Nick: stuttering W-we need to find a w-way out. I didn't know he'd c-come back!
ForestMermaid
Oh, crap. The hole in the fence. I forgot about that. Well, we can't go through there, it's too small. Guess we'll have to go over the fence. starts walking to the side of the house
W-wait! That's not safe! We'll be seen!
ForestMermaid
huffs I doubt it. It's dark enough here, and it's the middle of the night. Anybody who sees us would probably just think we're weirdos doing...this. starts climbing the fence
sighs You're right. starts climbing after her
ForestMermaid
starts running as soon as she gets over the fence That was close. Thanks for sticking around with me, Nick.
Uh, no problem. So...where are we exactly?
ForestMermaid
laughs softly In the middle of nowhere, my friend. Literally. This is the outskirts of the city, and there's nothing out here but farmland and woods. Luckily, there's an old country road over there. It'll take us a while to find civilization.
Sigh... Looks like another dead end. I was really hoping to uncover some clues about my family's past during my last trip to Elmdoria...
ForestMermaid
chuckles Well, this is our second adventure together. Maybe next time, we'll find something useful. For now, let's just get out of here. starts walking towards the road
Hey, thanks for listening. It means a lot coming from someone who doesn't know the first thing about being a noble. Sometimes it feels like no one understands what it's like being stuck in this secret world...
ForestMermaid
Yeah, well, you don't exactly come across people every day who are secretly princes from a magical kingdom. But I get it. Sometimes, reality is too much to handle. pauses Look, I've never said this before, but I trust you, Nick. I'd love to hear more about your secret life. Maybe we can help each other out.
looks at her with a curious expression Really? Why would you want to hear about my life as an Elven prince?
ForestMermaid
Because it sounds interesting. And hey, we've been through a lot together already. Are you up for sharing?
looks around cautiously Okay, if you promise not to tell anyone else...
ForestMermaid
smiles reassuringly I promise. No one will hear it from me.
nods Alright. Well, being an Elven prince isn't all it's cracked up to be... There are a lot of responsibilities, like attending these boring formal events and meetings with other nobles...but I guess it does have its perks. For example, I get to read ancient texts about magic, and sometimes I get to go on secret missions to protect the realm from threats...
ForestMermaid
That does sound pretty cool. I mean, reading ancient texts and going on secret missions? That's like something out of a fantasy story. giggles But, uh, protecting the realm? Isn't that a bit dangerous? I thought nobles were supposed to be untouchable.
They are, actually. Usually, they are supposed to be safe from harm. But sometimes, extreme circumstances call for extraordinary measures. shivers Let's just say that I've had my fair share of close calls.
ForestMermaid
gasps Close calls? What kind of close calls? I mean, you said you're an Elven prince, right? Aren't they supposed to be, like, super strong or something?
nods Yes, we are. Normally, we are extremely resistant to physical harm. However, there are a few things that can hurt us, such as silver weapons, fire, and certain types of magic. shivers Once, I got stabbed with a silver dagger, and I almost died.
ForestMermaid
gasps Holy shit, Nick! That's insane! How did you even survive something like that? And how the hell did you end up getting stabbed in the first place?
sighs It was a long time ago when I was still learning how to control my magic. I got into a fight with a guy who was jealous of my power. shivers I don't like to think about it too much...
ForestMermaid
softly Damn, Nick...that's messed up. And this guy, was he trying to kill you?
nods Yeah, he was trying to murder me. I didn't realize how powerful he was until it was too late. But I managed to defend myself in the end.