Last night, a group, no, a fleet of goblins attacked the city. Usually it was enough for the militia to handle, but they had started to overrun the town, attacking people in the streets. I ran out to help and even Amer had to lend his sword. The goblins weren't very powerful, but there were so many of them. We were overrun.
Everyone with any skill in battle contributed, but there were casualties. Amer was injured and Nathye...poor, little Nathye, got caught in the crossfire as he ran to tell his brother good luck. It struck his heart and I saw it. I ran over to help, but it was too late. I tried laying hands on him. It was the first time I had called on Sarenrae for power since that temple so many months ago. I apparently had not fallen far enough because she answered my prayers. My power healed him, but not enough. I could feel his life slipping away, but I think I eased his pain. He laid his head against my stomach and grabbed the bottom of my shirt, trying to find some comfort and then, slowly, his breathing stopped.
Later that night, Amer caught an arrow to the shoulder. This time, I could still help. I carefully removed the arrow and healed the wound. His arm was stiff but he was no longer bleeding and could still fight. I ran around practically all night, fighting where it was necessary and healing where I could. The last goblin fell just before sunrise and Amer and I collapsed as soon as we returned home.
I don't really remember what happened then, but I remember I woke up with his arms around me. I tried not to think much of it. We were both scared, shaken, and just needed rest and comfort after that long night and nothing...untoward happened.
But still, he felt so warm. His muscles were toned from all the sparring we did and...I never noticed he smelled so good before.
There weren't many boys in the village when I was growing up. Is this...is this what love feels like?
...But this isn't the time to be thinking about that, Nathye's funeral is later today.
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