The sky was so beautiful today, clouds slowly dragging along the orange horizon, like travellers without a goal. She wanted to relish the gorgeous sight and smile due to all the goodness in her life, if it wasn’t for the blood on her shaking hands, and the tears streaming down her terrified face. Lifeless body at her feet, she stumbled back, falling down on her knees. She felt her voice getting caught in her throat, even though she wanted to do nothing more than to scream into the late afternoon. She could hear birds chirping in the distance, almost drowned out by the war cries around her. She could see his sword dripping with fresh blood, and would have his crazed grin as well, if it wasn’t for her blurry vision and blood splattering all around her. Clutching her chest as he raised his hands to bring the blade down on his second victim, she couldn’t help but reach out to the lifeless corpse in front of her, her lips quivering as they failed to produce any sound of their own once again. She did not notice his murderer getting sliced in half by another soldier, not paying her another glance as he continued to the next one. So she was left alone again, his eyes still in death, looking up at the evening sky, almost peacefully so. Not caring about the dirt, blood and tears, she gently took his hand and slowly lifted it up for a soft kiss, as new tears found their way down her cheeks.

Is this what war was like? Is this what she was supposed to do? No, it doesn’t seem right. Everything she believed in – a lie?! Gods and Goddesses, how cruel to live!

She raises her head into the skies, ignoring the cries of her comrades dying around her.

Answer me! Answer my call, I’m begging you!

A flash of bright light…? Could it be- no. not you. Her face broke into a broken smile, never being as glad to see him.

“Please, High Priest, he- he’s dead, you need to revive him, plea-“

“Silence, child. How many times do I have to tell you: Do not disturb me. This is war! How insolent!”

And continued striding forth, leaving her on her knees, expression of disbelief and confusion clouding her face, as her hand formed into a fist.

…pardon?