Calista

"Give her time. There is strength within her not yet realized." -Valkyra In the Yalnor Kingdom of Tya there was once a young squire named Calista who was devoted to her knightly master, Sir Aldric. Calista had always admired the nobility and strength of knights, dreaming of the day she would become one herself. Her skills as an apprentice were sound, and her dedication to her master truly set her apart among other squires. At the height of Calista's apprenticeship, the Yalnor were in open war with the Mosune Empire, a kingdom known for its ruthless and unyielding might. The Yalnor viewed the Mosunians as an adversary to free will, convinced their authority over the realm was too strong. Though Sir Aldric saw little to be gained from this war, he was honor bound to meet them in battle. But Calista's world shattered when Sir Aldric was struck down before her eyes. As the battlefield descended into chaos and her comrades began to retreat, Calista felt a surge of determination and grief that galvanized her into action. She picked up Sir Aldric's ornate spear, its weight and balance unfamiliar but somehow comforting in her grasp. With a fierce cry, she stood her ground, fending off the advancing soldiers with a ferocity that belied her small stature. Despite her valiant efforts, Calista was soon surrounded. Her opponents closed in, and she prepared herself for the end, her heart resolute and defiant. It was then that the majestic Valkyra witnessed her bravery from miles above the battlefield. The winged warrior, known for her discerning eye and formidable prowess, was moved by the sheer courage and skill displayed by Calista. Intrigued and impressed, she descended upon the field, landing gracefully before the surrounded squire. A hush fell over the field, and all notions of combat ceased entirely as every warrior in attendance looked on in awe. Extending a hand, Valkyra whisked Calista away from the conflict, resolving to protect the rare spirit within her. From high above, Calista watched in awe as the two sides lay down their arms, no doubt due to the valkyrie's intervention. Over the weeks and months that followed, Valkyra introduced Calista to the ways of the Supreme Arbiters, the pair slowly forging a bond of trust. Though Calista was initially unyielding in her desire for revenge on the Mosunians, Valkyra reaffirmed in her the importance of defending life rather than taking it, coaxing her to view all mortals as worthy equals. Calista's transformation from a young squire to a formidable ally of the Arbiters was not without challenges. After helping to bury Calista's mentor, Valkyra personally trained her newest recruit in the more meticulous aspects of warfare. Her stout heart, combined with her newfound combat abilities, eventually earned her a high rank among the Arbiters, and to this day she wields a magnificent spear gifted to her by Valkyra herself, symbolizing her journey and growth. Now a distinguished warrior, Calista has embraced this new chapter in her life. The dull attire she once donned as a squire has been replaced by her former mentor's reforged armor, shimmering majestically in silver and gold.