When Mikhail entered the brightly lit stable, he found Aruzhan kindly brushing Spirit's snowy mane. The stallion's saddle already rested nearby, and she had generously filled Spirit's water trough. The knight, who had been reaching for an ashroom to numb his weariness, nearly dropped the little wooden box in his surprise. In the brighter stable light, it was obvious that the lovely young woman in a simple, fur-lined dress was no mere blacksmith's daughter, but a princess of grace and bearing. You see, a true knight can always recognize a true princess.
It's not easy being a princess, you know. Oh, there's glamor alright. Beautiful gowns, glittering jewelry, silken gloves and plenty of attention from handsome knights, all of which is...well, quite wonderful. But except for one very tired knight in tarnished, frost-covered armor, Aruzhan now had none of these things.
The story books speak of many maidens in the world who know exactly how beautiful and talented they are, and who make sure everyone else knows it, too. Then there are the true princesses, equally beautiful and talented, who are so busy appreciating and encouraging the beauty and talents in everyone around them that they don't really have time to think about themselves. Aruzhan was just such a selfless, gracious, lovable young lady, one who understood that women's royalty is found in gentle kindness.
“I--” Mikhail paused awkwardly. Aruzhan bowed in polite greeting.
“My horse--” Mikhail began again. The young woman gave him a warm, patient smile that set her hazel eyes sparkling.
“You—why, you're a princess!” the exhausted knight finally exclaimed in amazement.
“I was, once upon a time,” Aruzhan answered in a soft, sweet voice as she reached up to brush Spirit's mane again. “Now I am simply Yerlan's daughter, which is quite wonderful enough. And you are Mikhail Andreyevich, the famous dragon hunter from the south. I have heard much about your adventures.”
“...Thank you,” was all Mikhail could think to say. Though he was embarrassed to say it, the noble knight had also heard many rumors about this princess-in-exile, a woman famed for her compassion, her kindness, her good works and virtue. But he had not expected to find her in a stable in Altai village!
Mikhail had met many damsels, but in between rescuing them from goblin towers or shielding them from dragon fire, well...there had never been much time for conversation. Now that he had the time, Mikhail could think of nothing to say. His shy, talking stallion was little help. Spirit too busy happily munching on a bag of oats that Aruzhan had given him.
So the knight bowed stiffly to excuse himself and climbed the steps to the humble bedroom above the blacksmith's workshop, where he lay awake on a rough cot next to the glowing stove for quite some time. The most noble of knights are very thoughtful ones...and Mikhail found his thoughts quite jumbled.
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