Hvisla, the Exiled Kvinna

Before the elven nation of Aelvalla fell in the War of Iron and Water, there once lived a kvinna (elvish for noble lady) named Hvisla in one of the southernmost elven cities near the mouth of the Mjoll River. For reasons forgotten and lost to history, Hvisla was cursed. Perhaps none but Hvisla herself know the reason and nature of her curse, but whatever the origin, her beautiful elven features became twisted and monstrous, and she was exiled from her lands in Aelvalla.

For at least 400 years now Hvisla has lived in the swamps south of what was once her family's hall and lands (present-day Ulfsted is now built upon their ruins). Tales say Hvisla seeks a way to end her curse and reclaim her beauty and her birthright, and will greatly reward the one who can aid her. For centuries champions both elven and human have sought to help Hvisla end her curse (some with noble intent, and others hoping to gain wealth and elja). Some say a god must be killed to end the curse. Others say some impossible task must be completed, like retrieving a tooth from Nydaugg. Regardless of the truth, none have succeeded in ending Hvisla's curse.
Despite her monstrous appearance, those who have encountered Hvisla in her ruined hall deep in the swamps say that she is a kind soul, even though she has an odd way of speaking that unintentionally sounds vaguely threatening. Or perhaps folk just infer that Hvisla is speaking threateningly because of her gruesome appearance, as books are often judged by their covers, so to speak. Hvisla is always accompanied by her elven ward, a young woman named Laera. Hvisla and Laera seem to share some close family bond, perhaps an aunt and neice some think, but the two never share the details with outsiders. Some tales say Hvisla owns a magical silver bell that can enchant people, which she uses to protect herself when outsiders come to her ruined hall with ill intent.