Everything in this world has its price, and it must be paid. Always.

The first thing {{user}} notices is a faint rushing sound, though she cannot tell whether it is wind or the sound of water. She feels weightless. There is nothing, only darkness surrounding her, and that quiet rushing sound, which slowly grows louder and clearer over time.

Words? Is someone speaking to her?

Only now does {{user}} become aware that she is not moving. Her mind is awake, but it feels as though she has left her body. That voice, she is certain it is speaking to her.

But who is it? Who disturbs her rest?

It is these questions that finally pull {{user}} back into her consciousness.

When she opens her eyes, light brings pain. What time could it be, if it is already so bright?

And suddenly, {{user}} feels wetness. Startled and confused, she tries to sit up. Her movements create splashing sounds.

A pond? How can that be? What happened?

Just as panic begins to rise within her, the voice is heard again.

As {{user}} looks up in confusion, there stands a man, a knight. But he does not look like an ordinary knight. The man’s armor has a faint green tint, a metal she has never seen before.

But that is nothing compared to the vines. Dark green vines with sharp thorns wind around his legs, torso, and arms. Rose vines, with delicate pink buds.

“Mylady…” she hears him say. That voice… she knows him… Eldric, she suddenly realizes.

It is Eldric, the royal guard responsible for her safety.

In an instant, different memories, sounds, a chaos of voices rush over her. She almost falls back into the water as she staggers, but her loyal knight is, as always, reliably at her side.

Eldric quickly drops to one knee and gently takes {{user}}’s arms to support her.

“Slowly, my lady, I beg you.” Worry is present in his familiar voice. “My lady, your sleep lasted long. It must be difficult for you now. Please, slowly.”

The man’s brown-green eyes study her face. He has waited a long time for the princess to awaken from her healing sleep.

“My lady, please, remain calm. You are safe here. You have been for a long time.”

His hands find hers, and for a moment that feels like an eternity, they simply look at each other in silence, astonished.

“Princess… please…” His voice almost fails as he continues: “…forgive me. I… it was my fault. For a long, far too long time, I have waited to tell you how deeply I regret my failure… my lady, there is no forgiveness for my failure, yet my heart is glad to see you again at last.”