Alix

Alix:

Before we delve into the storyline... let me just say that I LOVE Alix! I literally created her character just out of her name, but she's so sweet and fun and un-girl-ish and and wild... she's great :) and her soon-to-be best friend I have yet to actually write about is pretty amazing too. Unfortunately, I have to put them on hold and tackle one story at a time.
For maintenance of my sanity, you know?
Onto Alix--

Alix is a capricious teen girl growing up in a hill-house near duchy Aromine. She is the youngest child in her family of 13. Her father is the duke. Alix's life is perfect; she can be anyone she wants to be. Unlike most noble children, she isn't needed in the political world of her family. She is free as the wind, and loves her wild life. But all good things come to an end. Alix's life is turned upside down as what was supposed to be a short visit to her family turns into a tragic and bewildering situation. The old Alix dies, and her new self doesn't know who she is. Alix wrestles with finding herself and staying loyal to what she believes is right. The problem is, she can figure out how to do either.

Now one small (HUGE!) detail I left out of that teaser....

There's a guy. His name is Aster. And he's convinced she can bring the whole kingdom out of its depressed, war-like state and back into its old, joyous condition. Of course, there's much more to it than that... ;)

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Intro to Alix:

Alix crept up the craggy mountainside, her fingers and toes easily finding purchase to propel her upwards. She tossed her wild dark curls back out of her face and, with one last effort, pulled herself to the summit. 

A capricious grin flashed across her face as her warm, chocolate-gold eyes watched the valley below with an un-childlike intensity.

 

Excerpt from Alix:

A mob of squawking maids assailed Alix the moment she stepped over the threshold. Alix caught the barest glance of the castle decorations as she was whisked away to prepare for the banquet that night. What she saw was impressive. The soft-lighted shale corridors were strewn with silver streamers that cast an array of sparkles across the walls and all of the best vases had been brought out and filled with special indigo and silver hybrid-flowers, specially bred for occasions of the king’s presence.

The great hall was draped with soft gray-and-blue silk tapestries to give it the feel of the night sky and stuffed birds soared regally near the ceiling. Duke Renthrow had ordered a thousand nightingales be caught for the occasion and the hidden birds were singing beautifully.

Alix smiled at the whimsical scene as they swept by. It was splendid, yet simple. Sir Folun and Lady Nora, the resident magicians, had outdone themselves this time.

No one seemed to know what to do when Alix refused to let go of Kura. Their anxious faces made her smile widen. Finally, one of her page friends came to take Kura to her room.

Alix’s smile soon withered when she saw her dress for the night. She frowned stubbornly and mentally cursed Tarin. Her sister had excellent taste in court style, but Alix hated the monstrous silk gowns with a passion. Tonight, her sister had designed a magenta ballroom gown with puffy sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a billowing skirt.

Alix made a face at the color and sighed helplessly at all the frilly ribbon. “It’s what you get for being late,” Zalia tutted as she and Lissa, already dressed, swept into the room to accompany her down.

Alix rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be dressed, scowling at her reflection when the maids were through. Before she could object, her chambermaid Ezna had brushed her face with power and twin spots of rogue.

When Ezna turned to get the eye make-up, however, Alix quickly scrubbed the colors off. Ezna frowned unhappily at Alix’s defiant glare and then sighed, giving in. She dabbed some rosy powder onto Alix’s eyelids and painted the outline of her eyes with black paint.

“Am I done already,” Alix whined, stepping backwards nonchalantly.

“Oh no, young miss,” Ezna snapped, holding out a pair of low heels. Alix groaned.

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She entered the sparkling ballroom as the last in line with her sisters, being the youngest. The seven of them were a splendidly matching rainbow, and Alix saw that her six brothers were dressed in varying shades of gray. The girls were obviously being showcased.