Unconditionally - DanRos FanFic

Chapter 1

Sunrise was coming and the beautiful land of Encantadia was starting to come awake.  The flying creatures and the soldiers leading them could be seen at a distance gliding and keeping a close watch on the inhabitants of the land. Various kinds of trees covered the land, their multi-colored leaves forming a lovely tapestry. 

The lady standing at the balcony smiled to herself. Oh how, she loved this land and the people in it. Her sisters loved this land, too, and their mother, the Queen Mother Minea, was always reminding them of their responsibilities to it and their people.

One of them would succeed her as queen soon enough. Would it be their eldest, the ambitious Pirena, their best fighter Amihan, the quiet and kind Alena or herself, Danaya?

She was already dressed in her brown training outfit and comfortable boots, her favorite weapon, a couple of arnis sticks by her side. Her long hair she kept away from her face with the matching band around her forehead.

Today of all days, she had awoken earlier than usual.  Mashna Aquil, the general of their kingdom's army, would be looking for her and her sisters soon.  

She remembered how she had always admired the fierce and good-looking general even as a little girl, when he had been teaching them battle skills. Now, there was no denying her feelings for him, though she made sure nobody noticed.  She was a sang'gre, of royal blood and who could be chosen to be queen, and queens did not marry. It would be better not to fall in love.

The damas, the palace's women servants, had begun walking about now, starting with the day's work. But, she decided to linger a little longer and enjoy the view.  She turned back to the balcony and from the corner  of her eye noticed the damas looking at someone approaching. 

It was Muros, second in command to Aquil and rumored to be his equal in battle skills. She paused and watched him closer.  Muros easily stood out in any crowd, not just because of his height, but because of his quiet yet confident bearing.

Some of the younger damas giggled as he passed by.  She felt a slight stab of annoyance and frowned slightly, wondering at herself.

Strange, she had just now realized that he was actually rather handsome.  She had grown up with him always by her side that she tended to take his large reassuring presence for granted.  But he had always been kind and patient with her.

She had a memory of him calling to them that their mother was looking for them. She had excitedly tugged at his hand, "Let's go, Muros!" He had laughed then and allowed her to lead him.

She murmured to herself, "I seem to be reminiscing a lot today."

He stopped by her side and smiled slightly as he stood there looming over her.  "Sang'gre Danaya, it's time."

"I know. Thank you." she answered.

It was the coming out celebration for herself and her sisters tonight and they were to be formally presented to the kingdom.  She must not let anything, or anyone, distract her. She strode forward determinedly.

Muros watched her go at first, and if anyone had observed him more carefully, they would have noticed the softening of his expression as he stared after her. Then he moved briskly to catch up with her.