Hey all! Theme : Celtic Princess Style : Digital Painting / 2.5D In the heart of the Celtic lands, Princess Eilidh led her beleaguered army, her golden hair a defiant banner in the wind. The sky was a canvas of impending darkness, mirroring the weight of her decision. "Today, we carve our story in the annals of time," she declared to her warriors, "In our sacrifice, let our people find the strength to endure." The clash of steel and the cries of battle surrounded them, a symphony of valor and despair. At her side stood Cian, her loyal confidante and advisor. "Eilidh, we cannot escape the inevitable. We must retreat to preserve what remains," he implored, his eyes a blend of concern and unwavering loyalty. Eilidh's gaze remained fixed on the tempestuous fray, tears shimmering in her eyes. "To retreat is to surrender our legacy. I would rather meet our destiny with open arms than fade into obscurity." As twilight descended, Eilidh's warriors fought valiantly, yet the enemy's unyielding onslaught proved insurmountable. Cian held her arm, his voice laced with urgency. "We must safeguard the essence of our resistance for the future. Your sacrifice won't ensure our people's survival." With a heavy heart, Eilidh surveyed her battle-fatigued comrades. "Retreat, my friends," she whispered, a tear tracing its path down her cheek. "Cian, go to the Hall of the Northern Celtic King. Tell King Eamon what transpired today. Give him this," she pressed her medallion that bore the mark of her sigil, a heron gripping a lance, into his palm, and clasped her hands around it. "He will believe what you say." Cian gave her a stricken look. "No, Eilidh, don't do this." "I will buy you some time," she looked at her followers, some of the most wizened and hardcore warriors she had ever known, yet some were openly weeping. "They will not stop until they have me." She punched Cian hard in the shoulders, and he reeled back. When he looked up, she saw that he was crying too. "Cian, you know this to be true. This is the only way." She requested four warrior maidens to accompany her on a mission to waylay the enemy, and more than 10 stepped up in a heartbeat. She chose 4 of the best, all her childhood companions who had trained, fought, bled, cried and laughed with her. "Princess, I...." Cian couldn't finished his words, and Eilidh held his face in her hands, his tears warm against her palms. "On the 3rd day, I will wait for you here, yes?" she said, her eyes full of promise only her heart knew she might not be able to keep. But she needed him to believe it. Finally, Cian took a deep breath, wiped his face, and once again she saw the veteran of countless battles standing before her. "On the 3rd day then," He swore, clenching his fist to his chest. "We will raze the enemy to the ground. Together." He raised his sword. "Together," She crossed his sword with hers. And so, they turned, leaving behind the princess and her small group. It was the last they ever saw of her or her companions. On the 3rd day, with Cian leading a full force of King Eamon's reinforcements, the Celtic warriors turned the tide of the battle, and secured victory for their people. And for the longest time after, the memory of their fallen princess became a rallying cry that would continue to inspire their fight for freedom, forever carrying her unwavering spirit in their hearts. ~~~~~~ Thanks so much all, and me hopes you enjoys :-))