UNCH02E

**STORIES**

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**ESPAÑOL**

**Bittersweet memories.**

Dressed in a long dark blue dress, and touched by the royal headband, Princess Esayl laughed. Truth be told, she did so animatedly while being escorted by Somer's ambassador. This was not a man too old, although he did have the necessary years of experience to address the matter that had brought him to the presence of the Anladesa court. After paying his respects to the monarch, the ambassador, a count, and lord of the Kail named Silad, had met with Esayl. Both were now chatting in a relaxed way forgetting for a moment the palace label.

Your country must be very beautiful, no doubt. - The princess now affirmed with an interest that seemed genuine. -

-My lady, Somer is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, when you visit the forest that surrounds the edges of my monastery you can see it.

-I already want to know your kingdom. - She agreed nodding slowly. -

-In addition, being as you belong to the order of Esil,you will be very welcome to our monastery of Kail, by virtue of the mutual alliance of both institutions. I could not be more honored to accompany you there and teach you  one day.

I have to admit that the messenger service of your kingdom is very efficient. - Esayl declared, full of amazement now to add. - The confirmation of my father's proposal was approved yesterday.

Yes, but thanks to the network of outposts that both your country and ours possess, it has been possible to communicate the message through mirrors and receive a prompt response from my sovereign.

   Esayl nodded, those communication systems were really admirable. Well, that really wouldn't have mattered too much to him if it weren't for the excellent mood. Perhaps it was strange, but the certainty of thinking that he could count on Yari by his side and the presence of this ambassador, dressed in that curious olive green jubón, instilled confidence in him. And it was precisely the gentleman who, after knocking on the door, allowed herself to enter saying in a respectful voice.

"Your Highness, milord ambassador, excuse my interruption, but I have been in charge of warning you that the entourage is ready to leave.

The princess nodded with that luminous smile that Yaribrand liked so much, but this time she did not return it, apart from the need to keep the forms was that man who certainly made her nervous. That Ambassador Someres seemed to scrutinize her with his eyes, thus getting inside her. I didn't know if I could really explain it that way, but it was an unpleasant feeling. The monk for his part also did not seem too comfortable in the presence of the knight. He perceived a high dose of hostility directed towards him. However, he managed not to make it noticeable and after sketching a slight smile he nodded.

"Thank you very much, My lady. Silad replied.

And although he could read that in that young woman and was not indifferent to the way in which the princess looked at her as soon as she entered, she decided not to show it. He would already inform his sovereign of that.

-I don't think it's any impediment to celebrate the wedding. - He thought. -

So the three of them left the room and went to say goodbye to the sovereign who was with other notables. The king embraced his daughter with effusion and emotion.

Remember, deign the high responsibility that has been entrusted to you, and do not forget your roots and your country. - He asked her, after caressing her hair. –

"I will make you proud of me, father. – The excited girl promised him. -

-Sister, let Alex, Maray, Ishir and Kail keep you. – His father wanted him. –

-The same as you. – She answered affectionately. –

Both brothers embraced and completed the farewells, both Esayl and the rest of his entourage bowed to the king. For her part, Yaribrand saw her father among those courtiers. They barely crossed their gaze and she nodded slowly.

"I have not forgotten my promise, nor will I do so with my duty. - She thought as if that way she could pass on her words to her father. -

And at last they left the palace. Either they rode on some horses that were waiting for them held by two stable waiters, except Esayl and the ambassador somers who climbed into a large caravan pulled by four beautiful white horses. They set off and after meeting with an escort platoon of the Anladesa guard, they left the castle walls.

"My journey into the unknown has begun, but at least I will have you, my dear Yari. - The princess thought as through the window of her float she saw her personal protector riding her right -

That route followed the anlades royal road that was to converge to the main route that linked the kingdoms of Anlad and Somer. The so-called via  someresa. It was a pure show of courtesy to the ambassador since they could have tackled by another secondary path. But on that great road you could see some tributes to Somer in the form of statues of the mythical  Skarn  Dailin or coats of arms of some regions of that kingdom.

"I greatly appreciate the esteem that your kingdom holds for ours. You are faithful friends and allies, like our neighbors in Dureor. – The ambassador told the young princess. –

-They have always spoken to me wonders of your nation, I am looking forward to meeting them in person. - The young woman affirmed. –

That man gave him an affable smile. In that of course the princess was sincere. And he could not complain about that girl's behavior to date.

-He has certainly shown very good disposition, although he does not like the idea of the link. - Silad meditated  who answered. - It will be for me an immense honor and reason for satisfaction to reciprocate your kindness when we are in Somer.

Everything was forged since the beginning of the morning. As soon as he woke up, Esayl went as usual to say good morning to his father and brother. She found that the king had sent Harat  to the city of  Esil,to fulfill a mission of which nothing wanted to discuss with her. What he did tell her was that Somer's ambassador would have an audience that same day, he would take care of receiving him and then he wanted Esayl to act as hostess.  The princess received that news with her guardian, she listened in silence and kneel on the ground as appropriate when the sovereign gave some kind of royal commission. Then indeed Somer's dignitary arrived and  Arcant  III received him. At the end of the hearing it was the princess who departed with that man in her private chamber. Of course Yaribrand did not like that at all, the gentleman knew perfectly well that the mere fact of receiving that Somers with such "cordiality" was indicating some kind of commitment. But unable to do anything else, he waited patiently for that conversation to conclude. Fortunately he attended the first part of this. In it the monk spoke about his own homeland almost without interruption, although without mentioning his king or Prince  Ishiaratall. He only stopped at his presentation to answer some questions that the princess kindly and attentively asked him. Later, the ambassador expressed his desire to see the beautiful landscapes of Anlad. Transmitted this request to the sovereign King  Arcant  had no problem, as long as the entourage passed through certain places. Yaribrand was in charge of informing her majesty of this and preparing the entourage while the monk and the princess finished the conversation. Now, riding alongside both of them, the guardian, with a certain dose of irony camouflaged in an attempt to appear kinder, asked the monk.

-In truth, we are honored by the interest of your excellency to know a little better the beauty of our lands. Especially when we have heard so much here about the unparalleled beauty of yours.

- Yes, it's true. - Esayl agreed innocently without catching that tinge of sarcasm. - They say that all of Somer is a great forest, full of greenery and life. And from what you have told me before, your homeland must be very beautiful.

-My country is very beautiful, so do I think so too. - The monk admitted addressing Yaribrand in particular when he added with what seemed like a conciliatory tone. - But all places have their particular beauty. Yours may not be so leafy but it is  full of natural charms that should not be overlooked.

      The gentleman looked away, something unusual in her who used to face any situation always looking into her eyes, but that monk produced a very uncomfortable feeling when she stuck her eyes in hers. Anyway, he had to get away from there spurring his horse since the guard that was beating the road ahead of them stopped. Apparently, a group of individuals who came out of the nearby trees blocked their way. Yaribrand immediately arrived before the captain of the soldiers looking surprised at the disarray group of villagers, men, women and children, who were obstructing their way. They were a few meters away staring at the king's men and the now newly arrived knight who inquired the officer.

- What happens? What do you want?

"My lady, they do not obey our orders to break through, not even when I mentioned that we escorted the princess.

Esayl, along with the ambassador and a couple of other escorts was getting there. Yaribrand took the opportunity to get ahead before that happened and approaching that mass of peasants of regrettable appearance asked them to the alimón and with a tone between surprised and severe.

- What happens to you? Have you not listened to the orders of the king's guard?

      There were a few dozen, but no one replied, everyone was watching her now with a mixture of fear, supplication and regret. Yari went through those disjointed faces and shuddered. These people were the living image of misery! He could barely open his mouth to speak when one of the women, breaking that silence, threw herself on her knees before her horse showing her a baby wrapped in precarious fabrics.

"Please, my lady, listen to the pleas of the people. We are hungry! There are no crops to reap, our children die without us being able to avoid it because of the diseases and misery that surrounds us.

Yaribrand didn't know what to say, she looked at those wretched without being able to look away. Then, without him not realizing it, Esayl appeared next to him next to the monk of Somer. They had descended from the chariot despite the pleas of their guards not to show themselves.

- Leave me! - Esayl ordered them. -

    His concerned guards had no choice but to obey and turned away. The girl moved forward until she was seen. Those people were impressed with the presence of their princess. Although that only served to make the pleas rage in the mouths of several of them.

- Please help us, ma'am! We are starving in these lands!

Esayl watched in horror at the misery that was spreading among these poor people. Although one of the soldiers came forward trying to push them away with a threatening command voice.

- Back rabble! How do you address the princess and above in that tone?

A few more guards advanced to join their companion and forcibly make way, but Esayl herself stopped them affirming.

- Enough, they are hungry. It is normal for them to ask for the help of the crown.

The soldiers turned away on the orders of Yaribrand who joined the princess's words. Meanwhile, the Monk of Somer was moving forward in turn towards that woman who was carrying the child. She immediately noticed the jubón of the Lords of the Kail, which was for centuries very famous throughout the Magmud  and begged him.

- My Lord Monk - warrior! Please, I know  that the members of your order are great magicians and powerful fighters, do something for my son. He is dying!

And to the amazement of the soldiers and the surprise of Yaribrand and Esayl, the monk approached that peasant woman taking the baby in his arms. For a few moments, that child who had been plunged into an alarming silence now seemed to emit some sounds, weak at first, but louder after a few moments, which ended up becoming a cry.

-This child is very weak, I have done my best to give him energy and make his illness subside, but he must feed. - He declared with kindness by laying his eyes on that hapless woman who soon burst into tears. -

      The peasant woman fell to the ground covering her face with both hands and sobbing desperately groaned:

- I have nothing to give you, my lord! We don't have to eat either and I can't give him milk.

That scene brought tears to Esayl's eyes. Really, is it that his people lived like this!? Until now he never imagined such a thing. She who lived among the luxuries of the palace had heard of crisis and hunger when crops were scarce, but it was one thing to listen and another to see it with her own eyes. Yaribrand was also dismayed and completely overwhelmed by that. She didn't cry, but she suffered the same way, full of helplessness and frustration. But it was then that Esayl reacted and with a temperance that he did not think he had ordered the captain of the guard.

-That they take out our vituallas and that they distribute them among these people.

The stunned captain made a hint of objection, but was stopped in his tracks by Yaribrand who insisted more forcefully.

- You have already heard the orders of His Highness! Meet them right away.

"That will provoke a tumult. - The official perplexed whispered to Yari. –

-Not if we form a containment line. - she replied. –

As she had studied in her strategy lessons, Yaribrand knew that this man was right. It was very risky. Seeing that food, desperation would surely drag those people to throw themselves en masse for it and dispute it with ardor. Therefore, soldiers should be ready to prevent that.

May Mother Maray protect us. - The captain sighed. -

     But he had no choice but to command his men to obey. To the amazement and subsequent and immediate agglomeration of those people, the guards took the provisions of the mounts that carried them. The soldiers had in effect to form to prevent the peasants from throwing themselves without order or concert to dispute the food. Meanwhile, the monk of Somer was now cradling the baby by telling the distraught mother.

"This child will come with me, and you will accompany him to Somer, if the princess gives her approval. There we will give you milk. Although before we will buy it here. It is small for anyone other than his mother's, but I will provide him with a wet nurse. I suppose you will have some, Your Highness.

   And since Esayl didn't know what to answer, it was Yaribrand who replenished.

-I think that nearby there is a town where a woman who exercises that trade lives. It is a people that lives on crafts and forging. They can afford to eat well.

   She knew it all too well, when she was doing her training to be a knight she repeatedly passed by the place, usually to shoeing her horse. There he was able to learn many things concerning the humblest stratum of the population, and he liked almost none of them.

- Well. - The monk nodded and turned to Esayl again. - With your permission, Your Highness.

- Of course. We'll go there. - He was able to answer this one at last. -

- May your gods who are ours bless you forever my lord! -. She sobbed that poor wretched visibly grateful, falling at the monk's feet and trying to kiss his boots. -

"Please don't do that, woman. - The ambassador asked him not without a great dose of piety in his tone when he added. - As our Master always says, the monks of Somer are to help the disadvantaged. Just like the knights of the White Mountain, those of the great Order of Saga or the wizards of Esil.

Yaribrand nodded, although she was surprised. I did not expect that allusion which, of course, did not carry any double intentions. She even felt ashamed now of her distrust of that subject. And the Lord of kail seemed to guess it because he smiled at her with kindness and after helping to join the peasant woman he advised.

-We should get going as soon as possible.

Esayl nodded to that suggestion. After conveniently distributing the food, everyone returned to their mounts. As they were about to leave, the peasants, excited and grateful, praised the princess and her entourage.

- May you live many years and very happy my lady! - I wished him one of them, tall and wiry. -

- Long live also the Lords of the Kail of Somer and praise be their lord who sent him to us! May your children always be happy in your kingdom and grow up healthy and strong! - Added another middle-aged woman, quite aged.  -

"On behalf of my king and his heir I thank you. And I assure you that more help will come to you from him. - The monk replied kindly. -

- I wish the Prince of Somer would take our beautiful princess as his wife! - He launched another of those farmers with a lively voice full of enthusiasm -.

        Both Esayl and Yaribrand kept an opaque silence. They looked at each other with surprise, not being able to replicate. Even the monk was surprised stopping as if something seemed out of the ordinary, but he immediately smiled politely bowing his head and continued his advance along with the rest of the entourage.

They took that woman with the child to the village and after paying with gold coins submitted the breeding mistress came to feed the little one. He would accompany the mother and baby to the neighboring country until the child could be fed by other means. Esayl and Yaribrand were really impressed by the gesture of that lord of the Kail. The princess, unable to help him, asked him.

- Are you all like that of Somer? So generous and charitable.

"I can only speak for myself. I'm just a monk. - He replied this one modestly to add. - And in my kingdom there are all kinds of men and women who may exist in yours. That is why we aspire to maintain lasting peace and friendship with Anlad.

He didn't have to say more. Esayl understood perfectly well that one of the means to achieve this was based precisely on a real marriage. And she herself was the key to that. Now in his mind things were made sense. Everything was clear, her father was receiving pressure from a part of the nobility that she did not ignore. The visit of Somer's ambassador could not be accidental either.

A marriage proposal is not an easy thing to agree on. Surely they would take time with the conversations. – Meditated. -

And Yaribrand thought the same way. Remembering those moments I knew that the situation was irreversible. I couldn't do anything to avoid something like that, besides, it was the law of life. The princess, like most of the women of Anlad, should marry to start her own family one day. And of course, that could only be accomplished with one man. And the gentleman who had never cursed to be born a woman did so now with bitterness. Anyway, he thought that having been a man would not have given him any chance either. Of all the women of Anlad he had to go to fall in love with his princess, whom he would protect with his life, yes, but whom he could never have by his side forever. Anyway, meditating on it more coldly, that was not entirely true. Precisely because she was a woman, she had managed to be with her, to share her life, her bed and even her love. A man would never have had the license to be so close. Any gesture of familiarity would have aroused a thousand suspicions instantly. On the other hand, given the sweet and kind character of Esayl, no one was surprised that both walked together and alone through the palace gardens or that they entered the princess's chamber so as not to leave in hours. Even the king himself had sometimes commented that he was glad that Yaribrand was by his daughter's side. At least, he had a girl his age to talk about women's things. He declared with satisfaction. Despite this, especially in the sight of some women of the nobility, it was strange that the young princess did not accept more ladies-in-company. There were some other girls from a noble family who assisted her, usually for ceremonies that required it. But in her daily life Esayl took care that the other royal waitresses were not too close to her and Yari. If any of these harbored suspicions about the relationship between the guardian and the princess, of course much was kept from divulging them. The gentleman realized that she had actually been very lucky. When he met Esayl he was in a very bitter moment of his life. About to give up everything. That day, precisely in one of her training exercises, the appearance of the princess came to save both...

"It was a matter of fate, without a doubt. Goddess Ishir smiled at me. That's what I tell Esayl when we talk about it and he always laughs. - I thought now remembering that. –

     Yaribrand ran as fast as her legs allowed, it was that or falling under the jaws of those dogs. I couldn't allow it. Not now when he was about to achieve his dream! But those \* beasts followed his trail with demonic precision. He had tried to mislead them by wading streams, climbing trees and even leaving a false trail; but, despite his efforts, he heard those barks getting closer and closer. Panting nervously and exhausted, she chose to climb a leafy tree whose branches would at least hide it from those animals. She went up not without difficulty and waited tense for those hounds and their masters to pass by.

- Damn, now I'm lost. - I thought full of concern. -

That was the last test to complete his training as a knight of Saga. After his hard training and all the obstacles he had overcome, he had to overcome the most difficult one. Alone, with hardly any weapons or food, she would have to circumvent the pursuit of the enemy until she reached the goal of the test, located at the end of that forest. But it would not be easy; to begin with the exits would be guarded and he had to be able to outwit or even defeat the guardians. And if that were not enough, those damn war doges imported from  Vasgonia  were on his heels. Considering that he had already used all the arrows of his precarious crossbow; (the only range weapon he could get) he had only one solution left. If she was found, she either surrendered by admitting her defeat and losing the opportunity to arm herself as a knight, or she fought to the death against those dogs. The second thing would freeze the blood in anyone's veins. The Doges possessed sharp fangs and were trained to destroy the most skilled and best of warriors by throwing themselves at their necks. Yaribrand certainly preferred the option of circumventing them. It was clear that, even if she told herself that she was not afraid, she trembled only at the thought of having to face these diabolical animals.

-I must manage to leave them behind anyway. - It was said with fear. -

The barking was dangerously close, now however they were not so loud and determined; apparently the dogs had momentarily lost track and were confused. Yaribrand sighed looking down from the cup. Although his relief did not take long to trot worry and surprise. Without having heard it perhaps because of the dense grass that muffled the echo of the helmets, he discovered a mount there. And the worst thing is that she was carrying a richly decorated chair, a woman's chair! Indeed, through the branch Yari discovered the figure of a lady. She wore a long suit as they wore at court and her hair was blonde. The gentleman descended a little further to see her better and found that she was really young and beautiful. Although what worried him most now was something else quite different from the beauty of that untimely newcomer. Without a double thought, as his honor commanded, he jumped ashore from the tree to the surprise of that girl. Before she could reply, Yaribrand, with a cutting tone, ordered her.

- Quick, ride your horse and get out of here!

The girl watched her stunned. That woman of good size and stuffed in a montaraz suit with a functional brunette ponytail and an empty carcaj on her back looked like a kind of bandit from the forests. Of course, the sight of the dagger sheathed on the right side did nothing to reassure her.

- Wow, in the end they will be right when they tell me not to separate from the escort! - She said she was really intimidated by the presence of that woman. -

But true to his kind and pacifist mood, he chose to respond with a smile and a conciliatory voice, without wanting to reveal who he really was.

"Forgive me, it was not my intention, if I have gone into your lands...

Although that stranger didn't seem to feel like talking. With two agile strides he stood beside her, took her by the arm rudely and pushed her towards the horse insisting.

-It is for your own safety, I will not be able to answer for you. I have it hard enough to save my own skin. Come on, ride and get out at once!

The girl decided that it would be better to obey, but when she made an intention to approach her mount she must have felt something strange because she ran a gallop. Yaribrand spit on the ground and gritting his teeth cursed.

-Toolate, they are here!

And before her surprised interlocutor could ask what she meant, they both heard chilling barks accompanied by grunts. The first dogs, two huge black doges who wore spiked collars, appeared in that clearing nailing their fearsome bloodshot eyes to the women.

"First of all, stay calm and don't move until I tell you...," Yaribrand said to that girl who was now trembling with dread. Although, nonetheless, he was able to respond by maintaining remarkable dignity in his trembling voice -

- Okay. My name is Esayl. And you?

Her makeshift companion didn't respond, she was too busy trying to decide which of those two monsters she would attack first. He slowly unsheathed the dagger and took out a small crossbow by unsheathing it from his back. Fortunately, he had a half-broken arrow left in his carcaj. But I couldn't take it out without taking it off. So, he whispered to the girl.

"Get behind me. Do it very slowly and try not to make any sudden movements. Those damn bugs smell your fear.

Esayl obeyed trying to take his feet off the ground, although now they seemed to weigh him like snas. Anyway, he managed to get behind that woman, between her and the wide tree trunk from which she had jumped. At least that would protect his back. But he didn't have much more time to think about anything else, one of those dogos jumped towards them trying to prey on the knight. Yari was able to react, she was prepared. With his dagger he managed to cross the neck of that dog before he was the one who destroyed his throat. The bad thing was that the other animal also pounced on her and now she could not use her weapon to defend herself. She barely interposed her arms as a reflex act and was knocked down by the animal's onslaught. Yaribrand fought with all her might trying to keep those jaws away from her. He used his hands and legs, kicking with all his energy. However, that beast was able to move away to throw itself back on its prey waiting for an oversight that would allow it to bite a more vulnerable part. The gentleman tried to resist with less and less freshness as a result of her fatigue and the dog managed to bite her in one of his arms. Fortunately for her she wore it protected with a half-chain mail under her suit and the steel resisted. But the next time he wasn't going to be so lucky if he wasn't able to kill that beast. He searched for the desperate, groping his free hand on the ground, but neither the dagger nor the crossbow were within his reach. Then, when the girl was about to succumb in her struggle, that animal fell down by an arrow. A broken arrow that pierced him under his back. The knight could barely get rid of the Doge bite and look back. There, panting from nerves and tension and carrying the crossbow in one hand was that girl. Only the gods would know if that was a lucky shot or not, the truth is that it had just saved his life! A palace lady, a courtly girl had saved an aspiring knight from Saga! Yaribrand couldn't believe it, but she certainly wasn't so proud and stupid as to be offended. What's more, he really felt indebted to that young woman of such fragile appearance that nevertheless he knew how to use his crossbow with total efficiency. And considering that that arrow was split, it had even greater merit.

- You have saved me, I thank you with all my soul! - Yari smiled at her once she stood up, leaving aside the dying dog -.

"It was you who wanted to protect me at the cost of your life. I only got very close taking advantage of the fact that this animal was biting you and I was lucky. I couldn't let him do such a horrible thing to you. - He was able to babble Esayl who seemed close to fainting. -

"Well, now we have to hide, these were not the only dogs that stalked me. The others will surely not be long in coming. - The gentleman explained to him to the horror of his companion. -

- And what can we do? - He wanted to know this with visible fear. -

- Do you know how to climb trees? - Yari asked him, who was already hearing more and more barking at a shorter and shorter distance. -

-Not very well. - The girl replied hesitantly. -

-Then wait. – Yari asked him to climb a couple of meters and secure his legs on a branch in his opinion sufficiently resistant he indicated. - Come on!, shake my hand and rest your feet on the trunk.

As the maiden hesitated and the gentleman now heard loud and clear the barking snapped at her.

- What are you waiting for, for Ishir?, do you want to serve them food?

And between that and the grunts she could also hear herself, Esayl jumped like a spring clinging to the gentleman's hand. She pulled the girl and soon both could be clinging to a strong branch. Yaribrand however ordered him to try to climb something more, and now, with the determination that gives fear the maid obeyed, managing without problems to ascend another couple of meters. The knight followed her and thus put safe distance between them and the Doges. These, having discovered their trace, now jumped unsuccessfully at the foot of the tree, in a vain attempt to reach them. Both women were watching them from their unreachable watchtower until in a tacit common gesture they decided to forget about them. The same dogs, realizing the futility of their efforts, limited themselves to touring the surroundings of the tree and later to lie in its vicinity.

"Well, for now we are safe," Yari sighed deeply, offering a comforting smile of approval to her interlocutor as she sentenced. - Not bad for a court girl.

- How do you know I come from court? - He naively inquired Esayl -.

- Just by looking at your clothes, your ways and ... your education!  - Rio the knight venturing. -You must be a distinguished lady. Maybe even from the princess's entourage.

- And you, are you a thief? - He asked his contertulia with a tone distant from the offense and loaded with a slight restlessness. -

Yaribrand could not help but laugh more eagerly. A thief! Of course, it looked to be. If that girl knew that she was actually the daughter of a count! But she preferred to be more modest, (besides that this brought her carelessly) and only revealed to her.

-I am an aspirant to the order of Saga, I want to be one of his knights. By the way, excuse me if I didn't answer you before. My name is Yaribrand. But I'd rather be called Yari.

      Now it was Esayl who, after a few moments of disbelief that she reflected in her gaze, laughed. When she could hold back a little she replied in a stunned.

- A Woman in the Order of Saga! If it's only for men!

"It's a very long story, my father's stuff. - Yaribrand simply replied that he added. - And you, what do you do in the palace?

-Well, I am...

-Let me guess it. - It was cut by Yari, believing he knew for sure. – As I said before, I get the impression that you are one of the waitresses of the palace, one of those who serve in everything to that silly blonde that we have as a princess.

        And the aspiring gentleman smiled; the only thing he knew about the princess of his kingdom was that, her blonde hair. It would perhaps be similar to that of this girl who was almost pulling to the color of old gold. And the fame of the daughter of his sovereign was more than deserved. There, in the glass bubble of his cut, with no other concern than to dress in fine suits and wear beautiful jewelry. Of course, her older brother wasn't much better than her. At least because of the comments he had heard among some of the knights when he was training while in the order. For his part, Esayl did not know what to replicate, he preferred not to say anything to answer that and dedicated his attention again to the dogs that remained down there, patients like statues to some making the slightest movement.

- Is it that they will never leave there? - Inquired the maiden clarifying her voice to dispel fear -

-Those ill-born chuchos are the most persistent, they are able to harass their prey and maintain their vigilance for days. I hope someone will find us sooner. - Yari abruptly replenished. -

- What a horror! We could die here of hunger and thirst, or fall... - Groaned the terrified girl who now seemed to have lost all her courage. -

           Yaribrand cursed herself for being so rude. He always used that attitude with his training partners. However, more than a provocation, it was a defense against his pujas. Now, by mere inertia, that had come out, as if he only thought about the challenge of enduring that test. But that wretched girl had nothing to do with it all; moreover, it had saved his life. Fortunately, the two were very close to one another, supported by a knot from which the division of the tree into two large branches was plucked. He could be able to hug that little girl who was now sobbing and with more sweetness to add.

-No, don't worry, nothing is going to happen to us. I've said it jokingly, silly. They will get tired soon and leave. Or their owners will come immediately. And if they take time we can always cut some small branches and make spears. I would throw them at him and the dogs are over. I have very good marksmanship! - Concluded in a more jovial way -

That girl seemed to feel better and was able to squeeze out a faint smile wiping away her tears. Yari stared into her eyes, blue and deep, until he was lost for a few moments in them. That helpless girl appearance that depended on her in everything made her feel a strange tingling in her stomach. Almost without thinking, he brought his lips closer to those of that maiden and kissed her affectionately to reaffirm.

"Nothing bad is going to happen to us. I promise. I will take care of you.

       Esayl nodded, she was convinced of it. She didn't know that woman at all, but something inside her encouraged her to believe her. Also, that had been their first kiss. Given to another girl yes, but a kiss, after all. Truth be told, that strange one; with his rough manners shown when he urged her to leave or climb and at the same time his softness and sweetness to comfort her, exerted in her an inexplicable attraction. The two then looked at each other for a long time without speaking and when Yaribrand was about to break the silence, it was Esayl who came forward asking.

- What kind of test is this?

      The aspirant smiled telling the stunned maiden the reason for this challenge and everything she had to go through to reach it, as a conclusion she smiled sentencing.

-I would like to leave with good and one day not too far away serve our sovereign.

- Even their children? What would you do if the princess fool sued you as a waitress? - Esayl asked him with a manifest interest. -

Yaribrand looked at her incredulously and laughed  to answer.

- For the God Alex!, before I would throw myself down to be devoured by the dogs. What a life! Walking every day after a spoiled brat to tell her at all hours how beautiful she is. Or how good their finery looks.

Esayl couldn't help but twist the gesture upon hearing that showing a clear contradiction. Although he said nothing in words, the thing did not go unnoticed by his shelter companion who again had to be censured as untimely and rectified.

- Sorry. If I have hurt your pride I ask your forgiveness. I'm sure you'll have a more important job than that. Sometimes I think I'm really becoming one more of the many I've had to endure.

- It doesn't matter. - His interlocutor replied in a still voice, looking away a little to add. " I guess that's how they see the princess.

- And you, what exactly do you do? Are you close to her? - Yari was now interested in trying with all his heart to make himself forgive his previous thoughtless words - Do you really know her?

-Yes, I know her. - The girl confessed to add, even with a slight tone of discomfort. – And I assure you that it is not as you think it is.

    Yari smiled again fitting that evening rebuke with sportsmanship, gently caressed the hair of that girl and declared, thinking that surely this would erase her unfortunate statements completely.

If I were like you, I would not hesitate to follow her to the end of the world.

Esayl smiled too, now broadly and even with a hint of rejoicing that his interlocutor escaped to replicate with a dye between enigmatic and funny.

- Can I take you at your word?

- Sure. - Yari smiled openly to add jovially. - The word of a knight of Saga and even that of an aspirant must be sacred!

And if the young woman in the palace was going to say something else, she couldn't do it since the dogs started barking again. But it wasn't these menacing barks like the times before. Now they seemed content; confirmation of this in the form of human voices immediately came to both of them when they heard screaming.

-Quiet guys, huh!, still...

The two could see how a group of several men in uniform as saga knights plus a couple of palace guards held and tied the now tame dogs. It was a matter of a few moments for a gentleman to point to the tree and alert the others.

- There, they are up there, there are two!

Esayl looked worriedly at her companion, but she just sighed declaring.

"I've been caught, I have no choice but to accept it. I failed the test.

"But that's not fair. - He refuted Esayl who immediately reminded him. - If I hadn't been here you could have made fun of them, I'm sure.

-Maybe yes, or maybe not. But I must remain dignified. My duty was to help you and you also saved my life. You don't owe me anything. You're better off going down and back to the palace. I will help you. - The disappointed aspirant was offered, despite everything with the best of her smiles. -

        Esayl thought that was very unfair, but he accepted to go down. I would try to explain things. Thanks to the help of the aspiring knight she was able to slide clinging to the tree and descend. For her part, Yaribrand came down with fewer problems and stood up before the group of her pursuers. She was prepared for anything she was told, but certainly not to listen.

- Are you well, Your Highness? Has something happened to you?

        And those very restless words spoken by one of the high knights of Saga were directed towards that young maiden. Yaribrand stared at her with her eyes like plates. He was unable to articulate a single sound! This could only happen to her! When he saw how all the knights bowed ostensibly to Esayl his mind accepted what he was trying to refuse. He had been climbing a tree with the princess of Anlad! And he had called her a spoiled and silly brat to her face! Now he had forgotten everything they went through together and only remembered his long string of stupidities. She would be lucky if when they found out about it her superiors just expelled her! She was plunged into a kind of trance that she could only break when her superior ordered her.

- What are you waiting for? Kneel immediately before His Highness!

        And since the canons commanded for someone who did not have the privilege of being knighted or holding a noble title of his own, Yaribrand hurried to bend his knee. Then Esayl watched her as if he noticed her for the first time, approached, smiled warmly, and said funny.

"Hello, I will introduce myself I am the silly princess, my name is Esayl.

   Yari wanted the earth to swallow it at that very moment. No, better yet, that the dogs jumped on it and to pieces it! In vain he was able to compose his throat as if to babble.

-Your Highness, I. I don't know how  to ask you...

- How dare you speak to His Highness without him asking you directly? - She was scolded by another of the knights, of mature age and inflexible gesture to add. - You are an insolent tongue-in-place. And what's worse, you have put the princess at risk of death!

Yaribrand lowered her head closing her eyes. In total silence he did not stop thinking that this gentleman was right, at least in part. She was completely unconscious when it came to saying what she felt. And even if the other accusation was unfair, how could he pretend to defend himself given the circumstances? But fortunately for her Esayl intervened by taking the floor again. Now with a serious tone he ordered.

"Enough is enough, gentlemen. Instead of angering this aspirant you should thank her. Not knowing who I was, she stopped in the middle of her trial and that doomed her to failure to save me. You should approve it with all the honors for it.

The most tense silence now reigned among all. Finally, only the most important knight dared to reply.

-Your Highness, being that a truly noble and selfless gesture, the aspirant has not been able to bring her test to a successful end. Feeling it very much we must disqualify her for it.

The princess gave him a look of surprise and disbelief, to add now with a greater tone of anger.

- Of all the unfair things I've heard this one takes the cake! Would your milord Galdrandecision be another if you had been aboy?

So that was the famous Milord Galdran!,the first knight of the court and the superior of the order of Saga. Yaribrand had not gotten to know him personally until now. His brown hair and leafy beard gave him an air of severe nobility that radiated around him. However, that impression dissipated when the gentleman responded conciliatoryly.

-Your Highness, please, my opinion would be the same. The knights of Saga have a code of honor by which we are governed and nothing and no one is above it. No matter the circumstances. - That said, he consulted one of his subordinates for a moment as if he wanted to find out about something and added -. The aspirant... Yaribrand D, Overt  knew it perfectly.

- I understand. - The princess reflexively affirmed now adding inquisitively -. What if I requested that this applicant enter my personal service?

Everyone was perplexed, and of course Yari more than anyone, but he could not and even if he could, he did not even have time to reply. Her superior did it for her by relaxing her countenance with a half smile and declaring with approval.

"That would be a great honor. Much better for her than pretending to enter our order. As a royal waitress or lady-in-wait, next to you. That would certainly fulfill the aspirations of any woman in Anlad. - And satisfied with his own words he now turned to Yaribrand commenting with a paternalistic tone -. You can now thank his Highness' generosity for such an honor. Surely for you it is as unexpected as it is fabulous. Your big opportunity.

Yari did not want to answer, she lowered her head resigned to her fate. Of all the bad, this was undoubtedly the best thing that could have happened to him. But, to everyone's greatest surprise, Esayl stepped in again. He smiled sarcastically and said ironically to the stunned Galdran.

"No doubt you have not understood me well, milord, I do not want this woman to serve as my lady-in-wait or as my waitress.

"My lady, then... what do you want me to do?" - The bewildered gentleman wanted to know - .

-You will be a member of my personal guard. "The princess calmly replenished, leaving everyone speechless, let alone the aspirant. -

-Forgive me Your Highness. - He dared to intervene that gentleman of mature age and gray hair who previously insulted Yari. - But, for that, he should be a member of the order of Saga. This has always been the case. The Knights of Saga are custodians of the members of the royal family. And this woman, I say this aspirant, has been rejected.

-I have already expressed my wish and I hope that it will be fulfilled from now on. - He haughtily replied Esayl for every answer. -

"But, my lady. - Galdran intervened with a hesitant tone -. Your father, the king...

"My father the king will hear from my lips how this brave woman defended me by fighting two of those dogs with her hands while the knights of Saga were absent, failing in their duty to protect me. - Esayl cut him sharply, adding. - I assure you that this will fully convince you and if necessary I will ask you for a royal edict to make it public and notorious. If I am not mistaken, the code that you so faithfully abide by orders you as the maximum premise unconditional loyalty to the king who represents the kingdom of Anlad. -

The stunned knights looked at each other not knowing what to replicate. Finally, the middle-aged one who seemed more seasoned, agreed.

-This being a great service that Yaribrand D, Overt,daughter of the Count of D,  Overt,has rendered to our homeland; perhaps a somewhat special measure can be carried out... how  to keep it on trial for a period of time. Until the holding of a new examination.

-I think it is the most convenient. You will be allowed to show off the attributes and enjoy the privileges and obligations of a newly armed Saga knight. But as long as it is intended for the protection of your Highness and under your command.

-Very good. - Esayl smiled visibly pleased to ask the aspirant who remained on her knees and with her head down, even though her heart was now jumping inside her chest. - And the word of a knight of Saga obliges to be sacred. Isn't it?

"That's the way it is, my lady. - Yari gently replenished by looking up at the princess with a look full of gratitude. -

Esayl strolled around the new gentleman with a sloppy air and waved at her to get up. Yaribrand immediately obeyed and the princess turned to her again with a tonillo full of funny retintin that barely concealed.

"I didn't know you were also countess.

- Only the youngest daughter of an earl, Highness. - His interlocutor replied modestly that he could not prevent a smile from appearing between his lips. -

-Well, from now on you will be my personal escort. No one better than you to be with me at all times. Despite having hard and solicitous knights ready to defend me; and attentive and helpful ladies, I did not have anyone like you so far. Someone who could gather in one person, the strength and courage to protect me and the courtly education and culture to serve as faithful companionship.

Those words seemed to ease the mood of those present, especially when Galdran  intervened with a flattering tinge.

The idea of His Highness is really brilliant when you consider it from that point of view. Aspiring D, Overt  is far more capable than any lady to protect you and certainly doesn't suffer the limitations that decorum imposes on a male knight to escort you wherever you go.

The princess smiled amusedly and with a softer tint replied.

"I'm glad that you finally see things as I see them.

       And both the chief knight and the rest bowed respectfully. To all that, someone from the guard had brought the horse of his highness already tamed and Esayl was able to ride it. Yaribrand debuted her new stall by following the princess on foot and chatting with her during the tour. Days and weeks passed and both strengthened that relationship that, from being simply that of a protective subject with her lady, passed to that of two friends and from there to much more intimate and personal grounds. When did Yaribrand discover that she was in love with her? The gentleman assumed that this would have been occurring little by little. When they walked together, they talked, laughed, told each other some confidences. Even when they slept together! Although at first they were limited simply to sleeping next to the other. From that, almost without realizing it, they went to the caresses, the occasional affectionate kiss that Yari gradually turned into passion and from there, to the contact between their two bodies without anything to separate them.

-And that, perhaps it will soon be concluded. - The gentleman sighed sadly. -

Esayl meditated on the same thing, perhaps it was telepathy, or the situation they were living now that led both women to remember the origin of their relationship. For the princess at first it was a great luck to meet such a woman. Yaribrand really had magnificent qualities and admired her! Despite what it might seem, the gentleman was much more master of her own destiny than she was herself. The princess could not deny that, at first, as much as the debt of gratitude that both contracted with each other was on her part the need to give a blow in the pride of these proud knights. They always looked at it as a valuable object to protect. Certainly the entire court had that way of acting, thinking about the safety of its beautiful and fragile princess who would one day have to serve as a political bargaining chip. In addition to underestimating their intelligence and their capacity for reasoning. Therefore, when he was able to defend Yari's rights before his superiors, he did not think about it. She could finally do something constructive and useful apart from being the perfect daughter of the king, obedient and sweet! The perfect puppet! But since Yari entered his life things could change. She no longer needed to escape from her own escort to feel alone and free in the middle of the forest. Now her personal guardian was with her. He could entrust her with her hopes and longings and listen to her in turn; not like her princess, but like her friend. At first it cost something for the gentleman to treat her familiarly. Yari was still  greatly affected by the difference in rank and her duty. However, when they were finally able to laugh at the same things and start talking with complicity, everything accelerated. And Esayl knew that her feelings experienced a turning point the day they both chatted about the future. The princess, after a long afternoon of studies and social obligations came to rest in her stay. Yari, as usual, kept closing the doors behind her.

- How eager I was to finish! - Esayl sighed and dropped on his tall, fluffy bed. -

I must admit that your obligations would be unbearable to me. - Yari replenished that he was standing by the bed -

-And all this to be the perfect queen of any foreign country tomorrow. - Esayl commented with disenchantment, adding now with a more informal tint. - I envy you for that. At least you can choose by husband the man you prefer.

And it really could. According to the laws of Anlad, being the youngest daughter of a count and therefore not subject to inherit, Yaribrand was free to commit herself to whomever she wished. In addition, there was the detail that her father looked at her almost as if she were a boy and given her training the count did not believe that any of the knights or nobles of the country accepted his daughter as a wife. It was quite unconventional. D, Overt  only thought of his eldest daughter when it came to marrying her to another important nobleman and thus be able to increase the domains of both, uniting the families. With Yaribrand he always thought of a marriage of minor importance. Even, given the situation,  because the girl made a career among those knights of Saga. That he would report valuable services to the crown thus achieving distinctions for his house. If his behavior with his daughter was due to the desire to spur her in her self-love to succeed in that goal, or simply to the frustration of not having had a child, that would only belong to the private domain of the count. In any case, Yaribrand smiled slightly upon hearing the princess's comment and replied by sitting on a corner of the bed.

"I have no desire to get married. I do not wish at all to be a man's servant. And there is none that interests me.

Esayl watched her with surprise on her face and after softening it with a half smile somewhat incredulously he refuted.

-There will be some for which you sigh, even if only a little. I, for example, like some of the gentlemen who pass through the court. They are handsome, refined and know the Magmud.  They have lived adventures and have many things to tell. But of course, I will have to marry some prince. Well, when that day comes, I hope he will at least be handsome and good to me.

And Esayl closed her eyes, sighing resigned after finishing her sentence, but what she did not expect was that Yari would lie next to her and that gently caressing her hair would reply with an offended and nonconformist dye.

"I don't want you to talk that way. You are a person of great qualities and I refuse to think that you have to lower yourself to be the consort of some conceited and fatuous little girl from a foreign country.

The blonde girl looked at her in amazement and brought her face closer to that of her guardian; for a few moments he said nothing, although he immediately smiled again and stamped on Yari's cheek an affectionate kiss to answer between jovial and resigned.

- What is going to be done to her, I was born a princess!

-And I would be born again in order to avoid that fate. - Yaribrand replied leaving her interlocutor even  more surprised if possible when sentencing. - I can't even think of a man touching you. I've seen too many disgusting things.

- What do you mean? - He wanted to know the stunned princess looking at the knight as if she couldn't believe her ears.

Either Yaribrand mistook the meaning of the question or was not able to reveal his authentic  thought, the fact is that he replied:

-When I went to taverns with one of my classmates, I saw really terrible things.

- Did they try to do something to you? - Esayl exclaimed with concern. -

"No, not me." He sardonically smiled at his contertulia continuing with a mixture of disgust, indignation and sarcasm. - I am the daughter of a nobleman and, in addition, I trained with them. Most knew they weren't able to beat me. I am referring to the poor girls in the taverns or the peasant girls. When those pigs wanted to satiate their instincts they resorted to them. They either got them drunk to take advantage of themselves or they violated them. Of course, in such a way that it seemed that they were the ones who wanted that to happen.

- But being aspiring knights of Saga that is unworthy! - Esayl protested. -

And to the princess's horrified attention, Yari told her:

-Among them they always defend each other and give each other their oaths of honor that it was. What could a poor village girl do against the word of several aspiring knights, sons of nobles besides? No, there is no possible defense. The only one that these unfortunates had was to escape if they could.

"But, from what you say you were there. You could have testified on their behalf. No? - The inquired Esayl -

A knight of Saga or even an aspirant cannot, except for reasons of force majeure or to protect the security of the kingdom, testify against his comrades. And unfortunately that they force some girls in the village is not considered a cause of force majeure, nor of security of the kingdom. - Spit out the gentleman bitterly. -

  Yari had been able to see many times how a past drinking companion harassed taverns, or girls from the villages in which they were, with total impunity. No man, not even sometimes the very fathers of the hapless were able to oppose. And

to add insult to injury, the girls who lost their virginity in such a terrible way were marked. No one in his vicinity would agree to take them for wives. They were made guilty of their own misfortune! But for Yaribrand the worst was not that. Many times he was able to intervene, even leaving out of combat a companion too fiery. Others, even the occasional aspirant helped her, since not all of them were of such a despicable character. But he remembered an occasion when one of his "comrades" forcibly took a terrified little girl and climbed her to the top floor of a tavern - boarding house. Or what was the same, a den in which for a small price rooms could be paid to satisfy the lowest instincts with the connivance of the innkeeper. As far as Yari could later know, that poor girl went there to earn some coins by serving the tables, but her beauty was lost. The then aspirant could barely see it happen, it was actually too fast. When he wanted to realize it, a rough companion carried in his arms that girl, who must not have been more than fifteen years old, taking her upstairs. This despite their cries for help that no one heard, or that, rather, they preferred not to hear. Yaribrand had taken a couple of jars of blor  and despite still being in possession of his faculties he did not dare to confront that individual whom some of his companions served on top of improvised escort. Indeed, a couple of other knights blocked Yaribrand's path when she hesitantly tried to get up and stop the guy by climbing the stairs in pursuit.

- Where are you going beautiful? -. One of them asked him with derision. -

-It must be stopped. – Yari resolutely replied to that man who must have been of his height and ten years older, despite his extremely widespread baldness. -

- Stop it why? He has gone to have a nice time in the company of a beautiful lady. - The other guy, tall and with ashy blonde hair, replied while smiling with obvious joy to add even more fun. - If you wanted to have occupied the position of one of the two or go with them you had to be faster.

The other guy laughed  eagerly. Yari looked at both of them with a mixture of frustration and anger. He knew full well that he was the object of murmuring among his peers. Most always commented that they had never seen her "getting intimate" with a man. These cowards, never being able to tell him openly, found many ways to let go of some hint. Anyway, he forgot about  it for the moment and wanted to go up to try to help that unfortunate. But when she was going to do it, her two companions held her by both arms. She struggled and even let go of one hitting him in the belly with his knee, but the other presented her with a punch that knocked her down causing blood to gush from her lip. Now I was furious! And he would have made that pig pay for his blow if one of his superiors did not mediate. That newcomer, a man of middle age and not too tall, with short brown hair and a mustache, cut the anger wanting to know at the same time that he threatened them while she stood up.

- What's going on here? Do you know how fights between aspirants are punished?

Everyone knew it perfectly, they could be expelled! At the time, Yari's two assailants murmured an apology, saying it was a major incident. His captain nodded, he seemed to want to let him be; but Yaribrand stood up full of courage to explain the reason for her behavior. However, everything was against him. The captain himself, now looking towards the hall of the tavern that was almost empty, replied.

I don't see any aspirant forcing any girl.

It was of little use to him to insist. Those taverns had walls so thick that they drowned out any possible cry of the unhappy one above. Although Yaribrand claimed that a young woman could be in danger, her two "companions" denied her. They assured that both that girl and her other colleague had gone up by mutual agreement.

-Captain, you know that tavern girls earn a bonus and our friend has not been with a woman for a long time. There's nothing wrong with that. You understand us, right?

And of course, the captain understood them perfectly. He even smiled full of paternal condescension. Yari upon seeing him was even more outraged, but only got a dry warning from his superior.

"It is your word against that of your three companions. And you play a lot with it. Don't you want to complete the training?

Yari trembled. He couldn't help it, he was afraid! A terrible panic of losing everything that, until that moment, with so much sacrifice and effort, he had achieved. And he wasn't able to insist.

"No, no captain, I will have been wrong. - He had to reply with a more submissive tone. –

-Try not to get involved again in matters that do not concern you. - That man advised him to leave him there, sitting on those stairs that he had been unable to climb. -

It was said then that he had done everything possible and even more. That this girl would have ended the same any other day without her being present. That it would have been useless, that damage was already done and so only she would be harmed. And he was silent.

And as the frightened princess listened to her, she listened with regret as the knight sobbed filling her eyes with tears as she riveted her account.

"Then I left. I couldn't do anything else. And the next morning, well... I knew that this poor unhappy woman had hanged herself.

Her confidant hugged her with motherly sweetness as he comforted her with equally kind words.

"You couldn't do anything else. You were alone.

I cared more about my future than that girl's life. That's not being a Saga knight. - Yaribrand lamented with a heartbroken sob. -

- Were those who covered it all up? Was it the one who forced it? - Esayl was outraged by raising his guardian's face with the palm of his hand to add. - Tell me their names and I will have them arrested. Starting with that captain.

-It would be useless, what evidence is there? - He was able to replicate Yari serening at last.  - Nope. I only know one thing. I will never allow anything like this again! And I will put my life on the line or lose it if necessary. Therefore, I look at you and think that if any man dared to cause you harm, I would kill him with my own hands!

Esayl looked at her moved and took her face in his hands approaching her and kissing her on the lips gently. Yari at first did not know how to react, but something stronger than her prompted her to respond to that kiss with another full of passion, lying on the princess and then going through her body with more kisses. Esayl let herself be surprised and at the same time full of curiosity. He had never had a loving relationship and of course never had such contact with a man! In it, the desire to experience that enjoyment made its way. That made her cooperate with her partner. Soon both were naked on one another. Yari loved her to the fullest extent of the word and the young princess only knew how to moan with pleasure and return as many kisses as she could to her experienced partner. Finally, when they finished giving satisfaction, both rested together in the bed. After a few moments of silence to assimilate what happened it was Esayl who, full of curiosity, wanted to know.

"You've done it before with another woman, right?"

-It was precisely one of the girls of the inn where I used to go who taught me. - Yari admitted that, however, he added. – By mutual agreement, I did not have to force her, or even pay her. It was a very beautiful thing, but not as much as this.

- Did you love her? - The princess became interested by gently caressing one of her guardian's breasts. -

"No, then I thought so. At least, that something existed between us, but now I know it was an attraction. I liked her and I liked her. It was that simple. Actually, I suppose if I had liked men, or if I had been a man, it would have been the same.

- Did it last long? - Inquired again Esayl -

-We slept together several times. - Yari replied recalling aloud. - Almost always outside the inn. In a nearby barn that was his parents' own. At dawn. Before I went back to my training I would pass by and she used to be waiting for me. One fine day I just wasn't there anymore. I didn't see her again. I guess he would get tired of me or maybe his father discovered it. The fact is, I couldn't afford to go find out. - He riveted shrugging his shoulders, not without a resigned sense of regret and helplessness. –

- And have you had more relationships with other women? - Esayl wanted to know. -

-No. - The gentleman shook her head while smiling caressing the golden hair of her lover. -

-For me it was the first time. - The princess confessed, which, somewhat dazed, tried to specify. - I don't know if I can call her that. At the end of the day, you are not a man and I am still a virgin. At least I think so.

Now she felt terrified. What if she had lost her virginity? That would be terrible. But Yaribrand immediately wanted to reassure her about that.

"In my opinion you are as virgin as that poor girl who was forced. Even after that happened, because I believe that virginity cannot be torn away. It's not simply a physical thing. Fear not that you have not lost. It's something you have and offer to the person you love. - Yaribrand said sweetly.  –

So, even though I keep my virtue in the physical, I am no longer a virgin in my heart. It has been another woman who has made me a woman! - The princess fought animatedly, smiling with a dreamy expression –

"Well, but I don't accept responsibility for whatever comes!" –   Yaribrand laughed posing a hand on the belly of the stunned Esayl. Until the gentleman, visibly amused with the confused expression of her partner, added trying not to laugh -. It was a joke, silly!

His contertulia took a few seconds to react, but he did it laughing too and soon both laughed hugging each other.

At least I don't think two women can get pregnant. Why would we need men? - Esayl laughed. -

Yari laughed with her, so their bond became stronger and their love grew. All that had happened in the last year. The time elapsed since they met until now. But fate, as Esayl had commented, came to the step of both. And all those thoughts, memories and reflections paraded through the minds of the girls as they continued the journey, accompanied by the Warrior Monk of Somer.

**ESPAÑOL**

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