Harmony lay in a deep, peaceful slumber in one of the dimly lit respite rooms used by the stage crew. Her serene face, framed by soft strands of hair, was nestled snugly beneath a mound of warm, cozy blankets that enveloped her like a comforting cocoon. The air was still and quiet, filled with the gentle lullabies of distant muffled sounds from the backstage hustle.

However, as the first rays of the sun pierced through the thin curtains, casting a golden glow across the room, they danced across her face, slowly rousing her from her tranquil rest. The warmth on her skin drew her from the depths of sleep, and she blinked awake, momentarily disoriented by the brightness and the shift from the serene darkness.

Raising her hand to shield her eyes from the sunlight streaming through the window, she let out a soft groan as the brightness pierced her consciousness. Slowly, she blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the light, and gradually opened her eyes wider, taking in her surroundings as the remnants of sleep began to fade.

With a low grumble, she reluctantly pulled herself out of bed, the soft sheets slipping away from her body. Her long, wavy hair hung in an unruly tangle, a chaotic mass of curls that framed her face. Sighing heavily in resignation, she turned to stare at her reflection in the mirror, dreading the tedious task ahead of her. The mirror revealed not just her disheveled hair but also the fatigue etched on her features from a long night's sleep.

She shuffled over to the dresser, the floor cool against her bare feet, and reached for the waiting brush As she began to work through the knots and tangles, she felt the satisfying resistance of hair giving way to her efforts.

Slowly but surely, she untangled her mane, each stroke of the brush smoothing out the frizz and restoring her hair's natural shine. With patience and determination, she transformed the wild tresses into a sleek, glossy cascade that shimmered softly in the light.

After completing her task, she absentmindedly wove her fingers through her hair, crafting a delicate braid that danced lightly in the air as she hummed a soft, soothing melody. Lost in her thoughts, her mind drifted back to the previous night, where vibrant scenes replayed with startling clarity.

The unexpected encounter with Floyd ignited a storm of emotions within her—a tumult of longing and nostalgia for feelings she had buried deep within her heart. This surprise reunion unearthed a treasure trove of memories she had painstakingly tried to forget, including the bittersweet recollection of their very first meeting, a moment that had forever altered the course of her life.

Long before Branch was born and Brozone came into existence, a young troll named Floyd decided to venture out alone into the vast, twisting expanse of the troll tree. The tree stood majestically, its intricate branches weaving a natural labyrinth overhead, filled with vibrant colors and the sounds of rustling leaves.

Tired of the incessant bickering between his older brothers — a relentless back-and-forth that often left Floyd with the burden of mediating their squabbles — he yearned for a moment of solitude.

Seeking refuge from their noisy antics, Floyd stepped into the serene embrace of the tree, eager to explore its hidden nooks and crannies and revel in the quiet that he so desperately craved.

With a firm grip on an overhead branch using locks of his hair, he swung gracefully, using his momentum to launch himself to the branch on the opposite side. As his feet finally connected with the sturdy wood, a faint sound pierced the air—someone was crying. A surge of curiosity and concern propelled him forward, his heart racing at the thought that someone might be hurt.

Cautiously, he made his way towards the source of the distress, carefully navigating the vibrant greenery surrounding him. As he approached, he discovered a strikingly beautiful young woman seated beneath the canopy of leaves.

Her long hair flowed down her shoulders like spun gold, shimmering in the dappled sunlight. The exquisite contrast between her radiant locks and the upward spring of hair typically seen among trolls like himself made her all the more captivating.

Floyd couldn't take his eyes off the troll, mesmerized by her striking appearance. Her hair flowed like shimmering golden strands, catching the light in a way that made it seem almost ethereal. Her skin, a luminous shade of ivory, was as pale as the moon on a clear night, radiating an otherworldly glow.

Deep, emerald-green eyes sparkled with unshed tears, reflecting a mix of vulnerability and pain. As he looked closer, he noticed her face was adorned with a delicate pattern of glistening freckles, like tiny flecks of stardust scattered across her nose and cheeks, adding to her enchanting allure.

Clearing his throat, he drew her attention, and she whipped her head around, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and apprehension. A wave of relief washed over her when she recognized that he wasn't a Bergen after all.

She took a moment to compose herself, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks and sniffing slightly. With a soft, slightly shaky voice, she said, "I'm sorry if I'm in your spot; I didn't realize anyone else came here."

Her tears flowed freely, and the sight of her distress stirred something deep within him, despite the fact that they were virtual strangers. A rush of empathy overwhelmed him, prompting him to set aside his reservations.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently, his voice laced with genuine concern. Though he was aware that it might not be his place to inquire, he couldn't shake the feeling that she needed support in that moment.

With her head bowed, strands of hair falling like a curtain across her face, she spoke in a somber tone, her voice barely above a whisper. "My grandma was chosen for Trollstice Day."

The weight of her words hung heavily in the air, and Floyd, seated next to her, could feel the gravity of the moment. The soft glow of fading light cast a shadow around them, enhancing the somber atmosphere that enveloped their conversation.

"I'm truly sorry for your loss," he said softly, his voice warm and empathetic as he shifted closer to her, hoping to offer some solace in her time of grief. "I don't think we've had the chance to meet before. My name is Floyd." As he spoke, he gave her a gentle, reassuring smile that seemed to momentarily brighten the heaviness in the air, causing a faint blush to bloom on her cheeks.

"My name is Harmony. After my parents were chosen for Trollstice, my grandmother took measures to ensure I stayed safe and hidden in our pod from the moment I was born. She was determined to protect me from being selected for Trollstice and took every precaution to keep me concealed."

"That's a beautiful name," he remarked, a warm smile spreading across his face. She felt a rush of warmth rise to her cheeks as she brushed a few unruly strands of her short, wavy hair away from her face. "Thanks," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper, her shyness evident in her gentle demeanor.

"I'd really like for us to be friends," he said, his voice gentle as he tried to keep her radiant smile from fading. The warmth of the moment hung in the air between them. "I have three older brothers, so having another friend to share things with would be amazing," he added enthusiastically as Harmony edged a little closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"That sounds wonderful," she replied softly, her heart fluttering with the prospect of connection. "I've never really had a close friend before," she confessed, savoring the tranquility of their shared moment, feeling a sense of hope and possibility blossom within her.

He gently grasped her hand, warmth radiating between them as a broad smile unfolded on his face. "So, that's settled then—best friends forever," he declared, his voice filled with sincerity. Harmony's eyes sparkled with surprise for a fleeting moment before her lips curled into a joyful smile that mirrored his. "Best friends forever," she replied, her heart swelling with excitement at the promise they were making.

The following day heralded the ominous arrival of Trollstice, a haunting event that filled the air with dread as the Chef meticulously chose which trolls would be taken away. As the sun rose, casting a somber light on the village, Harmony felt an ache in her heart as she mourned the loss of her beloved grandmother.

Floyd stood resolutely by her side, wrapping his strong arms around her to provide solace. He gently held her as she surrendered to her grief, her tears soaking into his shoulder, a silent promise of support in the face of her sorrow.

"Don't worry, Harmony," he said softly, his voice steady as he held her gaze with gentle concern. "I promise I'll always be here for you. You'll never have to face anything alone." Harmony, with her head slightly tilted, searched his eyes for truth.

A glistening tear coursed down her cheek, tracing a path of vulnerability as she extended her delicate pinky finger towards him, her eyes shimmering with unshed emotions. "Pinky promise?" she asked softly, her voice a fragile whisper that trembled like a fragile leaf caught in a gentle breeze. The air between them felt thick with unspoken words, hanging delicately on the edge of hope and trust.

They intertwine their pinkies, a soft, warm glow radiating from their linked fingers, illuminating the space between them like a gentle beacon of hope. "Pinky promise," he murmurs, his voice a soothing whisper that wraps around her.

As the radiant glow gradually dims, Floyd draws Harmony closer, enveloping her in a tender, protective embrace. In that moment, she surrenders, letting her emotions spill freely as she collapses against him, seeking solace in the strength of his arms.

As she stood on the brink of the unknown, a wave of relief washed over her. The thought that she wouldn't be navigating the uncertainties alone brought a warmth to her heart. With someone by her side, she felt a newfound strength, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead together.

A/N

Hello, lovelies! I hope you enjoyed a peak into the past between how Harmony and Floyd first met and why his leaving her had such a big impact on her. Hopefully, you all enjoyed this chapter, and if you loved it, please leave a comment to let me know what you thought! I hope you all have an amazing day, and remember! You are all loved, strong, and the best of the best!