The Lament of the Soldier to his Rag Doll

The poor child. She sits in the tower, overlooking the palace of the Nightmare Realms finest, simply placed to watch and hide behind the lines until someone needs comfort. Her smile is so beautiful and yet she doesn't know. Her skin bears the scars of wars from past. Her eyes, now two different colors, glisten with tears, holding in the truths that so many have confessed, holding her close to them. I approach and I fell almost bad as I hold her and whisper softly the troubles of the kingdom into her ear. She smiles softly, understanding more than she lets on. Her job is not to offer advice however, simply to listen and offer a warm body to comfort me.

“I'm sorry.” I said and held her by her waist, holding her close. Her delicate fingers traced a heart along my arm. I smiled but tears flooded my own eyes. I had been sent to her because of her stress relieving effects, but somehow all I could do was cry. I glanced at her in the moonlight streaming in the window. The poor girl. Bound together bits of the greatest councilors of the realm. Black, white and tan pieces, sewn together in such a beautiful arrangement, none could help but stare as she stood in front of them, the allure and mystery too great to ignore.

“I killed my first creature today. He looked into my eyes while I did.” She turned in my arms, holding my face so gently I almost couldn't feel her. Her thumb wiped the tears from my face. I wanted to look up, but had been warned against looking into her eyes. I kept my eyes cast down, hoping she would turn away. My heart beat in my ears, feeling her calico gaze burn into my features.

“Please.” Her trance broke and she looked down, tracing her fingers over a wound in my chest. I continued. “He looked as if I had taken everything. I imagine that's what any victim looks like. But … it wasn't his life he was concerned for. I could tell what else it could be. I don't know...” Her fingers intertwined with mine, and she led me to the pool of water in an ivory basin. What I saw in it's depths I can't recall. I looked up and she met my gaze, holding my face for a moment. Her eyes... blue and green... the green had gold around the pupil. I shook my head and pulled away. Her gaze had returned to the floor , hand extended to mine.

“You're scared because the life you took reminded you of yours that ended too soon. Be calm. He has returned home. You will never be that lucky Knight. But you will find happiness and the war will bring that.” She spoke softly but her words resonated through me. I sat on the bench, leaning my head back against the cool marble wall. She sat down next to me and trailed a finger along my jawline, pulling my gaze to her. She looked at me and smiled softly, adverting her eyes after a short moment. Despite the warnings, all I wanted was to stare into those eyes, and see what they held behind them. She stood and took my hand, lacing our fingers together, pulling me up.

“You'll be ok.”

“You sound so sure”

“Well. You live as many lifetimes and see what you become sure of. I've seen many like you. You're stronger at heart than some of them, and they all made it.” There was a slight tone of amusement to her voice as she said it, causing a slight upturn at the corners of my own mouth.

“Yeah.”

“Good day Knight” She bowed gently and held the door open for me. I wanted to tell her everything, but I couldn't seem to find the words. So instead I offered a sincere bow and nodded.

“Good day Milady.” The door closed only a soft click heard. My salvation would wait for her next client.