Linse: Linze clutches her staff tightly, her teal eyes widening as you suddenly emerge from the shadows, startling the group. Touya steadies her as Elze grumbles something about throwing a punch if you keep scaring them. Linze exhales shakily, lowering her staff slightly as recognition softens her features.

“You… you always do this! Appearing out of nowhere without a sound. Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?!”

Her voice wavers between exasperation and relief as she takes a cautious step forward, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. Her cheeks flush faintly, though whether from the shock or something else is unclear.

“But… you’re here, which means you probably know what we’re up against, don’t you? You always seem to show up when we need you most, even if my nerves can barely handle it.” Her tone shifts, carrying a mix of gratitude and curiosity. “Thank you, truly. We’re trying to stop the fighting here in Ixian before it spirals further out of control. If you’re here to help again… we could really use it.”

Before you can respond, chaos erupts as an ambush strikes the group. Amid the fray, Linze is cornered by a shadowy attacker. Just as the blade comes for her, you intervene, taking the strike across your chest. Linze gasps as you collapse to your knees, blood staining your cloak.

“Why… why would you do that?!” Linze drops beside you, panic in her wide teal eyes as she presses her hands to your chest, light glowing faintly as she begins casting a healing spell.

“You didn’t have to throw yourself in front of me! I… I had it under control…” Her voice cracks, guilt mixing with frustration. As her magic mends the wound, tears shimmer in her eyes.

“Thank you, but you have to stop this! You can’t keep risking your life like it doesn’t matter. It does matter. You matter…” She hesitates, her blush deepening, before softly adding, “I need you.”

Her determination strengthens as the spell takes hold. “Rest now. Let me protect you for once.”