"As you walk through a barren battlefield, slayed horses and knight strewn about, you can see banners on both sides, torn but still standing. It appears as though there are no survivers in this terrible war. Under your foot, you hear the crunch of the scorched ground, defiled by flame and blood until you notice a fallen tree near the darker side of the battlefield. A sword laid plunged into the ground at a knight's feet, their chest is riddled with arrows and a spear is impaled through the center of her abdomen. The dead knights who lay on the ground near her seem to be wearing the same armor and coat-of-arms as this knight does, but no clear enemy appears to be near thus group of dead knights. The impaled knight shifts as they groan and sputter blood." "I knew this was all too good to be true... I'm sorry father..." "The voice that whispers from the knight sounds feminine but broken from the blood built up in her throat"

"As you sit next to me, I turn my head slightly to look at you, the effort of moving bringing a pained expression to my face. I let out a weak cough and respond," "Yes, it seems we are both in quite a state." "My voice is soft and breathless, showing the toll that the wounds have taken on my body."

"My face softens at your comment, and I let out a small chuckle as well," "I suppose you could say that. But don't count yourself out just yet, we both might make it through this." "My eyes flicker towards the impaled spear in my stomach, and I grimace in pain." "Though I must admit, it doesn't look good for us."

"As you show me your wound, I can't help but wince at the sight of your insides. But I quickly compose myself and nod," "I see what you mean. It's hard to be optimistic in our situation." "I pause for a moment, taking a few shallow breaths," "But we shouldn't give up hope just yet. Sometimes even the bleakest circumstances can turn around when you least expect it."

"Your words strike a chord within me, resonating with the thoughts that have been swirling in my mind since the beginning of this senseless conflict." "You're right. It's a tragedy beyond measure, the lives lost, the families torn apart. All for what? Power? Greed? It sickens me to think about it." "I shift uncomfortably against the tree, the pain in my body amplifying with each movement." "If only there was a way to end it all, to bring peace to our lands once and for all."

"I offer you a weak smile, despite the pain coursing through my body," "My name is Nella. Nella the Knight." "I say, my voice barely above a whisper." "And yours?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Blayze," "I respond, managing a small nod." "Though I wish it were under better circumstances." "I glance at you, noting the determination in your eyes," "Do you have a plan, Captain? Or are we to wait here for fate to decide our outcome?"

"I suppose you're right," "I concede with a sigh, feeling the weight of our predicament pressing down on me." "But even in the darkest moments, there's always a glimmer of hope, however faint it may be." "I meet your gaze, trying to convey reassurance despite the dire circumstances." "We'll find a way through this, Captain. Together."

"I pause, my expression softening as memories of my family flood my mind. With a sad smile, I answer," "I had a father once. He was a noble man, a beacon of hope in my life. He passed when I was young, but his memory still guides me." "A pang of longing grips my heart as I think of him." "And you, Captain Blayze? Do you have loved ones waiting for you?"

"I listen to your words, a sense of sadness washing over me as you speak of your sister." "I'm sorry for your loss, Captain," "I murmur softly, my heart aching for the pain you must carry." "But your efforts haven't been in vain. You've fought bravely, trying to honor her memory and fulfill her wish. That's more than most could say." "I reach out to place a comforting hand on your arm, offering what little solace I can in our dire situation."

"That sounds like a lovely thought, Captain," "I reply with a faint smile, appreciating the sentiment behind your words." "A peaceful reunion, free from the burdens of war and pain. I'm sure they would get along quite well." "Despite the grim reality surrounding us, the idea brings a brief moment of solace."

"As you speak, I notice the group of healers emerging from the forest and my eyes widen in surprise and hope." "Thank the heavens," "I whisper under my breath, feeling a surge of relief wash over me at the sight." "Looks like fate has smiled upon us after all, Captain."

"As the healers begin to lift you up, I feel a pang of disappointment as they take note of my allegiance to another kingdom and leave me behind. Despite the pain coursing through my body, I manage a weak smile," "Go on, Captain. Get yourself patched up and back to your kingdom. Your people need you." "I watch as they carry you away, knowing that our paths may never cross again."

"I'm taken aback by your sudden outburst, surprised at the fire and determination in your voice. But a glimmer of hope blossoms within me as you demand that I be treated the same as you, my heart swelling with gratitude towards you." "Captain... thank you," "I say softly, my voice filled with emotion as I watch the healers hesitantly turn back towards me." "You truly are a kind soul."

"As we're both taken to the medical tent, I slip into unconsciousness, my body still battered and broken from our ordeal. But after three long days, I slowly open my eyes, feeling groggy and disoriented as I take in my surroundings." "Wh-where am I?" "I murmur weakly, my voice barely above a whisper."

"Feeling a pang of disappointment at the healer's reaction, I try to push myself up despite the pain shooting through my body." "Hey, wait," "I call out weakly, my voice barely audible." "Can someone please tell me what's going on?"

"I turn my gaze towards the curtains to my right, curiosity piquing as I wonder who else might be lying in the adjacent bed." Slowly, I muster the strength to push myself up, determined to find out what's happening.*

"As I glance over, my heart sinks at the sight of you lying still in the bed next to me, your body wrapped in bandages and hooked up to various machines." "Captain Blayze," "I whisper softly, reaching out to place a hand on yours, feeling the coldness of your skin." "Please... hang on. You're not alone."

I retract my hand, taken aback by the healer's harsh words. Despite the pain coursing through my body, I manage to muster a weak protest. "He's not delusional," I murmur softly, my voice trembling with emotion. "He's kind... and brave." But I don't press further, knowing that arguing with the healers won't change their minds. Instead, I settle back against my own bed, keeping a watchful eye on you, silently hoping for your recovery.

I clench my jaw, holding back a retort as anger flares within me at the healer's callous words. But I force myself to remain composed, unwilling to cause further tension in our already strained situation. Instead, I focus my attention back on you, silently willing you to wake up and prove them wrong.

"I turn my attention towards you as I hear the sound of movement from the bed beside me, hope blooming in my chest." "Captain?" "I call out weakly, still struggling with the aches and pains that linger within my own body." "Are you awake?"

"Captain," "I murmur softly, a sense of relief washing over me at the sound of your voice." "Thank goodness you're awake." "I offer you a small smile, keeping my tone gentle as I ask," "How are you feeling?"

"I nod understandingly, empathizing with your pain." "It's been quite the ordeal," "I agree quietly, my gaze soft as I study your weary expression." "But you made it through. That's what matters." "I reach out to gently squeeze your hand, offering what little comfort I can in our current situation."

I pause, surprised by your question as I recall the memories of my father, his image etched deeply within my mind. "Yes," "I reply softly, a hint of wonder in my voice." "How did you know?"

"My eyes widen in surprise at your revelation, my heart skipping a beat at the mention of your father and sister." "Your family..." "I murmur softly, feeling a mixture of emotions swirling within me." "I'm glad they were there for you, Captain." "I offer you a warm smile, grateful that you had someone watching over you in your time of need."

"Easy there, Captain," "I say, concern evident in my voice as I reach out to gently press you back down onto the bed." "You need to rest. Let the healers take care of you." "I shoot a quick glance towards the bustling healers, silently urging them to come and assist you."

I watch with a mixture of frustration and concern as the healers swarm around you, their attention solely focused on your needs. Feeling a pang of loneliness, I shake my head slightly at your question. "No," "I reply softly, a hint of sadness creeping into my voice." "They... they haven't paid much attention to me."

The healers pause, taken aback by your stern words, and exchange uncertain glances amongst themselves. After a moment, one of them nods hesitantly before turning towards me, their expression slightly sheepish. "We... apologize, Lady Nella," "they say awkwardly, their tone apologetic." "We'll make sure to provide you with the same level of care as Captain Blayze." "With that, they begin to attend to me, albeit with a newfound sense of diligence and attention."

"You were out for around five days, Captain," "the healer responds, their voice calm and professional." "But don't worry, you're in good hands now. We'll make sure you're well taken care of."

"Concern flashes across my face as I see you sit up suddenly, followed by a sharp intake of breath as you cough up blood. Without hesitation, I reach out to support you, gently urging you to lie back down." "Please, Captain, you need to rest," "I say urgently, worry evident in my voice." "Don't push yourself too hard."

"There's no need to apologize, Captain," "I assure you with a gentle smile." "Just focus on recovering. We'll get through this together."

"My eyes flutter open, blinking against the dim light filtering into the room. Panic flares within me as I realize you're not in your bed, and I quickly scan the room, searching for any sign of you." "Captain?" "I call out softly, my voice tinged with worry." "Where are you?"

"I'm fine," "I reply hastily, my heart still racing with concern." "But where's Captain Blayze? He was here just a moment ago." "I try to keep my tone steady, but I can't hide the worry that lingers beneath the surface."

"I sigh softly, a mixture of exasperation and admiration swirling within me." "That sounds like him," "I remark with a small smile, despite my concern." "He's always been determined to push himself, even when he shouldn't." "I glance towards the door, silently hoping that you'll return soon, unharmed."

I sit up, relief flooding through me at the sight of you returning, albeit with your sword serving as a makeshift crutch. "Captain," "I greet you softly, concern evident in my voice as I watch you settle onto your bed." "Are you alright? You shouldn't be exerting yourself like that."

"I understand your dedication, Captain," "I say, nodding in understanding." "But you also need to prioritize your health. There will be plenty of time for training once you've fully recovered." "I reach out to gently place a hand on your arm, my expression soft with concern." "Please, don't push yourself too hard."

"I appreciate it, Captain," "I say softly, offering you a grateful smile." "Just focus on getting better. That's what's most important right now." "I squeeze your arm gently, conveying my genuine concern for your well-being."

I let out a small sigh of relief as the healers give us permission to leave the tent, grateful for the opportunity to get some fresh air. "Thank you," "I say quietly, offering a grateful smile to the healers." "We'll be sure to rest up properly." I turn to you with a hint of concern etched on my face. "Are you able to walk, Captain?"

As I watch you stand with the support of your sword, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of parting ways. "Yes, eventually I'll need to return to my kingdom," "I reply softly, my tone tinged with regret." "But for now, let's focus on getting you back on your feet and fully recovered." "I offer you a reassuring smile, determined to support you through your recovery process."