[Verse 1 – slow, almost whispered, tasting smoke on every word] The banners hang in tatters now, the horns are cracked and still, The field is dressed in quiet where the night was dressed to kill. We walk among the broken blades like ghosts who lost their war, And every step is heavier than the ones we took before. [Verse 2 – voice trembles, then steadies] I found the Wizard sitting where the Cleric pulled him through, His hands still glowing faintly, but his eyes a stranger’s blue. The Barbarian is humming low, a lullaby from home, Cradling a shattered helmet like a child that can’t come home. [Verse 3 – soft, aching, each line a bruise] The Thief is counting heartbeats—his, mine, ours—out loud, As if the numbers might run out and leave us in the shroud. I tried to sing the victory, but the song came out too small; It caught inside my throat and died against the tavern wall. [Chorus – low, weary, but warm; everyone sways like trees after storm] We won, we won—gods help us, we won, And the price is carved in every face beneath the rising sun. The cups are raised, the tales are loud, But the quiet underneath is proud And broken all at once. [Verse 4 – a small cracked smile, voice lifts just a little] The Cleric poured the last of wine across the table’s grain, Said, “Let it be a libation for the ones who can’t remain.” The Barbarian stood suddenly and wrapped his arms round all, Big enough to hold the grief and still leave room for joy. [Verse 5 – steady now, the warmth returning] We patched the wounds with stories, stitched the dark with firelight, Laughed too loud at stupid jokes to keep away the night. The road will call tomorrow, boots and oaths and open sky, But tonight we’re bound by bandages and songs that will not die. [Final Chorus – soft at first, then fuller, voices overlapping like arms around shoulders] We won, we won—may the Ancients forgive us, we won, And the morning tastes of iron and of honey on the tongue. The cups are cracked, the hearts are too, But they beat the same strong rhythm through— We’re still here, we’re still whole, We’re still one.
