Dragging myself through the dimensions had never been so difficult in my life, not even the first leap I had ever made was so challenging! I gripped my rose firmly, however, resolute not to be parted from it.

When I saw the familiar shape of my home before me, I couldn’t help but shed another silent tear now that I was alone, without my sweet daffodil to brighten my existence. But that realization hardened my resolve all the more to accomplish that which I had set out to do.

I pulled my hand from adjusting my hair and clenched my jaw, preparing myself for the overwhelming experience of a lonely household. Never before had the sight of my house been so unwelcome. Generally it was my personal retreat and lair. Now, it appeared to me as a prison that would keep me from my beloved.

I set my hand upon the doorknob and it opened at my touch. Finding nothing out of place, I immediately brought my rose out to the finest table alongside the window in my living room, placing it in the spot that afforded the most light. I made haste to my rarely used kitchen, and let the water run for some time before collecting some at room temperature and using it to refill the vase in which my rose still waited.

Though I was eager to begin my quest at once, there was one important task I had to undertake first. I took out my cellphone and called the Nether-Operator.

N-O: “Lord Andrew, how can I help you?”

Andy: “Put me through to the Royal Gardeners' Guild.” Pits, how I hated being called Andrew!

N-O: “Just a moment, lord.”

*ringing*

R-G-G: “Lord Andrew, how can we be of service? I see your personal garden isn’t due for maintenance for two days, are there any issues you’d like taken care of before then?”

Andy: I decided impulsively to take control of the rumors that would no doubt soon be flying. “Yes, I have an issue that needs immediate attention. I’ve fallen in love with a human woman and she has gifted me with a rose. I need a trellis placed to the right of my front entrance, and the rose planted there safely and securely. If it fails to thrive, I will decorate my house with the heads of your guild members instead.” I may have exaggerated, just a little, for effect. Though perhaps, on second thought, maybe not.

R-G-G: The demon on the end of the line didn’t miss a beat, “Three of us can be there with what you need in an hour, my lord. Is that satisfactory or should I resort to incantations?”

Andy: I let myself sigh loudly. “No, that will just have to do. So long as my beloved flower can endure, I am appeased.”

R-G-G: “Yes, lord. Is there anything else?”

No, there was not; I simply hung up. I wasn’t in the mood for social niceties. I had been separated from my empress, and I had never felt so taxed, so drained of life!

I resolved to spend the hour I had remaining to me by working to increase the root system of my pure, delicate rose. I wanted it well prepared for planting. After the gardeners had left, I would investigate my map and begin my quest. Every moment apart from (Y/N) was a torturous one, and I endeavored to hasten my undertaking to the maximum.

Notes

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