Far to the southwest of Eriador lived a village called Caldwell. A medium sized town with ordinary people. They are not like the Hobbits that live north from where they were, opposite from the kind actually: they were tall, thin, looking basically like any other regular man. Though, a handful of the villagers were extraordinary from the rest.
If you go down the main road of the village, turn left at the blacksmith shop and go straight on ahead, you will find a forest. Now this was no ordinary forest with birds and animals roaming and trees that grow every year, this one was special. They say when a woman is pregnant and the time of labor is near, very rare times will she birth in the forest. Here, when the baby is born, the forest also grants the child one special power. Yes, an insane legend the people never believed, but not to the few men who had their abilities for their whole life.
Indeed, there are a handful of men in Caldwell whose mothers gave birth in the forest and were granted with the abilities they have today. One of the few that knew of these people was Favian, the son of Ethamen, the only man in Caldwell that came out of the great unknown to live his life there. He is a quiet young man who liked people to keep out of his business. Favian never told his mysterious stories of his travels and, frankly, no one in the town seemed to bother on the topic. He was the town's huntsman, as they would call him, and he was skillful with a bow and making traps to catch his game. But it wasn't a hobby he learned when he was a young boy, his skill was high senses which made him the perfect hunter.
He was able to hear an animal's footsteps a hundred meters away, see a clear view of a chantling on the highest tree in the forest, and smell the blood of a wounded animal that was caught in one of his traps. He was a man who lived in the shadows, away from the people of Caldwell, a man who minded his own business and would never talk to others. Even though the lone wolf he was got the best of him, the private life he had would change forever.
It was a warm summer night with millions of stars shining in twilight and Caldwell was silent as a graveyard. Not one soul made a noise of disturbance until a few seconds later. The sound of hooves stomping against the ground and wooden wheels squeaking filled the quiet night, yet no one seemed awake enough to ear the noise clearly. The chestnut pony that pulled the wagon came to a sudden halt after feeling its master tug the reins back aggressively.
When the world went quiet again, the mysterious man in grey cloak hopped out from his wagon and fixed his point blue hat after the wind pushed it to an uncomfortable position. He then began to stroke his grey beard and scan the village suspiciously, distracted by a deep thought. There seemed to be nothing wrong in Caldwell, for now.
For a few minutes, the screaming silence came to a close when he felt the presence of another soul. Turning to his right, a hooded figure walked slowly in his direction. The figure seemed like no threat to him, after searching for weapons and clearly founding none, so he smiled and gave a respectful bow. "My Lady Galadriel." he said.
When it was close, the figure came to a stop and pulled down the hood. Underneath was a radiant she-Elf with golden wavy hair and crystal blue eyes. Her pale skin seemed to be glowing with a natural light and she put on a smile that could make someone feel extremely wonderful. "Vedui' (Greetings) Mithrander, it is nice to see you again." she said in a delighted voice.
"And to you my Lady," his real name was Gandalf, but to the elves he was Mithrander. Gandalf peeked down towards mid-part of Galadriel and noticed how she was cradling a bundle of blankets. "Your journey was safe?"
"My travel from Lórien to this little town in a short amount of time was very secure, thank you for your worries." she said with a small grin. Gandalf knew from there that she must've used teleportation to get here. He was close enough to peek inside the bundle of blankets. There, he spotted a small baby who was fast asleep to even notice the old wizard.
"The descendant of Embris, so young." he whispered. "And it is not an appropriate age to lose both parents."
Galadriel gave a doleful nodded, "Yes, this tragedy will be most remembers out of all the deaths that happen in the world. Embris, my dear friend, will now rest with his wife beside him, but his child will live on."
"Was the child in Mirkwood?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, under the care of Thranduil and his servants until it was time to bring her to me. Embris had a good relation between the elves there and were willing to look out for the little one until further instructions. The princeling of Mirkwood, Legolas, rode horse back to deliver the child at my request. There was an uneasy look upon his face when we did the handoff, but it would make sense since his travels lasted for a week. He did not enjoy the idea of letting the child go."
Galadriel felt the baby girl stir in her arms and looked down. The baby let out a small whimper and began to squirm her right arm out of the tight blankets. Her tiny fingers flexed, touching the fresh air. On her short arm, a dark mark was imprinted on her flesh. Gandalf gave a sudden gasp.
"The rumors are true, he did–"
"Touch her, yes. She would not be with us today if her father did not sacrifice himself. Though, the scar will be there for the rest of her life."
"There is no way of healing the wound?"
"I am afraid not…" she said with her beautiful face turning into a troubled look.
"She will question it when she comes to the ages of adulthood." he mumbled.
"And those questions will be answer by her new guardian." she said in a patient voice. Galadriel than handed the bundle of blankets to Gandalf and he carefully took it in his arms. She then handed him a tied parchment. "Come, it is time we settle her into the new home. Bring the child to the front doors of the man Favian, son of Ethamen, with the parchment by her side."
"Might I ask what is written inside the parchment?" asked Gandalf.
"Only a small summary of the death of Embris and his maiden, how he is now responsible for the young one and his instructions on his duty."
"My Lady Galadriel (please excuse me for my questions) but I must also ask," He said quickly in hopes he wasn't annoying the she-Elf, "Why the fellow of Caldwell? The child could be easily protected in one of the elven realms. Embris had a strong relation between them."
Galadriel just nodded, understanding what Gandalf meant. "It is a risk I would take, to be the child's guardian. If I could do it, I would have treated her like my own daughter and answered all the questions she would have for me. I would have loved her like a mother would and protect her with all my might. But it is not my place to do so. I am not destined to be responsible for the child's fate." Gently, she stroked the baby's head with her pale hand. She gave a small chuckle after pulling her hand away. "She is warm… very warm. That is a good feeling. She will grow up and live out her father's legend.
"Caldwell is a peaceful village with no tress of evil making its way here. It is good for a young girl like her to live in this place. Favian will help her grow into a powerful maiden and master the ability to control fire. He is a perfect contestant out of the others we thought about considering. He is the only man here who has befriended Embris. His ability of sharp keenness should be a clue of who he really is." Galadriel smiled again when she saw the puzzled look on Gandalf's face. She continued before he could ask.
"Embris would trust this man with his life after their adventures they have shared together. Though, I am completely sure Favian does not know the death of his friend, and he will be heart-broken when he reads the parchment.
"I see a bright future for the young one during her years in the village, but then I see a shadow creeping over her strong soul when she leaves. It is from the Black Lord, Verumoth," she hissed his name with tone of hatred, "I fear, and he will return." Galadriel finished with a grave expression.
"Though not for some time," Gandalf said in a reassuring voice. "The Black Lord has disappeared after he fought against Embris. The Lord of Fire's only victory was saving his daughter and making sure that Verumoth never laid a single finger upon her. Though he has failed," he grumbled. "Since the mark is very visible and written with evil magic."
Galadriel gave him a look. "My friend has not failed in any way. The child is alive and that is how it should be. She is destined for great things when she comes to an understanding of who she is. So be thankful that the descendant of a great Seldarin has not faced the same death as both her father and mother.
"Now please, Mithrander, we have wasted enough time in this discussion. We must leave the child and hope by morning her guardian will find her and understand his important role." Before Gandalf could even move, Galadriel bent down to give the baby a small peck on her forehead and whispered. "Quel kaima." (Sleep well) She pulled away and nodded to Gandalf.
The wizard took out a weaved basket with grey blanket tucked in. He gently put the bundle of blankets inside, tucking in any loose blankets that stood out, and slowly carried the basket to the front door where Favian lived. Placing the basket down, he put the parchment inside with the child and left to return back to Galadriel.
For a full minute, the two stood in silence as they watched the basket closely. Gandalf's eyes were filled with sorrow and Galadriel's light seemed to be dying away as she mumbled, "Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'." (My heart will weep until I see you again)
"Our time here is over." Galadriel said. "Let us return to our daily lives now and pray she is safe and sound. Namaarie (Farewell), Mithrander."
In a blink of an eye, Galadriel's body vanished into thin air. Gandalf turned to hop back onto his wagon and drive his pony out of Caldwell. Just like Galadriel, he disappeared throughout the night.
A cool breeze flowed through the air making a small child shiver. The baby rolled over in the basket and slept on until the inky black night faded to morning.
~0~0~0~
At the age of eleven, the tot grew up into healthy young girl with an amazing ability. But her godfather, Favian, told her over and over again to keep her gift a secret. He hoped that at a young age, the message would sink in and she'll be able to follow it without being told repeatedly every day. She would listen, but sometimes even powerful people can lose their temper.
Stupid… idiotic… dumb-headed…. She repeated those words in her head over and over and tried to think of more insults to herself. She was present in the woods Favian goes hunting in, sitting on an old, dead log and clutching her long, light auburn hair with both her hands. She tried hard to fight back the tears in her grey eyes because she knew pitying herself wasn't going to help.
The girl felt her ears perk up when she heard some brushes rustling behind her. She quickly turned (hoping it would just be an animal) and turned away when she saw who it was.
"Astrid, you know better than to go out in the woods unaccompanied." said Favian while held lowered his bow and arrow in case a wild beast appeared.
"I k-know my way around here…" Astrid sniffed. "Maybe I should live in the woods… never return back to town." She wiped a fallen tear that dripped out of her eye.
She could hear him give out a hopeless sigh, making her chest tighten with guilt. "You have to be more aware with your power and learn how to control it better. It was not the right choice to threaten that boy. He saw you doing—"
"I know!" she snapped and turned back, looking directly at his face, her eyes now shiny and red with tears. "But I can't… it's too hard for me when I feel enraged. He should not have insulted my scars before, than I would not have had my hand flame up to give my warning." She pointed to her scar on her left wrist, the dark color faded throughout the years. Then to her left wrist which had the shape of a flame that looked to be blazing. Two tears escaped, but she did not bother them. "I'm frightened Favian…" she sobbed. "I do not want to harm others with my power, but anger blinds me from the consequences I'll make from my action. I'm frightened…"
Astrid turned away again and put her legs to her chest to weep more. She looked to her left hand and saw little flames lick from her fingertips; she was unconsciously using her ability again. Gripping her fingers into a fist she cried some more.
Favian walked closer to his goddaughter and put a hand on her shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze. The two stood like this for five minutes until Astrid's sobs turned into small hiccups. She wiped her nose with her hand and looked back to Favian. "Are you done?" he asked her.
"Yes…" she whispered back. "The world is too small Favian."
"What do you mean?"
"I feel trapped in this small world with people who would reject me if they knew who I was. Like a bird in his cage. You told me before, no one in the entire world will understand us."
"If that is how you feel about the world," he said in a hushed voice. "But you are completely wrong."
"Why is that?" she Astrid sniffed.
"You think you know about everything and what others will think, but that is not true. Everyone has their own words to describe you and there is nothing you can do to change that. Some will be frightened of who you are or will never accept you. Some will see you as a queen," Astrid's face seemed to beam brighter when she heard that word. "Or even a sign of hope. It all depends on who the person is and what their view is on you. And the beauty of it is, you will never know what they're thinking. Does that make sense?"
Astrid thought hard for a minute, absorbing everything Favian just told her. She didn't quite understand what he meant for a while, but thought she could get the basic idea of what he was saying. His little speech, however, made her feel a little better. "I think so…" she said to him.
"Do my words bring you more comfort?" he asked hoping for an honest answer.
She nodded, "Yes, they do… and they make me realize something."
"What is that?"
"What were your first thoughts when you knew who I was? When I started to live with you?" she looked at him straight in his dark brown eyes, searching for an answer inside them but they only seemed blank. How does he keep his expression emotionless?
Favian talked again after a minute. "What did I think? I thought it was time for me to raise a child. When I read the note saying your father and mother had died, I was shocked at the words I reread it multiple times and felt shattered when the news completely sunk in. I knew it was my duty to raise you and I knew you were very special from the moment I laid my eyes on your sleeping body. Of course, it seemed very senseless for the unknown person to leave you by my door, someone could have taken you away and I would be left clueless. But I am very lucky to have found you, raise you, and treat you like my own daughter. Is that a good answer?"
"Yes…" she said with a huge grin on her face, but then faded into a frown. "Do you know of my parent's death?"
"All I know is that they were murdered…" Favian said darkly.
"Do you whom they were murdered by?" she asked curiously.
Favian shook his head. "No, but I can tell you this. There are some evil people in the world Astrid, and you always have to be careful who you trust. Do you understand?"
She nodded hesitantly after seeing the grim look upon his face. Astrid was confused by his behavior when she mentioned her parents. She was depressed that she'll never get to meet them but will of course get over it. Favian was her only family now and she would rather love someone who's alive instead of someone who's dead. Astrid also became quite uncomfortable when she felt her godfather's glare on her left wrist. She tried to change the subject quickly.
"Will I have to apologize to the boy I threaten?" she asked, actually wondering if she should or not.
Favian seemed to cool down his angry emotions and look a little normal again. He brought a hand through his dark, sweaty hair as he shook his head. "You can make the decision for yourself. Who was the boy anyway?"
"Bennett," she answered coldly. "I forget his father's name but he's the blacksmith."
"I believe Bennett is following in his father's footsteps, am I correct?"
Astrid shrugged, "I don't know. He's a year older than me and he irritates me a lot, that's the only information I have about him. What's so funny?"
Favian chuckled which made Astrid raise an eyebrow with misunderstanding, "Nothing… nothing at all. But if he asks what you did, give him an expression that will make him feel like he's insane."
"Alright," Astrid smiled.
~0~0~0~
Ten years have passed. Astrid is now twenty-one and has finally mastered her ability to control fire. There are still a few times when she loses her temper towards those who would enrage her, but she doesn't use her power to threaten them anymore.
Over the years, she has become close friends with a girl her age named Maia, who was surprisingly forest-born just like her and her godfather. Maia's ability was extreme speed, and incredible strength. Astrid was pleased to know there were more people like her.
There was also the beautiful little girl nine years younger than her named Nella, who was also forest-born and had the ability to read minds. She lived with her witch of a mother who yelled at everyone who came near her child or if she saw her daughter staring at someone blankly, thinking she was reading someone's mind. Her mother made clothes for a living and would lock her daughter in her room before she went to work with the other women. After feeling sympathy for the child, Astrid would sneak her out of the house so she could enjoy the outside world with her and Maia.
Astrid began to do this at the age of seventeen when Nella was eight. Of course, the child was scared at first but soon began to grow more trusting towards her kidnapper. Astrid was able to feed, clean, welcome her into her house, and even let her come along walks in the forest with her and Maia. Maia also seemed to grow a bond with the young girl, but not as strong as Astrid's. So many years Astrid as taken care of Nella, that she would have considered her as her little sister.
It was the beginning of October and the winds have gotten colder while the leaves were beginning to change into their lovely, autumn colors. Inside the forest near Caldwell were two young women enjoying their company together while fighting each other with model swords carved from wood.
Astrid's hair grew longer over the years, making it difficult to fight when she has hair over her face freely. Maia suggested cutting it up to her jaw, like how she did to her dirty-blonde hair, but Astrid refused the offer. She loved her hair too much, so she put it up in a bun instead.
Sweat dripped down both the girl's faces and panting escaped Maia's lips multiple times while Astrid just kept her breathing steady. Maia used her wooden sword to block the other one from coming down to her head. Astrid smirk when she saw her friend slightly tremble to the side and look a little exhausted. The fight ended when Astrid brought the wooden blade to the side of Maia's neck, whispering. "Dead."
"What did I do wrong now?" Maia asked.
"You gave away how you were feeling. Exhaustion was written all over your face." she said.
"I cannot help it," Maia said while swiping some sweat away on her head. "But I have done better, right?"
"Of course, each practice will make you better and stronger." Astrid said to build up Maia's confidence. Her friend just smirked.
"I am already strong… strong enough to lift you." And before Astrid could react, Maia swooped the girl in her arms and tossed her in the air. Astrid gave a small shriek before she landed back in her friend's arms with no hesitation and glared at her when she saw her sea green eyes.
"I have told over and over to not do that." she hissed to only make Maia laugh as she put her down.
"I cannot help it, since you weigh nothing but a feather to me," she giggled. "If we ever leave these grounds, I will lift up many men to show my strength. Show them how powerful I am."
"They will be frightened of you when they see the impossible." Astrid reminded her.
"Oh let them be frightened. We will show them that women can just be powerful as them. We will let them know that women can do more then take care of children, make their meals, and use us for nothing but sex. Why, we could destroy a whole army of men, you and I, and they would worship us like gods. Treat us like queens and let us walk all over them. So long have women been used as house-wives, taking orders from men. So long have we been nothing but toys and slaves. I see and understand it today. Women in Caldwell get beat by their husbands, how disgraceful that action is. Are we slaves Astrid? No, of course not, we should enslave the men-"
"Peace Maia, peace. Your voice echoes throughout the forest, scaring away many animals that wish to not be disturbed." Astrid cut in to stop her friend's dramatic speech.
"It takes more than a crown to be mighty and powerful." Maia finished.
"I understand where you are coming from Maia, but women don't have the strength like us. They are not forest-born like how we are."
"You are right my friend, I may have said too much. Though, it angers me…" Maia said, trailing off her last words.
"And it angers me too, but let us not go any further with the topic. Come, let us go home. We have fought enough today."
~0~0~0~
The two young women walked out of the forest to let sunlight bath their bodies. Astrid's hair was out of its bun and the sunlight began to change the color into a furious red. She smiled at the heat the sun was giving her hair and closed her eyes with pleasure. Then when a warm wind blew, some ends of her locks flickered and in a second turn into small flames. They didn't harm her in anyway and she liked the feeling of her hair on fire.
"Astrid!" Maia exclaimed when she saw the flames. "Favian told you before to not let your hair out freely. Put it in a bun or braid." Astrid couldn't help but laugh at her worries.
"Please my friend, I am careful with my surroundings and we are not even in Caldwell yet. Do not perturb me." she said and put her hair in a simple braid, making the flames die out.
They made their way back to the town and as usual, everyone seemed in a hurry to do something. Astrid and Maia walked down the streets and said their hello's to anyone they knew. Soon, Astrid heard her name being called out. "Astrid! Maia!" the sound was pure and very heart-warming. She knew who it was.
When they both turned, a small figure with golden blonde hair raced towards them looking overly happy. When she caught up to the two, Astrid gave her a tight hug. "Nella, why are you outside? Your mother will find you."
"But I must show you something…" she gave a loud pant but still kept a glee expression. "Something I just did…"
"What?" Maia asked a little curious.
"Watch!" she stuck out her hand and resting on her palm was a small pebble. She closed her eyes and seemed to be concentrating on something. Out of nowhere, the pebble began to float a few centimeters above Nella's palm, and then went higher, and higher, and high enough until it reached about five inches.
Rapidly, Astrid seized the pebble and gripped it tightly in her hand looking seriously stunned at what she just witnessed. Maia looked the same way. "Nella, how did you do that?" Maia asked with fear in her voice.
"I just learn a couple days ago." Nella said with a huge smile.
"You can't do this in public Nella." hissed Astrid. "They will see you doing something strange and kick you out of Caldwell." Astrid never thought she'd ever get angry with Nella, but for the first time in her life, she did.
"No one was paying attention Astrid," Nella said in an innocent voice. "I read every individuals mind and no one was focusing on us. Expect Bennett." she just remembered.
"Bennett is watching us?" Astrid questioned in an irritated voice while Maia just groaned.
Nella just giggled, "No he's behind you two."
"And why must you seem unhappy when I'm here?" said a young man's voice in Astrid's ear and felt a hand on her waist. Astrid only brushed the hand away and gave Bennett a dirty look.
"I will burn you Bennett and you know that." she spat at him with venom in her voice and her hand rose warningly. Bennett was a handsome looking young man with light brown hair, and playful green eyes darker than Maia's. He was very tall for his age, looking much older than twenty-two years, and had fairly large muscles from working with his father as a blacksmith. By his looks, any girl would want him as a husband. But unfortunately, he doesn't want any other girl.
"Come now Astrid, you should think before you attack me. Have you forgotten to keep your powers a secret?" he asked with a smirk Astrid wishes she could just rip off from his face. Before she could answer, Bennett turned to face Maia. "And how are you doing on this fine day Maia?"
"Very well, thank you for asking." she said with a grin while Astrid shot her cold glances.
'Why are you always so angry with him? He wants you as a wife and you should accept.' Astrid heard a voice in her head and turned to Nella who was looking straight at her. Astrid replied in her mind.
'I do not want to be his or anyone's wife. He only loves me because of my powers. After he found out about them and swore to keep it a secret, he follows me around like a dog and never leaves me alone. If I do get married, he will want kids and I cannot imagine myself with a child at my breast.'
'You take of me like I'm your child.' Nella gave her a puzzled look.
'That is different because you actually needed someone to take care of you and I was the only one to step up. I do not want to turn into a crazy parent like your mother.'
'But you won't!"
"I am sure I'll catch the madness mothers have with their children…'
Before Nella could continue to argue, she seemed to jump from realization. 'I have to get home before mother comes back! I will be off now! Good-bye Astrid, Maia, and Bennett!"
"Shall I come with you to make sure you get there safe?" Astrid asked while Maia and Bennett finished their conversation.
"No, I will be fine if I'm quick enough. Bye!" and she zoomed off into the opposite direction. Astrid shook her head with a small smile. 'I love her so much.' she thought to herself.
'I love you too!' she heard in her head and smiled even wider. She also thought it was time to departure back to her home to see Favian.
"I will see you later in the day Maia. I have to go check up on Favian."
"Okay,"
"Shall I walk you home Astrid?" Bennett asked her with a little hope in his voice. She gave a mental sigh of frustration and shook her head.
"I believe I know my own way back to my home Bennett," she said coldly. Before she could continue, she caught a look from Maia that read 'be-friendly-he-is-only-being-nice' and gave another sigh. She smiled at him. "But thank you for offering." Bennett's cheeks seemed to get slightly pink as he returned a grin.
Astrid left and walked back to her home. The house was at the end of the town in a quiet and peaceful area making it the perfect place to live in. When she reached her home, she began to realize that the air didn't seem so quiet. Two people seemed to be arguing from inside her home which seemed unusual to Astrid. When she got closer, she jumped when she witnessed the white stallion on the other side of her home. Since when did Favian have company over?
Ignoring the fact that the horse was watching her, she crept closer to the door and tried to listen to the argument a little better. But something seemed different about the way Favian and the mysterious person spoke, almost as if it was another language.
By the tone in both their voices, they seemed angry with each other and Astrid couldn't comprehend what the fight was all about. When they both paused for a breather, Astrid took this opporitunity to knock on the door and call from outside. "Favian, can I come in?"
"In a moment Astrid –"
"Oh, let the young one come in!" cried a furious voice. "I would like to see her." The voice was lovely and very different from someone living in Caldwell. This person must be from somewhere else.
Astrid heard Favian grumble swears under his breath and walked to open the door. When she could finally see his red face, he said to her. "Please meet our special guest Astrid."
She went inside and looked behind Favian to see a tall man with long, golden hair and a beautiful, young face. He had a kind look on his face, which was much different than Favian's reaction, and seemed to be extremely calm. His clothing was, however, odd in Astrid's opinion. He wore armor that looked strangely different from all the armor she's seen in her life and some kind of thin shoes. But what really caught her off-guard were his ears. They were… pointed? What kind of strange person is he having ears shaped like leaves? Is he also forest-born? If not, then where is he from? He began to speak in a voice that sounded like fair music.
"Vedui' (Greetings) Astrid, Daughter of Embris, my name is Glorfindel of Rivendell," he introduced himself. "I was sent here by orders of Lord Elrond himself to escort you to his realm." Then he gave a small bow to the young woman. "It is such an honor to finally meet the famous descendent of Embris."
*Author's Note-Hey everyone! I've missed you all! Well, here's the new story. (Yes, I changed Firehart's name because I thought it was too cheesy). This story is VERY different from the first one but mainly because there's no teleportation to make Astrid come to Middle-Earth.
So sorry if it took long to upload this but I wanted it to be a really good chapter to begin the story. So a couple things changed about Astrid:
-She has auburn red hair but turns more red and orange in the sun. The reason she has to keep it in either a braid or bun is because when air catches the free locks, they can turn ablaze.
-She has grey eyes.
-She has two markings on both her wrist. On her right is a mark shaped as a flame and on her left is dark mark. I can actually explain how the dark mark looks but I'll have a picture of it on my Bio soon.
-She's 5'9"
That's all the info I can give about her in the new story. So tell me, do you like this new Astrid or do you like the old one a little better? Do you feel like she's a Mary Sue and if you do I'll try to fix that as much as I can. And do you like how this story is starting out? Please Review and tell me your answers and I'll post the next chapter as soon as possible. And this time I mean it!