Lady Katya frowned as she looked out of a window on the second floor of the Artemis Knights guild hall. The influence of sexy armor was increasing, along with the number of women wearing it. "I don't understand," she muttered to herself. "I just don't understand."
"What is it, milady?" the guild secretary asked.
She turned to face her. "How long have you been there?"
"I was just walking by," the secretary answered. "I couldn't help but notice you seem distressed. Is there anything I can do, milady?"
Lady Katya looked back out the window. "How much of an impact do you think this guild has?"
"Milady?"
"When I founded the Artemis Knights twelve years ago, I did so with the future in mind. I wanted to create a place where female warriors could be taken seriously. A place where sexy armor wouldn't exist. I wanted people to look at us and say, 'now those are strong women.' Then they would follow suit and sexy armor would become obsolete. But as I look outside, I can't help but wonder if I've accomplished anything at all."
The secretary came over to the window and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "The world is full of all types. It can be discouraging when you look out at the world and see that there are still women who wear sexy armor. But every time I walk into the guild hall, I see twelve women you have touched. They look up to you and maybe even love you. So while the impact may not be as big as you'd like, you are, in fact, having an impact. There are ambitious individuals who go their whole lives and haven't done as much as you. Never forget that, milady."
Lady Katya appreciated the secretary. She always knew what to say. In many ways, she was a counselor, as well. "Thank you. I needed to hear that." She stepped away from the window and headed downstairs to the tavern area, where the Artemis Knights would hold meetings or hang out during down time.
She observed the jovial atmosphere. There was laughing, drinking, roughhousing, and the simple enjoyment of the company of comrades. These were her Artemis Knights. This was family she built. Sisters-in-arms and in armor. "Okay, everybody shut up!" she barked.
They did so, lining up and saluting. "Yes, milday?" they all asked in unison with eager looks on their faces.
"I just want you all to know that a am proud of all of you," she said. "Throughout the years, many women have come and gone from this place. Some was killed in action. Some were injured to the point they could no longer fight, living on as honorary Artemis Knights. Some couldn't handle the training and preparation that goes into being an Artemis Knight and parted ways. The women gathered here are not the same ones who started this journey with me. But I am just as happy to have all of you as I was all those who are no longer here." She bowed. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I hope that we all will wage war against sexy armor for the rest of our lives. I hope that we can grow the Artemis Knights and strengthen our proud legacy together."
"Yeah!" the Artemis Knights all roared. "Down with sexy armor!"
She smiled while holding back tears. They were strong, loyal, and proud. That's what it meant to be an Artemis Knight. These twelve women embodied all of these thinngs. She turned away and headed for the stairs. "As you were."
When Lady Katya got to the top of the stairs, the secretary was standing there. "See, milady? The Artemis Knights love you. And those who have parted ways because of injury or ideology still sing your praises. The only woman in the entire empire who receives more praise is Lady Madison."
Lady Katya grumbled. "And she's wearing sexy armor now. I will not be second to someone who wears sexy armor. I will become the mightiest woman in all of Empora. The Artemis Knight will become the standard-bearer of female warriors everywhere!"
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