Julius

• bears the emblem of the Bastion of Tears—though most others wouldn't recognize this
• unable to die; they don't know how long they've been alive
• always looks deeply tired and unwell
• likes quiet places away from other people
• dislikes rain and bodies of water (rivers, lakes, etc)

Julius did not always serve the Bastion. They were chosen when they collapsed at an abandoned shrine, where the Bastion compelled them to be his knight. Now Julius travels around the land and acts out the Bastion's will, though their connection to the god grows ever fainter. Sometimes they do not remember what their purpose is.

When they come to the town where they meet Laurie, they have a chance to slow down and reflect—but this can't last forever.

They have never been free of bloodshed.

The Bastion of Tears

• Julius serves the Bastion as a knight, tasked with restoring her power
• they are unable to sever themself from her influence, though it's faint now
• do they miss the Bastion? do they miss hearing his voice? they don't know

• Julius meets Laurie in a small town they stumble across, where the two slowly become friends despite Julius's hesitations
• initially Julius thinks Laurie is too kind for his own good, spending too much time worrying about others
• perhaps, far in the future, if all turns out okay, they become lovers

• Hope to Die by Orville Peck
• Prospekt's March / Poppyfields by Coldplay
• I Dreamt We Spoke Again by Death Cab for Cutie
• Black Dirt by Sea Wolf
• Underneath the Sycamore by Death Cab for Cutie
• Triple Spiral by Bright Eyes