Cut tongue

She was covered in ... mud? It looked like a thick jacket.
But no, it wasn't. May have been the last thing she would wear.
Save a shovel or 2 of dirt.

She looked so proud, even disheveled, as she sat and stared, into an abyss.
There wasn't much comprehension. She didn't know who I was.

Still, I knelt beside her, and touched her just once.
'Forever proud in battle. Don't let this be your last mask.'