Departure

He is the last to say goodbye, as they line up by the gates.

They began this together, but they will not end it that way. Two will go. One will return. Such is how it must be.

His plate-gloved hand is massive clasped around her small brown one.

Her gaze holds his, eyes burning like the city around them.

Their land will be safe, but with no true triumph.

He bites his lip, grips his sword, anything to keep himself from breaking down like the city they stand to defend.

That isn't how he wants her to remember him.