[b]Hello, I suppose since you are here you want to know a little about me. Well, I'm Madsonik. Welcome to my page. I am a roleplayer of fifteen years and a solo writer for even longer. The following genres are my favorite and the ones you'll find me doing the most: •Fantasy •Action Adventure •Urban Fantasy •Slice Of Life •Medieval •Science Fiction-[i]Not Star Wars or Star Trek[/i] •Supernatural •Modern •Action Adventure •Post Apocalypse •Futuristic Unfortunately, I do not do Fandoms. I do however have little plot candies I like to include: •Plot Twists •Romance •Story Driven •Bad Ends-Things can't always be pleasant but that doesn't mean they have to be bad all the time either. •Character Development I'm pretty much looking for partners that love to contribute to a story as much as I do, like we both are able to keep the flow going to create awesome characters and equally amazing worlds. Most of all, I'm looking for laid back partners and nice too. [u]A Writing Sample[/u] [hider=My Hider] High-pitched and piercing, strident, and most certainly shattering it was. A voice. Not the soft kind associated with an angelic maiden awaiting her lover at afternoon's end or even a welcoming one to strangers, not in the least, this sound reverberating throughout the air of the early morning hours was rather cantankerous and far from pleasant. A smart person would do well to remain in, if at all possible, whatever mundane dreams they were lost in and all others, however, savage the nightmare proved to be, holding tightly inside the realm of hellish peculiarity instead of bearing witness to the repugnant voice caring very little to whom slept at the pressing time only the irritation that continued to make it rise more. Luckily for Alexsa Nenlinell, princess of Valtava though that tidbit was privy to very few outside of the enormous kingdom, sleep had its grasp upon her young soul. And in this state, horrible unpleasantness came to her. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Ever since she could remember, the nightmares reached the deepest recess of her mind to a point where it felt as if they were more real than the life she actually lived. After each one, the Poikaset awoke startled and in all sorts of fits swearing to herself that something or someone took hold of her soul threatening to rip it right out of her body and only after praying to the Jumalatar Kiltti, as well as hearing her grandfather's panic in those childhood years, she managed to regain her composure. But, after all this time, she had yet to conquer them let alone truly understand what they meant though some part of her suspected she knew one of the pivotal people in those nightmares. All of them were the same and involved an unseen individual with the shape of a man. The man held no face nor things a person could distinguish by such as clothing only a shadowy silhouette planted against a background of an ocean of stars and burning fires. Alexsa did not make an appearance in her dreams fortunately so. She was only a witness looking out using eyes that may or may not have been hers. The male's silhouette, was a great distance away blending well into the chaos of some netherworld, distorted and yet if he had features she was certain he would be looking straight into the eyes that looked at him. The crisp orange and red flames angrily snapped at a distance as well as this unknown entity and all the while the latter did nothing other than stand in one place almost fixated or perhaps the forces to be would not let him go further. Without a clear understanding, Alexsa could not decipher the meaning. The man made her uneasy. Everything about it did. It was a strange occurrence to have the same nightmare since years long gone and even more to be continuing the vicious cycle of what she felt to be a malevolent entity and at the tiniest smidgen of a guess, the Valtava princess thought that this male might somehow someway be her father. The Huonosti. A male who brought shame to Valtava through his actions. She often wondered whether it was him, that he tried beyond the grave to contact her. She hardly remembered him and asking her grandfather brought about silence or over the top dramatics which was probably a coping mechanism to cover up his pain of having to deal with his only son's affliction. Alexsa and all elves of Valtava were quite extraordinary. Taika Haltija they were referred to as. A race of elves born as a source where magick resided at the heart of their soul. Conduits, really. Taika Haltija could pass their powers to other beings who did not have an ounce of magick in them. Unfortunately, the process was not something done as easily as breathing. In fact, for both the giver and receiver grave consequences such as death could claim both lives. Of the Taika Haltija, there were even a rarer few, Sitova Jarjestys. These elves could bind someone or something to their heart. Alexsa was found out unexpectedly to have the gift before she was able to properly walk or so her grandfather told her unwillingly when whispers about her father reached her ears later throughout her life. A Sitova Jarjestys. Her father had been one and it was rumored that he bound something wretched to his heart which in turn blackened it and his soul thrusting his mind into sheer madness. The reality of the truth seemed like something her grandfather could not muster the strength to tell her in spite of her intelligence, but one thing she did know was that her father crown prince Estefan Nenlinell would have taken the entirety of Valtava with him had his father king Eskan not intervened. And from the sins of her father, Alexsa was forever branded. The nightmare captured the young elven woman. Held her against her will as she thrashed about her bed, head turning side to side and forehead coated by a light sheen of sweat. In spite of the soft breeze spiraling through the open window blowing the velvet blue curtains, Alexsa's silky white nightgown clung to her clammy skin leaving her feverish. The onslaught of embroidery bed covering consisting of sewn quilts were rolled at the bottom of the fit for one bed with some smaller sheets making a spillage to the wood floor. Unkempt blond hair fell across Alexsa's round face with a majority of the tendrils cropped together under her head dampened. Long dark eyelashes fluttered as her eyelids struggled to open but could not. Naturally pink lips parted revealing teeth as white as ivory behind them. Soft murmurs left Alexsa's mouth. She fought tooth and nail to leave the confines of her prison. Her slender hands gripped the sides of the bed for dear life. The only sign of a reprieve came in the earlier voice outside serving as the morning rooster. It cut through Alexsa's chains forcing open her light blue eyes. They darted to the walnut-colored ceiling in a frenzy before the princess herself sat up partially clutching a hand against her chest, more importantly, her heart. It took everything in her to swallow the refreshing air gulp after gulp to catch her long awaited proper breath. She had to make sure she was real, that she occupied her little homely room. With her other hand, she tucked hair behind her pointed ears still struggling to make sense of everything. Staring about the room, recognition soon filled her eyes. "Kyla..." Her relative soothing voice filled the small room. "I'm in Kyla." The elven princess continued with confirmation. A reasonable hamlet with the denizens of various races at the crossroads of the land of Aurendel. This was where she ended up in her travels and in all her scattered senses it was where she without a doubt lay her head. Alexsa's eyes closed. Her once erratic breathing slowed to some semblance of normalcy. Taking a huge gigantic breath, she held it soon forced to turn her attention to the window where a conversation between two people went on. She wouldn't have given it another thought if they both did not sound familiar. The elevated one belonged to the innkeeper's rotund wife, the real owner of the inappropriately named Laughing Cock Inn. A shrewd business woman of short stature yet made up for it with a fearless nature. The only reason Alexsa did not stand on the receiving end of the woman's usual fury was because she had a thing for elves in general. According to the woman, in her younger years, plenty had passed through Kyla, one of which she fancied when her and her husband were on the outs. A dancing elf, she happily told Alexsa. For a moment, the princess wondered what the woman would have thought of her grandfather and his appetite to dance at random times embarrassing of all in his briefs but she merely laughed it off as a passing thought letting the woman regale her with stories at the end of which she found herself with a discounted room. She was always nice to Alexsa since the princess ended up here. Now, on the other hand, the Poikaset felt sorry for the person taking the brunt of the woman's hell. Just exactly what went on? It captured her interest more than dwelling on the horrid nightmare. Kicking her long legs out, her bare feet touched the floor. Standing up, Alexsa sauntered toward the window quite certain the rest of the inn if not the whole village was up because of the commotion. Hanging out on the window sill, she stared out over the village of Kyla. Relatively small, the biggest building was indeed the inn. It was three stories high and made out of stone like the separate tavern and the post office. All the buildings surrounded a circular small square fit with a fountain of grouped cherubs of some human religion, Alexsa hadn't the foggiest idea what it was about. Humans often made up many religions and prayed to a multitude of deities, she could scarcely find the truth of the matter not that the time presented itself to. The small street of cobblestone stopped at a pond running under split land and an equally small bridge. The sun had barely reached the fuchsia sky and not a single other person roamed Kyla. So, what was the problem? Alexsa stretched. It was then that the innkeeper's wife stepped out where she could be seen. "Love," That was her favorite thing to call the princess. "This old coot here says he knows you." Her cheeks were a rose red. What old coot? Alexsa felt the breeze tickle her face cooling her down. Her eyebrow raised thoughtfully. From where she was she was unable to see the person but damned if that voice did not sound familiar. Almost like someone back in Valtava. Tilting her head to the side, the color drained from her face suddenly. A gentleman wearing a tall black top hat moved beside the innkeeper's wife earning a glare of disapproval from the woman. Lowering his hat, he lifted his head to stare at her with steely orbs. "Stromwell..." Alexsa shook her head. "It is a pleasure to see you after all this time, your highness." The older gentleman did not crack a smile, something a bit of the norm for him. The innkeeper's wife gasped. It seemed a question was at the forefront of her mouth and yet Stromwell gave a simple glance in her direction with a gloved index finger to his dry lips. "No, madam." She scowled at him, it was no wonder she had been yelling. Stromwell wasn't exactly the most friendliest of people around others. "How did you find me?" Alexsa demanded above all else. He diverted his attention back to her. "You and I both know the answer to that question, your highness. Should we really go over details that hold no consequence to pressing matters?" Alexsa despised him in a secretly loving way with her feelings falling mostly near contempt. It was because Stromwell Gardeen cut from the same cloth as her grandfather. Meddlesome for the fact he, although a human male, served as a former comrade, friend and confidante to Valtava's king well before Alexsa was even if at all a thought in her parent's minds. With origins in a kingdom long gone, Eksan Neninell saved Stromwell and the human male pledged his life to the king and his family and Valtava. He helped Eksan raise Alexsa actually. Served as a teacher in both academics and training. The princess thought they both were impossible. She imagined her grandfather cooking up some detection spell even with her tracks covered. Damn him, she thought angrily. It was his fault she ran in the first place deciding her hand in an arranged marriage. How could he? "Princess Alexsa," Stromwell drew her attention away from her rampant thoughts. "Has time away from Valtava made you lose your manners as a lady?" "Excuse me?" Stromwell's eyebrow raised sternly. He clutched his hat tightly casting a gaze down while the innkeeper's wife signaled for Alexsa to pull her gown sleeve up. The princess looked at her attire where one of the sleeves had dropped on her lower arm nearly exposing her bosom. She yanked it up quickly crossing her arms. "I'll ask you again, what are you doing here?" "I've come with unfortunate news, milady," He answered. His garbs were black, prestigious, and one might mistake him for royalty himself. "I have a letter for you from your grandfather, his highness King Eksan. May I come up to deliver it to you once you are adequately dressed?" "No, you may not. Whatever he has to say I'm not interested in. As a matter of fact," She spoke hastily. "I want you to leave this place pretending as if you have never laid eyes on me. Is that clear?" The male rubbed his hairless chin. Obviously, her words had no effect on him and Alexsa could not read him. He was always good at hiding his emotions if he had any at all. She always knew him as a sentinel. An observer acting when it was necessary and never giving away hi's hand until the last minute. "You know I cannot do that." "Of course, you can't. What is he on about now? His favorite tea has been spoiled?" "He is gravely ill, your highness." Stromwell interrupted. Alexsa blinked. "What...?" "Your grandfather has taken ill in your absence," The man continued on. " He has a malady from which there is not a cure. All the surrounding doctors have been contacted. The diagnosis is grim." Even the innkeeper's wife was shocked. By now as Alexsa tried to process what she was hearing. The sun now reached the midpoint of the sky where cerulean began to break into the before fuchsia. Villagers and those passing through, emerged outside while a lovely aroma wafted from the lower floors of the inn particularly the kitchen. A hand found its way across Alexsa's face. Silence took hold of her as she tried to figure out what to say, how to respond. Part of her nearly turned back into her room, where her meager belongings in a leather satchel sat in a corner, to gather them up and go down to meet Stromwell. The other part felt that something wasn't right. This was Eksan Nenlinell, renowned Valtava king. Her grandfather and known trickster to embellish the truth if it suited him. He over exaggerated situations in his household. She found it hard to believe that the man who never caught a cold suffered from some incurable illness. It was too hard to take at face value. She put her hand down. Stromwell still looked at her calmly. "Is he okay?" "He is managing. He wishes for you to come home." "The letter, will you read it?" Stromwell nodded. Reaching inside his vest pocket he retrieved the parchment. Feeling eyes on his side, he gazed at the innkeeper's wife finding her staring at him hoping he would read the letter in front of her too but when he didn’t, she shuffled herself inside telling Alexsa breakfast would be ready when she felt like coming down. Food was the last thing on Alexsa's mind. "Inconveniences to the side," The broad-shouldered man cleared his throat as he folded the paper back. He read the contents out loud. "My dearest Alexsa, this is your grandfather. Your only grandfather," Stromwell kept a composed face. Alexsa began to frown though. "You know, the grandfather who raised you from a tiny little thing into the beautiful elven woman you most certainly are now? That grandfather. The one that had to come downstairs at night as you cried in your infancy to scream for the governess? The grandfather who loves you unconditionally even though you've broken his heart by running away from him and his lovely arranged marriage for you. Please come home, please. I'm sick. I fear that this illness haunting me will undoubtedly have me somersaulting off the mortal coil. My heir, light of my life, come home. It pains me to know you are far away. I love you. Love, vaari. P.S, I hope you know the day you ran away it took at least six hours to conjure up breakfast. I thought I would let you know. Come home!" Alexsa sighed. He was not sick. It was just a ploy to get her home. She should have known better. Staring at Stromwell, Alexsa couldn't tell what he was thinking. Her grandfather wanted her back for that damnable marriage, that was all. But what if he really was sick and she failed to see him in his time of need? The letter was just a flaming mess, still. "I..." "Now do you see? Will you return to Valtava with me?" Return home to be forced to get married? "Your highness?" "I have to tell my husband?" Stromwell held back. "Husband?" His eyes narrowed in search of any hint of a lie. Alexsa stared at him without backing down. "Yes," She lied. "My husband. I got married three months ago. We have been traveling ever since then..." "And the marriage your grandfather wanted for you?" "Not my marriage. I don't need someone to force my hand to a stranger I don't love." "Well, congratulations are in order. I should like to meet the man capable of taming you, your highness." There seemed to be a challenging note in Stromwell's voice. Of course, he couldn't meet him, there was no such person. She lied and for what reason? "He went to Aurendel on business. I'm expecting him tomorrow and I won't leave without him." "That is fine, I'll just have to wait here-" "No. You must go on ahead, Stromwell." Alexsa spoke firmly. "Tell grandfather, I will be coming home, I promise." The man countered. "Would it not be easier for us all to travel together? We can set our introductions straight; I can prepare him for what he will come into once we reach the kingdom." "He's shy," Alexsa carried on with the lie. "He doesn't do well around new people. Besides, do you expect him to be able to handle this with you lurking around? Let me tell him. I can hardly wrap my head around it myself. We haven't seen one another in quite a while, and I learn that grandfather is very ill. I just need for you to go on ahead, please." "Very well," Stromwell finally agreed eventually giving a bow of his head. "I am truly sorry for disturbing you like this. It is a lot to take it in, I know, but your grandfather will be glad to have you home after all this time, maybe this is what he needs to find the strength. Is there anything I can do for you while I'm here, your highness?" "No. Thank you for letting me know..." The human male gave yet another bow of his head straightening himself properly. He put the letter away sitting the hat back on top of his head. Alexsa wondered how he found her unless he had followed her all the time she spent away from home without her knowing. This wasn't what she expected to be greeted with. Her grandfather apparently immensely ill needing her to come home with Stromwell sent after her like some bloodhound. Not that the situation made her any less worried, she still felt there was more to meet the eye. Her grandfather could be manipulative. Through all of his qualities as a king, he was not opposed to do what he must in order to ensnare his way. Alexsa should know better than anyone else. Stromwell too. Speaking of. Her eyes trailed the gentleman as he turned around to walk away presumably out of sight to the side stable connected to the inn where the horses were. Before he was entirely gone, she called out to him. "Will you tell him I love him, that I won't be long?" "As you wish, your highness." He spoke dutifully as always. When he could no longer be seen, Alexsa shut the window drawing the curtains together. She remained in one spot thoughtfully. Had she really, blatantly took a page out of her vaari's book by lying through her teeth? How vindictive. She, with a shy husband? Absurd. Running a hand through her no longer damp hair, she knew one thing was certain; She could no longer stay in Kyla. The atmosphere had been mucked up by Stromwell who was akin to a plague against everything tranquil. Not for a second did she expect him to give up. If anything, he would probably lie in wait to follow her wherever she decided to go. The real question of the moment. Where could Alexsa go? What would she do about this so called non-existent husband visiting Aurendel, the land of the demons? She managed to cook her own goose, that was for sure. Her feet moved. They led her to the polished dresser in another corner where she yanked the drawer open in search of her clothes. Being away from Valtava had changed her. No longer on the cloud of royalty, Alexsa found other ways to adapt. No one knew her lineage, therefore, she need not act as if she were something she did not ask to be. She could be whomever she desired. The truth of the matter was she felt her father's actions kept her kin from seeing her for anything more than his blood, a curse. Maybe that was one of the reasons she could not rid herself of the nightmares. Guilt. Perhaps it really wasn't just the idea of her vaari arranging a marriage for her. "Oi, love. You in there?" The innkeeper's wife knocked on her room door abruptly. "Lovey? Did that bastard face man make you sad?" Alexsa halted her search for clothes. She was at the door quickly opening it to see the shorter frazzled auburn hair woman up close. "He upset me," She kept speaking. "Coming in out of the blue, holding out a parchment with your face on it. How did he know you were here?" "That is the question right there. I'm not certain." "Is it true what he said? Are you royalty?" Alexsa thought best on how to answer. Instead, she gave a small smile. The innkeeper's wife beamed as if it were her secret to keep hidden from the masses. "Don't you worry, mum's the word believe you me. He's still here. He went to the stable but has not moved, I watched him. Is he waiting for you?" "Of course, he is." Damn Stromwell, Alexsa knew better. "My horse is there. I won't be able to get away from him." The plump woman thought for a moment. "Yes, yes you can. There's a merchant from Aurendel here I just remembered. He and the husband are doing their usual banter over breakfast. Let me tell you, the finest ale to be served comes from him, a demon though, small matters, however. He can take you to Aurendel where you can at least have that stinky man off your trail for a bit." Anything was better than being followed by Stromwell. "You would help me more, madam? You've already done so much." This made the woman smile cheek to cheek. "I love you elves, every last one of you," She started to imitate a dance of some sort with her shoulders painful to most to watch but Alexsa merely shared her smile. "Remember the dancing elf I told you about? I swear, if my husband were not in the picture I would be married to him wherever he might be these days. Ah, yes. Oh, right, the merchant," Her memories of the past came to a screeching halt. "Lovey, you gather your things, get dressed, and I'll go talk it over with him. Sounds like a plan?" "It does. Thank you. Let me pay you for your trouble." "Bah!" The woman shook her head. "Nonsense, you'll do no such thing." Taking a step back, she disappeared down the hallway. Alexsa went to get cleaned up and dressed afterward. The dark green tunic she wore acted in a way as a dress itself reaching a dab above her knees where naturally she wore black slacks to not leave herself exposed to cause some uproar and tarnish her own comfort. The tunic was with a hood and a wide dark brown leather belt draped around her waist. Inside the diamond-shaped sleeves, pockets lie hidden. Within them were daggers in the event discretion needed to be taken or someone tried to cross a line. Alexsa may have looked like the ordinary traveler but a damsel she was not and would never be. Her knee high boots were also made of leather. Keeping hair away from her face, she tied the mane of blond hair into a long ponytail concealed by the tunic's hood. She didn't go advertising the rest of her weapons opting to keep them inside her satchel for now. She had never been to Aurendel rules and customs most likely were different and as if she weren't in enough trouble already she didn't want to invite more. Shuffling could be heard in the hallway bringing about the innkeeper's wife for a second appearance outside of her room knocking softly. "Liekki will take you to Aurendel." She announced proudly. Liekki more than assumed to be the merchant from Aurendel. "Will he allow me to pay him?" "It has already been taken care of, lovey." "I don't know what to say. Thank you seems to pale in comparison, still, thank you for everything." The woman came forward to hug Alexsa. "You are welcome. Come, come. He's waiting around back. We don't want that stupid man getting wind of this. Come." Pulling away, the innkeeper's wife led the princess on with Alexsa carrying her satchel in tow. Other patrons of the inn lingered in the doorway of their room somewhat watchful of the two though they otherwise did not pay much attention. Once on the bottom floor beyond the lobby and the kitchen, the source of the abundant smells, Alexsa followed the woman out back. It was there that they came to a fairly large wagon hitched to a team of horses. Carrying some physical traits of a human, upon closer inspection, the merchant clearly was not. He was large, muscular, with shoulders broader than Stromwell's. Hair as crimson as blood fell around his forehead and oblong face quite possibly longer than Alexsa's left unrestrained and loose. Noticeably sticking up from his head were antlers the same color as his hair. Around the left side of his face, a bandaged was tied concealing the left eye which if shown would have matched his right akin to a beak and full on red. He inspected the back of the wagon thoroughly. Under the cloak of hay, wooden crates of wares sat side by side ranging from bottles of ale to animal oils. Catching a quick glimpse of the princess, the demon smiled with two rows of jaggedly sharp teeth and lips similar to a human's. She smiled curious what he looked like under the cloak he wore. She caught a look at his strangely large hands that the nails were red and long enough to gouge the hell out of anything. If she didn't have some worry, she would be lying to herself. Hearing of and being around were two different things, she heard stories about demons along the way. At the moment, it was more for the fact she didn't know him, and he had every reason, if he felt it, to be wary of her. After checking the precious cargo, Liekki gave a tilt of his head to the wagon. "There's room to wiggle beside the ale." He had a baritone of a voice oozed in a harsh accent when speaking. "Thank you." Alexsa told him. He nodded climbing up on the wagon seat taking the reins. Looking back to the innkeeper's wife, Alexsa thanked her again. She then went around the back of the wagon lifting some of the hay to push her satchel near the crates and finally herself making certain she was well hidden from view laying down with one of her arms acting as pillow. Once the wagon moved, the bottles rattled together making clicking noises. Above them, the demon began to sing a song in his native tongue. The princess pushed all of it out of her mind thinking about the mess she had gotten herself into and her grandfather. If something did happen to him it meant as his heir she would be Valtava's ruler. In all the history of her people there was not a female sitting on the throne without her life mate. It was unheard of. The males were different, however. Considered stronger, they could rule on their own. Her grandfather's wife died giving birth to their son, her father. Alexsa didn't want to rule. She didn't want to think of her vaari being anything other than his crazy self. Once she figured out what she planned to do she would return home where hopefully it wouldn't be too late. With the merchant in his own little world, Alexsa continued to overwhelm herself with thought after thought. The shaking of the wagon did little to bring her comfort and the urge to peek out quickly died away. She had not a single clue how long they traveled but Liekki changed several different songs all without engaging her in long conversations except to ask if she was dead which, fortunately, she was not. One thing that told her they were long away from Kyla was the changing temperature. It was rather warmer than the gentle breeze of the hamlet. It made her want to change her clothing, maybe to a simple sleeveless dress. "You still alive?" The merchant inquired for the numerous time. "Yes." "Good." And he broke out into another song following the repeated question. Alexsa closed her eyes. She willed herself to stay awake and alert but this was a battle she did not win and succumbed to sleep shortly after even as the wagon barreled along heading for the city of Aurendel. [/hider] [/b]

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b">Hello, I suppose since you are here you want to know a little about me. Well, I'm Madsonik. Welcome to my page. I am a roleplayer of fifteen years and a solo writer for even longer. The following genres are my favorite and the ones you'll find me doing the most:<br><br>•Fantasy<br>•Action Adventure <br>•Urban Fantasy<br>•Slice Of Life<br>•Medieval<br>•Science Fiction-<span class="bb-i">Not Star Wars or Star Trek</span><br>•Supernatural<br>•Modern<br>•Action Adventure<br>•Post Apocalypse <br>•Futuristic<br><br>Unfortunately, I do not do Fandoms. <br><br>I do however have little plot candies I like to include:<br><br>•Plot Twists <br>•Romance <br>•Story Driven <br>•Bad Ends-Things can't always be pleasant but that doesn't mean they have to be bad all the time either.<br>•Character Development <br><br>I'm pretty much looking for partners that love to contribute to a story as much as I do, like we both are able to keep the flow going to create awesome characters and equally amazing worlds. Most of all, I'm looking for laid back partners and nice too.<br><br><span class="bb-u">A Writing Sample</span><br><br><div class="hider-panel"><div class="hider-heading"><button type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-xs hider-button" data-name="My Hider">My Hider [+]</button></div><div class="hider-body" style="display: none">High-pitched and piercing, strident, and most certainly shattering it was. A voice. Not the soft kind associated with an angelic maiden awaiting her lover at afternoon's end or even a welcoming one to strangers, not in the least, this sound reverberating throughout the air of the early morning hours was rather cantankerous and far from pleasant. A smart person would do well to remain in, if at all possible, whatever mundane dreams they were lost in and all others, however, savage the nightmare proved to be, holding tightly inside the realm of hellish peculiarity instead of bearing witness to the repugnant voice caring very little to whom slept at the pressing time only the irritation that continued to make it rise more. Luckily for Alexsa Nenlinell, princess of Valtava though that tidbit was privy to very few outside of the enormous kingdom, sleep had its grasp upon her young soul. And in this state, horrible unpleasantness came to her. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Ever since she could remember, the nightmares reached the deepest recess of her mind to a point where it felt as if they were more real than the life she actually lived. After each one, the Poikaset awoke startled and in all sorts of fits swearing to herself that something or someone took hold of her soul threatening to rip it right out of her body and only after praying to the Jumalatar Kiltti, as well as hearing her grandfather's panic in those childhood years, she managed to regain her composure. But, after all this time, she had yet to conquer them let alone truly understand what they meant though some part of her suspected she knew one of the pivotal people in those nightmares.<br>All of them were the same and involved an unseen individual with the shape of a man. The man held no face nor things a person could distinguish by such as clothing only a shadowy silhouette planted against a background of an ocean of stars and burning fires. Alexsa did not make an appearance in her dreams fortunately so. She was only a witness looking out using eyes that may or may not have been hers. The male's silhouette, was a great distance away blending well into the chaos of some netherworld, distorted and yet if he had features she was certain he would be looking straight into the eyes that looked at him. The crisp orange and red flames angrily snapped at a distance as well as this unknown entity and all the while the latter did nothing other than stand in one place almost fixated or perhaps the forces to be would not let him go further. Without a clear understanding, Alexsa could not decipher the meaning. The man made her uneasy. Everything about it did. It was a strange occurrence to have the same nightmare since years long gone and even more to be continuing the vicious cycle of what she felt to be a malevolent entity and at the tiniest smidgen of a guess, the Valtava princess thought that this male might somehow someway be her father. The Huonosti. A male who brought shame to Valtava through his actions. She often wondered whether it was him, that he tried beyond the grave to contact her. She hardly remembered him and asking her grandfather brought about silence or over the top dramatics which was probably a coping mechanism to cover up his pain of having to deal with his only son's affliction.<br><br>Alexsa and all elves of Valtava were quite extraordinary. Taika Haltija they were referred to as. A race of elves born as a source where magick resided at the heart of their soul. Conduits, really. Taika Haltija could pass their powers to other beings who did not have an ounce of magick in them. Unfortunately, the process was not something done as easily as breathing. In fact, for both the giver and receiver grave consequences such as death could claim both lives. Of the Taika Haltija, there were even a rarer few, Sitova Jarjestys. These elves could bind someone or something to their heart. Alexsa was found out unexpectedly to have the gift before she was able to properly walk or so her grandfather told her unwillingly when whispers about her father reached her ears later throughout her life. A Sitova Jarjestys. Her father had been one and it was rumored that he bound something wretched to his heart which in turn blackened it and his soul thrusting his mind into sheer madness. The reality of the truth seemed like something her grandfather could not muster the strength to tell her in spite of her intelligence, but one thing she did know was that her father crown prince Estefan Nenlinell would have taken the entirety of Valtava with him had his father king Eskan not intervened. And from the sins of her father, Alexsa was forever branded.<br><br>The nightmare captured the young elven woman. Held her against her will as she thrashed about her bed, head turning side to side and forehead coated by a light sheen of sweat. In spite of the soft breeze spiraling through the open window blowing the velvet blue curtains, Alexsa's silky white nightgown clung to her clammy skin leaving her feverish. The onslaught of embroidery bed covering consisting of sewn quilts were rolled at the bottom of the fit for one bed with some smaller sheets making a spillage to the wood floor. Unkempt blond hair fell across Alexsa's round face with a majority of the tendrils cropped together under her head dampened. Long dark eyelashes fluttered as her eyelids struggled to open but could not. Naturally pink lips parted revealing teeth as white as ivory behind them. Soft murmurs left Alexsa's mouth. She fought tooth and nail to leave the confines of her prison. Her slender hands gripped the sides of the bed for dear life. The only sign of a reprieve came in the earlier voice outside serving as the morning rooster. It cut through Alexsa's chains forcing open her light blue eyes. They darted to the walnut-colored ceiling in a frenzy before the princess herself sat up partially clutching a hand against her chest, more importantly, her heart. It took everything in her to swallow the refreshing air gulp after gulp to catch her long awaited proper breath. She had to make sure she was real, that she occupied her little homely room. With her other hand, she tucked hair behind her pointed ears still struggling to make sense of everything. Staring about the room, recognition soon filled her eyes.<br><br>"Kyla..." Her relative soothing voice filled the small room. "I'm in Kyla." The elven princess continued with confirmation. A reasonable hamlet with the denizens of various races at the crossroads of the land of Aurendel. This was where she ended up in her travels and in all her scattered senses it was where she without a doubt lay her head. Alexsa's eyes closed. Her once erratic breathing slowed to some semblance of normalcy. Taking a huge gigantic breath, she held it soon forced to turn her attention to the window where a conversation between two people went on. She wouldn't have given it another thought if they both did not sound familiar. The elevated one belonged to the innkeeper's rotund wife, the real owner of the inappropriately named Laughing Cock Inn. A shrewd business woman of short stature yet made up for it with a fearless nature. The only reason Alexsa did not stand on the receiving end of the woman's usual fury was because she had a thing for elves in general. According to the woman, in her younger years, plenty had passed through Kyla, one of which she fancied when her and her husband were on the outs. A dancing elf, she happily told Alexsa. For a moment, the princess wondered what the woman would have thought of her grandfather and his appetite to dance at random times embarrassing of all in his briefs but she merely laughed it off as a passing thought letting the woman regale her with stories at the end of which she found herself with a discounted room. She was always nice to Alexsa since the princess ended up here. Now, on the other hand, the Poikaset felt sorry for the person taking the brunt of the woman's hell. Just exactly what went on? It captured her interest more than dwelling on the horrid nightmare. Kicking her long legs out, her bare feet touched the floor. Standing up, Alexsa sauntered toward the window quite certain the rest of the inn if not the whole village was up because of the commotion. Hanging out on the window sill, she stared out over the village of Kyla. Relatively small, the biggest building was indeed the inn. It was three stories high and made out of stone like the separate tavern and the post office. All the buildings surrounded a circular small square fit with a fountain of grouped cherubs of some human religion, Alexsa hadn't the foggiest idea what it was about. Humans often made up many religions and prayed to a multitude of deities, she could scarcely find the truth of the matter not that the time presented itself to. The small street of cobblestone stopped at a pond running under split land and an equally small bridge. The sun had barely reached the fuchsia sky and not a single other person roamed Kyla.<br><br>So, what was the problem? Alexsa stretched. It was then that the innkeeper's wife stepped out where she could be seen. "Love," That was her favorite thing to call the princess. "This old coot here says he knows you." Her cheeks were a rose red. What old coot? Alexsa felt the breeze tickle her face cooling her down. Her eyebrow raised thoughtfully. From where she was she was unable to see the person but damned if that voice did not sound familiar. Almost like someone back in Valtava. Tilting her head to the side, the color drained from her face suddenly. A gentleman wearing a tall black top hat moved beside the innkeeper's wife earning a glare of disapproval from the woman. Lowering his hat, he lifted his head to stare at her with steely orbs. "Stromwell..." Alexsa shook her head.<br><br>"It is a pleasure to see you after all this time, your highness." The older gentleman did not crack a smile, something a bit of the norm for him. The innkeeper's wife gasped. It seemed a question was at the forefront of her mouth and yet Stromwell gave a simple glance in her direction with a gloved index finger to his dry lips. "No, madam."<br><br>She scowled at him, it was no wonder she had been yelling. Stromwell wasn't exactly the most friendliest of people around others.<br>"How did you find me?" Alexsa demanded above all else. He diverted his attention back to her.<br><br>"You and I both know the answer to that question, your highness. Should we really go over details that hold no consequence to pressing matters?" Alexsa despised him in a secretly loving way with her feelings falling mostly near contempt. It was because Stromwell Gardeen cut from the same cloth as her grandfather. Meddlesome for the fact he, although a human male, served as a former comrade, friend and confidante to Valtava's king well before Alexsa was even if at all a thought in her parent's minds. With origins in a kingdom long gone, Eksan Neninell saved Stromwell and the human male pledged his life to the king and his family and Valtava. He helped Eksan raise Alexsa actually. Served as a teacher in both academics and training. The princess thought they both were impossible. She imagined her grandfather cooking up some detection spell even with her tracks covered. Damn him, she thought angrily. It was his fault she ran in the first place deciding her hand in an arranged marriage. How could he? "Princess Alexsa," Stromwell drew her attention away from her rampant thoughts. "Has time away from Valtava made you lose your manners as a lady?"<br><br>"Excuse me?"<br><br>Stromwell's eyebrow raised sternly. He clutched his hat tightly casting a gaze down while the innkeeper's wife signaled for Alexsa to pull her gown sleeve up. The princess looked at her attire where one of the sleeves had dropped on her lower arm nearly exposing her bosom. She yanked it up quickly crossing her arms. "I'll ask you again, what are you doing here?"<br><br>"I've come with unfortunate news, milady," He answered. His garbs were black, prestigious, and one might mistake him for royalty himself. "I have a letter for you from your grandfather, his highness King Eksan. May I come up to deliver it to you once you are adequately dressed?"<br><br>"No, you may not. Whatever he has to say I'm not interested in. As a matter of fact," She spoke hastily. "I want you to leave this place pretending as if you have never laid eyes on me. Is that clear?" The male rubbed his hairless chin. Obviously, her words had no effect on him and Alexsa could not read him. He was always good at hiding his emotions if he had any at all. She always knew him as a sentinel. An observer acting when it was necessary and never giving away hi's hand until the last minute.<br><br>"You know I cannot do that."<br><br>"Of course, you can't. What is he on about now? His favorite tea has been spoiled?"<br><br>"He is gravely ill, your highness." Stromwell interrupted.<br><br>Alexsa blinked. "What...?"<br><br>"Your grandfather has taken ill in your absence," The man continued on. " He has a malady from which there is not a cure. All the surrounding doctors have been contacted. The diagnosis is grim." Even the innkeeper's wife was shocked. By now as Alexsa tried to process what she was hearing. The sun now reached the midpoint of the sky where cerulean began to break into the before fuchsia. Villagers and those passing through, emerged outside while a lovely aroma wafted from the lower floors of the inn particularly the kitchen. A hand found its way across Alexsa's face. Silence took hold of her as she tried to figure out what to say, how to respond. Part of her nearly turned back into her room, where her meager belongings in a leather satchel sat in a corner, to gather them up and go down to meet Stromwell. The other part felt that something wasn't right. This was Eksan Nenlinell, renowned Valtava king. Her grandfather and known trickster to embellish the truth if it suited him. He over exaggerated situations in his household. She found it hard to believe that the man who never caught a cold suffered from some incurable illness. It was too hard to take at face value. She put her hand down. Stromwell still looked at her calmly.<br><br>"Is he okay?"<br><br>"He is managing. He wishes for you to come home."<br><br>"The letter, will you read it?"<br><br>Stromwell nodded. Reaching inside his vest pocket he retrieved the parchment. Feeling eyes on his side, he gazed at the innkeeper's wife finding her staring at him hoping he would read the letter in front of her too but when he didn’t, she shuffled herself inside telling Alexsa breakfast would be ready when she felt like coming down. Food was the last thing on Alexsa's mind.<br><br>"Inconveniences to the side," The broad-shouldered man cleared his throat as he folded the paper back. He read the contents out loud. "My dearest Alexsa, this is your grandfather. Your only grandfather," Stromwell kept a composed face. Alexsa began to frown though. "You know, the grandfather who raised you from a tiny little thing into the beautiful elven woman you most certainly are now? That grandfather. The one that had to come downstairs at night as you cried in your infancy to scream for the governess? The grandfather who loves you unconditionally even though you've broken his heart by running away from him and his lovely arranged marriage for you. Please come home, please. I'm sick. I fear that this illness haunting me will undoubtedly have me somersaulting off the mortal coil. My heir, light of my life, come home. It pains me to know you are far away. I love you. Love, vaari. P.S, I hope you know the day you ran away it took at least six hours to conjure up breakfast. I thought I would let you know. Come home!"<br><br>Alexsa sighed. He was not sick. It was just a ploy to get her home. She should have known better. Staring at Stromwell, Alexsa couldn't tell what he was thinking. Her grandfather wanted her back for that damnable marriage, that was all. But what if he really was sick and she failed to see him in his time of need? The letter was just a flaming mess, still. "I..."<br><br>"Now do you see? Will you return to Valtava with me?"<br><br>Return home to be forced to get married?<br><br>"Your highness?"<br><br>"I have to tell my husband?"<br><br>Stromwell held back. "Husband?" His eyes narrowed in search of any hint of a lie. Alexsa stared at him without backing down.<br><br>"Yes," She lied. "My husband. I got married three months ago. We have been traveling ever since then..."<br><br>"And the marriage your grandfather wanted for you?"<br><br>"Not my marriage. I don't need someone to force my hand to a stranger I don't love."<br><br>"Well, congratulations are in order. I should like to meet the man capable of taming you, your highness." There seemed to be a challenging note in Stromwell's voice. Of course, he couldn't meet him, there was no such person. She lied and for what reason?<br><br>"He went to Aurendel on business. I'm expecting him tomorrow and I won't leave without him."<br><br>"That is fine, I'll just have to wait here-"<br><br>"No. You must go on ahead, Stromwell." Alexsa spoke firmly. "Tell grandfather, I will be coming home, I promise."<br><br>The man countered. "Would it not be easier for us all to travel together? We can set our introductions straight; I can prepare him for what he will come into once we reach the kingdom."<br><br>"He's shy," Alexsa carried on with the lie. "He doesn't do well around new people. Besides, do you expect him to be able to handle this with you lurking around? Let me tell him. I can hardly wrap my head around it myself. We haven't seen one another in quite a while, and I learn that grandfather is very ill. I just need for you to go on ahead, please."<br><br>"Very well," Stromwell finally agreed eventually giving a bow of his head. "I am truly sorry for disturbing you like this. It is a lot to take it in, I know, but your grandfather will be glad to have you home after all this time, maybe this is what he needs to find the strength. Is there anything I can do for you while I'm here, your highness?"<br><br>"No. Thank you for letting me know..."<br>The human male gave yet another bow of his head straightening himself properly. He put the letter away sitting the hat back on top of his head. Alexsa wondered how he found her unless he had followed her all the time she spent away from home without her knowing. This wasn't what she expected to be greeted with. Her grandfather apparently immensely ill needing her to come home with Stromwell sent after her like some bloodhound. Not that the situation made her any less worried, she still felt there was more to meet the eye. Her grandfather could be manipulative. Through all of his qualities as a king, he was not opposed to do what he must in order to ensnare his way. Alexsa should know better than anyone else. Stromwell too. Speaking of. Her eyes trailed the gentleman as he turned around to walk away presumably out of sight to the side stable connected to the inn where the horses were. Before he was entirely gone, she called out to him. "Will you tell him I love him, that I won't be long?"<br><br>"As you wish, your highness." He spoke dutifully as always. When he could no longer be seen, Alexsa shut the window drawing the curtains together. She remained in one spot thoughtfully. Had she really, blatantly took a page out of her vaari's book by lying through her teeth? How vindictive. She, with a shy husband? Absurd. Running a hand through her no longer damp hair, she knew one thing was certain; She could no longer stay in Kyla. The atmosphere had been mucked up by Stromwell who was akin to a plague against everything tranquil. Not for a second did she expect him to give up. If anything, he would probably lie in wait to follow her wherever she decided to go. The real question of the moment. Where could Alexsa go? What would she do about this so called non-existent husband visiting Aurendel, the land of the demons? She managed to cook her own goose, that was for sure. Her feet moved. They led her to the polished dresser in another corner where she yanked the drawer open in search of her clothes. Being away from Valtava had changed her. No longer on the cloud of royalty, Alexsa found other ways to adapt. No one knew her lineage, therefore, she need not act as if she were something she did not ask to be. She could be whomever she desired. The truth of the matter was she felt her father's actions kept her kin from seeing her for anything more than his blood, a curse. Maybe that was one of the reasons she could not rid herself of the nightmares. Guilt. Perhaps it really wasn't just the idea of her vaari arranging a marriage for her. "Oi, love. You in there?" The innkeeper's wife knocked on her room door abruptly. "Lovey? Did that bastard face man make you sad?"<br><br>Alexsa halted her search for clothes. She was at the door quickly opening it to see the shorter frazzled auburn hair woman up close. "He upset me," She kept speaking. "Coming in out of the blue, holding out a parchment with your face on it. How did he know you were here?"<br><br>"That is the question right there. I'm not certain."<br><br>"Is it true what he said? Are you royalty?"<br><br>Alexsa thought best on how to answer. Instead, she gave a small smile. The innkeeper's wife beamed as if it were her secret to keep hidden from the masses. "Don't you worry, mum's the word believe you me. He's still here. He went to the stable but has not moved, I watched him. Is he waiting for you?"<br><br>"Of course, he is." Damn Stromwell, Alexsa knew better. "My horse is there. I won't be able to get away from him."<br><br>The plump woman thought for a moment. "Yes, yes you can. There's a merchant from Aurendel here I just remembered. He and the husband are doing their usual banter over breakfast. Let me tell you, the finest ale to be served comes from him, a demon though, small matters, however. He can take you to Aurendel where you can at least have that stinky man off your trail for a bit."<br><br>Anything was better than being followed by Stromwell. "You would help me more, madam? You've already done so much."<br><br>This made the woman smile cheek to cheek. "I love you elves, every last one of you," She started to imitate a dance of some sort with her shoulders painful to most to watch but Alexsa merely shared her smile. "Remember the dancing elf I told you about? I swear, if my husband were not in the picture I would be married to him wherever he might be these days. Ah, yes. Oh, right, the merchant," Her memories of the past came to a screeching halt. <br><br>"Lovey, you gather your things, get dressed, and I'll go talk it over with him. Sounds like a plan?"<br><br>"It does. Thank you. Let me pay you for your trouble."<br><br>"Bah!" The woman shook her head. "Nonsense, you'll do no such thing." Taking a step back, she disappeared down the hallway. Alexsa went to get cleaned up and dressed afterward. The dark green tunic she wore acted in a way as a dress itself reaching a dab above her knees where naturally she wore black slacks to not leave herself exposed to cause some uproar and tarnish her own comfort. The tunic was with a hood and a wide dark brown leather belt draped around her waist. Inside the diamond-shaped sleeves, pockets lie hidden. Within them were daggers in the event discretion needed to be taken or someone tried to cross a line. Alexsa may have looked like the ordinary traveler but a damsel she was not and would never be. Her knee high boots were also made of leather. Keeping hair away from her face, she tied the mane of blond hair into a long ponytail concealed by the tunic's hood. She didn't go advertising the rest of her weapons opting to keep them inside her satchel for now. She had never been to Aurendel rules and customs most likely were different and as if she weren't in enough trouble already she didn't want to invite more. Shuffling could be heard in the hallway bringing about the innkeeper's wife for a second appearance outside of her room knocking softly.<br><br>"Liekki will take you to Aurendel." She announced proudly. Liekki more than assumed to be the merchant from Aurendel.<br><br>"Will he allow me to pay him?"<br><br>"It has already been taken care of, lovey."<br><br>"I don't know what to say. Thank you seems to pale in comparison, still, thank you for everything."<br><br>The woman came forward to hug Alexsa. "You are welcome. Come, come. He's waiting around back. We don't want that stupid man getting wind of this. Come." Pulling away, the innkeeper's wife led the princess on with Alexsa carrying her satchel in tow. Other patrons of the inn lingered in the doorway of their room somewhat watchful of the two though they otherwise did not pay much attention. Once on the bottom floor beyond the lobby and the kitchen, the source of the abundant smells, Alexsa followed the woman out back. It was there that they came to a fairly large wagon hitched to a team of horses. <br><br>Carrying some physical traits of a human, upon closer inspection, the merchant clearly was not. He was large, muscular, with shoulders broader than Stromwell's. Hair as crimson as blood fell around his forehead and oblong face quite possibly longer than Alexsa's left unrestrained and loose. Noticeably sticking up from his head were antlers the same color as his hair. Around the left side of his face, a bandaged was tied concealing the left eye which if shown would have matched his right akin to a beak and full on red. He inspected the back of the wagon thoroughly. Under the cloak of hay, wooden crates of wares sat side by side ranging from bottles of ale to animal oils. Catching a quick glimpse of the princess, the demon smiled with two rows of jaggedly sharp teeth and lips similar to a human's. She smiled curious what he looked like under the cloak he wore. She caught a look at his strangely large hands that the nails were red and long enough to gouge the hell out of anything. If she didn't have some worry, she would be lying to herself. Hearing of and being around were two different things, she heard stories about demons along the way. At the moment, it was more for the fact she didn't know him, and he had every reason, if he felt it, to be wary of her. After checking the precious cargo, Liekki gave a tilt of his head to the wagon. "There's room to wiggle beside the ale." He had a baritone of a voice oozed in a harsh accent when speaking.<br><br>"Thank you." Alexsa told him.<br><br>He nodded climbing up on the wagon seat taking the reins.<br><br>Looking back to the innkeeper's wife, Alexsa thanked her again. She then went around the back of the wagon lifting some of the hay to push her satchel near the crates and finally herself making certain she was well hidden from view laying down with one of her arms acting as pillow. Once the wagon moved, the bottles rattled together making clicking noises. Above them, the demon began to sing a song in his native tongue. The princess pushed all of it out of her mind thinking about the mess she had gotten herself into and her grandfather. If something did happen to him it meant as his heir she would be Valtava's ruler. In all the history of her people there was not a female sitting on the throne without her life mate. It was unheard of. The males were different, however. Considered stronger, they could rule on their own. Her grandfather's wife died giving birth to their son, her father. Alexsa didn't want to rule. She didn't want to think of her vaari being anything other than his crazy self. Once she figured out what she planned to do she would return home where hopefully it wouldn't be too late. With the merchant in his own little world, Alexsa continued to overwhelm herself with thought after thought. The shaking of the wagon did little to bring her comfort and the urge to peek out quickly died away. She had not a single clue how long they traveled but Liekki changed several different songs all without engaging her in long conversations except to ask if she was dead which, fortunately, she was not. One thing that told her they were long away from Kyla was the changing temperature. It was rather warmer than the gentle breeze of the hamlet. It made her want to change her clothing, maybe to a simple sleeveless dress. "You still alive?" The merchant inquired for the numerous time.<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>"Good."<br><br>And he broke out into another song following the repeated question. Alexsa closed her eyes. She willed herself to stay awake and alert but this was a battle she did not win and succumbed to sleep shortly after even as the wagon barreled along heading for the city of Aurendel.</div></div></span><br></div>