The story of Astrid Wingfield

What Would You Do For Freedom?

Yes! I GOT A NEW COVER! It's really nice! I know, it's the same. Sorry for the authors note at the beginning. It's small though, so deal with it. I added some coloring and it has my name on it too now! TO THE STORY OF OUR SHATTERED WARRIOR! HUZZAH!

   Astrid was asleep when she woke with a start in the middle of the night. She looked out the window and saw an arrow fly right past her window. It was like a sleek shot of darkness. That arrow had something, freedom. Freedom was something that Astrid wished for, that's when she realized something. She needed to get out.

   She jumped out of her bed like an agile feline and crept across the floor, grabbing her belongings. She really hadn't stayed here long... But the few years she was, it was just a mess. It was nothing important. Astrid never often went outside anyway.

   She grabbed most of her belongings, packing them up quickly. She knew she couldn't waste much time. She needed to find the owner of that arrow. She packed some things, like her favorite sweatshirt and even a glass rose that... No. She shouldn't remember him. He was in the past, someone who died. It wasn't her father either. It was odd, that boy who used to live down the street. Whatever. He was an idiot and he's in the past. She thought to herself.

   She finished packing, dawning her armor and slinging her now across her back. She ran lithely down the hallway and down the elegant stairs. She could taste the freedom only a few feet away. Boy, she sure as heck wasn't gonna miss this place.

    She opened the door with quiet precision, it was obvious she had snuck out of the house so many times before. But something in the back of her mind halted her. She grabbed a pen and a notecard and wrote a small letter for Erin.

   Dear Erin,
It might not be much of a shock that I've left. Don't come looking for me. You've been an amazing cousin, I couldn't ask for a better friend. But really, something better lies out in my path towards my future. Freedom. I saw an arrow fly past my window tonight... It had the one thing that I wanted most. So I'm taking my leave. Please forgive me, and if you wish, join me on the path of freedom. Freedom from this wretched place.
-Astrid

   With that being said, she quickly stuck it in Erin's shoe and ran outside. She threw out her arms once the cold night air breezed over her face. This freedom was like a slap to the face. It had an impact, and her heart felt lightened at the feeling of being free.

   She ran out and towards her back window. There was a forest behind the huge mansion, her window was facing towards the forest. She crept almost soundlessly towards the forest, sticking to the shadows. She saw the arrow and smiled, creeping towards it.

   That's when a hand grabbed her and her back ran right into an abdomen of muscle. Another hand clamped over her mouth, but she didn't make any attempts to scream. If this was someone with intent to hurt her, they'd be in for a surprise.

   "You're abilities are impressive, young one. We've been monitoring you for a while now. And we were correct, you'd be too tempted once you saw our arrow. You refuse to even try to scream, I have a feeling you're not a force to be reckoned with." The voice was distinctly female. The woman also didn't seem to have any intent to hurt her, as she released her.

   Astrid turned towards her and immediately recognized her from stories, fairytales. She dropped to one knee and bowed her head. "Goddess Artemis." She stated with clarity, formally addressing the goddess in front of her.

   "Rise, child." Artemis stated, a smile on her face. Astrid rose quickly, but kept her head bowed in respect.

   "You're Graciousness, what have I done to have the honor of being in your presence?" She asked quietly. She'd never thought that a Goddess would be the source of the arrow. But then it hit her! Lightbulb, dumb dumb. She thought to herself. Artemis and the Hunters! Of course!

   "We've had our eyes on you for a while, Astrid Wingfield." She stated with a wave of her hand. "You have excellent skills, and I've seen you fight. You're a true warrior at heart." Her eyes shown with something that looked a lot like pride. "And I see you've been raised without a mother... And that Amelia woman could never possibly be such a thing to you. So I hereby claim you, Astrid Wingfield, as my adopted daughter."

   Astrid was shocked. She looked straight into her eyes for any sort of jest, but there was none. There was only pride and happiness. She bowed her head again, tears escaping from her eyes.

  "Thank you. Art- Mother." She corrected herself with happiness. Some of the darkness that plagued her heart and soul lifted, but only a little. She was still broken inside, no matter how happy she was.

   Artemis gave her a small hug and took her hand, as they walked back through the forest. A few Hunters were gathered around them, some sort of guard, she supposed.

   "You will meet the rest of the Hunters once we return to camp. Ok?" Astrid's new mother asked her.

   "That sounds perfectly fine." Astrid replied quickly.

   They continue walking through the forest, their footfalls barely audible. No one spoke as they reached the encampment, but all the Hunters smiled warmly at Astrid as she entered.

   This was going to be her home. She felt safe here, the Hunters would help her. They were going to be her family, and no one would pry them away from her. She took pride in this thought, and knew that she'd protect her new family with her life.

Thanks so much for reading guys! It means a lot, I enjoy progressing on this story for you. Even though it may take you a few minutes to read these chapters, they're each about 1,000 words long. They take thought and effort. If you like the story, then continue reading it! I know I don't exactly have an update schedule, but I think I've done a fairly good job at updating around close times. Thanks again my kitties! And Polar Bear, yeah you AtsukoChu she's an awesome writer, so go check her out! BYE!