Origin Story

Chapter 1

"What are you doing here?" In came a man, grinning at the woman who called to him. "Well, that's a lovely way to greet someone, isn't it?" The woman turned away from her vanity and
stood up to meet the intruder. "Who said anything about me being a 'lovely' person?" She said with a sly smile.

"Touche." The man said. "Now tell me why you are here." He shrugged. "What
can I say? I'm bored. Therefore, I have come to bother you." The woman smiled. "As always." She looked him up and down. He has clearly just been riding. His hair was tussled, his tunic
uneven, and there were leaves here and there. She picked out a large leaf from his hair and presented it to him. He smiled and took the leaf from her, tucking it into a pocket in his trousers.

"How did you know I was here? Your back was to the door." He asked her, though he knew he wouldn't get the answer he wanted. He was correct. "That is for me to know and you to ponder about for the rest of your days." She said amused with herself. He sighed, disappointed.

"Well," he said with a mischievous grin, "Azura." Azura looked up and returned his grin. "Syrus." "Want to go practice?"

***

Metal clanged as sword met sword. The courtyard was empty except for the two as they fought with all their might. To the occasional guard that passed by, it was easy to see who was winning
the duel.

"Alright, I yield!" Azura looked down to her fallen opponent with a smug smile. "Syrus, are you choosing to accept defeat? By a woman, nonetheless!" Azura gasped dramatically. "I
need to sit down for this!" She exclaimed as she sat down by a tree.

Syrus rolled his eyes and sat down next to her. "I can't believe my student has become the master. I hope you are grateful that you had such a master swordsman to mentor you in the art
of the blade." Syrus sat up straighter, trying to look dignified and failing. Azura raised her eyebrows then fell into character.

"Oh yes, Master Syrus! I'm forever in your debt. You spend your time teaching me your ways and are so patient with me, a lowly student. How will I ever repay you?" She pretended to faint
into his lap. She looked up to him with a smirk. He looked down at her and something flickered in his eyes.

Before Azura could think much about it he said: "Oh, I believe we can find a way for you to repay me, young pupil," he said with a sly smile. He leaned down and grabbed her waist then tickled her. Azura tried escaping but she was stuck in his grasp. She tried fighting back but to no prevail.

Eventually, Syrus let up. Azura sat up, breathing heavily. She smiled at Syrus and socked him in his arm. "Ouch." Syrus said, rubbing his arm. "Come on. Let's go to the garden." She said
jumping up. He shook his head and got up. They walked across the courtyard to the garden full of luscious flora. They strolled through, Azura checking out all of the flowers. When they reached the back of the garden, they sat on the wooden bench under an elaborate canopy of ivy.

"You know, 'Master Syrus' has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Azura rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "What, you don't think so? I think it's wonderful. I wonder if her Royal Majesty would
consider giving me the title officially. Do you think such a thing could happen?" Syrus said, batting his eyes. Azura laughed. "No, I think her Majesty is far too busy to even think about it."
He chuckled. "Ah yes. Far too busy training secretly to give her mentor the title." Azura smacked his arm. "What did I say?" Syrus exclaimed.

"Princess Azura!" Azura flinched. She stood up and walked over to the entrance of the garden. Syrus chased after her quickly. "Yes, Tomás? Is there something wrong?" Tomás, one of the
many servants of the Royal family, was a tall, slim man who worked for the family for Azura's entire life. He was one of her many teachers and close friends.

"Your Majesty, the Queen and
King have requested your audience. You are fortunate that I offered to retrieve you instead of coming to get you themselves." Tomás smiled his warm smile. "They are in the King's study."
"Thank you, Tomás. I shall hurry to meet them. Please let them know that I am going to freshen up from my... stroll through the garden first." She said. "Yes, your Majesty." Tomás left Azura and
Syrus. Azura groaned.

"Mind stabbing me with the sword before I go?" Syrus laughed and shooed her off.