A Cathedral of Ava, Goddess of Light and Protection.

There were many gods with different affinities and blessings. There were minor gods, but the number of major gods would be countable on two hands. The cathedral was dedicated to the Goddess Ava. She was the Goddess of Light and Protection, offering shelter for the weary and comfort for the lost.

The cathedral was big for one that was so far on the outskirts of town. A red carpet rolled from the entrance to the altar, rows of pews on each side. Behind the altar, a tall stone statue of Ava stood. The craftsmanship of the statue was so fine, the details of the Goddess left one to believe that she was standing there with her motherly gaze and open arms.

It was midday and looked like it would rain soon. There was enough light coming through the beautiful glass-stained windows that candles did not need to be lit. The cathedral was notably empty except for a few people.

A young woman knelt on the ground in front of the statue of Ava. Her head bowed, and hands clasped together, she silently prayed.

‘O Divine Ava, Goddess of Light and Protection. Grant mercy upon your children. There may be evil around us that we cannot battle ourselves, but by your strength and protection we are saved.’

‘There are people, O Ava, that do not wish us well. They hope to see us fall into harm’s way, but we know that you watch over us…’

“We must make haste, Princess Silvette,” a female voice stated behind the kneeling young woman.

Silence. The young woman didn’t reply and continued her prayers.

“Please, my lady, the escorts are ready and waiting,” the female voice said once more.

“Your Royal Highness, please listen to the good knight. You must leave immediately!” this time, a male voice, older and fraught with worry, called out.

The young women stood up from the ground and patted her knees from any dust on them. From her appearance, one could tell she was part of the royal family. With soft red lips, green eyes that twinkled, and flawless white skin like a doll, she was the definition of beauty. Her hair, long and light blonde, was braided in a low bun that added to her graceful and sophisticated air. She wore a simple white dress with a blue hooded cape. Yet, such simplicity could not hide her beauty.

The young woman, Princess Silvette, turned around to face two other people looking towards her.

One of them was the priest of the cathedral. He wore black robes with silver accents that covered his body except for his head and hands. His balding grey hair contrasted his scruffy grey beard. On his face was an expression of worry. He offered Princess Sylvette shelter in the cathedral to give her protection as a follower of Ava. But now he was restless, afraid he may not be able to do so for long.

The other person, a female knight, that called out to Silvette first, was eager to leave. Although not as beautiful as Princess Sylvette, the female knight exuded a noble and radiant charm. She had fiery hazel eyes that went well with her long brown hair tied in a low ponytail. Her body was neither muscular nor big, but rather lean and flexible. She wore a red dress that didn’t heed her movement as a knight along with a steel breastplate and steel armguards offering her protection in battle. She held her head high in confidence and kept a sword by her hip, ready to be unsheathed.

“Very well. Dana, let us depa–.” Sylvette said.

The doors opened, and three people walked in. One was in the lead while two others trailed behind her. The woman in front strolled inside in a bold manner. She was tall, and one could tell she was strong from her posture and figure. Her hair was silver and fell down her back wildly. She had tanned skin from training outdoors, her eyes matching its color. But most of all, she was curvaceous. She didn’t bother wearing any armor for protection but a simple dark blue two-piece with a loose black cloak, not leaving much to the imagination. Her clothing didn’t bother to hide her big chest and thick bottom, neither did it hide the heavy sword she carried on her back. If someone were to see her wield it, they’d question whether the woman truly had herculean strength.

Behind the woman were two others. One of them was an average mercenary, equipped in his armor, typical of a mercenary and hand on the hilt of his sword. The other was someone whose looks may be on par with Princess Sylvette. The person had raven dark hair above their shoulder, the sides fell gently above the ears and black eyes. A tall yet slim, lean physique. Skin white and flawless, a bit androgynous. Wearing armor with a single steel shoulder plate and armguard over the right arm which was worn over a black cloak.

This person would surely bring many men to their knees with their looks. Too bad for them that the person in question was, in fact, a man himself.

“I wasn’t told we’d be paid to stand and look pretty,” openly mocked the silver-haired woman.

“Ingrid, you forget yourself! Have you forgotten the princess is present?!” Dana, the princess’ knight, exclaimed.

Immediately, the mercenary and the raven-haired man got down on one knee to show their respect. However, Ingrid, the silver-haired beauty, only bowed her head.

“Perhaps bowed heads would be easier,” she said, “but time is of the essence and we’ve not a second for empty courtesies.”

“I see anyone can be a mercenary captain these days,” stated Dana, “even one such unpleasant as you.”

“Hah,” laughed Ingrid, “a knight around these parts of the land ought not to expect honor or virtue.”

She looked directly into Dana’s eyes.

“We are under the employ of your group, not of it. Your gold doesn’t pay for us to give hollow courtesies and prance about.”

“Ingrid, you bi–!“

“Hold your words, both of you. You stand before the Goddess’ worship. We must depart.” Before Dana got to reprimand Ingrid for her behavior, Princess Sylvette interjected.

She walked up to the old priest and bowed her head.

“May the Goddess offer her protection to your group,” prayed the priest.

“And she, with you,” replied Princess Sylvette.

Before the conversation could go anywhere else, a female knight busted through the doors, bloody and beaten. The elder priest ran up and caught her before she could collapse on the ground.

“Your Royal Highness, we’re too late! The enemy draws near!” the female knight claimed, breathless and fatigued.

Urgently, Dana ran out the doors, sword in hand.

“Looks like our pay is right outside,” spoke Ingrid.

“What is it, Leon?” she said to the raven-haired man, “too afraid to get your noble hands dirty for a little coin?”

“I’ve left that life already,” replied Leon, the raven-haired man, “now I am just a simple mercenary fighting for gold to fill my stomach, Ingrid.”

“Ah! That’s the spirit!” shouted Ingrid with vigor.

“Hehe, and let’s have some fun after this too, Leon,” she winked seductively.

Leon was speechless but just smiled.

“Let’s move out, boys!”

Ingrid, Leon and the silent mercenary prepared themselves as they went out the doors of the cathedral.

Stagnant, the princess stood still. She moved towards the priest and female knight, hoping to be of any help.

“Goddess watch over us…”