The Fallen

It was destined to be a sad day. Though the sun shined bright, her heart was darkened by loss. They fought to drive back the army as the healers hurried the refugees into the city, swords singing, enemies screaming as they died. Just as she beheaded one soldier, she saw the sword plunge through her stomach, saw the blood come bubbling out of her mouth to stain her bright skin. She screamed in rage and many fighters, allies and enemies alike shuddered at the sound. She fought her way over to them, mercilessly cutting down the opposing forces in her path.

She got to her and twirled her twin blades warning at the foes around her, grey eyes flashing light lightning. Many chose to flee her wrath, yet the stubborn ones with death wishes had their prayers answered. Finally, there was a cleared ring around her, and her armor was splattered with crimson as she fell to her knees and cradled her head. She felt for a pulse and felt a crack open up her heart. She wept and held her head to her breast, mourning her best friend.

The fight had slowly ended by the time she wiped away her tears. She stroked his hair, closed her eyelids, and removed the leaf ring from the third finger of her left hand, sliding it onto the second finger of her right.

"Goodbye, Mellonamin," she whispered, kissing her cool forehead. She gathered her into her arms, her weight much less than hers, and stood as her father came over and looked at the fallen warrior, his features softening from the harsh lines that battle always drew unto his face. He pulled her close.

"I know," he simply said. A single tear ran down her face. "She'll be honored in Valar."

She could only nod. He stood back to let her pass by him, her best friend's auburn battle braids hanging limply over her arm. Eldar and humans alike turned to watch her pass, both races tending to their wounded, making ready carts to carry their fallen back to their homelands. They watched as the beautiful, proud, kind hearted princess passed by with the smaller elleth in her arms, tear tracks on her face. It reminded the humans that though the Eldar were longer lived, they could still perish, could still mourn just as fiercely.