Thread: The General and the Warrior Princess (Starlet and Vladimir)

Vanya was gazing into the mirror, moving from side to side and admiring the work the elves had done to make her look stunningly beautiful. It took a commotion from her bedroom door to pull her away from her image and turn to see her mother walk into the room dressed as lovely as Vanya had ever seen her before. She was completely baffled why her parents were going to so much trouble. Behind her her mother entered her room with a few of her servants. Almost immediately,all the servants were huddled together and whispering something that seemed to amaze them. You look absolutely beautiful, my daughter. Im sure your father will be very pleased. Her mother beamed. But Vanyas eyes couldnt help but watch the elves for a moment longer before she looked at her mother. As you do, mother, Ive never seen you look so radiant before. she smiled and gave her mother a hug, noticing the elves were still whispering among themselves as she did. Pulling back, she gave her mother her full attention, What is the commotion about? she asked nodding towards the huddled group. Her mother glanced behind her and returned her gaze to Vanya with a chuckle. Oh, it seems Argath has requested a bath. The elves are amazed that the great Argath worried about cleanliness. They thought he liked being dirty. She laughed softly before walking to the mirror and taking a look at herself in her daughters mirror. It was true she couldnt remember looking as well as she did today. Turning back to her daughter, she reached out her hand, Its time to make our appearance, darling. Lets not keep your father waiting, shall we? Taking Vanyas hand, she led her daughter towards the great hall. ---------------------------------------------------- The great hall led to a dining area off to the side. As Vanya and her mother entered the hall, the rustling of their dresses seemed to echo off the walls. At the end of the room stood Zelphar, gazing into the fire as if deep in thought. But the moment he heard the sound the soft steps of his beloved, he turned and smiled appreciative at the two women in his life. Walking towards them, he raised his arms towards them, Beautiful. Simply beautiful. How can Argath not be impressed by such loveliness? When he reached them both, he hugged his wife first, then his daughter before looking into her eyes. You look so much better now. Later, you must tell me all you did for Argaths men. I can feel a small stir among them, but not as great as I had anticipated. You must have done excellently. Vanya blushed at such praise from her father and lowered her eyes a second before saying, I hope I provided those with all you had hoped, father. I did my best to make them comfortable and have provided nothing that might offend them. Her eyes came back to his as she finished. Surely he knew what she had done. And yet, the look on his face was filled with such pride and admiration and it was difficult to read him. I still do not understand why I must dress so lavishly, hes a warrior whoI might addwants to kill us all and take over the kingdom? I too have felt a stirring among his men, the officers, if Im correct. But the rest of the men are accepting the hospitality quite well. I just. Zelphar raised a finger to his lips and hushed his daughter. No more talk of what they came for or how they are doing. We must be hospitable, Vanya. I do not wish to harm anyone, do you? Vanya held her tongue and shook her head, No father, I do not. Her father nodded approvingly, Then we must find a way to change Argaths mind, and until we do, we will accept him as our guest. Nowlet me get a good look at you. He took her hand and led her into walk, stopping to spin her around to see her from every angle. Yes, our people have out done themselves with both of you tonight. I think we should have a portrait made of both of you just as you are. Grinning at his wife, he gave her a wink. The two women began to giggle and they were enjoying this moment together awaiting Argath.