☨ Chp. XXIV ☨

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Alyssia Faerown

When it comes to cocktails of unusual races, this young girl deserved the crown. With her mother a fair elleth of Lothlorien, beautiful in physique bearing the ability to enchant any male, and her father a strong-willed dwarf combined with wizard heritage, she had been born into the land as an odd yet incredibly intriguing child.

Coming to mature, though still at age of child, her features complimented her unique background. Petite yet strong, and short yet graceful. Her skin was fair, though her thick, fiery hair curled in waves of auburn to below her waist. With admiration, her mother always complimented that she would grow into quite the enchantress, though the elven maiden never did witness her daughter blossom. This privilege was stolen by the hands of a corrupt wizard who had once held their trust.

The war for the One Ring dawned upon the horizon, though lay hidden unknowns to many, including the young girl's family. It was a trip to Isengard which came to discern their fate. With wizarding blood, her father had grown rather close to the White Wizard, and they had been summoned to his tower in invitation to a friendly lunch. It was not long before her parents began to notice a hint of menace spark within his eye, as the White Wizard came to introduce the topic of leering evil.

Within a matter of minutes their presence grew tense, as knowledge of an invading power had been informed, and a choice was given. The White Wizard extended an offer. They were to side with the forces of evil and guarantee a position within the presumed victorious army, or continue to work with those of good. It soon became clear the matter was a choice of life or death, though the White Wizard dealt little time to consider.

Having the stubborn, yet noble blood of a dwarf, her father would not come to budge on his morals. And as excepted, his faithful wife stood firmly by his side. This came much to the White Wizard's distaste, so death he was set to inflict.

Her father fought with every power he had, distracting the forces of his opponent as a chance for the mother and daughter to flee. The young girl managed to escape, as her mother pushed her forward before the doors were sealed shut under dark magic. She was the only one who made it out into the fresh air.

With a desperate cry, she slammed a fist against the rigid metal in a weak attempt to free her mother from inside, though to no avail. She had no knowledge of what would then ensue within the leering tower, though it was clear her parents were lost, and she was to flee before the White Wizard would pursue.

So she fled. The Forest of Fangorn became a place of fear and anger in her eyes, bearing down a deep sadness as years passed, though the memories lingered. The young girl grew a deep hatred for the dank forest, and the images and fears it would spike within her mind, until one day she grew a flare of bravery. It was set upon her heart to return and overcome the past. A couple of mere years had passed since the event, though it was something she was sure would clear the fear which continued to linger within the back of her young mind.

So she mustered all the strength left within her mixed-blood veins, and went. With light steps, she entered the dreaded forest, blessed with the elven grace of her mother as her treading was close to silent, though not quiet enough to trick the ears of a guarding beorning.

The young girl had found herself deep within the dark woods, welled with anxiety, when suddenly she stood before a grey wolf. Usually, one would fear for their life in this instant, though this animal did not hold a wild flare within its golden eyes. Instead, there was a deep understanding and serenity reflecting within the creature's gaze, and this came to bring the young girl much curiosity.

In silence they stood, observing one another. There was no tension, nor any signs of brewing aggression, merely two creatures curious of one another within the woods of Fangorn. If there was one thing the young girl came to know, it was that this was surely no normal wolf. Possibly a guide sent from the Valar? Her mind was stuck on possibilities, as never had she heard of a person able to shift into a creature.

With the soft crunch of foliage, the grey wolf turned, and slowly padded away. At that moment, the young girl's heart spoke as clear as it had ever spoken. She was to follow.

Little did she know her guide was indeed a beorning, a creature the girl would soon come to learn more about. And this was the first of many discoveries as she came to the once dark and menacing tower of Isengard, now glimmering with life as a youthful energy radiated from its ancient walls.

"Looks like we have a new-comer." A voice chimed from beside the entrance, a sly smirk upon her pale face as she played with a young pup within her lap. Upon viewing the grey wolf, the dog grew rather excited, and pounced at his canine friend.

"Welcome to the academy, I'm Ithilwen." The pale elf introduced, appearing rather intimidating as she circled around the young girl, before standing with her arms firmly crossed.

"I'm Alyssia." She replied, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "Academy?'"

The dark elf snorted, rather entertained by the innocent appearing new-comer.

"It's a place where you learn to be a badass, no charges included. At the moment it's pretty quiet, everyone is out. But trust me, this tower can be as crazy as a dwarven pub during happy hour."

The young girl's eyes came to twinkle as she glanced up at the tall building. Dark thoughts threatened to resurface within her mind, yet she pushed them back at the thought of a new opportunity.

Suddenly, something soft rubbed against her leg, and she looked down to see the small pup greeting her with tender affection.

"Wow, he likes you. It's rare for Fang to warm up to people so fast, usually he wants to rip their face off." The dark elf remarked with an impressed smirk, before placing a hand upon the young girl's shoulder. "If Fang approves, I approve. Come, I'll show you inside."

Little did the mixed-blood know that her life was about to blossom a whole new meaning. She was to find self importance, along with many tactical skills at Robin's academy, followed by the opportunity to join a family of kids facing similar difficulties in life.

As she was soon to find out, mustering her bravery and re-entering Fangorn was one of the greatest decisions she would make.

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Chapter dedicated to BonitaEnde .