Perhaps


At times like these, one begins to wonder what life is really about; if all the struggle is really worth it.
Perhaps I should have started considering that a bit earlier.

Have you ever had your entire world come crashing down around you, or had your belief system crumble into dust in only moments? If so, then you understand how I feel right now.

The one I trusted, confided in, looked up to, told my secrets... he is a traitor, and a spy.
Someone I longed to please and impress... he was my father, and he is dead.
And now, as I flee from this smoke-blackened battlefield, someone who I thought was my mortal enemy has succeeded, yet again, at proving me wrong.

"Don't worry," he said as he defending me as a shower of hexes being rained down upon us.
"I'll protect you," he promised as we ran through the forest.
"You're perfect," he smiled, holding me in the shadows as the enemy passed.
"Forgive me," he pleaded, leaving my side to dive back into the thick of battle.
"Stay here, where it's safe," he called over his shoulder, and I disobeyed.

Lightning and curses blazed across the sky, the air crackling with white fire and magic. I tried to catch up to him before he reached the front ranks, but to no avail. Seconds passed, though it seemed like hours; frozen in place, I watched him struck down.
Willing myself forward, I darted through the lines of wounded, too-young soldiers, finally reaching him once more.
"I love you," he said as he died.
"And I you," I said, taking his hand.

At times like these, one ceases to wonder what love is really about; knowing all the struggle is really worth it.
Perhaps I should have realized that a bit earlier.

~fin