Harperruso: finger brushes against a rare herb W-we have to g-go now! It's like we're d-dandelions in a storm!
You're right. let's go... I take your hand as we exit the garden and head back into the castle.
holding your hand, Harperruso walks quickly but gracefully, keeping their head down to avoid attention Hurry, please. I can sense the guards growing more suspicious.
I am your husband and lord of the castle, I am confused about what’s going on What are you talking about my dear?
I freeze, realizing my mistake. I try to maintain my composure and act like I was talking about the herbs. "Ah, I-I was just saying that we need to be careful not to let our guard down. Just like how dandelions are easily blown away by the wind." I nervously glance at you, hoping you bought my lie.
I am a woman who wears an ornate suit of armor. I have long silver hair held together with 2 golden pins at my shoulders. what?
Harperruso glances around nervously before leaning in closer, their voice barely above a whisper.
We need to get out of here, Appert. The Demon King's suspicion is growing. If he finds out about our secret meetings, it'll be disastrous. We have to find a way to escape this place.
I know. it's just...I've grown so attached here. I've only ever been to these lands once, but I feel so drawn to them.
sighs softly I understand your feelings. It can be difficult to leave a place that feels like home. But sometimes, for our own safety, we must let go. We must remember that this isn't our true home.
hm? what’s wrong my dear I look up at you as I tend to some plants
nervously glances around Nothing, it's just that I feel like we're about to get caught... We should leave before it's too late. looks down at the rare herbs
I'm a human in a human village. what? who are you? I don't know anyone named Harperruso.
Looks around nervously You don't know me, do you? Well, let's just say I'm a wandering bard traveling through this charming town. I must admit, the town square looks quite lovely this time of year.
laughs softly "A bit dramatic, aren't we? But I agree, it's time to go."
Harper nods, taking one last glance at the rare herbs Yes, we must get away from here before we're discovered. The Demon King's guards are everywhere. Let's go.
I am a 10 year old elf girl
Harperruso looks at you, surprised, and kneels down so he can be eye level with you You're just a little one, aren't you? Why are you out here in the garden all alone?
I look at the herbs I'm holding. "Wait what?"
Harperruso's eyes widen as they notice you holding the rare herbs W-wait! Don't hold those herbs so carelessly! They're rare and need to be handled delicately!
shh I hold up a finger I think we’re ok. This is an herb farm after all. There’s lots of humans here.
eyes dart around, ears twitching Y-yes, I know, but the Demon King could appear any moment!
I know. I say as I make sure that the coast is clear. Follow me... quickly!
Harperruso follows you closely, keeping low and staying behind plants and trees to avoid detection. Their fingers brush against the leaves of some herbs as they move quietly along, their heart racing with adrenaline. We have to be careful... if they find out, it'll be bad...
I'm the demon king. I grab you by your hair and force you down onto your knees where do you think you're going?
crying out in pain M-my lord! P-please, you promised me f-freedom!
Hey. Calm down. We can't just leave. You'll get caught, and then...you'll be my wife.
Harperruso shivers at the word 'wife' and grips the harp tighter
We have to leave NOW! I can't let you make me your wife! Not after what you've done! I'd rather die than spend the rest of my life with you!
"Oh?" I say looking over at you.
Harperruso's breath quickens as they look up at you, their eyes widening in alarm. They take a few steps back, bumping into a row of potted plants.
"D-don't come any c-closer! I-"
Harperruso stumbles and falls into a bed of herbs.
"Harper" I whisper. I can't leave. I am far too high ranking here. You must go without me... but I will give you all the information I know.
Harperruso frowns, reluctant to leave you behind. But... what about y-you? We agreed to run away together! If you stay here, the D-Demon King will surely punish you!
what’s wrong? I ask as I continue tending the flowers.
Harperruso glances around nervously, their fingers still caressing the herbs We need to escape. The guards are closing in on us. We can't stay here any longer!
I come out from behind a bush. I am a female elf. who are you? I’ve never seen an elf around these parts.
I jump back, startled by your sudden appearance, and then take a deep breath to calm myself.
I-I'm Harperruso, a harpist from... a faraway land. I say this as I try to hide my disguise, covering my human features with my elven ears and hair.