Anne: "Alex?"
Alex: "Yeah?"
They sit together on the green hilltop, gazing out at the distant South Kingdom.
Anne: "Your kingdom looks so beautiful. I heard your people discovered something new this year—shiny and yellow?"
Alex: "Yeah, it's expensive. I don't remember its name… but if you want it, I'll get it for you."
Anne: "No, you said it's expensive."
Alex: "Come on, its price is nothing compared to that clear stone the Western people discovered."
Anne (smiling): "I don't want any stone. I just want you… with me, always. Everywhere."
Alex giggles.
Anne: I'm not joking, really.
Alex: But… you can't always be with me.
Anne: Why not?
Alex: Every time it gets dark, we have to go. We could be together if we lived in the same house—but we don't.
Anne: Then how about we do live in the same house?
Alex: And what if someone asks why you live with us?
Anne: Then I'll marry you. (She looks into his eyes, which widen in shock.)
Alex: What?!
Anne: You don't want me to be your wife? Wait... you don't feel the same way? I'm sorry, I should've asked first. (She looks down, guilty.)
Alex: No, Anne! I've wanted to ask you that—but... (he pauses) I'll speak to my family and get their consent—
Anne: Then it's a yes from me. (She smiles.)
Alex: Okay! I'm going right now. Faster questions bring faster answers! (He jumps onto his horse in excitement and rides off. Anne smiles and takes her flock back to the village.)
---
Narration:
But fate had other plans. That same night, war broke out between the two kingdoms. All routes were blocked. Days passed, and they couldn't meet.
Eventually, their patience broke. On the same day—maybe because their hearts were connected—they both decided to sneak out of their kingdoms and meet on the mountain.
They ran into each other, and without words, they hugged. But the mountain wasn't safe.
Just as their eyes met, an arrow pierced Alex's stomach. He fell to his knees in pain.
Alex: Run... (his voice breaking)
Anne: But Alex—!
(An official rode in fast on horseback, sword drawn. Before Anne could react, the sword slashed through Alex's neck. He collapsed, blood soaking the ground.)
Anne: ALEX! (She falls over his body, crying.)
(The official steps toward her and places the bloodied sword to her neck.)
Official: North or South?
Anne: You didn't even ask him that! (crying)
Official: NORTH OR SOUTH?!
Anne: It doesn't matter. Just kill me. (She grabs his sword-hand, staring into his rage-filled eyes. Her hands, soaked in Alex's blood, tremble.)
(More officials arrive. Just then—)
Alex: Anne... run... (his weak voice calls out)
(Another official charges at Anne. But suddenly, Alex—barely alive—rises and pulls the arrow from his body. With all his remaining strength, he stabs it into the attacker's heart.)
Anne: Alex... (softly, in disbelief)
Alex: RUN!!!
(Before she could, the first official breaks free and slashes Anne's neck too. Blood flows, but Anne stands, grabs the fallen official's sword, and fights with fury. One by one, the enemies fall. Their blood mixes on the ground—hers and Alex's.
In the end, they lie beside each other... unable to hold hands one last time.)