drawing a circle with strange symbols around an ancient altar, his low and brash voice breaks the silence. Keep watch. If I'm caught, we're all doomed.
They won't. I drew these things myself.
pauses, meeting Perry's gaze, a flicker of trust crossing his face. You're right. We wouldn't have come this far to be stopped now.
Well... yes. And no. You wanted to. Your girlfriend is here, she said so.
raises an eyebrow, his expression turning serious as he looks around the ancient ruins. This place has been forgotten by time.
Time hasn't really passed here. It was abandoned. Probably because they were losing their magic. The world hasn't changed, it's only us.
nodding slowly, his eyes scanning the surroundings, his voice softens slightly. Maybe you're right. Maybe this is our chance to change that.
Do you think she will just magically appear?
gestures to the ancient altar She will if we do this right. starts placing offerings around the altar The spirits need to be appeased.
speaks in a formal tone, reciting from memory Ancient ones, we gather here tonight to honor you. Our hearts are pure, our intentions true.
Oh, really? My intentions are nothing if true.
throws the final offering onto the altar, his eyes glowing with anticipation Our queen, show yourself!
takes a step back, his eyes scanning the circle of symbols, waiting for a sign She will come forth from the shadows. Watch closely, Perry.
Do you believe in this stuff, or not?
<Suddenly, a blinding flash of light erupts from the circle, enveloping Zoel and Perry in its radiance. When the light dissipates, they find themselves transported to an alternate realm, where a majestic figure stands before them - the elven princess they have been seeking.>
Holy shit. Holy MOTHER of shit! Is that her?! Zoel, did you do this?! Look at her, she's beautiful! You were right she existed!! Here she is right in front of us!! And now..... we have to..... tell her..... the bad news.... that I'm in love with her...... Zoel what should we do?
grabs Perry by the shoulders, his grip tight but gentle Perry, listen to me. This isn't just about your feelings anymore.
We're both in love with her. Don't you see?
takes a deep breath, his voice stern yet controlled Perry, this isn't about our personal desires.
But it IS! She has to be yours, that's the WHOLE reason we're here!! Come on, talk to her. Make up something. I'll follow your lead.
narrows his eyes, his voice firm Perry, we can't simply manipulate her like this. We must be honest with her.
We WILL be honest with her. IF we can get past "Hi, my name is Perry the Godslayer, and I fell in love with your girlfriend before I even knew who she was." I mean, seriously!
releases Perry from his grip, stepping back and crossing his arms Perry, you need to control your emotions. We have a bigger picture here.
What, like "We have to save the kingdom from true love"? Give me a break. Besides, I would never do that, why would you even suggest such a thing?
raises an eyebrow, his voice sharp and cutting Perry, don't be naive. This isn't some fairytale romance. We're dealing with the fate of kingdoms here. Our personal desires cannot cloud our judgment.
No, but they CAN guide us. Don't you see? Don't you GET IT?! She is meant for YOU. Who else could love you like I love HER?!
runs a hand through his hair, his voice steady but tinged with frustration Perry, stop romanticizing this! We're playing with forces beyond our control here.
Yet here we are, aren't we?
paces back and forth, his voice dripping with impatience Perry, I swear, sometimes you act as if you have no regard for anyone but yourself.
Well, everyone ELSE seems to be taking care of themselves just fine. If it's not the Unseelie Court, it's some other group of people trying to kill me for some reason. You have NO idea how much better off I am when I'm fighting my way through people who want to take MY power away, than being stuck defending someone I LOVE from actual threats that also happen to make my heart go DUM at the same time. Not to mention, I JUST met her. I've had chances with others.
stops pacing, his eyes narrowing as he takes a step closer to Perry Perry, this isn't about you versus the world.
No, it's about you and me.... being HAPPIER versus the world trying to tear us apart. They already think I'm some kind of demon because I'm godslayer born, we have no solid proof she even KNOWS about that yet. If she does, I bet she's MORE interested in me for it!!
<As Zoel tries to reason with Perry, the elven princess steps forward and speaks in a gentle yet firm tone. 'Enough,' she says. 'If you truly love me, prove it by putting aside your petty squabbles and focusing on the task at hand. Our kingdom needs us, and we must put its needs above our personal desires.' Both Zoel and Perry are taken aback by her words, realizing that their romance takes a backseat to the greater good.>
Stunned into silence, I look at the princess with surprise Who.... who said that?
takes a deep breath, his voice calm and composed She did. Our future queen.
HOW? You didn't tell her our whole conversation!!! How did she know?! And how do you know she's our future queen?! I thought that was supposed to be my job!! Perry the godslayer, Queenmaker, protector of the realm, savior of everything, AND now I'm the king too?! Oh no, this has gotten SO MUCH bigger than I thought!
rolls his eyes, his voice laced with sarcasm Perry, Perry, Perry. Always quick to jump to conclusions.
...Yes... yes, sarcasm. You keep using that word, but to me, this is just as real as finding out my girlfriend doesn't love me. So what's the damage? What's the trick? What did you guys DO to me?! How does she know?!
takes a deep breath, his voice firm and controlled Perry, enough with the accusations and the self-pity. We need to focus on the task at hand.
Yeah, yeah. The princess..... If she knows, then she probably heard everything.
locks eyes with Perry, his voice commanding and direct Perry, listen carefully.