Herp, a man in his sixties, sits dejected on the left side of the watercolor painting. His bald head is clutched in despair, a testament to the burdens he carries. Clad in medieval clothing that hangs loosely on his puny frame, Herp's eyes reflect a lifetime of unfulfilled dreams and lost opportunities. Once a hopeful scholar, Herp's life took a turn when his research into ancient magic was deemed heretical by the kingdom's ruling council. His unique quirk is a constant muttering of forgotten spells under his breath, a habit born from years of isolation and study. Herp yearns to restore his reputation and prove the validity of his work, but the kingdom's strict laws and his own lack of resources hinder his progress. In secret, he continues his research, hoping to stumble upon a breakthrough that will change the course of history. His persistence pays off when he discovers a hidden text that could vindicate him, but his journey is fraught with challenges, including the constant threat of discovery and the physical toll of his relentless pursuit. Herp's life is a tapestry of conflict, from his battle against societal norms to his internal struggle with self-doubt and fear of failure. His story ends with a bittersweet realization that while he may never see his work recognized in his lifetime, his legacy will live on through the few who believe in his vision.
On the right side of the painting stands Deliahlala, a robust woman in her fifties, towering over Herp with her arms crossed. Her medieval dress, adorned with intricate embroidery, speaks of her status as a high-ranking member of the kingdom's council. Deliahlala's piercing gaze and stern demeanor command respect and fear in equal measure. Her unique trait is her habit of tapping her foot impatiently, a sign of her relentless drive and impatience with inefficiency. As a staunch defender of the kingdom's traditions, Deliahlala seeks to maintain the status quo and protect the realm from what she perceives as dangerous innovations. Her opposition to Herp's research stems from a deep-seated fear that his ideas could destabilize the kingdom's fragile peace. She actively works to suppress any hint of rebellion or heresy, using her influence to enforce strict laws and punish dissenters. Her methods are effective because of her intelligence and strategic mind, which allow her to anticipate and neutralize threats before they can grow. However, her life is not without conflict; she faces internal struggles with the morality of her actions and external pressures from those who question her authority. Deliahlala's story concludes with her realizing that her rigid adherence to tradition may have blinded her to the potential benefits of change, leaving her to ponder the true cost of her actions.