After the end of the fight, Dinis was still breathing with some effort, but now in relief. He observed the woman beside him, the mysterious and relentless warrior who, with strength and precision, had eliminated the Carniçais with an almost supernatural ease. The silence between them was broken by a playful smile she threw his way, as if that brutal battle had been a mere distraction.
— So, how long are you going to stare at me? — she teased, still with the playful smile on her face. — Or are you going to thank me for saving your life… once again?
Dinis, unsure of how to respond, adjusted his posture and cleared his throat lightly. Although he wanted to express his gratitude, he was still not completely comfortable. Something about her made him stay alert.
— I… of course, thank you. I didn't know I had such a powerful ally hidden around here — he said, cautiously. — But who are you, exactly?
— Lina. Just Lina — she replied, with an enigmatic smile, slightly stepping back and wiping the blade of one of her daggers. Her tone was relaxed, almost carefree, as if her life was guided by a wandering wind. — And you, mysterious Sentinel, what's your name?
— Dinis — he replied, feeling a mix of curiosity and distrust. — But… what were you doing here, Lina? Why did you help me?
Lina let out a light laugh, as if her presence there was the most obvious thing in the world.
— Well, I was passing by and saw a Sentinel full of trouble… I didn't think it was fair to let him be torn apart by those mediocre creatures. — She shrugged. — Besides, Carniçais are a pain in the ass. I can't just let them multiply, right?
She spoke with impressive naturalness, as if the scene of carnage around had no importance.
— And that dagger… — Dinis continued, pulling the weapon he had kept since the first fight with the Carniçais. — Is it yours?
Lina raised her eyebrows, surprised.
— I see you kept it, huh? I was thinking of picking it up later, but it seems she found a temporary owner. — She winked maliciously. — Like it?
— I like it, it's a good weapon — he admitted, still a bit disconcerted by her tone. — Although I don't think it suits me. It's more your style.
She observed him, evaluating him with a sharp look.
— Of course, you're right — she commented, with a provocative tone. — Big and heavy swords are more… your thing. — She gave him a look from head to toe, which he quickly averted, feeling a slight discomfort. — But you made good use of it. So, who knows… maybe you deserve it.
Dinis felt her words with unexpected intensity. There was something enigmatic and provocative in her way of speaking that disarmed him. However, he knew he couldn't let himself be completely carried away. Taking a deep breath, he decided to focus on the questions that haunted his mind.
— And you… you're a Sentinel too, right? — he asked, seeking to understand more about that mysterious figure. — What's your… rank?
Lina laughed, shaking her head and averting her gaze.
— Ah, that doesn't matter — she replied, with a mischievous smile. — What matters is that monsters fall like dry leaves when I show up, right? But, if you're curious, I can let you guess. Maybe you'll get it? — She gave an enigmatic, almost challenging look.
— I think you're making things difficult, aren't you? — Dinis replied, trying to hide the slight embarrassment her attitude caused him. — And what about your destiny? Are you going somewhere specific?
— Destiny? I'm not much of a planner. — She shrugged, as if the whole idea of "destiny" was a big joke to her. — I go where the monsters are. I have a certain… inclination to end what's disgusting. — Lina paused for a moment, looking distant. — I don't have a fixed purpose, just… I eliminate the creatures in my path. It's a way to pass the time, don't you think?
Dinis felt there was something more in her words, a sort of hidden sadness, but decided not to press her. However, her response intrigued him even more.
— I understand… — He hesitated, but decided to be honest. — I'm going to Cahzar. I need to find someone and… tell about the journey I've had.
Lina's eyes sparkled briefly upon hearing the name of the city. Something seemed to have ignited in her memory.
— Cahzar, huh? — she repeated, as if remembering something important. — Sounds interesting. — She took a step forward, crossing her arms with a mischievous smile. — You know, I think I'm going with you, just for fun. It's been a while since I've been to Cahzar, maybe it's good to see what's there.
— So… you're going with me?! — he asked, surprised by her readiness.
— Oh, don't get so excited, big guy — she teased, laughing. — It's not like we're ready for the altar.
Dinis felt his face heat up and turned his face, trying to hide his reaction. She, in turn, seemed to enjoy the situation, making it clear she liked to provoke him.
— You don't need to make that face — Lina continued, amused. — I'm just going because you seem… interesting. And, well, Cahzar seems promising, considering what you've gone through to get here.
He was still trying to digest the situation when she took a few steps forward and extended her hand to him, in a casual gesture.
— So, shall we? Or do you need more time to think?
Dinis hesitated for a second, but ended up accepting her hand, shaking it firmly. In the next instant, she let go, moving quickly to step forward.
— You know, Dinis, I enjoyed fighting alongside you. — She looked over her shoulder at him, with that mischievous smile of always. — With a bit more training, you might become a good partner.
— Training? — he replied, surprised by the provocation. — I don't need training, maybe you're the one who does.
Lina laughed, a light and relaxed laugh.
— Oh, yes, of course. — she replied, pretending to agree. — Well, I'll give you that time to prove yourself. Let's see if you can keep up with me in Cahzar.
Dinis shook his head, not knowing if she was serious or joking. But something told him that, with Lina by his side, that journey to Cahzar would be much more interesting than he could imagine.