Eurisian Wars

1

I walked home, the rain pounded into the ground like pellets while the thunder roared overhead. None of this was able to smother the feeling of grief and death that hung in the air.

I feel not only the grief that hung heavy within me, but also the grief of all those who's lost someone in the war. My parents made the decision to plung their people into the depths of war once again, and not only lost their own lives but the lives of dozens of soldiers.

The only victory we achieved was killing their head captain. She was also heir to the Trabian throne. Now King Trabia will have to prepare his son for the throne, earning us at least another year if not two before he takes his place as the next King Trabia.

My sister didn't have long to grieve. As soon as the burial was over she was swept away to begin preparing for her coronation. I on the other hand, have decided to walk home in the rain.

My horse ran off hours ago, he is terrified of thunder and lightning. Thats the reason he's my horse, and not a war horse.

A cold chill suddenly blew threw causing it to now start the hail. The pieces were small at first but gradually got bigger. I saw a light in the distance. It was a warm glow, the sign of candle light, but it was being blurred by the rain and hail. I was to far from the castle to be able to run back. So I ran for the light. I knocked and was greeted by a kind looking woman. She looks at me in suprise and says, "Princess! Is something the matter..."

I tried to get some of the water out of my hair and replied, "I was walking home when I lost my horse... I was wondering if you would allow a small kindness and let me stay with you for the night."

She nods and lets me inside. She gives me a dress and corset and says, "I'm sure it's not what your used to, but I thought you might like to get out of those wet clothes..."

I smile and say, "thank you..."

The cottage was small, but comfortable. The candle light casts a small and warm glow around the cottage and I could smell a hint of fresh bread.

I found a folding screen and changed behind it. The woman took my clothes and hung them up near the fire to dry. The dress was simple and was a light brown, it was definitely not as nice as the dresses the palace staff pick out for me but I didn't mind. Sometimes I prefer the simpler dresses.

I came out once I'd finished tying my corset and the old woman smiles kindly before setting two slices of toast with a little bit of jelly on them on a table. I ate them and asked, "Not to be rude, but I notice your alone... did you have any children..."

The old woman's face lit up, she clearly loves speaking of her children, "I did, I had two daughters and a son... my poor husband though, he passed with the last flu season... my daughters are happily married but very busy with my grand babies... my son is still a bachelor though... he still comes by to visit me from time to time, he came to visit just yesterday and brought me some more jellies and fruits..."

I smile, they sound like a happy family. Suddenly the door opened and a voice says, "mother? It's bad out there... may I-"

He stopped as soon as his eyes fell on me. I blushed from embarrassment before he took off his cap. The old woman smiles, "Theodore! I hope you don't mind, the Princess got a bit lost in the storm and is going to stay with me for the night..."

Theodore got a worried look but nods hesitantly.

He walks over and says, "may I have some tea?"

She nods and stands, Theodore takes the seat across from mine but next to hers.

She sets some tea in front of him and one in front of me.

Theodore studied me and says, "why is she wearing one of my sister's old dresses?"