#creativityflows

aaaaa that’s so pretty....

Hey guys! This is the first chapter of the story I am working on with @creativityflows (they are amazing by the way). We are writing a fantasy story from the perspective of two characters: Sylvia the Rogue, and Princess Alexia. @creativityflows has already posted the first chapter from her account from Sylvia’s perspective, so go to her account if you want to read it from her point of view. I am writing from Alexia’s point of view, so stick around if you want to read it from her perspective. If you have any questions about this story, feel free to ask us!

As requested, @willowandsnow will be tagged in all of the chapters in the story. If you want to be tagged in them as well, let us know and you will be added to the list.

Enjoy! (@thewriterandthestoryteller with @creativityflows) 

The trees swayed in the wind as Alexa gazed out of the window. It was a beautiful spring morning, and the sun was tentatively peering over the city, giving it an eerie glow. She sighed and gazed longingly at the beautiful place just out of her reach. Father would never let her go outside of the palace walls, and she knew it would do her no good to long for something that she could never have. Her freedom.

‘Tea miss?’ came a voice from behind her. She turned to see her best friend and maid holding a small mug of inky black liquid.

‘Yes please Sophia’ Alexia replied, distracted by the view outside. Sophia noticed her looking out the window.

‘’Tis a lovely view isn’t it miss?’ she commented but was greeted with silence as she continued to stare out of the window. Sophia wasn’t at all surprised by this, in fact, this has happened every morning since she started working at the palace, so she knew exactly what she had to say to her.

‘We’d best go and get ready for breakfast’ she walked to a chest of draws on the other side of the desk and pulled out a small comb. Handing it to Alexia, she was surprised when she heard her say,

‘Please, do call me Lexi’

She began combing the knots out of her hair, pulling the brush quickly to try and make the act less painful. While she was brushing, Sophia began putting out an outfit for her to wear. Today, like most days, it was simple black clothes with her cloak with red velvet in the hood. She knew that Lexi had never been a fan of overly fancy clothes and much preferred simple outfits that were well made and lasted a long time. She opened the bottom of the wardrobe to see a row of shoes neatly lined up, but hesitated to pick a pair. Knowing due to her halfling blood, Lexi often prefers to walk around barefoot when possible, she turned and asked her if she wanted them.

‘I suppose I ought to wear them’ she sighed, put down the brush and walked over to the mirror. She glanced at her reflection, showing her neat brown hair and beautiful green eyes, but also her unnaturally short height from her heritage. She looked enviously at Sophia, who was tall and slender, with blonde wavy hair. She was exactly how an elf was expected to look, and exactly how she wanted to be. Sophia saw the way in which she looked at her, the jealousy in her dark green eyes.

‘Please don’t be like that Lexi, you are different; it is a whole new kind of beauty’

‘Easy for you to say, you are from one of the oldest families in the land, and are a pure blooded elven’ she hissed ‘you don’t understand what it is like to stand out’

‘Please don’t be like this!’ she cried desperately ‘Not on your birthday!’

Alexia’s eyes widened in shock and shone in excitement, the argument now forgotten.

‘Of course! I must go and see what my father has planned for me’

‘What did you request this year Lexi?’ Sophie inquired, picking up the abandoned mug of tea from the table.

‘A entertainer that uses magic!’ she squealed

Grabbing a pair of shoes out of the open draw, Lexi ran into the corridor to the banquet.

‘Have a wonderful day my friend’ Sophie called after her.  

Alexia forcefully shoved open the door, and ran across the banquet hall, loud from the hearty laughs of the drunk men inside. She took a seat next to her father at the head of the table. She was concerned; the usual ghost of a smile was replaced by a stoic look of concern and fear. Sliding on her shoes, she opened her mouth to ask what was wrong but was interrupted by the doors being opened and a human shouting dramatically

‘Your entertainment has arrived!’

She bounced across the hall with a flute floating behind her and began to sing:

This is the tale of Elegaard ,

Who went on adventures both easy and hard,

With her lute and viola she sang,

On adventures across the land.

Alexia turned to her father and whispered,

‘Who is this Elegaard she sings of?’

‘A legend. She is said to be one of the best bards of the land.’ he replied, his voice barely heard over the now clapping and cheering crowd.

She turned back to look at the bard, now dancing on top of a table, the flute playing at an immense speed in time with the cheering crowd. The chorus was short and easy to remember, and everyone began chanting with her:

This is the tale of Elegaard ,

Who went on adventures both easy and hard,

With her lute and viola she sang,

On adventures across the land.

This is the tale of Elegaard ,

Who went on adventures both easy and hard,

With her lute and viola she sang,

On adventures across the land.

‘Cos this is the tale of Elegaard

Elegaard the brilliant bard

Elegaard the brilliant bard

Elegaard Elegaard Elegaard Elegaard!

The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, and the bard began bowing to her audience. She then bounced over to the throne and turned to face Alexia with a big grin on her face. She then clicked her fingers and her flute disappeared into thin air. Alexia pretended not to notice the sad look on her face when she saw the frown plastered on the King’s face, but it was well hidden and quickly replaced with a smile as she began to tell a story. It was magical; she spoke of dragons in faraway lands, and lairs of goblins and raiders wreaking havoc upon the innocent. Alexia began to study the entertainer before her. Long black hair tied messily into a braid draped over her back. Green travelling clothes with thick long boots that came up to her knees and a black cloak fastened together with a feather breach. These clothes were typically worn by travellers as well as entertainers. There was nothing unusual about them. She was also wearing a mask engraved to look like the face of a fox. It was beautifully crafted; the metal fit her face perfectly. However, this gave Alexia the idea that she may have a reason to hide her face. She quickly put this thought to the back of her mind and continued to listen. As she was retelling the story, for a brief moment, she thought one eye looked a slightly different colour to the other.

‘Huh’ she thought ‘I wonder what that could be’

Before she could say ‘bard’, the story was finished, and once again the crowd erupted into cheers. Alexia, for the second time that day, was longing for the outside world that was out of her reach. She gently placed a hand on the entertainer's shoulder, and she turned around, a mischievous grin on her face

‘It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Alexia’

Printer: Why do you read?I read because it allows me to experience something different. I have severe depression, anxiety, and ADHD, which are all things that make the real world… Not very fun. So I read and pretend to be somewhere else living some other life in a place that may or may not plausibly exist. I don’t remember the quote, but… Somewhere there’s a thing about living a million different lives or something? It’s like that. Chapter: Do you think reading is for everyone?

I personally believe that people who don’t like reading either haven’t found the right book yet or had a bad English teacher that made them hate reading. My sister hated reading until she discovered that non-fiction was really her cup of tea. Sometimes it’s just about experimenting. That being said, reading is something that should make you feel all warm and fuzzy, so if it isn’t making you feel that, then don’t force yourself. Scroll: What is your favourite weather to read in?Thunderstorms!!!!!!!!! When it’s grey and cold and you hear the sound of the rain (my apartment has a tin roof so it’s especially nice) and the crack of thunder and lightning… I’m a very dramatic person. So I really appreciate the drama of the sky just throwing a giant tantrum. 

Hey guys! This is the second chapter of the story I am working on with @creativityflows, who never ceases to amaze me with her eagerness to write this story. She is writing from Sylvia the Rogue’s perspective, so go to her account if you want to read it from her point of view. If you have any questions about this story, feel free to ask us! And as requested @willowandsnow, @writingguardian , @sorae-mina , @taz-writes will be tagged and if anyone else’s wants to as well let us know! Here we go!

‘ Ha.. ha.. ha’ Alexia laughed maliciously as she began to advance at a rapid pace.

‘You really think you could defeat me?’

Jason chuckled darkly as he let down his guard and began easily deflecting Alexia’s blows, a look of great amusement plastered on his face as he saw the shock on his opponents face. He then lunged towards her, tip pointed at Alexia’s chest as she bowed her head down in defeat.

‘You always win!’ Alexia whined. Her eyes darkened as she whispered. 

‘Someday the Gods will be on my side’

Jason walked over to her and whispered in that same sinister tone

‘I’ll be dead before that day comes’

She rolled her eyes at him, sliding her sword back into its sheath and began making her way back to the palace. Jason began walking towards her, catching up quickly with his much longer strides.

‘That was much better than last time you know’ he complimented genuinely

 ‘Your technique really is something special’

‘Yeah, that's what people will think won’t they’ she mocked

 ‘when somebody's sword is shoved into my heart. At least her technique was good’

‘At least you are getting somewhere’

Angry, hungry, and tired, Alexia crossed her arms and continued to follow the narrow path towards the palace. She had been training in the palace courtyard all morning; a large clearing lined with wood and stone to match the palace itself. However, as beautiful as the courtyard was, it wasn’t the most practical place for a duel. The trees had been cleared away when the yard was made, so there was no shelter from the direct sunlight shining on them. Light reflected off the walls and onto the floor, making it scorching hot to the touch even on the coldest of days. It did make Alexia thankful to return to the airy palace and have a refreshing drink of water. The mere thought of it made her pant like a dog. She snapped out of her daydream and came to an immediate halt when she heard the strangled cry of her friend.

‘Princess Alexia!’ the voice said, emphasizing each word in mock frustration.

‘You’re training with this bonehead? Please, he is a coward, not to mention an absolute pain in my ass’

The voice was husky, deep and familiar, but she couldn’t recall whose it was. The feeling was almost painful; knowing yet being uncertain. She came to her senses and turned to face Jason’s captor.

A human with long, black hair, tied back into a messy braid stood in front of her. She was dressed in green travelling clothes with a cloak, and thick boots coming up to her knees. A dagger was being held up to Jason’s neck, her arm wrapped tightly around his neck ensuring there was no chance of him breaking free on his own accord. A flood of memories hit Alexia. She was the amazing bard that performed to her last night. However, the entertainer was barely recognisable without her mysterious fox mask. Her features exposed showed a face with arched eyebrows, full lips and almond-shaped eyes. As she saw the other night, her eyes were completely different colours, one being a dark purple and the other being a milky purple colour.

The bard looked towards the guard and tutted in disdain. She then turned to Alexia, a sly grin on her face.

‘Remember me, princess?’ she mocked.

 She opened her mouth and put her hands on her face in exaggerated shock as she noted the anger in the princesses face. Alexia unsheathed her blade and held it towards the intruder as an unspoken threat.

‘Release Jason at once!’ Alexia demanded, showing authority in her voice

The bard glanced at the guard.

‘Jason eh?’ she muttered ‘That’s your name.. I have been wondering since we crossed paths last night’

‘I said I was sorry!’ Jason cried desperately ‘Please just let me go!’

The entertainer snickered as she shoved the guard forwards so he landed face first in the dirt. She then revealed a battered wooden sword taken from the rack the pair had used for practice. Alexia strode towards her with confidence. Prodding her own sword on the intruder's chest, she asked curiously

‘What are you doing inside the palace? No one but the staff is allowed in the courtyard, and I am sure you refused to stay in the guest quarters. So why are you here? And what is your business with my friend?’

Pushing away the tip of the sword with her finger, but keeping eye contact with the princess, the bard responded

‘Your friend didn’t allow me into the palace last night, even though he knew there was a guest coming to perform to the princess for her birthday. I didn’t want to be late or ruin the relationship I had with the king, so I had to use force’

She paused, seeing the shock on the princesses face. Alexia turned to face Jason.

‘Is this true Jason?’

The guard sighed.

‘Yes Miss, I am afraid it is.’ He said seriously ‘I apologise, I had completely forgotten that a guest was expected to come to the palace’

Jason then turned to the entertainer.

‘Miss I apologise for stopping you and delaying your arrival to the palace. You have probably travelled a long way to get here, and it was incredibly rude of me to question you when you arrived, especially since your performance last night was incredible. I only want to keep the palace and everyone in it safe. Please forgive me.’

His head hung low, showing his sincerity in his apology and his loyalty to his duty of protecting the palace. The bard rolled her eyes and said

‘It is okay. I don’t tend to hold grudges, especially not with people who have intentions as good as yours’

Alexia then addressed the entertainer.

‘Now that wasn’t so hard, was it? You may take your leave now bard.’ her eyes narrowed as she looked at the entertainer. The bard’s grin stretched to cover her whole face.

‘You see, that’s where you are wrong’

Becoming more amused when she saw the look of rage that had appeared on the Princess’ face, and still grinning from ear to ear, she continued “Others might listen to your orders. But not everyone will listen. And I guess you can thank me for the early lesson.”

The entertainer raised her sword. Pushing her away with the true edge and pointing it at her heart, she added

“But me? I’m someone who will listen to others when I wish. But not if they are simply  pampered royalty who think they can bend anyone’s will simply because of their title.”

With that, Alexia snapped and forcefully flung the blade towards the bard. Predicting the move, the entertainer turned around to deliver a forceful blow to her back. Alexia turned around, desperately trying to block her opponents’ hits, but she had already gotten on the other side of her. The duel continued, and the bard could see the princess getting more and more frustrated with every hit! Her intention was to provoke the princess’, and clearly, she was very successful. The entertainer knocked the blade out of her opponent's hand with ease and forcefully shoved the princess to the ground. Alexia lay on the floor beneath her, trying to hide her ragged breathing. Jason kneeled by her side, glaring at the entertainer appalled. The bard looked down at her

‘Try not to let your emotions get the better of you; it will really give you the upper hand in a fight’ she advised.

She then through the wooden sword on the ground, and turned to be met with Sophia. She looked shocked and stood paralysed with fear. The bard did a last mocking bow towards the princess, before jumping into the trees and leaving the palace most certainly not for the last time.

‘THAT STUPID BARD!’ the princess yelled forcefully punching the wall after every word. Sophia cringed as she heard the ‘thwack’ of the thin wall after making contact with Sophia’s fist.

‘Miss, please stop it! You’ll hurt yourself!’ she cried desperately, but she was ignored and Alexia continued to take her anger out on her bedroom wall. However, Sophie knew that eventually, she would stop if she continued to tell her to. She tried again.

‘Miss, please don’t be like this!’

‘How can I not?’ she spoke so fast in her frustration that it was getting increasingly difficult for Sophia to understand what the girl was saying

She completely humiliated me! Not only that but she humiliated my family!’

Tired out from her intense punching, the princess huffed and fell backwards onto her lavish bed.

‘Though…’ she muttered thoughtfully

‘I would like to know how she does it. How she slips past everyone. How she does everything she does…’

Standing up suddenly, Alexia strode towards the mirror

‘Sophia, do you think I’ll meet her again?’

The maid opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a certain bard swinging through the open window. Alexia whipped ‘round, and faced the intruder, the shock on her face was uncanny to that of Sophia’s. The entertainer stared at the full bookshelves and sighed dramatically.

‘Really princess? Plant life? Can you get any more boring?’ she said in a languid drawl. She then looked at the princess, her small dress and the unusual absence of footwear. The entertainer thought back to what she had been hearing at the tavern, how the princess was said to not be fully elven. No shoes was a common trait among a certain race; perhaps she had halfling blood… Alexia noticed the bard’s gaze on her bare feet and shifted uncomfortably. She opened her mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by the intruder

‘As much as I would love to reveal all of my secrets to you at this very moment, I’m afraid that is simply impossible’

The bard then walked over to Sophia, feeling the princesses’ eyes on her. She gently grasped both hands, and looking into her eyes she said

‘I have decided to accept your request. Now, who is the other person you wish to bring with you?’

The maid anxiously glanced at Sophia, then back at the bard again.

‘Of course, Princess Alexia, the girl who devoured my stories as her birthday present. I would expect after that you would be desperate for some sort of adventure..’

She slowly walked towards her, a fake grin plastered on her face. The entertainer bowed at the princesses’ feet and said simply.

‘Well, today is your lucky day, for I have been requested by your good friend Sophia to take the two of you on an adventure!’

She paused and watched the emotions shown on the pair’s face. Before either of them could get another word in, a small bell chimed in the corner of the room.

‘Well, I believe that is the dinner bell. You best be off, I shan’t be the reason the princess is late for her meal. I shall take my leave’

She began walking to the window, and resisted the urge to laugh out loud when she heard the pair protest:

‘An adventure, what on earth do you mean by that? I have so many questions!’

‘I only wanted my friend to go, not me as well!’

Ignoring the pair, the bard simply said

‘I will be here tomorrow morning to discuss the details of the trip. Until then!’

Saluting, she began to fall backwards out of the open window. The princess ran to the window and shouted

‘Please wait! We don’t even know your name!’

i’m tired so this is mostly rambling so sorry in advance hjklsjs

like i said their realm doesn’t follow natural laws. they don’t have gravity, up is down and down is up, there’s some fae that can be in more places than one, maybe you’re looking at a river but that river is in another place and when you try to swim you fall from a cliff instead. living there is a nightmare. not counting the times in which you change places ‘cause the world feels like it.

believe it or not it made sense. like, the river changed places ‘cause it needed to be in another place, people just don’t understand

that means: the fae are tired and angry half the time, the other half they’re hungry

… and the only living things there are themselves… fae used to eat each other before the fuckin’ dragons opened the borders. bye bye to a lot of naive humans

they have a hard time living in their own realm, so they need some sense of orden and peace … that how the thirteen courts were born. they’re rule by thirteen monarchs. that’s new btw so the borders and the land of each court aren’t clear yet.

the monarchs are the oldest fae ofc

it’s still a disaster btw they try to have some sort of laws and shit, but it’s difficult when the tree you used to live in isn’t there anymore you know.

they look like animals. not in the cute deer with antlers sense but eyes like bears and dogs and sharks, bat wings instead of arms, sometimes their arms and legs are shaped in a way to resemblance those of a horse, etc, etc. they’re also covered in flowers or butterflies or some gross thing.

they’re born in a certain path they must follow all their lives. if a fae was born to being a servant to a more powerful one then they can’t change their destiny. what happens if they try? no one knows ‘cause it never happened. their lives shape around that path, never letting them stray from it.

what happens to the old fae? yeah, they know since the beginning they were to rule the others.

there’s powerful fae and weak fae, yes. they used magic but magic in that world is weird too and tbh i’m still working on it sorry (the fae will have a major role in the second book that’s why)

yeah they’re a disaster, killing each other, eating humans, trying to escape from their home, caring about nothing ‘cause everything is already write for them. being as original as me you can guess: they don’t have a moral code. they just eat to keep following their path.

Send “Bloop” to my inbox and I’ll spout a random fun fact about one of my OCs

Risa, from Broken Strings, has OCD. It’s not severe, she can control it with sentences and images in her head, and sometimes little quirks (touching her hair a lot or bitting her nails, or tapping her legs). When she feels intense emotions she says her sentences out loud. In emergency situations she can’t do anything because her mind can’t just shut up.