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Anything for a Kiss
March 2, 2022|Short Story

Anything for a Kiss

Anything for a Kiss

Naly left her house early morning. She enjoyed watching the sunrise and being prepared for any mishap. As she used to, she watched the dawn shine with all its splendor before setting off in search of an adventure.

Since graduating from the knight academy, with a decoration that few could achieve, her life has revolved around heroism. Her basic needs were too simple for her—defending the innocent, on the other hand, was what Sir Naly came into the world to do.

Her silver armor had to be specially modified to fit her body type. Despite her prestige, it was difficult for Naly to be a woman in a world of men. The locksmith was opposed to making the modifications, but she always found a way to make things work her way.

Today was just another day. The meadows were empty and the people were safe in their homes. Naly rode her trusty steed into the rising sun. She cautiously patrolled the trails until she reached the darkness of the forest.

Multiple reports of bandits in the area caught her attention. All the townspeople spoke of them hiding in shadows of the forest. Naly decided to stay hidden in the woods until she found them.

A little before reaching the main road, she tied her horse under the shade of a tree. The white stallion wasted no time and began eating the wet grass. Naly decided to join him, taking out some dehydrated food from her bag.

Shortly after entering the forest, Naly heard voices in the distance. Wasting no time, she found a path that leads directly to it.

As soon as she arrived…

“Good morning,” Naly said after she was close enough to four men around a maiden. Another man was behind the carriage, facing an old man. “Nice morning, right?”

Trarko, one of the men surrounding the maiden, addressed Naly. “That’s up to you, beautiful!”

Naly felt offended by the remark. “I am one of the King’s knights,” she said.

“That armor says otherwise,” Trarko said, laughing.

The other men present also began to laugh. “Your curves are more pronounced than this maiden’s,” Pelhe said.

“I beg you,” Naly said, “don’t you dare insult a knight’s honor.”

“What are you going to do, beautiful?” Trarko asked, approaching Naly.

The movement was almost imperceptible. Naly drew her sword. When she stopped, she had her arm straight out in front of her.

They fell silent, waiting. Anxious to know what had happened, Trarko’s arm fell to the ground.

The riotous screams of the wounded man made Naly step back. She held her sword in an attack stance. “Anyone else has a smart remark about my honor,” she said, pushing Trarko away from her path with her foot.

“Are you mad!” Pelhe said and drew his sword. The rest of the men also prepared to fight. “You have no idea what we’re going to do with you.”

Naly couldn’t wait to start the battle so she ran towards them. While the armed men waited for her. She stopped and deflected one of their attacks with her sword, then stepped back to defend against another attacker.

“I see you are eager for some fun,” Pelhe said, surrounding her with his companions.

“You have one chance to give up,” Naly said, taking a step back to avoid being surrounded.

“Must you be kidding?” Adrame said with a smile. “You’ll feel better when we’re done with you.”

“You’ve been warned…” Naly said, before attacking.

Adrame fended off the first attack, then felt Naly’s shoulder slammed into his chest. Pelhe received an elbow to the head, followed by a slice of the cold metal of her sword on his torso.

Naly managed to deflect Milko’s attack with her sword. Pelhe sneaked a swing of his sword against Naly’s back armor, causing her to push Milko and impaled him with the sword.

Pelhe looked at Adrame standing next to him.

Naly pretended to attack again but backed off as the two men got closer to her. “Are you sure you want to continue this?” she asked

Adrame charged forward, raising his sword, letting the movement of his arm lead the motion. It was obvious to him that the armored woman would not be able to defend against two simultaneous attacks. Pelhe also attacked when he saw his partner.

Naly spun on her right foot to fend off Adrame’s attack and place him between her and Pelhe. She immediately used her sword again to cut the skin from Adrame’s back as Pelhe watched perplexed.

“You are the only one left, boy,” said Naly. “I will allow you to defend my honor.”

“I’m sorry, King’s knight,” Pelhe said, kneeling.

Naly accepted the show of respect. “Drop your sword and get up. You have a new chance to live, take it.”

Pelhe dropped his sword and ran, while Naly sheathed her own.

Naly approached the old man and the maiden, both of them looked surprised. “I’m sorry I had to behave in this manner with your friends,” she said, once she stopped near them.

“They were bandits,” said the maiden, Celestine. “You have saved us.”

Naly felt Celestine’s thin arms around her neck.

“I’m willing to do anything,” said Celestine, “but I demand that you be my escort.”

“I’m flattered,” Naly said, as Celestine continued to hang around her neck, “but my service is for the king.”

Celestine planted her toes on the ground and moved back to look at Naly’s blue eyes. She then kissed the knight’s lips.

Naly was surprised to feel the maiden’s lips against her own.

“I’ll do anything,” Celestine said, stepping back.

93 comments
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Sebastian Iturralde

I am a fiction blogger and lover of literature, art, and all things creative. As a citizen of this beautiful planet, I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me.

93 comments

  • March 2, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    Great story SEBASTIAN, made all the gloomy news fade into the background, well written brave knight,

  • March 2, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    Thank you for this great story

  • Anna Claire
    March 2, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    Wow Sebastian, love this and what an ending! I didn’t expect that.

  • Belinda
    March 2, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    I really enjoyed that… I also like how in this fantasy land, the locksmith is the blacksmith: it gives the story an unusual edge. Keep it up! 👌🏼

  • Weazel
    March 2, 2022 at 4:21 pm

    As a retired professional machetero I approve of this story!

  • March 2, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    Sebastian, good stuff, all the best to you

  • Frank Connell
    March 2, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    Great work again my friend keep it going.

  • March 2, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    This was a great “Read” Sebastian – Thanks!

  • March 2, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    Thank ypu for this story. Kind of poignant and a comparison to what is going on today.

  • Sahory
    March 2, 2022 at 8:02 pm

    Hi, I love how you write and how you express, I send it to you an email, I hope you can see it, have a great night.

  • March 2, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    WELL DONE FOR GIVINGUS BACK THE DAYS OF THE KNIGHTS AND FOR MAKING IT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROFESSION. I THINK THE UKRAINE COULD USE SOME. WHAT A SURPRISE ENDING FOR US THOUGH MORE SO FOR NALY.

  • March 2, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    It’s very interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I really missed reading your blogs. Glad to see you in action. Probably I might have missed out on the notifications of your new stories.

  • Dave G
    March 2, 2022 at 9:53 pm

    Surprising, at every turn

  • Christine
    March 2, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    Thank YOU for sharing into the world your creativity and the hope-filled power of imagination! These the kind of ripples of goodness that make the best waves!

  • Samantha
    March 2, 2022 at 10:10 pm

    Great work!! Very fascinating read!

  • David Pettus
    March 2, 2022 at 10:28 pm

    That was fun! Enjoyed the story.

  • March 2, 2022 at 10:40 pm

    Wow, ending is so weird but satisfying at the same time. This leaves me looking for a sequel. Great story!

  • Bruce
    March 3, 2022 at 12:19 am

    Good choice for the current times.

  • Bridgy
    March 3, 2022 at 12:26 am

    Such a beautiful story..

  • Dixon
    March 3, 2022 at 1:03 am

    Good piece.

    • B
      March 3, 2022 at 2:32 pm

      Nicely written, I try.

  • James Lee
    March 3, 2022 at 1:38 am

    Great work! What a story

  • John M.
    March 3, 2022 at 2:05 am

    Sexism was rampant back then, I imagine. The lessons still remain the same today, though: Let’s not treat women like second-class citizens, while expecting them to be quiet, nice and pretty all the time, lest we suffer the consequences of these arrogant men. Cheers, Sebastian!

  • March 3, 2022 at 2:15 am

    Nicely done. I hope the day will come when I can do fiction again. Until then–your writing is my treat.

  • Mallika
    March 3, 2022 at 2:49 am

    An intriguing story with an unexpected twist at the end. Nice one,Sebastian!!

  • March 3, 2022 at 3:09 am

    That’s so interesting and knowledgeable friction. Well that is the world will are today.

  • March 3, 2022 at 4:48 am

    I never write fiction but I admire people that can, Well done,

  • March 3, 2022 at 7:38 am

    Great story!

  • Miriam Lopez
    March 3, 2022 at 8:20 am

    I Liked it very much Sebastian, I’m a huge fan of medieval times and you rocked it with this story. Keep it up !!

  • March 3, 2022 at 8:43 am

    A good story to distract us from real world worries!

  • March 3, 2022 at 8:58 am

    Adorei, muito bom mesmo !! sou do Brasil, do Rio de Janeiro

  • March 3, 2022 at 9:15 am

    I don’t know, Sebastian. Very well written!! “..my service is for..” Art, notwithstanding the fact when you reach my age (75), whether it be male, female, whatever, sex has zero relevance.

  • Suspenders Girl
    March 3, 2022 at 10:39 am

    I always enjoy reading what you write!

  • March 3, 2022 at 11:34 am

    Great to have you back Sebastián! I liked the idea of the gender switch too. Saludos, Jaime
    (karhunluola significa “gruta del oso” en Finlandés)

  • Daisy
    March 3, 2022 at 11:56 am

    Lovely!

  • March 3, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    “The other men present also began to laugh. “Your curves are more pronounced than this maiden’s,” Pelhe said.”

    This post is awesome.
    I Love it!

  • March 3, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Enjoyed your story. ~JD

  • March 3, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    I liked Naly’s character.
    A courageous knight who loves the early morning sunrise and wants to stand up for others.
    An escapism story of bravery as inspiration in these current times. Thankyou!

  • March 3, 2022 at 3:13 pm

    Your short story is energetic, terrific, and fantastic & you charters were well developed & Naly saved the lives of the good by taking the lives of the evil except Pelhe giving him asecond chance to do right and respect women!

  • Diane
    March 3, 2022 at 3:51 pm

    Thumbs up!

  • March 3, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    I love a bit of swashbuckling. This was superb. It transported me away to a land of chivalry and honour where good conquers evil. We need a few Nalys in the real world.

  • Mike Oduor
    March 3, 2022 at 4:42 pm

    Beautiful read. 👏

  • March 3, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Lovely. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

  • March 3, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    Good writing Sebastian.

  • Jennifer Hemsley
    March 3, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    Terrific writing Sebastian! I so enjoyed your story. Love the website too. Best wishes.

  • March 3, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    Sebastian, this story brought to mind the courageous and patriotic civilians, both men and women, who are fighting to defend Ukraine. As in your story, may justice and courage win in the end! <3

  • March 3, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    A nice little twist to the ending, Sebastian ..An enjoyable read 🙂

  • March 3, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Well done, Sebastian. You have a knack for creating believable characters, dynamic action and a vivid sense of place. I really enjoyed this one. 🙂

  • March 3, 2022 at 9:55 pm

    Really good story! This is one of my favorites of yours. I really enjoyed how the hero was a female and I found the fact that she beat a group of men hilarious.

  • March 3, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    Loved it!!!

  • Vaishali
    March 3, 2022 at 10:23 pm

    Beautifully crafted and narrated.

  • March 4, 2022 at 6:30 am

    Welcome back Sebastian… I enjoyed the story 🙂, looking forward for more updates

  • March 4, 2022 at 8:49 am

    As a friend, I would write, if I were to write,
    “Avoid being one who will write anything
    for a fading kiss from this lost world.”
    Still, the skill with the pen is good.
    “My service is for the ” … King.

  • Nana Amoah
    March 4, 2022 at 12:28 pm

    Wow. Hmmmmmmm
    What happened to chivalry? And a Woman Knight. Just awesome.

  • March 4, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    Nicely done! As you stated, a great escape from. . .well, from everything!

  • March 4, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    Lovely story! I love neat, happy endings. Great work again!

  • Smitsy
    March 4, 2022 at 8:25 pm

    Wonderful narrative, Beautifully penned. Loved it , The discription of the fight is so detailed, one can infact visualise it happening .

  • Smitsy
    March 4, 2022 at 8:25 pm

    Wonderful narrative, Beautifully penned. Loved it , The discription of the fight is so detailed, one can infact visualise it happening .

  • March 4, 2022 at 9:20 pm

    What a lovely opening and sense of purpose.
    Enoyed it.

  • Rochelle Naidoo
    March 5, 2022 at 12:48 am

    Welcome back great read. It’s an amazing story that seems to give me answers I think, it just resonates. Her loyalty and devotion to the king (his loyalty and devotion to the love he has) The maidens attempt to woo him from that dedication (my futile attempts to express my feelings) And end result is people come into your life for a reason and a purpose., and we have to respect and embrace their destiny

  • March 5, 2022 at 1:01 am

    This is a masterpiece! Keep it up…

  • March 5, 2022 at 11:38 am

    A female knight. You don’t see that often.

    But I’m glad that story didn’t develop any further. I’m not interested in reading romance of any kind, whether it be male / female, male / male, or female / female.

  • March 5, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    Good story Sebastian.

  • SD
    March 5, 2022 at 10:31 pm

    You know how to hold one’s attention.

  • March 6, 2022 at 6:17 am

    Great story as usual… glad you’re back… hope the novel becomes a movie…!
    🇯🇲🏖️

  • Spykl
    March 6, 2022 at 10:50 am

    Nice! Great story with a surprising and hot ending!

  • Elaine Mofokeng
    March 6, 2022 at 12:28 pm

    Such an unexpected beautiful ending!

  • March 6, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    Wonderfully written and thrilling!

  • March 6, 2022 at 10:44 pm

    Nice, some weird wording in the first paragraph, then the flow gets better. Only question I have is why she made her armer show off boobs, that stuff makes swinging a sword near impossible. Some people have done youtube videos on it.

  • March 7, 2022 at 7:22 am

    This is a nice short story packed with action and makes the reader vividly create the action in their mind. Definitely the best in the creative category of the Oscars.

  • Elizabeth Winchester
    March 7, 2022 at 7:44 am

    Nicely written with a heroine.

  • March 7, 2022 at 11:11 am

    Great as always

  • March 7, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    Surprising ending! That is for sure!

  • Dwight McSorley
    March 7, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    Thanks Sebastian, I needed this. Welcome back!

  • Rev. Jerry Lyle
    March 7, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    Well written, and loved the equality of the knight’s. Ending caught me off guard, though not as much as Naly.

  • Israel
    March 8, 2022 at 2:00 am

    This is a good piece. Well written

  • Ana Cristina
    March 9, 2022 at 5:52 am

    All the best sobrino querido. You doing great. Beautiful history.

  • March 9, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    Like Naly, I didn’t expect that.

  • Dianne Lehmann
    March 10, 2022 at 10:12 am

    Really like the idea of a woman as a knight. Great story. Well told.

  • Hamish
    March 10, 2022 at 11:55 pm

    Thank you for sharing your creativity and joyous gift of writing. Keep on keeping on being awesome. 😎

  • March 13, 2022 at 10:32 am

    I actually haven’t slept tonight and got to read this! I love it.

  • March 13, 2022 at 7:04 pm

    This is a cuteee story! Who will reject a maiden’s lips? 😀

  • Bill Guo
    March 20, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    love this! great read!

  • March 22, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Sebastine, thanks. I have been away for awhile. i will make time read up the stories.

  • Brandi
    March 25, 2022 at 4:41 pm

    Excellent work! I enjoyed reading this! Keep up the excellent writing!

  • reisalois gerber
    April 6, 2022 at 7:21 am

    More like superwoman, actually! The knights at the round table would need a sword as trusty as king arthur’s
    for this one.

  • April 9, 2022 at 9:37 am

    You are on a roll! The pictures spoken by words were so vivid and alive. I so enjoyed the story development!

  • Willy Garza
    April 13, 2022 at 11:35 pm

    Wonderfully written, enjoyed the story and well developed characters!
    Great job Sebastian!

    Look forward to reading more from you.

  • June 24, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    Usually beautiful.

  • June 24, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    Unusually beautiful.

  • Trevor Mills
    July 4, 2022 at 5:44 pm

    A brilliant piece Sebastian. Like the twist at the end. Keep it up.

  • July 29, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    I liked this! Very good story, and I loved the scenery of the photo atop the post. It helped to stimulate my imagination as I began to read into the story and interestingly envision the fantasy.

    I pictured it as if I was actually watching it. I enjoyed this.

  • icom
    August 20, 2022 at 9:05 am

    nice i love it

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    Author's Note
    The Andes' highlands served as a source of inspiration for this short story. I hope you'll find the same beauty and wonder in its words that I did while crafting it.
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