After the attack on our family, the King insisted the Wynter family be moved into quarters within the palace walls. Mummy returned to working amongst the queens handmaidens while daddy remained at the kings side. I recently returned to live with them after two years living among the monks within Rhalgars Reach. This would be my first trip to the palace. Though it would be a long time before I would be permitted to leave.
******
"Come Sophia."
Daddy stated as I followed him, watching his aetherial form move to guide me. I tapped my hand against walls minding my surroundings. Though the master monk had taught me how to see the aetherial realm, there was still much unneeded to learn on my own. Much more training had been focused upon defending myself and the gift of knowledge upon history, and mathematics.
Daddy walked through a rather long hall and turned right, followed by a left into a big room. I stopped as I heard water flowing from within. Reaching for something to grasp, I found nothing as the hall before me was far bigger. My father gently grasped my hand and lead me down as I noticed several more aetherial beings sanding in unison to another whom sat within a chair of some sort. My eyes widened as I realized where I was.
"Daddy..."
"Come now Sophia, the king would like to meet you."
"Uh...mmm... Why?"
"Because he has always been my closest friend. You are someone special to him as well."
I raised an eyebrow towards him with curiosity.
"What do you mean?"
"You will know soon enough."
We approached the throne and I knelt down as my father did. The humble deep voice of a man filled the throne room with glee.
"So this is the fabled daughter of Wynter? How old is she now Dorion?"
"Twelve my lord."
"Ah, so young. Though in due time she could make a good mate for Theodric, I believe his eyes are already set on a bride."
"Yes, I am aware my king. Though if you will permit me, I would like to submit my daughter for training to the kings guard."
"Your daughter for kings guard? Is she not blind my friend?"
"Blind though she may be, I promise she is just as capable."
"Becoming a Kings guard is not for everyone my friend."
Silence took over the throne room as my father seemed to bite his tongue.
"I understand my lord."
"I will permit her to train Dorion. However, know her disability will Not be considered in her training. She will have to commit herself fully. And, I suspect she will require more training on her own personal abilities. If she succeeds, then she will make an outstanding defender of her king. If not then.... well I am sure we can find her a proper place."
"Of course sire, it is kind of you to give her this chance."
"Ha! She will not think it a kindness in due time I assure you."
The kin stood from his throne and seemed to motion towards me.
"Stand girl, I would look at you further."
I felt my muscles shaking as I stood up. Breathing in and out to calm myself while he began to circle me.
"Nervous?"
"Ye-yes sir."
"Heh, I remember the day your father came to me. A boy not so much older then you, seeking to become a kings guard. Fierce desperation filling his eyes as he hoped I would give him such a chance to change his families fortune."
My father began to chuckle to himself from behind me as the king placed a hand upon his shoulder.
"I told him no at first glance. As the guards went to take him away he knocked two of them out and was tackled to the ground by the rest! It was then I saw it in him. Not the small child he looked to be, but the fire that burned in his heart. The heart of an Ala Mhigan man. Full with pride did it give me when I ordered him brought to the kings guard to properly train. And before I knew it, the boy had grown into a man, standing at my side.
I bowed my head for a moment and looked up towards the king as he walked before me.
"And what does my king see in me?"
He leaned in and looked me straight in the eyes.
"I see an Ala Mhigan girl with the same determination as her father and any Ala Mhigan holds."
He turned away and walked to his throne, sitting down as he gazed to me again.
"Your training begins tomorrow. As a trainee know that being a woman and blind will mean nothing. You will train as they do, you will fight as they do. Your parents can not help you, you are now property of the kings guard. Am I clear?"
"Yes my lord."
I nodded towards him before four guardsmen surrounded me.
"I hope to see you again soon my dear. Good luck."
The king stated as the guardsmen walked me away from throne room, the king and even my father, leading me off to the barracks where I would stay from now on.
***
Dorion glanced towards the king with not but a grim look on his face.
"What hellish days those were."
"Aye lad, and I can tell this was not a choice you made lightly. But, I suspect she will be the better for it. Hopefully, she can be of assistance to my son in his reign."
"Though it not my place to say my lord, Theodrics ideals are..."
"I am aware. And as any ruler should, I worry upon what he may bring. But none the less, he will have advisors and hopefully he will listen. Perhaps even she will advise him."
Sighing aloud, Dorion stood beside the king. Thinking of his daughter and the long years ahead of her.
TOC
http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/character/2469857/blog/3411115/
