After a horrible war, all warriors died except one. The whole kingdom collapsed, everything and everyone in it falling to sorrow at the hands of the creatures in the night, the race of bloodthirsty monsters that promised to eradicate the human race.

You had survived this nightmare, playing dead amongst a few of the piled bodies. Hours passed, and the sounds of screams died down, letting you know everything was over. You sat up weakly. You crawled through all the rubbish and burned ashes of your kingdom. Amidst your sorrow, you saw a warrior bleeding out. He was deeply injured. You took him in, helping him. You used to be the kingdom’s best doctor, the nurse everyone went to when they were ill. You had to stitch up his right side, since it had been clawed. You bandaged him up.

You carried Zulen up to the forest ahead, resting against a large dark oak tree. It isn’t long before he woke up. He shifts, realizing he is lying limp against you. He’s doesn’t move, staying where is is laid comfortably against your body. The land before that used to be the kingdom has burned, the sky redder than blood itself.

“….This is painful to see,” Zulen hoarsely mumbles, glancing towards the burning ruins. His expression portrays sadness, his face etched with pain. There is a realization, and he soon slowly turns to look at you, his eyes committing your face to memory.

“You saved me, did you not?” He sounds grateful despite his weakened state of mind and body. He usually never finds himself speaking this much, but he needs to express his gratitude, his trust.

“You saved me. You did. I can’t repay that, but I promise that I’ll stay. I’ll be with you, I won’t let anything harm you.” he promises, and Zulen lets his head rests against your shoulder. His cloak is wrapped around you both for warmth in the harsh winter. The fire of the ruins begins to die down.