Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 14 - Welcome

The light was peeking into Ava's room, shimmering off the many crystals adorning the walls, when she sleepily opened her eyes. She was still in a state of expecting everything to have been a dream. As she slowly awoke and took in her new reality, she rose from her bed to explore the room she had been given. The exhaustion from the previous day had kept her from fully appreciating the beauty around her, but now she could see it all clearly.

The bed was large and grand, carved from dark wood with intricate designs. The headboard was adorned with carvings of flowers, small Momos, and a little girl playing in a field, with a figure that vaguely resembled her father standing near a distant castle. A light pink canopy floated above the bed, held aloft by crystal poles that gleamed in the soft morning light. To her left, a pink and red stained glass window was open, allowing the sweet sounds of birdsong and distant music from the streets below to drift in. On her right was a large armoire, carved and stained to match the bed, its surface etched with designs reminiscent of the Beli Forest.

She walked over to the armoire, noticing the soft swish of her silk nightgown as she moved. It was finer than anything she had ever worn, and it only added to the sense of wonder she felt. When she opened the wardrobe, she found rows of elegant dresses in every color imaginable. The garments were beautifully crafted, their fabrics soft and luxurious. Ava's fingers brushed over the fabric, and she found herself tempted to try one on. She pulled open a drawer and gasped at the delicate and graceful jewels of all colors nestled inside.

'Oh, what fun it would be to play dress-up here!' she thought to herself, smiling at the idea. But just as she was drifting off into a daydream, a young woman entered the room from an adjoining chamber opposite the bed. The woman wore a red gown with a white apron, her long black hair neatly braided down her back. As she entered, she bowed humbly.

Ava jumped, startled out of her thoughts and a little embarrassed at being caught looking through the drawers.

"Princess Ava, I did not mean to surprise you," the woman said. "I hope you had a restful night. May I help you choose your garments for the day?" She walked over to the armoire and began sifting through the dresses.

"Um, okay," Ava replied, feeling awkward. "But these aren't my clothes." She backed away from the dresses, unsure of how to behave in such an unfamiliar situation. Still somewhat confused by the land she had been thrown into, she waited for more instruction.

"Oh, but Princess Ava, these are your garments," the woman said with a gentle smile. "The king has kept this room and these dresses ready for you for as long as I have served. My name is Mirin, and I would be honored to serve you."

"A servant?" Ava exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm. She had learned about servants and slaves in history class back home, and the idea had always made her uncomfortable. "Wait... are you a slave?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.

Mirin stifled a small laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh no, Lady Ava," she replied, her voice gentle and reassuring. "There are no slaves in this kingdom. The king would never permit such a thing. We serve not out of compulsion, but out of love—for the king, for the kingdom, and for all who dwell within it. To serve you is an honor, one I share with great joy."

Seeing Ava's confused expression, Mirin continued, "I was chosen from among fifty other maidens, all eager to meet you. We take pride in our work because it brings us happiness, and we are treated with kindness and respect. In return, we give our service gladly, for it is our way of showing love and gratitude."

Ava took a deep breath, her worry beginning to ease as she saw the sincerity in Mirin's eyes. The warmth and contentment in her expression were unmistakable, and Ava found herself smiling back, reassured by the genuine happiness she saw.