Such appointments are seldom explained, but require the aspirant to forswear allegiance to all others for a period of seven years - at the conclusion of which, she is free to remain a Handmaiden or return to her former life. On rare occasion, however, the Everqueen will elevate a member of her court directly into the ranks of the Handmaidens. It is most commonly bestowed only upon those Sisters of Avelorn who have many times proven their swiftness with blade, their precision with bow and, above all, an unswerving loyalty to the Everqueen. To serve as a Handmaiden is a great honour. It is an incomparable honour to serve the Everqueen and those bound to her side will remain there for seven years, during which time they forswear all other companionship and even the company of their families. Only those with great natural gifts are chosen, the most talented singers and musicians, the most beautiful, the fleetest and most graceful, but above all the most loyal.
The Handmaidens are not mere courtiers and attendants, but a warrior guard whose duty is to serve and protect their mistress. These beautiful warriors accompany the Everqueen at all times, serving as her advisors as well as her bodyguards. They form a regiment of a hundred Elf-maids who have been schooled in the arts of war to such an extent that they equal, or even exceed, that of the greatest Elven knights in the use of spear or bow. The Maiden Guard is an elite unit of High Elves consisting of warrior women who serve as the most trusted courtiers of the Everqueen. The Handmaidens of the Everqueen, also known as the Maiden Guard are the bodyguards of the Everqueen Alarielle, and the highest rank of all Sisters of Avelorn
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