Princess Minerva was on the balcony of a very high palace. She had on a velvet and lace, baby blue, sleeveless gown, it had a cape that merged into a two feet train.

Her long, silk, pink hair was held up in a high ponytail. She stood overlooking a battlefield where the war had just ended.

As she watched, a young warrior wearing a commander's black steel armour and helmet, with a red cape, started to climb up the lone hill on the battlefield.

He held in his hand a red flag. When he got to the top of the hill, he thrust in the flag.

Cheers went up as his men celebrated below. Minerva was overjoyed, she wanted to jump and clap with them. It had been a long struggle, but they had done it, he had done it! The young man took off his helmet and his long, midnight black hair blew in the wind.

He looked in her direction and she waved the bright pink handkerchief she held in the air. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Alas, victory!
                               ~
Valenburth Palace,
Lenonia,
Chestland.
Unified Homelands.

The gold coloured, shaggy puppy woke Minerva up from her slumber by licking her.

       "Alright, alright Leela. I'm up." She said groggily, taking the little pup in her arms and sitting up.

What a strange dream indeed. She had been at least five years older in it. Most importantly, who was that handsome young man?

The little puppy whined and she cuddled her closer. Was that a dream or a vision? It had felt so real. Minerva sighed, if she told her mother, she would say it was a vision for sure and she couldn't take that risk; what if it was just a dream? No, she'd keep it to herself, for now.

       "My dearest Minnie." Her mother came into the room without knocking.

      "Good morn to you mother."

      "Good morn Minnie, it's good to see you up already."
Her mother smiled and Minnie took a moment to admire her.

Ashyrianora looked like Minnie's older sister and not her mother.  She had a youthful slimness and a flawless, milky, caramel complexion. Her black hair with flecks of silver was always held up in a bun these days.
Her gray eyes with flecks of gold were just like her daughter's; 'the eyes of the seer."

Sometimes, Minnie felt that the eyes were more of a curse than a blessing. The eyes along with her pink hair had always made her feel like an alien  amongst her family members, but most especially amongst her peers. Growing up hadn't been easy, despite the fact that she was royalty.

       "Are you all packed for our trip to Illearia?"

        "Yes ma'am. Still, I'd like to reiterate my strong dislike for those people."

          "Come now Minerva, remember that a princess must be a true diplomat at all times. Never allow your emotions cloud your judgement. This visit would improve Chestland's relationship with not just Illearia, but the entire Eastern Continent."

          "I agree completely mother, that's why I'm all packed." Minerva smiled.

          "Excellent!" Ashyria touched her daughter's cheek and air kissed her.

        "Get ready and come downstairs. Your father and I will be waiting for you."
She took the little puppy from Minerva.

        "Leela would stay with me, while her mistress dresses."
She finalized and then turned to take her leave.
                            ~