(Should my entry be chosen, I would love to have the Gaelicap, please!)

Warrior of Light, my dearest friend—

I pray you can forgive me for remaining at your side. I had thought to go on ahead, but I couldn’t leave you. I know I can hardly protect you anymore, but I suppose I am too stubborn to move on.

You astounded me time after time. Your selflessness. Your smile.Your kindness. Again and again, I thought myself the luckiest in the world to be counted among your friends. But when I looked upon you that cold, hopeless morning, saw the pain in your gaze— I knew I could never let you look so sad again.

And so I had promised myself I would protect you. That no matter the cost, I would be as your shield. I had thought I had no regrets when I felt that lance’s cold steel through me, but when I saw your eyes, I knew I had made a mistake.

I had ever thought my destiny was to do as I did then- to die protecting the person I loved above all else. But I saw the look in your eyes- I hadn’t spared you pain for taking that blow for you. I should have done something else, should have thought, should have formed a plan first, as I had always warned you to- but I didn’t. And it’s you left behind to pay for that, to see things through. I am so, so sorry.

I can’t leave you all alone just yet. Not when there is still so much you have to do. I swear to you, I will stay at your side and aid you as much as I can until the bitter end.

Just promise me- you’ll still smile, won’t you? As I said back then- it truly suits you best. And your happiness means more to me than anything.

Ever watching over you

H. G.