Three men and a woman strode down the palace halls, their black capes floating behind them as they walked. Each of their faces wore a stone calmness, each of their steps assured and well placed. The swords at their sides bounced as they walked, sending a constant jingling sound echoing through the cavernous refuge. A warning.
King Ehlanir looked up from his hand as his four most trusted warriors stalked into the throne room.
“My soldiers, welcome home” He said, trying to smile weakly through his worried face. The four bowed.
“My Lord, it is good to see you well,” One of the men said, his rich voice making a twitter go through the handmaidens in the wings. The King waved his hand for silence.
“Nonsense, I’m fine. It is you whom I am glad are well. How are things at the warfront?”
“Almost taken care of sir. It’s all small renegade groups and clean-up from here on out.” A second man supplied. His long red hair was pulled into a queue that contrasted starkly with the black cape that denoted his rank. King Ehlanir nodded, quite pleased to hear the report.
“Good, good. Will you stay in the palace for long?”
“We would not be here if we would not”

Cooks, kitchen drudges, and other servants bustled about a large dining room. The king and the four warriors watched.  The King turned to the one woman. Her body was strong, and her face too serious for his liking. She was a beautiful woman, and a powerful one. Her long blond hair was pulled up and fell down her back in a sunny cascade. Two parts of it framed her face, and he sighed with nostalgia. These four were young yet, he could remember the time when their fathers were in their place, and they, they were playing underfoot. He sighed, so much had changed. The girl noticed him and smiled kindly.
“Is anything wrong sir?”
“Just remembering when you four were small”
They all grinned sheepishly. The boys let out a nervous chuckle and the girl blushed. “Yes, well, that was awhile ago”
“No more than 13 years to make you six my dear, the rest of you seven and eight. Why, back in those days you four were-“
“Father!” A voice called from the other door of the chamber, which was on the far wall. A woman and two others stood, the one that spoke waved. They picked up their long skirts and glided over to the King and his warriors. Hugs were exchanged through them, and ‘welcome home’s said. The King took the arm of his youngest daughter quite happily.
“Now, where have you girls been? The boys have been home for ages” The girls looked among themselves and twittered.
“But you always talk boring politics” One of them remarked. The woman warrior rolled her eyes.
“We talk about the war”
“Exactly” The girl in the lead said.
“It’s boring” Her lackey agreed.
“It’s not nice” Dutifully noted the third.
“War isn’t nice” One of the men remarked casually, his golden eyes twinkling. His dark brown hair fell over his eyes in small wisps that made one of the older girls flush when he looked at her. “That’s why we talk about it. It must be resolved quickly, or our country could face grave danger”
Picking up on his trail, the red haired warrior spoke again “You three should pay attention to our talks, it’s imperative that you know what goes on outside of your stone walls”
The King nodded, “Good advice girls, you should heed it and come have supper with us” The girls giggled.
“Father, we have supper with you every night”