>>>Tenth day of the Month of Fire<<<


>"Alexandria, dear, come inside! You'll catch a terrible cold! We can't have you sick before the wedding!"

Alexandria paid no heed to her mother's words. She remained at the balcony, looking out at the lush scenery of Arcadia. Rolling green hills, lush forests, and beautifully clear creeks covered the earth. Alexandria cherished every moment she had outside.

>"Mother, I don't want to be his bride! I want to live! Explore! Travel the world!" Alexandria yelled.

Alexandria's maidservant appeared behind her, startling Alexandria.

>"Miss Von Payens, it's time to go." She said politely.

"But I don't want to!" Alexandria proclaimed.

>"Young mistress, I've worked for this family for sixteen years. I've watched you grow since you were born. You've always been rebellious, and more of a tomboy than a lady. But now is not the time for argument. Your father has already made the arrangements. You know what would happen if he were to call it off. The family would be shamed, known as nothing more than liars. It is your duty to become Sir Klaus's bride. He would be a very nice suitor for you. I heard he's very well decorated; he is a Arcadian Knight after all." The maidservant said.

>"But Sophia, I don't love him. I love the outdoors! I love freedom! I can't stand being chained inside, never to see the world. I won't marry him!" Alexandria said, turning on her heel.

Stepping onto the railing, Alexandria took a deep breath as she jumped off.

With practiced ease, she caught onto a nearby tree branch, and swung onto the ground, landing on her feet. As soon as she hit the ground, she was already sprinting into the forest.

Sophia simply watched, and shook her head.

>'You can run all you want, Alexandria. They'll always catch up to you, no matter how far you go, or how fast you run.'

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Deep inside the Mithrindor Forest, Alexandria sat against a tree catching her breath. After running for a hour, she sat winded, panting heavily.

>'Halfway there. I can make it before midday. I can do it. I can do it.'

Shakily, she rises to her feet. Breathing in the fresh air, she breaks into a run. The smell of timber, mixed with the scents of the flowers, and the musk of moss combined to created a unique scent, one you could only get deep inside the forest. Many a night Alexandria would sneak out of the castle to escape here, the Great Outdoors. She'd play alone in the woods, staring at the stars. Listening to the various wildlife, and stalking other animals underneath the full moon.

Alexandria longed to sleep underneath the stars, laying next to a campfire slowly burning out. She'd had fantasies of exploring with a group of Paladins, in the uncharted territory of the West. In her mind's eye, Alexandria could already see herself; standing above a battlefield, a shining ray of hope in a bleak battle. Her chain and mail armor casting a warm glow, and as she brings her sword to bear, a ray of light falls upon her. Her long, blonde hair whipping in the wind as she jumps down, into the fray of battle. Swing left, right and center, slaying all those who dare engage her. The blood of the legendary warmaidens of old are flowing through her veins; she's unstoppable.

THUMP!

>"Ouch! Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow!" Alexandria says, rubbing her forehead.

>"Perhaps you should pay more attention to where you're going, young miss." A voice said.

Looking around for the source, Alexandria sat upright.

Stepping out from behind a tree, he introduced himself with a knee.

>"It's dangerous in these woods. You never know when a slime might attack. Von Krieg, at your service, milady."

Rising up from his knee, he offered a hand to Alexandria.

>"T-Thank you."

>"Oh! Where are my manners?" Alexandria said with a curtsey.

>"I'm Alexandria, but call me Alexia." She said.

>"Of course, Alexia. It's very nice to meet you."

[To be continued]