The First Queen

1 - Rags to Riches

I've always wondered who my parents are. I've always been different from everyone else because of my distinct physical features but over the years, the people in my town (and even weary travellers) have helped me overcome my insecurities about myself but nothing can quite overcome my fear of being the orphan that I am; Elia Frost.

I live in a small village named Aerilon and there's only a few cottages, a trader's and the inn I work at and live in in this town... That's if you're not including the strong personalities of the villagers.

The lady who owns the inn, Palestina, raised me from an infant. I've known that I wasn't her biological daughter since I can remember but I do think of her as some kind of mother.

Tonight was one of the busier nights at the inn. In about two weeks time is the big tournament in Azumond so people travelling to watch The Games would pass through town.

Having to deal with the general public of unwed (and wed) men in this town trying to sleep with a young barkeep was hard enough, but with double the number of mercenaries and noblemen who enjoy watching blood being spilled was a big kick in the face and it happens every single year.

Thankfully, Palestina was kind enough to handle the drunken crowd for the time being as long as I cleaned the dishes and served the bar.

I was drying a tankard with a cloth when the bell above the door rung and I groaned, preparing myself for another horde of lotharios but when I looked to see the new guest, I was evidently shocked.

Looking out over the mess that is the inn, was a tall, golden-haired knight. She observed the rowdy tavern with interest before marching to the bar with a friendly smile playing on her lips.

The knight's hair fell over her shoulders messily and was covered in grime and snow from the road, but aside from that, she was nothing less than beautiful. In general, knights are meant to be cutthroat, strict miscreants, especially those who wear the Azumond colours, but this one seemed particularly different.

She seated herself in front of me, still a good head or so taller than myself. She gave me a small smile and gazed around the room once more.

"Shall I get you something to ease your travels, Fair Knight?" I asked her, my words nearly catching in my throat as she looked down at me. "P--Perhaps an ale?"

"...I'd prefer something warm. I'd forgotten how cold the wilds can be." She answered.

"A tea, then?" I pressed and she nodded.

"That would be lovely, Miss." The knight grinned and I went to pour her a tankard.

"So, what brings you to our little town, Knight?" I wondered and she tore her eyes away from me for a moment to survey the crowd before turning to me again.

"I'm looking for someone. A woman." The knight confessed, "Forgive me for my manners. My name is Athena, Captain of the Royal Guard of Azumond."

Gods be praised! I'm in the presence of the Captain of the Guard of Azumond. I've heard tales of such a fighter-- ones about mercenaries and princes having to best her in the final battle of the tourney but no one ever has, and to think that she'd regard me with such courtesy!

"You're the Captain of the Guard?" I asked her, wide-eyed.

"Is that so hard to believe?" She chuckled lightly as I passed her the drink.

"No! I-- I just didn't think to meet such a celebrity, I am just a small-town bartender after all." I laughed awkwardly, rubbing my neck in embarrassment.

"I wouldn't call myself a celebrity but if it draws the attention of gorgeous maidens like you then I'd visit villages every day if I could," Athena smirked.