Oriole eyed the food with skepticism, exhaustion giving way once more to the wariness of a cornered animal. The Knight of Courage, ever vigilant, hadn't moved from her post by the door, her gaze flicking between it and the tray. Even kindness, it seemed, wasn't without its dangers in this strange world.
"We can tell you everything," Oriole finally said, the weight of their situation settling deeper on his shoulders. He met the Knight's eyes, seeing the same grim resignation mirrored back. "But you must promise to help us. We didn't come here to fight your wars, and we won't be pawns in whatever conflict your city is locked in."
The scholar nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I have lived long in this dungeon, seen generations fight a war born from forgotten mistakes. If you have truly come from this 'Earth', then perhaps...perhaps you offer a chance to break this cycle. Tell your tale, and I will offer what trust I can, even if others won't."
