gloria doria

[ByePolar]

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I am a soldier. From the moment I was born I knew my destiny would be to fight on the front lines. Such is the way of my people, and such is the way I follow. I never questioned it. They trained us not to disobey orders after all. It's just crazy to think about what I went through to get where I am. Those cold, bloody nights. My body was put through unimaginable pain, and yet it's still so familiar to me. It's all I know. The consequences of war litter my body while I look to add more to the pile. Is this really all I can do? I feel as if I've already accepted that. I didn't think I'd be anything more than a soldier.

But maybe that's starting to change.

Maybe I can be more than an instrument of war. I came to Meranthe to do just that. Our mission has yet to be completed. I envisioned a life consumed by battle, but I can't say I've entirely avoided that. Instead, I've met so many people. I have friends whose bond stretches beyond family and war. My brothers and sisters in blood can never be replaced, but my relationship with these natives has grown so quickly. I feel so alive. I'm always smiling. Sometimes I feel as if I'm one of them. Other times I feel as if I've lost way of my purpose. There's so much going on. I can't fall astray.

Yet that all goes away when I put that helmet on. When I don that mask, I feel like I embody what my people represent. I feel like a warrior. I feel as if I'm finally making them all proud. I'm still Vaso, but when I'm under that helm I start to believe I'm one of those heroes of old. It's the closest I'll ever feel to Mardi himself. This is what it means to be Dorian. A purpose directed by war. It's what I was born for after all. I'm doing this for them,  not me. I'm a weapon, a tool to be used, and nothing more.

I cannot get distracted.

There are more lives on the line than my own.


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Remember, one day at a time.
That's what got you through it.
Your future is not assured.
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This is your life.
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Rise.
Pray.
Bathe.
Eat.
Stretch.
Live.
Train.
Prepare.
Anticipate.
Act.
Eat.
Bathe.
Sleep.

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This is your duty.