1 A/N: Hello there! This is my first LoTR fic, so please be merciful!
Please R&R!!! I love getting reviews, so please!
2 Disclaimer: I do NOT own ANY of Tolkien's characters, places or names. I'm just having some fun with them! All the new characters are MINE though, so no stealing!
3 From Beneath the Depths of Shadow
3.1 Chapter one
Hasana.
Yes, I am listening.
Why did you leave? Why am I alone? It's not fair. I want to see Lothlorien too. But Cigry says I can't. I don't think Cigry likes me Hasana. Is that why?
A gentle laugh.
You have many questions. Best save them for when I visit next.
A pause. Gentle rustlings pierce the heavy silence.
Ok.
I remember talking to my sister, before she left, with great clarity, words and sounds and smells etched into my mind to lie forever in the mysterious depths. I only remember one conversation afterwards, when I found I could speak to her without words. I never did so again.
I had been sitting on the sand, below the rocky cliffs where my mother was waiting patiently, a slender figure silhouetted against the setting sun. She always waited for me, and never questioned what I did, or what I saw when I returned home with her. I did not know why. But I never asked either. Some things were better left unsaid. My brothers had been there as well, every one older than I, like silent soldiers protecting their princess.
I stood, stepping into the salty water, the icy cold like needles in my fine skin, my simple white gown sinking in folds to lie at the sandy bottom. Peering down, I watched a lone fish swim around my ankles, then dart away as Simeon moved in beside me.
"What do you see?" he asked softly, taking my small hand in his.
"Fish." I replied, brows furrowing in thought. "But not anymore. You scared him away."
Simeon was the eldest of my brothers, and the most level headed of them all. He always understood me, even if I said not a word. He knew when to ask questions, and when to stay silent, and left me alone when I wanted to be. He reminded me of an angel, with his golden curls and serene gray eyes that constantly seemed to shine.
Behind us, Domic laughed. "Good job Simeon. You've ruined Bren's fun."
Domic was second eldest, with a way for words that wove the finest tales you ever heard. He was my father's right hand, and his left. Whenever needed, he would be there. I always found him more suited for heir than Simeon. Domic commanded respect, and could bring a grown man to his knees. That was why my father, and the whole household loved him so much. Simeon was calm, intelligent, gentle and a miraculous healer. He would never be a leader.
I turned suddenly to face my brothers, Simeon's steady hand still entwined with mine.
"I want to go in now." I said sharply. "Essien, go tell mother we're coming."
As the youngest of my many brothers, he hesitated, waiting for Simeon to give him leave. Essien did not do anything without his permission, even if the request came from me.
Domic kicked him sharply in the heels. "Simeon, tell him he can leave."
Essien yelped in outrage, but waited until he was sent with the briefest of nods.
I watched vaguely as he streaked up the steep embankment, his nimble nature allowing great speed; dirty blonde hair rippling in the sea-breeze. "-he is a good lad," I remember my father saying once "-though he follows everyone but himself. That will kill him someday." Perhaps he was right. Essien was never his own man.
Before he could come back down, we set off in neat formation, my brothers in a protective circle around me. Gentle Simeon, strong Domic, adventurous Caelan, dutiful Cyrus, independent Armael and Nathaniel; I've found there is no word to describe him, he just is. Nathaniel, the brother who holds my soul in the palm of his hand.
The embankment was steep, bits of pebble and dirt falling away after every footstep. We knew the safest route, and most times did not face any danger, but anyone who did not could easily take a wrong step a fall to the shore, and to their death. My father was always against us going down there, fearing for our safety, but mother always found a way of persuading him. Though even without his permission, we would go anyway.
My legs were sore when we finally reached our destination, and my feet were coated in a layer of sand and dirt ; the hem of my dress just as unclean. The wind picked up slightly behind our backs, blowing the wisps of my fiery red hair that escaped the neat plait in a flurry about me. I huddled closely to Simeon, shivering in the dimming heat as the sun set along the horrizon.
I remember thinking about Hasana, my sister, and how she would've loved to see the beautiful colors that painted the sky. Light blue, golden yellow and orange, deep red. She always used to comment, that even on cloudy nights, I was her sunset. Hasana loved my hair, spending hours combing it when I would not, braiding it or working a delicate plait, with gold and orange ribbons. She always called me Bren, which meant "flame". "How appropriate." She used to say, "Bren. My little flame maiden." Even after she departed from our home, the name remained, until no one remembered the original, bestowed upon me at birth.
Of course, I would never forget it. It was a name my father had once heard by the docks. While hefting a bulging net of fish onto his boat, another vessel pulled in beside him. At first, he had ignored it, until the strange words of those aboard brought his attention to nothing else. They were elves, those obviously from the forest of Lothlorien, dressed in fine clothes of silk in mute purples, greens and grays. They were talking in Elvish, the beautiful slurring words flowing together perfectly, the rises and falls melding and swirling so they captured my father's attention beyond measure. The lovely craft was endowed "Lael", and he knew that this meeting had been a sign, for meeting elves was rare these days, their numbers dwindling from the second defeat of the Dark Lord Sauron. And so he had named me Lael, the name I would never forget.
"Are you cold Bren?" Caelan asked, removing his own cloak and wrapping it around my shoulders.
I nodded in thanks, then continued to think of Hasana.
I missed her dearly, after her departure from our lowly home. She had gone to Lothlorien, for a reason she would not share. I had wanted to go with her. I had wanted to see the elves so much. But I could not, so I stayed at home, with my brothers, my mother and my father, and our ordinary, sea-folk lives.
I sighed, wishing I could talk to my sister, repeating her name over and over in my mind.
Hasana, Hasana, Hasana,
Yes, I am listening.
The voice, so clear inside my head, startled me. I had not expected an answer.
Suddenly, before I could stop myself, a flood of questions spilled over my mind, resonating on the edge of my thoughts.
Why did you leave? Why am I alone? It's not fair. I want to see Lothlorien too, but Cigry says I can't. I don't think Cigry likes me Hasana. Is that why?
She laughed softly in response. Cigry was an elf she often spoke of, though I had only seen him once.
You have many questions. Best save them for when I visit next.
My head swirled. The only sounds I could hear were the gentle rustlings of trees around me as I continued to walk.
It took me a while to respond, and even now I am not sure whether Hasana heard me or not.
Ok.
Later on, I did not tell my brothers of the conversing between us. I knew I could never tell them. Not even Nathaniel.
*
"Bren. You know you must consider this. You are nineteen, far past the age of an exceptional time of marriage. I have chosen a suitable man for you."
"I do not care."
It was the third time this week my father had brought up the subject, and it was getting quite tiresome to argue with him. He could not force me into anything. I was the most headstrong of all his many children, and would not be swayed by smooth words, or compromises. When I wanted to marry, I would marry.
"Bren, it does not matter what you care about. All that matters is the fact that you are wed, and placed in a safe home. There are many rumors about, and each one more sinister than the last. I am sure you know that Sauron will not rest for long. He has risen before, and will do so again. If this turns to war, I will not have you squandering around here, unsafe and unprotected. Asillan is a good man, and will keep you safe where I cannot."
His tone was rising. I could tell he was trying hard not to get angry.
"Father, you know very well I am capable of protecting myself. I would not need Asillan to do it for me. I doubt he even knows how to notch an arrow."
"Bren, just meet him. Please. You may change your mind. We are going tonight to Gladden Fields, so now is your chance."
I knew I would get nowhere with him now. He wasn't asking me to go, he was telling me I was to go. I had no choice but to accept.
"Alright."
My father smiled, then rose from his seat and exited the room in silence.
Once he was gone, I gathered my skirts and rose too, hurrying to the privacy of my chambers.
*
The trip was long and exhausting from our home in Harlindon. I had never ridden for so long before in my life. Horses are my passion, but I was soon beginning to wonder if I would ever set foot on solid ground again.
Our first stop was in the Shire, a lovely little Hobbit village full of merriment and cheer. I had heard many tales of the Shire, of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, and had always wanted to see it for myself. We did not stay long though, and were soon on our way again.
For the next few days there was little time to stop, as we rode south down through Enedwaith and Dunland. My father did not want to pass through the mountains, so instead went through the Gap of Rohan, where the mountains broke off and allowed safer traveling.
We then went North, around the forest of Fangorn and Lorien, and before long were finally arriving in the Gladden Fields.
Asillan, along with his familly and servants, greeted us warmly.
"Cillum!" he called to my father as we approached. "Welcome!"
Jumping down from his horse, he slapped Asillan on the back and shook his hand heartily.
"It is wonderful to see you after so long old friend. I'm sure you've met my daughter."
Asillan grinned, and I couldn't help but notice as his eyes studied my body. "Oh yes, how could I forget the little maiden with hair like fire. You were but a little wraith running along the beach, last I saw you. It's amazing what a little food can do for a girls figure."
My father seemed not to have heard his comment, and I held back the urge to spit in Asillan's face. There was something about him that made me feel quite uneasy, and I was reluctant to get down off my horse.
"Come Bren. I am sure Asillan would love to get to know you better. Why don't you go up to his study where you can be alone? I have other matters I need to attend to here, so I will not be able to join you for a while. "
Asillan smiled again. "Of course. I know so little of you. I am sure there is much to learn beneath that fine dress of yours."
I felt the color rise in my cheeks, but stilled my tongue.
"Go on then. No time to waste." My father urged.
"I would rather stay with you." I replied as calmly as I could. "We have plenty of time here."
"Don't be silly Bren. Asillan does not bite. Off with you now."
Asillan took my hand in his, and with a final nod to my father, led me away around the back of his large home, into a lovely garden that faced the forest of Mirkwood.
"Why are you so reluctant to talk young Bren?" he asked silkily, his dark eyes watching me.
I turned away from him, fiddling with my hands nervously. I really did not want to be here.
"The journey here was long, and I had little time to talk with my father."
There was an uneasy silence. Asillan did not reply. I could feel him behind me, his gaze burning a hole in my back. How could my father have ever seen him fit for me? Suddenly, I felt his strong arm snake around my waist, his chest against my back.
"You have plenty of time with your father, and so little with me." He whispered close to my ear, hot breath on my neck. "Perhaps we can change that. Like I said, I am sure there is much to learn beneath that fine dress of yours."
He ran a finger down my back, stopping at my waist to grip me tighter, turning me around to face him. He pulled me closer, till we were barely an inch apart. I read the desire burning in his eyes, that made gooseflesh prickle on my arms. He grinned wickedly, a stray lock of black curls drooping over his cheek.
I opened my mouth to scream for help, but before I could, his lips met mine in a ravaging intensity that made my knees buckle. He entangled his hand in my hair, the other running down the back of my thigh. Asillan groaned in pleasure, pushing me to the ground. I struggled underneath him, tears streaming down my cheeks. I tried to block him out, tried to block out the sounds and smells that made my stomach turn.
"Please." I whimpered. "Stop. Please."
"No." he replied. "Never."
Asillan tore at my dress and I screamed, kneeing him where I knew it would hurt the most. He cried in outrage and I kneed again, pushing him off me. I struggled to my feet, but he made a grab for my ankle, pulling me to the ground. I managed to squirm away before he could recover, streaking across the garden, holding my ruined dress where it ripped down the front.
As I reached the front courtyard, I cried out in joy, seeing my horse tethered there, all my supplies still on her back.
I mounted quickly, wrapping a cloak around myself, and nudged my horse into action, shifting to a brisk gallop, tearing away from Gladden Fields.
*
I'm not sure how long I rode. I remember crossing the Great River Anduin, blinded by my tears of fury, embarrassment, fear, and sadness. I could still feel Asillan's hot break on my neck, his rough, ravaging desire as he defiled me. I shivered, pulling my cloak tighter. I remember deciding, through all my tears and sobs, that I would never let another man touch me. Never.
Night was falling as I entered Mirkwood, the trees towering above me, their canopy protecting me a little from the heavy rain that now fell. I slowed my horse, so that we walked slowly across the mossy floor. I felt the air tingle, and could hear whispers through the branches, carried by the wind. My eyelids drooped, and I swayed where I sat. I was so tired, but for some reason didn't want to rest.
Suddenly, a heard a slight whizzing, like a shaft of thin wood sailing through the air. I had barely the time to turn, before a green feathered arrow struck me in the shoulder. I cried out in agony, spooking my horse. She neighed and reared on her back legs. I slid off and tumbled to the forest floor with a ''squelch'', clutching my shoulder where the arrow had hit. My horse reared again, and all my packs were thrown off as she streaked off into the forest, leaving me behind.
A few more arrows flew to the ground, only one hitting me in the leg. I cried out again, tears streaming down my face. I heard footsteps around me, more whispers, then everything went black.
2 Disclaimer: I do NOT own ANY of Tolkien's characters, places or names. I'm just having some fun with them! All the new characters are MINE though, so no stealing!
3 From Beneath the Depths of Shadow
3.1 Chapter one
Hasana.
Yes, I am listening.
Why did you leave? Why am I alone? It's not fair. I want to see Lothlorien too. But Cigry says I can't. I don't think Cigry likes me Hasana. Is that why?
A gentle laugh.
You have many questions. Best save them for when I visit next.
A pause. Gentle rustlings pierce the heavy silence.
Ok.
I remember talking to my sister, before she left, with great clarity, words and sounds and smells etched into my mind to lie forever in the mysterious depths. I only remember one conversation afterwards, when I found I could speak to her without words. I never did so again.
I had been sitting on the sand, below the rocky cliffs where my mother was waiting patiently, a slender figure silhouetted against the setting sun. She always waited for me, and never questioned what I did, or what I saw when I returned home with her. I did not know why. But I never asked either. Some things were better left unsaid. My brothers had been there as well, every one older than I, like silent soldiers protecting their princess.
I stood, stepping into the salty water, the icy cold like needles in my fine skin, my simple white gown sinking in folds to lie at the sandy bottom. Peering down, I watched a lone fish swim around my ankles, then dart away as Simeon moved in beside me.
"What do you see?" he asked softly, taking my small hand in his.
"Fish." I replied, brows furrowing in thought. "But not anymore. You scared him away."
Simeon was the eldest of my brothers, and the most level headed of them all. He always understood me, even if I said not a word. He knew when to ask questions, and when to stay silent, and left me alone when I wanted to be. He reminded me of an angel, with his golden curls and serene gray eyes that constantly seemed to shine.
Behind us, Domic laughed. "Good job Simeon. You've ruined Bren's fun."
Domic was second eldest, with a way for words that wove the finest tales you ever heard. He was my father's right hand, and his left. Whenever needed, he would be there. I always found him more suited for heir than Simeon. Domic commanded respect, and could bring a grown man to his knees. That was why my father, and the whole household loved him so much. Simeon was calm, intelligent, gentle and a miraculous healer. He would never be a leader.
I turned suddenly to face my brothers, Simeon's steady hand still entwined with mine.
"I want to go in now." I said sharply. "Essien, go tell mother we're coming."
As the youngest of my many brothers, he hesitated, waiting for Simeon to give him leave. Essien did not do anything without his permission, even if the request came from me.
Domic kicked him sharply in the heels. "Simeon, tell him he can leave."
Essien yelped in outrage, but waited until he was sent with the briefest of nods.
I watched vaguely as he streaked up the steep embankment, his nimble nature allowing great speed; dirty blonde hair rippling in the sea-breeze. "-he is a good lad," I remember my father saying once "-though he follows everyone but himself. That will kill him someday." Perhaps he was right. Essien was never his own man.
Before he could come back down, we set off in neat formation, my brothers in a protective circle around me. Gentle Simeon, strong Domic, adventurous Caelan, dutiful Cyrus, independent Armael and Nathaniel; I've found there is no word to describe him, he just is. Nathaniel, the brother who holds my soul in the palm of his hand.
The embankment was steep, bits of pebble and dirt falling away after every footstep. We knew the safest route, and most times did not face any danger, but anyone who did not could easily take a wrong step a fall to the shore, and to their death. My father was always against us going down there, fearing for our safety, but mother always found a way of persuading him. Though even without his permission, we would go anyway.
My legs were sore when we finally reached our destination, and my feet were coated in a layer of sand and dirt ; the hem of my dress just as unclean. The wind picked up slightly behind our backs, blowing the wisps of my fiery red hair that escaped the neat plait in a flurry about me. I huddled closely to Simeon, shivering in the dimming heat as the sun set along the horrizon.
I remember thinking about Hasana, my sister, and how she would've loved to see the beautiful colors that painted the sky. Light blue, golden yellow and orange, deep red. She always used to comment, that even on cloudy nights, I was her sunset. Hasana loved my hair, spending hours combing it when I would not, braiding it or working a delicate plait, with gold and orange ribbons. She always called me Bren, which meant "flame". "How appropriate." She used to say, "Bren. My little flame maiden." Even after she departed from our home, the name remained, until no one remembered the original, bestowed upon me at birth.
Of course, I would never forget it. It was a name my father had once heard by the docks. While hefting a bulging net of fish onto his boat, another vessel pulled in beside him. At first, he had ignored it, until the strange words of those aboard brought his attention to nothing else. They were elves, those obviously from the forest of Lothlorien, dressed in fine clothes of silk in mute purples, greens and grays. They were talking in Elvish, the beautiful slurring words flowing together perfectly, the rises and falls melding and swirling so they captured my father's attention beyond measure. The lovely craft was endowed "Lael", and he knew that this meeting had been a sign, for meeting elves was rare these days, their numbers dwindling from the second defeat of the Dark Lord Sauron. And so he had named me Lael, the name I would never forget.
"Are you cold Bren?" Caelan asked, removing his own cloak and wrapping it around my shoulders.
I nodded in thanks, then continued to think of Hasana.
I missed her dearly, after her departure from our lowly home. She had gone to Lothlorien, for a reason she would not share. I had wanted to go with her. I had wanted to see the elves so much. But I could not, so I stayed at home, with my brothers, my mother and my father, and our ordinary, sea-folk lives.
I sighed, wishing I could talk to my sister, repeating her name over and over in my mind.
Hasana, Hasana, Hasana,
Yes, I am listening.
The voice, so clear inside my head, startled me. I had not expected an answer.
Suddenly, before I could stop myself, a flood of questions spilled over my mind, resonating on the edge of my thoughts.
Why did you leave? Why am I alone? It's not fair. I want to see Lothlorien too, but Cigry says I can't. I don't think Cigry likes me Hasana. Is that why?
She laughed softly in response. Cigry was an elf she often spoke of, though I had only seen him once.
You have many questions. Best save them for when I visit next.
My head swirled. The only sounds I could hear were the gentle rustlings of trees around me as I continued to walk.
It took me a while to respond, and even now I am not sure whether Hasana heard me or not.
Ok.
Later on, I did not tell my brothers of the conversing between us. I knew I could never tell them. Not even Nathaniel.
*
"Bren. You know you must consider this. You are nineteen, far past the age of an exceptional time of marriage. I have chosen a suitable man for you."
"I do not care."
It was the third time this week my father had brought up the subject, and it was getting quite tiresome to argue with him. He could not force me into anything. I was the most headstrong of all his many children, and would not be swayed by smooth words, or compromises. When I wanted to marry, I would marry.
"Bren, it does not matter what you care about. All that matters is the fact that you are wed, and placed in a safe home. There are many rumors about, and each one more sinister than the last. I am sure you know that Sauron will not rest for long. He has risen before, and will do so again. If this turns to war, I will not have you squandering around here, unsafe and unprotected. Asillan is a good man, and will keep you safe where I cannot."
His tone was rising. I could tell he was trying hard not to get angry.
"Father, you know very well I am capable of protecting myself. I would not need Asillan to do it for me. I doubt he even knows how to notch an arrow."
"Bren, just meet him. Please. You may change your mind. We are going tonight to Gladden Fields, so now is your chance."
I knew I would get nowhere with him now. He wasn't asking me to go, he was telling me I was to go. I had no choice but to accept.
"Alright."
My father smiled, then rose from his seat and exited the room in silence.
Once he was gone, I gathered my skirts and rose too, hurrying to the privacy of my chambers.
*
The trip was long and exhausting from our home in Harlindon. I had never ridden for so long before in my life. Horses are my passion, but I was soon beginning to wonder if I would ever set foot on solid ground again.
Our first stop was in the Shire, a lovely little Hobbit village full of merriment and cheer. I had heard many tales of the Shire, of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, and had always wanted to see it for myself. We did not stay long though, and were soon on our way again.
For the next few days there was little time to stop, as we rode south down through Enedwaith and Dunland. My father did not want to pass through the mountains, so instead went through the Gap of Rohan, where the mountains broke off and allowed safer traveling.
We then went North, around the forest of Fangorn and Lorien, and before long were finally arriving in the Gladden Fields.
Asillan, along with his familly and servants, greeted us warmly.
"Cillum!" he called to my father as we approached. "Welcome!"
Jumping down from his horse, he slapped Asillan on the back and shook his hand heartily.
"It is wonderful to see you after so long old friend. I'm sure you've met my daughter."
Asillan grinned, and I couldn't help but notice as his eyes studied my body. "Oh yes, how could I forget the little maiden with hair like fire. You were but a little wraith running along the beach, last I saw you. It's amazing what a little food can do for a girls figure."
My father seemed not to have heard his comment, and I held back the urge to spit in Asillan's face. There was something about him that made me feel quite uneasy, and I was reluctant to get down off my horse.
"Come Bren. I am sure Asillan would love to get to know you better. Why don't you go up to his study where you can be alone? I have other matters I need to attend to here, so I will not be able to join you for a while. "
Asillan smiled again. "Of course. I know so little of you. I am sure there is much to learn beneath that fine dress of yours."
I felt the color rise in my cheeks, but stilled my tongue.
"Go on then. No time to waste." My father urged.
"I would rather stay with you." I replied as calmly as I could. "We have plenty of time here."
"Don't be silly Bren. Asillan does not bite. Off with you now."
Asillan took my hand in his, and with a final nod to my father, led me away around the back of his large home, into a lovely garden that faced the forest of Mirkwood.
"Why are you so reluctant to talk young Bren?" he asked silkily, his dark eyes watching me.
I turned away from him, fiddling with my hands nervously. I really did not want to be here.
"The journey here was long, and I had little time to talk with my father."
There was an uneasy silence. Asillan did not reply. I could feel him behind me, his gaze burning a hole in my back. How could my father have ever seen him fit for me? Suddenly, I felt his strong arm snake around my waist, his chest against my back.
"You have plenty of time with your father, and so little with me." He whispered close to my ear, hot breath on my neck. "Perhaps we can change that. Like I said, I am sure there is much to learn beneath that fine dress of yours."
He ran a finger down my back, stopping at my waist to grip me tighter, turning me around to face him. He pulled me closer, till we were barely an inch apart. I read the desire burning in his eyes, that made gooseflesh prickle on my arms. He grinned wickedly, a stray lock of black curls drooping over his cheek.
I opened my mouth to scream for help, but before I could, his lips met mine in a ravaging intensity that made my knees buckle. He entangled his hand in my hair, the other running down the back of my thigh. Asillan groaned in pleasure, pushing me to the ground. I struggled underneath him, tears streaming down my cheeks. I tried to block him out, tried to block out the sounds and smells that made my stomach turn.
"Please." I whimpered. "Stop. Please."
"No." he replied. "Never."
Asillan tore at my dress and I screamed, kneeing him where I knew it would hurt the most. He cried in outrage and I kneed again, pushing him off me. I struggled to my feet, but he made a grab for my ankle, pulling me to the ground. I managed to squirm away before he could recover, streaking across the garden, holding my ruined dress where it ripped down the front.
As I reached the front courtyard, I cried out in joy, seeing my horse tethered there, all my supplies still on her back.
I mounted quickly, wrapping a cloak around myself, and nudged my horse into action, shifting to a brisk gallop, tearing away from Gladden Fields.
*
I'm not sure how long I rode. I remember crossing the Great River Anduin, blinded by my tears of fury, embarrassment, fear, and sadness. I could still feel Asillan's hot break on my neck, his rough, ravaging desire as he defiled me. I shivered, pulling my cloak tighter. I remember deciding, through all my tears and sobs, that I would never let another man touch me. Never.
Night was falling as I entered Mirkwood, the trees towering above me, their canopy protecting me a little from the heavy rain that now fell. I slowed my horse, so that we walked slowly across the mossy floor. I felt the air tingle, and could hear whispers through the branches, carried by the wind. My eyelids drooped, and I swayed where I sat. I was so tired, but for some reason didn't want to rest.
Suddenly, a heard a slight whizzing, like a shaft of thin wood sailing through the air. I had barely the time to turn, before a green feathered arrow struck me in the shoulder. I cried out in agony, spooking my horse. She neighed and reared on her back legs. I slid off and tumbled to the forest floor with a ''squelch'', clutching my shoulder where the arrow had hit. My horse reared again, and all my packs were thrown off as she streaked off into the forest, leaving me behind.
A few more arrows flew to the ground, only one hitting me in the leg. I cried out again, tears streaming down my face. I heard footsteps around me, more whispers, then everything went black.