Andramir collapsed with exhaustion. He soon became unconscious and began dreaming of his past…
The little baby Matoran sat in a hut amidst other babies. An old female Turaga was rocking one to sleep on a vine swing. The little babies would eventually grow up to become brave Elven Toa. Across the main path that went through En-Twi, city of the Elves, another hut was occupied by another old female Turaga, and more baby Matoran. But these Matoran would grow up to be female Toa. The two genders were kept separated from birth, following the ways of their respective elders. When the males became fully grown Matoran, they would leave their nursery and learn to become either a warrior or a smith. On the other hand, females would learn the art of healing and how to manage a home, but few became warriors. Once the males were of age, they would choose weapons, gain mask powers, and be sent out to protect the inhabitants of Twi Nui, their island home. That was just the way En-Twi was for as long as the oldest Turaga could remember.
As time passed, the little baby Matoran grew to a fully-grown Matoran and became known as Andramir. He was told that his parents were both great warriors, and had left their baby to be raised properly in En-Twi, but they had never returned. While most Matoran with him were isolating and spoke only occasionally, Andramir was warm and talkative. When it was time to choose a path of profession, Andramir decided to experiment around. He liked working in the forge, but felt he must become a warrior like his parents. He decided to attempt several ways of the warrior, but each had it's negative. First he tried the art of archery, which he thought was fun, but he decided he wasn't too good at. He also tried to learn fencing, but found the sword too heavy. Lastly he tried using the spear and javelin, but it was to the least of his liking and he usually ended up almost hitting someone. His mentors encouraged him to practice, but that was something Andramir didn't like to do at all. The small Elven Matoran was certainly noticed by his elders, though not always constructively. One especially elderly Elven Turaga was even overheard once, muttering something about a legend being shadowed in the young Matoran. Andramir was certainly different from those around him. Soon that would be incredibly visible.
One night in early autumn when Andramir was finishing his chore, he passed by a hut in which several elders were talking. "He shows little interest in the ways of a warrior, and he refuses to practice!" He heard from inside. "Yes, I know he wants to carry on his parents legacy, but if he's not fit for a warrior by the end of the year, I'm afraid I'll have to be against his acceptance to the rank of Elven Toa." There were murmurs of agreement, then Andramir abruptly realized they were talking about him. All of a sudden he felt a wave of determination hit him. He had to carry on and prove them wrong.
In the two seasons that passed, Andramir trained in snow, rain, heat, and bitter cold. At the end of the year he was slender, strong, and fast, and had almost perfected archery and fencing. His ceremony was held in spring, and for his weapons he chose a gray bow and two glittering flame swords. For his mask he chose the Skilaton, Kanohi of Courage. Everyone at the ceremony was in awe at how Andramir had changed. He was now a handsome young Toa with a look of self-confidence on his face. He nobly kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, ignoring the watchful eyes of the crowd, and the other distractions around him. Then he saw her. Andramir had seen a few females before, while doing chores or running errands, but none like her. She was somehow not like the rest; she just sat there smiling at him, and he barely made it through the ceremony with only a few glances at her. After the ceremony, Andramir fought off the congratulators and made his way to his friend Josha. Josha had been a Toa for a few years already, but he still stayed in the barracks with the Matoran, helping out. He had befriended Andramir and helped him when he was in need. "Hey, Josha!" Andramir called after his friend. "Oh, hey! Congratulations on becoming a Toa!" "Uh, yeah, thanks. So, do you know who that female Toa over there is?" Andramir nodded toward a group of female Toa talking in a corner. "Err, which one?" Josha asked. "You know, the pretty one with the blue gem in her necklace." Josha stifled a smile. "Oh, that's Keyla. Any reason you ask?" He asked, knowing the answer to his question. Andramir stuttered, muttering thanks, then ran off blushing.
The next day he approached Keyla while she was in the garden, reading a book. After a somewhat clumsy introduction, the two Toa engaged in a nervous conversation. "So, how long have you been a Toa?" Andramir asked. "Oh, just a few months now. You?" "Um, well, it was just the other day for me." "Oh, that's right, I remember, I saw your ceremony yesterday." Andramir nodded. "It was nice," Keyla smiled. "Mmhmm. So, uh, I was planning on going to Ga-Twi tomorrow. Would you care to join me?" Andramir asked. Keyla laughed kindly. "Sure, I could use a vacation and another friend." The following morning, the two Toa set off for the City of Water.
Andramir dug his walking stick into the ground and leaned slightly upon it. They had traveled for eight days and seven nights, and now they stood a quarter of a mile from the famed City of Water. It's walls and gates were beautifully carved, and dark green vines grew upon them, contrasting the silver protodermic color of the carvings. "Wow. That's beautiful." Keyla commented in awe. "Not as beautiful as you." Andramir muttered under his breath. "Did you say something?" Keyla asked him. "Oh… no." Andramir shook his head. They came up to the gates and waited as the drawbridge was lowered to give them access over the deep, clear moat. They entered the city and were at once overcome by its' enormity. They gazed wide-eyed at the bustling marketplace, gorgeous canal system, and exquisite cottages. "We should probably rent one of those..." Andramir remarked, dumbfounded. Keyla looked at him strangely. "We could be here a while." He finished. Keyla rolled her eyes in despair at her comrade.
Andramir tossed his pack of supplies on his bed and stared out his window. He could see the ocean in the distance, and the setting sun was emitting its last orange rays of the day. He walked out to the main room and opened the door to the terrace. He walked out and joined Keyla. "Brilliant, isn't it?" He commented, his eyes gazing over the city below the hill on which the cottages were situated. Keyla nodded. Her hand moved gently along the rail until it met Andramir's. He glanced at her and then grasped it.
Andramir shook water off his body and splashed Keyla. She laughed and returned the favor. The two Toa had enjoyed their vacation, but soon they would have to return. Andramir dove under the waves and disappeared for a moment. Suddenly the water seemed to explode next to Keyla, and Andramir popped out, getting his girlfriend all wet. She shoved him playfully, pushing him back in. He blew water out of his mouth and shook his upper body dry. He was standing waist deep in water, a little ways off one of the less populated beaches of Ga-Twi. He and the girl he was traveling with had fallen head over heels for each other on their visit to the City of Water and had recently confessed their love for each other. He went under again, this time not surfacing for almost a minute. Keyla was beginning to get worried when something pulled her leg from behind her, causing her to descend into the water. Then Andramir brought her up, holding her in his arms. She laughed at his antics, and gently kissed him on his cheek. Andramir wished things could stay like this forever, but he knew he had to get back to En-Twi. Plus, he had a duty to protect the island.
Two years had passed since Andramir had met Keyla. Their love had grown, but Elven law stated that an Elf had to be nineteen before they could marry. So now the two Toa could only wait. One night in midsummer, Andramir was sleeping in his hut, dreaming of the day he would be of age to marry, when he was awakened by Josha. "The old forest has caught on fire, and they say some of Ushii's creatures started it. Keyla went out earlier to gather herbs and hasn't been seen yet. I fear she may be trapped in there." Josha told his friend quietly. Andramir leapt up and grabbed his bow. "I must find her at once! Come and get me if I'm not back by midnight." With that, he ran out toward the blazing old forest. He ran through it, calling out Keyla's name, regardless of the inferno around him. Suddenly he found her lying on the ground, unconscious. He scooped her up in his arms and ran out of the forest, barely escaping the holocaust in time. When he reached the beach, he lowered her onto the sand. She was dead. He did not know how long he sat there, cradling her in his arms and crying silently, but eventually Josha came running up with some other Toa. Josha bent down and felt her pulse. "She's dead." He said quietly. Andramir did not speak at all. He carried her back to En-Twi, reflecting on her life. The next day a funeral was held for Keyla. When it was over, Andramir took his weapons and left En-Twi.