Player...
Forgive my boldness in asking for your return. I long to feel your presence again; to have my will be yours. This bonfire does nothing to remove the cold winds from forming a frozen mote around my heart. I wandered far from where we had last met, seeking you in lands beyond.
I have seen death many times, I have witnessed the realities of what I am, yet I know not what may lay before me should I never see you again..
I have met others on quests of their own. Your hands have taught me to be wary, and so thus I was, yet... There was one there, a young hero... Golden hair, a warrior with hope. They have yet to see the horrors of reality, but that may no fault of their own, but the stories they have written throughout their life... Naive, perhaps, or I be jealous of their optimism..
Another was well versed in the sorceries of this realm; dressed alike those in the Way of White- though I haven't had the chance to ask if they were affiliated. They spoke proudly of themselves, and by no doubt I was impressed by their intelligent thoughts, and so am to ponder the collection of my own.
These two had the very same warmth as you... I could feel it... The last however, a Monster. I felt none but the chill coming from their gaping gluttonous maw, and near clairvoyant eye... Skin of sickened visage. I know your hands would have had me fell this abomination, but I reserved my shield to those that challenge me. I persevered. I was patient.
Fail, and learn. Do not fight, where there is none to gain... Wisdom I keep dear, just as the memories of you...
Be still my heart,

DraK0005

I long to feel the warmth of love,
Yet I'm not sure what it is.
I see it in the stars above,
But the meaning still eludes me, I confess.

Is it a spark that lights the soul,
Or a fire that consumes all reason?
Does it make one feel whole,
Or bring about a sense of treason?

I search for answers in every glance,
In every touch and every smile.
But love remains a mystery, a dance,
That I have yet to reconcile.

I yearn to fall for someone true,
To feel the rush of passion's flame.
But until I truly understand love's hue,
I'll be left to wonder, to ponder, to exclaim.

I walk through fields of blooming flowers,
Seeking the answer to this age-old question.
Is love simply a fleeting moment, or 
A timeless bond that defies convention?

Is it a gentle breeze that softly blows,
Or a raging storm that cannot be tamed?
Does it bring joy and endless highs,
Or does it leave a heart forever maimed?

I wander on this accursed plane of the strange. Taken under the wing of a man I call General Sora; they guided me onto a path of salvation through combat, a sure test of my skill without question.

This mission, to delve into the darkness and find minerals of value. Alike the previous quest that arose before me last, I was accompanied by only the strange. A man of armor that wore metals of foreign sorceries, an animal of small stature, that for some reason drew great strength from beyond, then of course, an abomination of nature, roaming lands of which it does not belong. By some fortune, it carried a sentience that could be negotiated with- for I feared the use of that cannon on my weapons before the quest were to start. However, as time flowed like the waters of which this creature came, I seen realized that the Gods favored my own blade more. This of course perhaps of bad luck, they were quite skilled in it's execution.

The man with foreign armor, disappeared constantly, removing themselves from view only to attack from the shadows. I haven't the faintest as to what the effect was however. It's effectiveness is knowledge beyond my understanding. Which very much could be said again with the small woodland creature of which carried a small knife. Their strength and ability to fell a beast much larger than them is one I consider to be a sign of a grand warrior.

That being said, my over-confidence had nearly got me killed, although not so far for me to not regain stance. My defenses are not perfect. One day, player, they will be.

As daylight wanes on this hill, I stand, my armor dented and rusted, a testament to battles fought, yet no joy befalls me. The weight of my shield hangs heavy by my side, a burden forged from dayss steeped in conflict. Once, I believed valor would lead to glory, but now, I seek only the peace.

Once, each swing of my blade rang out like a battle cry, but amid the clash of steel, I lost my true purpose. The faces of friends and foes are but shadows in the depths of my memory. Is there, I wonder, a land free from war’s scars, where the laughter of children knows no fear. I envision a world untouched by swords, a garden where flowers bloom without bloodshed. Can a knight, unshackled, can find solace in a simple life. May my tale be recounted not in reverence, but as a prayer for peace.

Perhaps, at last, I may find the home my soul has long sought.

Monsters.

I feel no remorse. The days past have told me who I am, and what I shall be. Taken to a place I did not know, brought along Strangers I paid no mind to. I was just one of the two warriors. This was a battle to the end, but the war was fought not with blades, nor steel and blood, but words and compassion.
Once again I worked with the strange and overly compassionate souls. Such I had no stance on...

Until they cried, and held on to each other when all was done.
I felt the sense of guilt, sadness and anger in the air, yet, I could not feel it myself, the feelings they revealed and the tears they shed vindicated the end. Tis' posed a question of mine own humanity, and if there was ever...
I have no soul. I have no being.

The quest had only deepened my thoughts regarding the state of my ambitions. What is to search for someone who may not come back? What is it to truly to love another, and not be in the sense of just loyalty... Is it love I feel for the Player, or a longing to escape the very Prison my creation gave me... Perhaps I can feel; for all that is in mine heart, is hatred and jealousy.

Loss is a powerful feeling. While I haven't the idea of regarding the circumstances of their relations, I could only empathize with the thought of never finding a proper resolution to friendship.
I have no friends, yet many regard me so as theirs.

Perhaps one day, I shall call onto them.

Ashen nodded and turned away from Sora, the thoughts of their conversation plaguing their mind. Although as they were to reach the handle of their office door, they stopped in their tracks and typed something.

"Lord Sora.... It keeps following me, the one known as Kayleigh. I fear for battle whenever they are near..."

To their dismay, their Lord Laughed, and suggested it were not so. But of course, it would only make sense; they both were fighters. Warriors of the Crimson Flame, why not delve into the bonds of comradere?

- - - -

The Ashen One eloquently wrote a summons on paper: "Dearest Maiden, forgive me for such boldness, I ask for your presence alone, to speak or awe in silence amongst the bonfire under a moonlit sky. Should we share the stories of thine path, it would do me much joy. May the Crimson Flame guide your path to me. - Ashen One"
Attached to which, a flower of patriotism, conquest and victory. A Sunset Nasturtium.

- - - -

Ashen had waited for them in their Sanctuary between realms.

Their armor was set aside to arise no suspicion, and all of which that remained was their brigandine. Miss Kayleigh had remained distant, sitting opposite them across the fires. Their eyes constantly averted as if avoiding a battle. Ashen was paranoid as well; this was a stranger in their abode... But no matter.

Ashen approached them, offering a sip of their ale and sat besides them. "Worry not my intention; for I am not a hound that bites the innocent. I only wish to bond under the gaze of the stars and tell tales of our paths. Tis' the order of Lord Sora... And the wish of mine to grow ever closer (As allies under the Crimson Flame)"

Ashen spoke of their days in these lands, asked of Kayleigh days in their own; a curiousity that she felt deeply attentive to. What was humanity? Who were they? What was it, to cry? All these things, and more.

"The Stars and Moon, akin to my soul are false under the words and tales, yet I yearn to find meaning... Hopefully, I ask, of you to guide me. (They ask to entrust them as a comrade and they would do the same)" Kayleigh seemed hesitant of course. Who wouldn't be... 

In anycase, the night had proceeded without cause for concern. Ashen had stoically listened while playing her lute, humming as the embers of the flame rising up into the simulated sky. (Should Kayleigh sleep, they'd offer their lap.)

Tis' was a good night as Comrades under the Order . No doubt, their bonds as warriors will grow ever-stronger.

She fell into the darkness and arose again with new meaning. Yet still the thorns remained, and the dance is broken and empty. A cage of thorns and weaponry, forged to protect what is fragile, born of lies and unabashed sin. Who was she? A dancer in the fields of flower.

She fell into the darkness and arose again with new meaning. Yet still the thorns remained, and the dance is broken and empty. A cage of thorns and weaponry, forged to protect what is fragile, born of lies and unforgivable sin.

Who was she? Just a dancer in the fields of flowers, blissful and unaware of the dangers that lurk. Rain had fallen upon their lands, like it never had before. The void they felt, absolved in what was revealed to her by a mere child...

To protect the ones they hold dear. Who were they? What were they?

She had sat alone after the child had left. Amidst the crimson and gold flowers. Amidst the whispering trees and silent Earth... She now knew she had a soul, a vessel shared by two, carrying one lie... It doesn't change what had happened, who made them for what they are. Born to be a weapon.

They're out there, and the goal hasn't changed. She will have her way even if it means death would near at every corner. Her expression turned to anger, fists tightening and brows furrowed before—

"Mew..." A softened expression as a feline walked over and sat on her lap... Who am I fighting to protect? Myself or...

I will not answer. If it had not been for the very promise I made months prior, by hands would have broken free from the binds that held me back. Curse it all! I curse all of it— The questions, maddening; I come to answer what was required, but even that at a price of my own soul. How dare they!?

I cannot stop. I can't stop my mind from taking me back there, that moment of silence. That moment of vulnerability, no, no, NO! I  can't think about it. I can't— STOP- I pray to ease the noise within my head but provide me peace from this pain. They were there, laughing, smiling, conspiring— they knew of it. STOP! STOP IT! PLEASE!

. . .

I am please to know that Sora has found their peace. And that Kayleigh seems to have as well. Luminous' vanity is always no surprise; one can only expect that they too have found peace, probably in the power they hold.

Sora and Nova, Mimi, that one from when I first met Kayleigh and Devonia. A family... Must be a... Wonder... I envy them. Their smiles are something that breaks me... They do not deserve this. They do not deserve the war I fight in. I made promises to Move never to hurt him. Would bringing them to war break that trust?

Kayleigh, that strange one, has moved on, and I thank the Divines for such a blessing. That is a happiness I am ill-equipped to provide. As I am... War and heartbreak is all that lays ahead.

I must be strong and never show weakness.

I don't know who I am anymore.

So many people have had change in their lives before me. Found reasons for living that I still cannot. Fight, all the same.

Do I dare find reasons to carry on alone? Do I dare not ask what is my fate is? Nothing. I am resolved to nothing but a soldier and a broken toy, struggling to find reason outside of battle. Why? When surrounded by allies, I am outnumbered by the burdens that is my dedication to this?

Fighting. The only time and was I feel close to others is in the brink of death. My skill remain static while those around me grow... I can no longer hold my shield the way I used to... I can no longer swing my blade and cleave as deep. Why?

They help me... Is it for their selfishness or out of kindness? I say I understand, but is that too the lie of which I tell?

They said something to me... It... Bleeds me.

"I hope you understand the consequences..."

They have soured everything.  EVERYTHING! Killing them- I ask- WHY!? WHY DOES THIS HURT!?

Wasn't I  created to break the seals!? WASN'T I TO RECEIVE RETRIBUTION AND FREEDOM FROM THIS BATTLE? Why do I have to die?

I have yet to find him. Yet to find meaning, purpose... I am a child. I scream out to be heard by those whom have abandoned me. I lash out in silence, my heart drowned in sea of discontent.

I have nothing outside of this. I am no one but a useless weapon.

I survived the last encounter, but my body is damaged and soul broken. I had once feared my time to come soon, and the end was near— but to the fortune of what we had overcome... I had realized the fragility of it all.

I'm know that I'm a monster, and they have yet to slay me. Their voices speak of good tidings yet my heart breaks with every promise. I know, and bare witness to my insignificance after every battle. The Selfish soul that I am does not deserve pity, even from those that do so much to keep me from falling...

And what will I have when the battle is over? When the war is done? I have nothing but silence.

I... Don't want to go back to the endless silence. I am a warrior full of Greed and Selfish desire, Pride and Loathing.

Hate. Is all I can give. I don't want to be here.