An exiled princess and her hand maidens.

Note: this story is loosely based off of WaverCD’s A Warrior’s Welcome (which I highly Recommend).

Princess Celeste stared into the flames of the campfire, here big blue eyes reflecting a sadness that was all-consuming. She had had lost everything: her parents, the king and queen, her kingdom, most of her family and court. The only thing remaining was her dignity, and even that seemed to be fading rapidly.

Kallie, Princess Celeste’s handmaiden, watched her mistress and fought back tears. She hated seeing dear Princess Celeste like this.

Before the orcish invasion of Windrass, Princess Celeste had been one of the fairest of the nobility. She had a slender, delicate figure and short stature made her seem at times like a perfect little doll. She had big, soulful blue eyes like sapphires and curly blonde hair that looked like strands of gold. She had a pure and innocent quality to her that even months of hard living had not blemished.

However, it was Celeste’s soul that really stood out. She was such a kind hearted girl, always sticking her neck out for servants and nobility alike. She loved all of her subjects equally and fully. Kallie deeply admired this about her lady.

The princess and her retinue sat huddled at the fire. In addition to Celeste and Kallie, there was Beverly, a seamstress of the castle, Amber, Celeste’s cousin and a noble in her own right (though with less than half of Celeste’s dignity), and finally, Mordra.

Mordra was the only member of Celeste’s retinue that Kallie actively disliked. She was the castle sorceress and had a reputation for being shifty and dishonest. Kallie supposed this characterization applied to most magic users, but Mordra especially for the stereotype.

It was Mordra who had led them to this desolate place at the end of the world in search of a fairytale. A sword that gave birth to warriors.

“Are you sure this cave is the one?” Celeste asked.

“I am certain, my princess. Tomorrow we shall secure it for the use of the kingdom of Windrass.”

Celeste smiled weakly.

“Then it’s just a matter of finding men willing to become warriors in the name of our sorry little kingdom. Something tells me that will be even harder than locating the artifact.”

The sorceress said nothing in response, but instead gave a knowing smirk that made Kallie deeply uncomfortable. What did this vile witch know that she was keeping from the rest of them?

“My Lady, I am sure that a thousand soldiers will be lining up to serve a princess as dazzling and beautiful as you!” Kallie said.

Amber snorted.

“There goes Kallie, always sucking up to the princess.”

Amber was a chubby, plain girl with dark eyes that glittered a little too much. Kallie and her were always bickering.

“At least I have confidence in my Princess!”

“You shouldn’t let her get to you,” Beverly said, brushing back her fiery red hair.

“Ugh, it’s not that I’m letting her get to me. I’m defending the princess!”

“Enough,” Celeste said. “Kallie, I adore you. You’re love and attention has kept me sane in this trying time. Amber, you are my last surviving blood relative. I cherish that bond. Beverly, you are always the level headed one. I love you all equally. Please do not fight. Remember, tomorrow is a new day for our kingdom. It is a time to rejoice with one another.”

Everyone at the campfire smiled. Celeste had a way about her. She was always bringing people together. Kallie only hoped the sword could live up to Celeste’s nobility and kindness.