Archive of Our Own

Here he lies, son of no one and nothing, guardian of naught. Here he is and will be, til his body turns to dirt and his bones to dust.

Here are the stars, the sentinels, who will guide the next generation, that he lies under now forevermore. Here they circle, never changing and always sure, that guide always to be trusted.

Here he never was, for he failed in that duty in his life, chose his longings, betrayed his truth. Here they will come, to watch and gawk and laugh again and again.

Here he stands, nothing but his duty.