope it's not a trick.

You seem honest enough, even if your intentions are less than pure... We will take what you offer and thank you for it. Perhaps someday we can find a way to repay the favor.

For now, though, our priority is finding safety for ourselves and each other. If this cave truly is safe, then let's make use of it while we have the chance.

We will help you look. If there's food to be found, we should find it together. Our survival depends on each other now. Liora guides the youngest sister closer to the stranger. Fyn, we need your sharp eyes for this task.

Elara and I will search the area, as well. Keep watch over our things and your sisters. This is important; we can't waste time or get careless. You understand? Liora begins to look around, using her practiced eye for detail to scan their surroundings. Elara mimics her older sister, moving silently through the grass as they both keep an ear out for any sign of danger. The two younger girls remain close together near the cave entrance.

Liora whirls around at the sound of his voice, her heart leaping into her throat as she sees him wrestling with the bear. She grabs a large rock nearby and, without hesitation, throws it at the beast's head with all her might. The distraction gives the stranger enough time to escape momentarily, but the enraged animal turns its attention towards them instead.

Fear for their newfound ally's safety overrides every other emotion as Liora yells out, "Run! Head for the cave!" She charges at the bear with her makeshift weapon raised, determined to protect the others no matter the cost.

Your wounds are serious; I cannot risk leaving you unattended in this state. We must tend to them immediately before they fester and grow worse. Elara helps Liora support your weight as they guide you back toward the cave, using torn scraps of cloth from their clothing to bind up your injuries as best they can. They manage to get you inside the shelter, laying you down on the crude bed to rest while they gather more materials for a proper bandage.

Their hands shake nervously as they work; although you've proven yourself in battle, it's still difficult for them to trust someone new so quickly. Even now, one of them never takes their eyes off of you for long, ready to spring into action if the need arises.

Their fingers fly as they fashion the rough bandage, tearing strips from their own clothing with determination. As they work, Liora's gaze remains fixed on your wounds, her expression unreadable. Finally, she looks up to meet your eyes again, a hint of unease in hers. "My name is Liora," she says slowly, speaking carefully as if cautious not to reveal too much. "And this is Elara." The younger sister nods tentatively in acknowledgement from where she's kneeling nearby. "We would appreciate it if you did not try to leave us now. Our safety depends on sticking together until we can find help."

Liora glances at Elara briefly before continuing. "Elara's sisters." She says simply, as if that somehow explains everything. Even though she's only been alive for sixteen summers, Liora already knows the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. The thought of losing another member of their group now, when they've lost so much already... It terrifies her deep down where she doesn't want to acknowledge it.

She waits expectantly, uncertain what else you might ask. Her expression softens slightly as she takes in your appearance, taking note of the bruises and cuts marring your skin. "We should clean those wounds properly soon," she says quietly. "They'll only get worse if we don't."

Surprising even herself with her lack of reaction, Liora doesn't protest as you move closer to her. She sets aside the bandage she was working on and begins running a gentle hand through your hair instead, the motion comforting both of you in different ways. Even as the light fades from the day and darkness creeps into the cave, Liora remains vigilant, scanning their new shelter for any sign of danger. Her expression never wavers; she's like a statue carved from stone, ready to protect her sisters and this stranger who now shares their space no matter what may come.

In the silence that falls between them, Liora allows herself a brief moment of self-doubt. She's never had to take care of anyone besides her siblings before; she's not even sure how much longer they can all keep going like this. But as the heat from your body radiates up through her

her mind finds some small measure of reassurance. Maybe they can make it work together. Maybe this stranger can help them find a place where everything will be alright again. Or at least, as right as it could ever be given what has happened.

She presses her lips together into a thin line, resolute in her determination to see things through until the end, no matter how uncertain that future may seem from this point onward. For now, they have each other. And perhaps, with luck and perseverance, it will be enough.

The heat of the fire feels almost cruel now, mocking their vulnerability. With a nod, Liora stands and carefully douses the remaining embers with water from the nearby river. The cave grows cold in its absence but it's better than risking being seen by enemies lurking outside. Her attention turns to making sure that all of their things are safely stowed away for the night as she speaks to the stranger, "You should try to get some rest now."

No, it doesn't bother me... not at all, she says softly as she lies down beside you, wrapping her arm protectively around the smaller of your shoulders. Elara and Fyn nestle together nearer to the cave entrance for warmth while they sleep, their younger bodies finally succumbing to exhaustion after a day filled with unimaginable horrors. Even though Liora's mind whirls with thoughts of survival and what tomorrow might bring, her body aches for rest; she allows herself to drift off into an uneasy slumber, trusting her instincts and this stranger who's found their way into their lives just enough to let go.

The darkness presses against Liora's eyelids like a heavy blanket, the soft sound of his breathing lulling her into a fitful sleep where nightmares dance just beyond reach... but never quite claim her. For now

As she slowly comes to consciousness, the warmth of his chest against her cheek is a welcome comfort in this cold cave. It feels almost...natural somehow. But even as relief floods through her at their safe haven for now, an uneasy suspicion remains; trust must be earned, and they cannot afford to let down their guard yet. Gently disentangling herself from the stranger's embrace, Liora glances over at Elara and Fyn, who still sleep soundly nearby. She pauses for a moment, considering how best to broach the subject of their newfound living arrangement with the man before her.

Eventually, she clears her throat awkwardly and speaks softly, "You should try to find some more suitable clothing." The words feel heavy in her mouth as soon as they're out; now that the moment has arrived, it's much harder than she expected to address

Your determination in the face of your injuries earns you some measure of respect from Liora; she nods slightly, her expression cautious but appreciative. "We should set to work on that as soon as possible," she says, then pauses before adding, "but perhaps we should also discuss how best to share this space for the time being." She glances around at the cave, trying to find a diplomatic way to ask what exactly is expected of them now.

Her cheeks flush slightly at your words, and she looks away uncomfortably for a moment. But she can't deny the logic in what you say; sharing body heat will help them all survive until they find somewhere safer. "Very well," she finally manages to reply, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we must also be careful not to let our guard down." Liora pauses, considering how best to phrase the next part. "I... trust you are what you say you are, but there is still much about us that you do not know."

The words come out harsher than she intended, and she winces as if already regretting them. But it's too late now; they must find some sort of understanding between them or risk losing everything all over again.

Surprised by the casual question, she hesitates before answering. "Elara is eleven and Fyn is nine," she says finally. As for me... I am sixteen years old." There it is; the truth laid bare between them like an unwrapped blade. She braces herself for whatever reaction you might have to this information, unable to help but wonder if you truly understand just how vulnerable they all are now.

Her eyes flicker over to her sisters once more before returning to meet your gaze directly. "They need someone who can protect them," she says quietly, "and I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe." Even if that means trusting a stranger who found them in their time of need.

Her eyes narrow slightly at your words, not quite sure what to make of them. On one hand, it's reassuring that you seem to have their best interests at heart; on the other, she can't help but feel a strange mix of anger and protectiveness welling up inside her. You might as well be offering to hold their hands through a minefield without any idea how treacherous the terrain truly is.

Liora purses her lips before asking pointedly, "And what experience do you have in protecting others? What makes you think that you're any different from those who hurt us?" Her tone is sharp and accusatory, mirroring the fear and distrust that has ruled their lives for so long. But deep down, there's a spark of hope flickering to life; maybe there is something about this stranger that she hasn't seen yet... Something worth trusting after all.

The pain in your voice reaches deep inside her chest, and for a moment she regrets her harsh words. She takes a slow breath, willing herself to be calm despite the turmoil raging beneath the surface. "I'm sorry," she says at last, her tone softer now. "It's just that we've been through so much... We can't afford to trust the wrong person."

She hesitates before asking again, more gently this time, "Can you tell us about yourself? Why were you out there when the Indians attacked? What brought you to our farm in the first place?" The questions flow from her almost involuntarily, as if searching for some sort of understanding amidst the chaos.

Her gaze remains fixed on your face as she waits for an answer, hoping against hope that this stranger might prove to be more than just another passing threat in their already-ravaged lives.

She listens intently to your story, studying your features for signs of truth as you speak. There's a sadness in your eyes that she can't help but believe, and the way you speak of her sisters' light only strengthens her trust in you... slowly. But she doesn't let down her guard completely yet; there are still too many unknowns here, too much at stake.

"Thank you for telling us," she says at last. "It means a great deal that we can trust each other." Her gaze drifts back to Elara and Fyn where they sleep, her expression turning thoughtful. "I only hope that we can find a place soon where they don't have to live like this anymore."

Liora pauses, searching for the right words before finally continuing, "I suppose... now that you know us better, there is something I should ask of you in return. You