It happened in a tavern
(Doesn’t it always?)
Two parties from two different lands.
One party still making their name
The other, heroes.
A gun sparks the initial conversation.
Then two talk of the wilds
While others spoke of the cities.
Heads shake and eyes roll at the antics of some.
And others watch more than the offer.
Swords are drawn and compared.
Tales shared and challenged.
As the night wears on and the tankards grow low
Memories of ones lost arenwhispered.
And loud toasts given in their name.
“Let’s stay in touch” is heard. And promised. And done.
As closeness forged.
As if they had always been linked.

You allowed yourself the drink.
Released the hold on yourself a little.
You knew it was Jester who asked you to dance.
But the drink and the fire and your mind brought her forth.
You heard her laugh as you felt her hand in yours.
It was then.
Before everything went wrong.
Before you knew evil.
Before you lost everything.
Including yourself.
When there was a chance for happily ever after.

Put the clothes on.
Be something you’re not.
Something you are expected to be.
Something you want to be.
Anything but who you really are.
How much better is it?
How much worse?
To others, they are ordinary clothes.
But you know it for the costume.
For the lie you’re living.

Glistening like diamonds
Home to one who hoards gold.
A tomb to many
Food for a Nightmare come true.
So close to being the last you would see.
To feel.
To know.
But escape you did,
Back to warmth and safety.

A Nightmare you can forget.
Right?

The fire is always there.
Whenever you close your eyes.
You find yourself, staring at the campfire.
Trying not to hear the screams.
It used to be your favorite
The easiest to call for you.
Now it is a reminder of that night.
But on a level you don’t want the pain to go away.
You need to burn in your own way.
It’s only right.

A road that leads to helping others.
Saving lives.
Saying hello to friends, and then goodbye.
To the taking and recovery of some members of the band.
And the forever loss of another.
But a new member joins.
A calm after the storm.

Now the road takes them between two kingdoms.
Trying to save the world they know
And protect each other
Even as one is out there alone, coerced foe now.
Will the juggling act work?
Or will it all come crashing down?

Friends who saved the world
And saved each other more.
Helping each other face their pasts
And look ahead to the future.
Who loved each other in moments of joy
And thru the losses.
Forever bonded
To each other
And those they inspired.

Do you think of her when you see the flowers?
Her smile, her laugh?
Do you dream of what she would look like with them in her hair?
How it would be to draw the petals down her face?
Have you found any as beautiful as she?

What item do you reach for as you wake up?
What must always be with you?
Weapon
Knapsack
Googles
Book
Flask
What item means the most to you?
What item is you?

Was it?
Or was it not?
Merely a means to save your life?
Or an entreatment, ‘don’t go. stay with me’?
Was it from a worried party member?
Or one who wants to be more but can’t find the words?
Will you find the courage to ask?
Or is the fear of what the answer may be too great?