Hallo there. As you can tell from the title, this is a colored version of "this".
As always, if this is not your cup of tea, then I'm fine with it.


I don't know when this started.

I was a child back then.

But I wasn't like the other children. When you are born, the ones who gave life to you give you training and courage so you can face the world on your own, continuing as you got older. But my mother and father weren't able to give me all of that luxury.
Not after they used all their strength to slay a vicious war-band of Galura who were intent on slaying us.

All the siblings I were to have, their yellow lifeblood splattered all around. Never to become whole. My parents, they hugged me as close as they could. My father's life joined the forest spirits as his lifeblood seeped from a spear through his heart, making a puddle. My mother joined in last as her gaping slash wounds added into the puddle and joined my father in the forest.

I was lost.

I wandered as far as I could with no sense of direction. No sense of place. No sense of belonging.

Until I met you.

Your strange seven-eyed visage. Your black cloths. Your tattered armor. Your heart.

When I saw you, I was terrified. I thought I was facing another Galura. But one covered in dark cloths and armor. When you turned to face me, I lost all control. The seven green eyes, all staring at me.

I ran.

I didn't care where I went to as long as you were away from me. I eventually stopped at a big rock in the middle of a field. I was relieved to be away from your presence. Then I heard the tongue of my people. "Don't fear, little one. All will be safe soon" they said, a soothing feminine tongue that brought me comfort. I turned towards the voice in excitement...

...and my eyes locked into three Galura, staring back at me with sadistic intent.

"Such a naive child. No matter, your hope becomes your very own punishment" the lead one said. A woman armed with a halberd and wearing a golden necklace and loincloth. I was to become the last of my family to be slain by a Galura.

And then, you suddenly arrived.

At impossible speeds that mocked the swiftness and agility of the Galura themselves, using nothing more but ash-covered feathers, you left me standing as the Galura were eternally silenced. Deep gashes into their feathers and flesh. Nearly unrecognizable. I didn't know what to do. You stared at me with that seven-eyed visage for what felt an hour. And then you walked away. I was afraid. I was becoming alone. I have no one else near me. So, I took the one option I was hesitant to even take.

I grabbed your hand.

You stopped, and peered over to me. You were...confused. I ran from you, then you saved me. Against all other thoughts, you allowed me to come with you. Even if you didn't speak. We walked until we reached a mighty river in the forest. As I stopped to eat and rest near the river, I took a careful look at you as you stood still to guard me. You were missing the back wings of the Galura. Instead, your wings were also your arms. Your armor was in odd places. You also had these strings going into your body. Then, there was this black cloak you wore. Impossibly smooth compared to the handwoven fabrics of these lands.

And that face. Seven eyes, all green and reflective like the water. I wonder if it was just a mask, or if it really was your true face.

We stayed together for some time. I was still scared of you, no matter how kind you were. Not helping was your appearance. But, I eventually became close to you. Eventually learning and accepting that you never wished any harm.
All the times you thought me a vital skill of my kind, were memories I ket fondly. I was surprised you knew how to teach a child like me even though you, I supposed, didn't have children of your own.
The times I excitedly pointed to something I wanted see, you guarded me as quietly as you could. When some unseen threat came close to you and I, you dealt it in ways that made me imagine the tales of heroes long past.
And even though you didn't speak, your actions became the words that spoke of a caring spirit. Always watching. Always guarding. Besides, I've always found your idea of unspoken humor intriguing.

I was saddened that I had to leave you when we arrived at my village (and you even knew the way even though you have not seen my village). But I knew I couldn't bring someone who resembled an enemy that has tormented my people for generations.

Still, I will always remember the times I've spent with you.

Waiting for you until the day I join the spirits.

Hoping we could meet one more time.