Description: The new world opens new opportunities for all who enter it. Including the self-appointed new Dark Lord. However, the Valar's hands reach far, herding the life of all those who exist, hindering all that they deem unworthy. But it all changes when a new puppet master appears.
Cubby: Mwahahahaha!
Hyano: Mwahahahahaha!
Ren: Mwahahahahaha!
Avp: Mwahahahaha!
Cubby: Mwahahahaha!
Hyano: Mwahahahahaha!
Ren: Mwahahahahaha!
Avp: Mwahahahaha... Huhhh... *Looks around out of breath* So... Why are we laughing again?
Hello and welcome to our third book of Son of a Warg. We hope you are going to enjoy this as much as the last two.
Well, this book is going to be a bit darker and we will try to cover a lot of things, along with Hyano's and Ren's adventures in the new world. You surely noticed that in the previous book we introduced new characters. That wasn't just coincidence. They will have some nice main roles in this book. So in the end, Hyano and Ren will share some spotlight with others from now on to expand on the story a bit. They all will have their own place in the story, so pay attention to them.
You also surely noticed a few... strange things happening. Some unexplained changes in behavior, changes of mind, voices appearing out of nowhere influencing the characters...
That was no mistake.
We hope we managed to catch your attention. So without further ado...
CA Productions
Disclaimer: We don't own LotR, but we own the plot of this story, and all that was created outside what Tolkien included in his books. Cublove owns Hyano, the Orange Wizard, Avpke owns Ren the Nazgul. All OCs and custom races appearing in this story are our creations. Please don't steal anything.
Chapter 1 - Home Sweet Home
Imagine that all life that ever came to be started with a plain empty book, lying on a stand in darkness, a dim ray of light shining on it as if showing and promising potential. Once the life is born, the book opens and from there on one writes their own story with every action one does, with every word one speaks and every thought one keeps to themselves.
Some books get to be short, others go on for millions of pages. One person would be proud to reread their story, another would push it away, embracing the chance of forgetting. But it does not matter in the end... One is part of a system of stories which is written by so many hands. Even the smallest of glance at a stranger, just a fleeting thought of a possibility... That is all one needs to write one's name into another book.
Now imagine that a world itself starts plain and simple with no true meaning or direction. The life that is making its home in it will be the one defining its story and path. Their choices and actions entwine with one another, creating a masterpiece. Everyone has their own place, their own role in the story. If one is missing... then the story will not be complete. If one adds more... Well... Then the story changes.
But if the change is worth it or not...
Well...
Hyano is about to find out.
The golden wooden parts of the dock made themselves known by peeking out of the persistent thick fog, its presence giving the tired travelers the promise of dry and solid land under their feet. The relieving magic, the gentle tune of birds and the scent of fresh grass was tempting, inviting, making the orange wizard stand on the boat before they even got the chance to arrive. Her green eyes tried to penetrate the blanket of fog but all she saw were faint forms and shadows of those who stood on the other side. But she could hear the voices that chanted in unison, the song of a spell sounding around her, echoing in the air, the magic answering to their call by swirling and creating the path required for them to enter.
The elf, Fieven, padded towards the sound, gazing behind him at the tree herder family who were tightly following behind them before guiding the boat next to the wooden steps, which of course looked very new compared to the one in Middle-Earth. Along the wooden dock elves of various sizes and ages were standing, now releasing concentration on the spell at the sight of the newcomers, among them was a familiar white-robed figure standing silently.
Hyano looked along the dock as if searching and instantly she felt her eyes water at the sight of the one man she had missed more than anything.
"... Gandalf..." She breathed before jumping up in one leap and had tackled the old man, hugging him as tightly as she could. To say she had missed him would be an understatement. He had been the equivalent of an uncle in her life. Teaching her what he could. He also stood by her when no one else would, had never given up on her good nature. He knew her more than she knew herself, showed her things she thought she never had in her. While her greatest and closest teacher was Radagast... Gandalf was the one who opened her eyes to the world as what it was, who gave her wisdom and the knowledge that sometimes words have a greater power than any spell or any incantation. Most of all... he taught her how to be herself, how to have fun and how to let go of the worries in the world if only just for a moment, to refresh her mind so she could give her dedication to the cause in earnest. She could thank so much to him, had so many memories... It would be a shock if she did not act the way she did and did not shed the tears that formed in her green ees at the sight of the friend she did not see for thousands of years.
To say the least, the man was surprised by the sheer strength and force she put into the hug and swayed back a little but held fast luckily, wrapping his arms around her form, putting his chin on top of her head in a silent means of protection and support. His blue eyes also started to be filled with tears which were already ready to fall when his eyes first fell on the girl in the boat but refused to let them fall. Well, not yet with the elves watching, who right now gathered around them, a little farther away and around the young elf who brought her here.
"Hyano..." The old man started, his voice trembling slightly as emotions swirled within his heart. He was so glad that she was here, relieved that nothing bad happened to her while he left her behind. Many days he just spent sitting in one spot, thinking over what he told her, what he taught her and advised, finding flaws which made him worry all the more. However, he had a job to do, an important task which could not wait. Returning to her was impossible. And she needed to find her place on her own in Middle-Earth, protect the humans from the lasting darkness until it vanished... or spread. Whichever happened in Middle-Earth. He had no information about it. "... We missed you, and I was wondering how you fare in Middle-Earth all alone..."
The orange istar relaxed into the hug, enjoying every second. When he spoke of Middle-Earth she clutched him a little tighter before pulling back to look up at him.
"While this world seems to have fared well... the one that you left behind... Man has done much that I doubt even the Dark Lord would... I was able to be a voice of reason for a while but... there was really nothing I could do..." She told him honestly and sadly. Looking up into his eyes she knew that she didn't have much time. The sun was much stronger here and gave her strength but the magical flow was put to a stop as soon as Ren was transformed into the statue. She needed to speak to him soon if she wanted to survive. "The always present dominating nature of Man won over with time. They did not need Sauron to start wars and murder those who they did not deem worthy of their society. They lost all the purity that you and the elves left in their heart and now have no respect for nature, for animals, instead slaughter them for joy and laughter. They became the disease of their own world..." It was hard for her to speak of them like this. But just because she was disappointed in them, it didn't make it less true. The White wizard had to know.
The smile that was on Gandalf's aged face was slowly vanishing as she spoke about how the world he left behind started to change from the one that was... from the one he worked on so hard and suffered for it greatly... to something so deformed. But now... all of this was in vain? What she was saying was the truth? It must be... why would she lie? Man always was too easy to sway with a simple gold piece. They were of weaker mind and were too selfish in general to see just how destructive they truly were. Even when he was there he could see the looming danger. There were many kind-hearted people but they were greatly outweighed by the wrong kind. They were not bad people, of course. Just that they were too easily influenced. Some needed just a few coins. Others did not need any reason.
The White wizard shook his head, pulling away just a little to look at her, his eyes holding the disappointment he felt towards Man. He left them with a clean, pure and rich land which waited for their reign... Yet here they are, destroying it instead? This was almost too shocking to believe... But he believed Hyano.
"Seems like they leaned towards darkness after all... It isn't their fault... I think we made a mistake somewhere. We will need to look into it all and find it before it also creates madness here..." He quickly commented, his eyes moving as he thought, not blaming humanity for what happened but blamed himself for it all. He had a hand in their development, after all. He shaped and molded their path, tried to herd them to a bright future like a good shepherd but... "I failed." This time, however, he will be more careful.
"Gandalf." The orange wizard shook her head, putting her hands on her hips and tapped the ground with a foot, staring at him with narrowed eyes. "Since when is this your fault? You weren't even there when things started to go south. I was there and even I could not stop it." She reasoned, thinking back to the days when she attempted to be the voice of reason but the more magic left the world, the more the past left their memories, the less they listened to her. "If anyone is to blame it is me... I failed the task you gave me." She admitted but did not feel sad about it. There was nothing she could do. The world simply took its own course and had its own plans. She lost her power due to the lack of magic and the passing of time. It was simply an impossible task. Perhaps even Gandalf knew it.
The White wizard simply watched her, raising a white eyebrow at her attitude which he thought he forgot about. A smile soon graced his lips and sighed, finding her way of defending him quite touching but he knew better than to believe her or blame her for it.
"I have watched them grow, Hyano." He uttered and shifted his blue gaze towards the sea in front of them, watching the calm waves and the sunlight which danced on their surface, creating random beautiful patterns. The sun and water were truly great artists. "I have shaped their past and so I have a hand in their future. An istar's involvement goes into the roots of a world." He paused and looked at her with a smile. "Do not worry... Soon you will be part of that."
His last sentence stopped the orange wizard in her tracks when she was about to argue this. She truly did not know what it meant but she could tell he had plans for her and she would be fool thinking it will be something easy. She could probably expect something like this to be said to her sooner or later but this made things a bit more difficult.
"Also..." Hyano spoke up, hesitating a bit to continue. Maybe she didn't think this one through completely but she knew she had to tell him, now that the mood was set and he clearly was expecting great things from her. It was now or never. To start this was easy but now that she had his attention, it suddenly felt hard for her to continue. It was as if... she was afraid she might disappoint him. But she should know him already and he should know her. Instead of saying anything more, she simply turned a little, then pointed towards the statue in the boat. There was no point hiding. Gandalf was going to find out the moment he saw it anyway. However, keeping her words few when it came to the wraith was wise. These elves... some of them were all from a world of peace. They would not be able to handle this. Not yet anyway. "We should probably talk about it later." She made sure to add.
Gandalf only frowned when she gestured towards the boat which was still in the dock, noting something was... inside, yet from this point of view he couldn't really tell. From her tone he could tell it was something important, something meaningful, maybe even something urgent but she would have told him about it if this could not wait. So for now, he nodded nonetheless, wanting to get everything settled before talking about anything serious. Because if she wanted to not speak of this, he will not force her.
"Alright then... Let us get you to a comfortable place. You surely are hungry and..." He trailed off, suddenly aware of the murmurs coming from the elves as they started approaching and observing the newcomers they did not expect to come along. A family with children as it seemed. He himself was confused at first, as their magic was faint so could not truly recognize. They were nothing that he saw before on Middle-Earth. They were like humans, yet were not at the same time. Their skin was dark, their frame was diverse but that was not the most prominent that set them apart. It was their visible purity.
While the two wizards talked, the tree herder family also touched the dock. The father stepped off first, holding his scared daughter trying to calm her down. With him were his wife -Holly-, son -Cane- and eldest daughter -Rosa. The latter stood with her arms crossed. She would never admit it but this world scared her as well along with the people in it. They were strange. They had bigger eyes, unusual ears, they were too tall for her liking and all too expressive. Sure, the wizard had told them about this but to finally see it... it was awe inspiring and enough to scare them even if only a little.
Of course, their insecurity caused even more curiosity from the elves who felt little threatened but majorly uncertain about their purpose here. They were not told about this family, so began to talk among themselves and enclosed the spooked herders in a circle, observing them, guessing but also keeping them from doing any harm if they happened to be brought here due to the danger they pose to the world they left. They did not seem to be a threat but one might never know. Given their history, the migrated elves were the ones teaching caution to all those around when it came to strange creatures.
Hyano relaxed as Gandalf didn't seem to panic over what was in the boat. Well, she wasn't certain if she should be glad or be worried a bit for it. Glad because he did not press the subject and worried because it might shock him if he took it so lightly now. When he turned his gaze to the unnerved family she could only smile.
"Hold on a second." She said, then walked over to the ent people. The father of the group handed his scared daughter over to her without hesitation. The little one buried her face into the wizard's shoulder as she made her way back to Gandalf. "Gandalf. Meet Lilly. The youngest of the Razorleaf family." She said, brushing the little girl's hair before encouraging her to look up.
The little girl sniffled a bit, clearly uncomfortable with the crowd and looked up teary eyed and scared, her big dark brown orbs meeting the White's gentle blue ones.
"H-hello mister Gandalf." She said, speaking in a mix of a tree whisper yet in human speech. Her ancestor had been named Razorleaf. When he had a family he took up a human name and used his herder name as his family name. That way his family could never forget where they came from even though they would never look like they once had.
The old wizard could only blink at first but the smile that vanished from his face came back rather quickly and lifted his hand slowly to brush away the tear that fell and dripped down her cheek.
"Razorleaf? So, they are from the tree herders!" He exclaimed, suddenly happy and surprised at the same time, having recognized the name of that specific herder while he stroked the girl's cheek with his thumb. "Hello there, little one. Know that you came from the line of a very strong and caring tree herder. He was one of the batch which I took care of when he was very small." He chuckled, remembering the times when he was standing and sitting around the small herders, spending his time in silence until they were ready to leave him. Except the times when they chased leaves and each other nonstop.
The wizard looked up from the little girl and finally observed the descendants of Razorleaf. This was why they were so different when he first saw them and felt them. But what baffled him was the sheer similarity to humans when it came to looks. One might think they were a breed of Man and not children of tree herders. The transformation was unbelievable. Perhaps it was just a development among generations and perhaps interbreeding with humans. Or maybe it was part of the spell? He honestly did not know and right now he was too overwhelmed to think about it. He will talk to them more once they made themselves comfortable, seeing they were rather uneasy among the elves who were cautious around them. He might as well answer to that too.
"Now... let's get the family away from the curious elves. They don't mean harm but can be a little... distrusting." He chuckled again, shaking his head before gesturing for Hyano to tell the family to follow them before he nodded at one of the elves, signaling him that they are no harm to the world but are welcome to the new world they referred to as Outer-Earth.
In the mean time a separate group of elves actually managed to follow the disturbing aura of irritation and darkness that they started to feel as time passed to the boat, where they started murmuring, instantly recognizing the shape of the statue that was still resting peacefully in the belly of the boat.
"What do you see?" One of the native elves asked when he noticed that a comrade of his was peaking inside the boat, having located it as the source of the disturbing aura. It did not come as a shock. If one was not such a pure being as them, it would have probably gone unnoticed, as its concentration grew gradually. They knew that taking a look and suspecting is disrespectful towards the wizard but it was rather bothersome.
"A... statue?" The other one replied, frowning at the carved form that stared back at him. It was not in its natural position for sure. He was puzzled, unsure why the istar would drag something like this over the sea. It was pointless. They could carve another one if she wanted but something told him it was more than that. "I don't know there is just... something..." He trailed off as he stared at it, breathing in the cold air that plagued the boat now. He could not help but pull back from it, suddenly a feeling of dread overcoming him. This caused the others in their vicinity to shift their attention towards them and their object of curiosity.
"Why would she bring a statue?" The same elf asked, shaking his head in disbelief and shifted his gaze towards the talking wizards. They were powerful magical beings. Maiar. Surely she had a reason to bring it over. Maybe it has some kind of magical properties? Well... properties that he rather backed away from.
Their murmuring among themselves did not go unnoticed as now a much older elf stepped closer to the duo, taking an interest in what they found in the boat. A statue? From Middle-Earth? Didn't Gandalf tell her to not bring anything from that world to this? It could taint them and-...
"This feeling..." He suddenly whispered, his clear blue eyes quickly snapping towards the boat and its content as soon as he stepped into a specific distance, where the cold aura it emitted could be felt. Unlike the native elves who met no dark creature, this one had a close enough experience with them in Middle-Earth. He knew what he was feeling and he wasn't about to let it slide. He pressed himself through the crowd that formed and once he reached the boat his eyes widened.
He recognized the shape. The empty hood... the gauntlets... the spiked boots... That cloak. The sheer cold and darkness it spewed. There was no question. The form of these creatures was etched in the mind of all elves who met them. The ellon observed it, his gaze travelling the smallest details of the statue, just to try and ease his mind that he made a mistake. But there was none that he could find. The aura told him everything he needed to know and confirmed his suspicion.
"It is a bad omen..." He said to the others and pulled away panting, gritting his teeth as if his own essence was ripped from him as he tried to put distance between himself and that thing in the boat. The others watched him, glancing towards the boat cautiously. "A wraith was brought to us... A creature of darkness and corruption..."
They shuddered and stepped back in fright and disgust, some even walked back to the others before a larger crowd started forming around it. Everyone stood in shock about how and why this creature was brought here. They couldn't imagine a reason for bringing darkness into a world which was just now on the way of developing. The murmurs started to be louder, finally attracting Gandalf's attention, who just gazed at them with confusion.
Hyano nodded, gesturing for the family to come before noting the commotion. They were around the boat and looked frightened enough. So much for speaking with Gandalf about it later when everything calmed down. Seems like things will only get better and better from here on. She had to calm them down and listen to her before they toss Ren into the sea and sentence her to death with it, thanks to the connection they share.
"Everyone!" She shouted and waited for a moment before repeating her call but as it seemed, they were too busy trying to find out what to do with this statue that did not belong into this world. "Hey!" She called again but her voice easily got lost in the chattering of the crowd. She sighed and looked towards the eldest daughter, giving her an annoyed look, although this was not meant towards her person but at the all too curious and distrusting elves.
"Do you mind?" She asked with a nod towards the crowd and the daughter nodded before sticking two fingers in her mouth and let out a very loud whistle to get the crowd's attention.
"Hey! Shut your traps!" Came the sharp and loud voice of the eldest herder daughter, Rosa, who was already at the edge of her patience and nerve thanks to the unusual surroundings, smells, feelings and the fact that she felt tense with so many pairs of eyes observing her. She was used to being alone and left alone... Now she felt like she was in a zoo and she was the main attraction. Her current gesture didn't make things better but at least it will not last long.
Well, let's say that the elves were rather surprised by the sharp noise and the rather... strange way the child seemed to say to go quiet. They didn't understand the sentence fully as the phrase was foreign in this situation but this shock did the job and everyone fell silent to hear what Hyano had to say.
Hyano facepalmed, not exactly expecting her to say that but what else can one expect from a teen girl. She then put the little one down onto the ground, making sure she was standing firmly before letting her go a bit carefully.
"Alright, I believe we might as well do this now. If you haven't figured it out yet... the thing in there is a wraith. One of the Nine." She was interrupted by gasps of shock and sudden cries of elves as their gazes found the motionless statue in the boat once again. Some stepped back, others unsheathed their weapons to get rid of the threat that plagued them all of a sudden. This did not come unexpectedly, so Hyano made sure to quickly continue, putting her hands out to try and calm the crowd. "He is stone and as long as we don't touch he will stay that way." She explained and looked over them all, seeing their unease but what was done had been done.
"Then why bring it to us?" Came the shout of the same older ellon who spotted the danger in the first place. He had a quite close encounter with one of these beings and he wasn't about to repeat it. He had his share of experience to know what they can do and what potential they have. Now, one of them was here, while it should have been destroyed.
"I couldn't leave him behind because not only would the humans find out how to destroy themselves with him but my magic is tied to him, so without him I will die." The whispers and murmurs seemed to die down for the moment at the mention of this little detail, although she wasn't sure if was out of shock or they waited for Gandalf to say something. But she gave no such chance. "Any questions or are we all up to speed?" She asked, crossing her arms.
The herder family did not seem worried about this, seeing as they had already met the wraith. While he was a dark creature they trusted Hyano and didn't view him as a threat. At least for the moment. He was quite strange and seemed to be driven by pure instinct of a wild animal but otherwise he thankfully followed Hyano's requests. This put some relief on the worry they might feel.
While the elves still had to process the news, Gandalf instantly knew which wraith the young wizard brought along and grit his teeth at the quick realization, suspecting something was off as it was. There were thousand questions and thoughts swirling in his already occupied mind and knew this needed a very thorough discussion as soon as possible. He quickly lashed out and pulled Hyano back so he could talk to her about this in private.
Just Hyano, him and the few hundred pairs of sharp elven ears.
As soon as he stopped a little distance away his eyes narrowed and crossed his arms over his white robed chest, looking at Hyano in silence at first, his gaze scolding her even without needing to say a word.
"It is him, isn't it." It obviously wasn't a question, just a statement which awaited confirmation. "Why didn't you just destroy him when you first saw him? You knew they are dangerous... They could destroy the world even quicker than a population of humans could... And what is this about you being bound to him in magic? Was this a trick so he can stay alive at your side?" He asked one question after the other and obviously expected answer for each of them, leaning towards the fact that she might remember... For two reasons. Because he couldn't feel the magical aura of the spell he put on her and because that wraith was here, met her again, so surely triggered memories that should have been buried in the deepest corners of her mind for eternity.
Hyano looked up at him, crossing her arms, mimicking the same movement he made not a moment ago and her own green eyes met his blue ones in a determined fashion, not flickering, not wandering for just a single second.
"Yes. It is him and no, I had no idea what I was looking at because you blocked everything to do with him. Remember? When I saw him in the display I knew he was a dark creature but I had no idea 'who' I was looking at. When I touched him... I broke him out of his stone prison... but I also permanently bound us..." She paused but before he could even say a single word she continued. "If you haven't noticed I'm not taking in any magic... I can't. This place is full of it but without Ren I can't touch it. He can't either. I was able to convince him to let me turn him back to stone... I should have enough magic to last a few days... Maybe." She explained, then shook her head. "As for how dangerous he is... Sorry but he is nowhere near as dangerous as humans... They have done things that would make the Dark Lord himself cringe... I was not leaving one piece of him behind for them to try and use." She said bluntly, remembering the horror the humans were capable of doing. These same humans were thousand times saved and supported by the creatures of light over and over... and yet... they paid them back by destroying everything they fought for. They didn't need Sauron to destroy Middle-Earth. Man became its own vermin and was sapping it of all its resources until there will be no more.
Gandalf shook his head, his very strict and scolding look staying, fixed on Hyano relentlessly. For a moment he wanted to deny all that he heard, that maybe his mind was playing tricks on him but he had to realize that what she said indeed left her mouth and it all was nothing else than the truth according to her heartbeat and eyes.
"Maybe I blocked everything that had anything to do with him to protect you but I didn't block the knowledge about the wraiths and how much danger they pose. You should have blasted that statue into pieces once you saw him..." He pointed out, not shouting but firmly scolding her wrong decision, stepping closer to the orange wizard. "And now we got into this trouble... How do you think it is going to work? If you two are bound then we have to tolerate him but the elves won't. Neither can we afford to. He might end up corrupting this world and releasing his dark aura into materials, into pieces that are just now developing. We cannot let him stay alive..." He whispered, his mind already working on some solutions to their problem. If the two are indeed bound, then he cannot get rid of the Nazgul without killing her. According to the problem, they will need to tie both of them to something else instead of each other... Which might take too long... But he refused to give up on Hyano... "We need to think... I will get someone to watch the statue in the boat while we think of some kind of solution... For now, let us go. You and the family need food and rest. The trip was surely tiring." The White wizard suggested, for now willing to push this trouble to the side and let them settle in before doing anything about Ren.
Hyano shook her head.
"You know what you have to do, Gandalf." She said firmly, wanting him to eventually make the choice she knew he had to. It would save them all a lot of chaos to come if he did. He knew how Ren influenced her. The way he made her run away with him in Moria. The way he made her kill things and produce an army for him. The way he made her fight him... He didn't have to make the choice now but it had to be made soon. She didn't say anything else about it, though, as she waved for the family to come along.
"I don't know yet..." He whispered back before averting his gaze, his eyes softening and turning towards the elves who still looked at the statue, anger clearly written all over their features. They found the presence of the dark creature unsettling and unneeded. They were irritated by the magic and aura it emitted and were validly concerned about the influence he is going to have over the world. They couldn't afford to have him roam around. But Gandalf also couldn't afford destroying him just yet. Not yet. There must be a solution... With this Nazgul gone, Hyano will have a much clearer future among them. Right now -knowing what she said- he knew she herself might not be sure about which side she was on. This was something he didn't want to think about. It shouldn't even be a question which side she was on. She was an istar... a creature of light. No matter what happened in the past, the race of Man was the best example for that. Despite their upbringing and development, despite the teachings of elves and the istari... they still turned out to be the most evil of Middle-Earth as it seemed. What made Gandalf different from the other istari was that he believed in and used wisdom and clear thoughts instead of emotion-ridden decisions. He never speculated. This was why he refused to make a decision. He will mediate on this and perhaps let time decide their fate. Sometimes it was not about decisions but about destiny.
As Hyano gestured for the family to move, Gandalf turned briefly to glance at the boat with worry before something caught his eye. The little girl from the family, standing all alone, staring towards the vast sea, towards her past home. He sighed, shaking his head, feeling his nerves softening and his mood slightly lifting, the usual comforting nature of the wizard taking over for a little while. The White wizard saw the fright and uncertainty in her deep brown eyes and decided it might be time he swept away any worry she might have for her home or her family.
The teen girl, Rosa stayed behind as her family moved on, answering to the call of the Orange wizard. She stayed on the docks, looking back the way they came. Only a few moments here and already she wanted to go home. Sure, she would be back at the school where everyone looked at her strangely, bullied her and she would be forced to live her life on her own but this place was just... too unusual. It scared her. She would never admit it, of course. These elves... She read about them already but they didn't look like the way she imagined them to be. They were so tall, so perfect. And now here she was with her strange looks... She would never be able to fit in. At least back at Middle-Earth there were people who looked at least somewhat like her. The way they were being treated already was not helping either. The way they looked at her... It was unnerving for the teen, so she shuddered and let her arms wrap around herself.
"We shouldn't have come." She grumbled.
Gandalf slowly walked over to her, hearing her words and the meaning behind it. She regretted coming... or never wanted to come in the first place. But now... they cannot return. It was a one-way trip. So, she will have to accept this place as her new home. But for this... the people also needed to accept them.
"How do you know? Have you seen this place before?" He asked from behind her and walked next to her, stopping at the shore and watching the blue foggy sea, his blue eyes meeting the sight of the horizon.
The teen looked at the wizard timidly, then looked back towards the crystal clear blue waters below where she observed the small fish as they swam under the docks, clearly looking for their next meal.
"... They don't even want us here... Even if we didn't bring that thing along... They haven't stopped staring since we got here..." She replied, feeling like she was still in school with the other students, getting stared at because she was different. The number of teens that looked like herself were few because there were only 3 tree herders who had created families. Even after all this time that was not enough to really make a lot of their kind among all the humans and many forgot they were even herders so it didn't matter. "... I didn't even want to come. I had friends back home... Now... what if no one here ever likes me...?" She said. It was the same thing many her age said when they were forced to move for one reason or another. No matter what age they were... the worry of not fitting in was only natural.
The wizard chuckled and lifted a hand to stroke her dark thick hair gently.
"I for one like you." He told her with a raised eyebrow. Well, at least he had no reason to dislike her so far. She was one of those 'lost children' who saw no reason to look towards tomorrow but stayed in yesterday and so did not live for today. She needed a small push to see past her worries. His blue gaze wandered for a moment before finally landing on the young elf they sent to Middle-Earth. They must have exchanged words before they came to this world. "I am sure that young elf likes you too. The elves will like you, you must not worry. They are just..." He trailed off, trying to find the right words he was going to use. "... not used to you. But elves are accepting towards those who wish no harm to their kind and lands. They will be your friends, you will see." He tried reassuring her and sighed, looking out over the sea which their sight could reach from all the fog. "Take this as a... new adventure. Do you like adventures? You came to a world which is still in development, you can see all its wonders, see all the creatures as one of the firsts, see everything, experience creation. Perhaps even... see the little brothers of your ancestor." He added with a smile, his blue eyes moving down to look at her. "All you need to do is want it. And if they all see you want to fit in, they will let you. But if you are distant... they won't know how to come closer to you... Leave them a chance."
Rosa looked at him and relaxed under his touch a little before blinking when he talked about the elf. She hadn't even considered him. She assumed he was just an escort and did not look for new friends among those who he was in charge of. Maybe he was tolerating them because he had to. She thought for a moment, then heard him turn this whole situation into more of a challenge. If there was any way to get a teen girl working hard it was to challenge her. She smiled a little then nodded.
"Fine... But if they don't stop staring I'm going to have to start punching faces." She said with a grin, joking... only a little bit. She then turned and looked at the young ellon before walking towards him cautiously.
Gandalf couldn't help but laugh loudly at what the girl said, shaking his head at her clearly daring and rebellious attitude. He met many such children before in Middle-Earth, so knew what to expect, so did not worry about her. She could take care of herself but will still need the much needed support. However, only when she asked for it. At this age children tend to seem daring and want to show everyone they can look out for themselves. So, he did not stand in her way.
"Alright then but give them a few weeks. Then you may punch faces." He chuckled before walking over to Hyano and the rest of the family, on the way asking a few elves to watch the statue in the boat. No one should touch it until he was to be awakened. If ever. "Well, this was sorted out. She will be fine with Fieven. The boy will tire her out soon." He reassured them, knowing the ellon quite well from the past, hence why he sent him on the trip instead of anyone else. He was one of the first half native and half migrated elf to be born in this world. He was a talk-active elf and made acquaintances easily and wasn't as cautious as the others like a native one. But he was excellent with the bow and more than capable of fending off any danger like those from Middle-Earth. One the one hand, that was a good thing, since he could be more direct and friendly but this also made him vulnerable when it came to emotions. He then gesturing forward, showing them to the house where he lived. It was only a little distance away from the docks, a little temporary shack of his own made of woods, reminding many of Radagast's old shack. Made of wood, simple and extremely inflammable.
"Thank you. We were worried she might not do very well here. She was not very happy about our choice in coming here." The girl's mother, Holly admitted, holding the hand of her son, Cane. Both he and his father had yet to say anything. It was a common trait in the males of their species. They just didn't talk much, choosing to listen instead. The women were quiet by human standards but did speak a lot in comparison to the men.
Hyano smiled a bit at this, holding Lilly in her arms again after having put her down for a moment when she spoke to the crowd before.
"She will do fine. If I remember right that girl is not afraid to fight when someone doesn't treat her right." The orange wizard pointed out before seeing the shack and smiled. "The last time I saw a shack like that was... Oh, wow I don't even know." She admitted with a grin, taking the small home as a welcomed sight.
Gandalf couldn't help but smile at her reaction as he walked past the happy wizard and patted her shoulder, inviting her closer to his temporary home.
"And you will see many other shacks like this. We tend to build many such homes while we wander. Especially so early in creation and that many istari walking the land. We usually meet sometimes at these shacks, although... rarely does it happen. We all have our own regions and tasks." He explained as they walked closer before opening the door and stepped aside, letting the young wizard and the family enter first, then closed the door behind them as he stepped in as well.
The shack was rather simple but of course had more order than Radagast's hut. The ingredients of many potions and gels were neatly organized, the food was all stacked away and books were all in their respective places on the bookshelves. Alright, normally Gandalf wasn't as organized either but he did make the effort this time so Hyano can feel more comfortable. Good thing he did. They ended up with more visitors. He offered them seats at the wooden table before stopping in front of them.
"Would you like something to eat or drink? Right now we don't have much. We usually don't take anything to store away at such an early stage of the world. That would harm the fragile nature." He informed them but already looked around for some glass and perhaps some water from the river not far. He might have some fruits somewhere as well... Not much but should be enough for now.
The family took a seat and the mother shook her head. "We are fine for now. Thank you." She said with a soft smile.
Hyano froze as some of his words hit her all of a sudden.
"M-many?" She said, then looked at him. "Th-there are more of us?" She asked. Radagast and Saruman had both died. The blues had gone missing, presumed dead. No one wanted to talk about what happened to their star wizard, Asteri, who was the teacher of the Rohirrin prince so many Ages ago. How had they gotten more? Actually she didn't care! They could be elves turned istari for all she cared! Knowing that she and Gandalf weren't the last... That was fantastic! "When can I meet them?" She requested eagerly.
Gandalf hummed as he searched through the shack as if he did not hear her excited question, looking for the few glasses he kept around, his blue eyes surveying their rather small environment, taking his time. The shack wasn't big after all. He gasped when he found what he was looking for and turned, placing a glass in front of each family member before pouring them some water. While they didn't ask for it, less tree herder-ish or not, they surely needed to drink something. Maybe the sight of water will ease their tension and will relax a little. Finally, the White chuckled and turned to her, sitting down as he poured some water for her as well.
"Well... turns out the missing istari were all here. Pallando, Alatar and Asteri are all scattered around the new world, doing their own tasks and of course new istari were sent by the Valar to help us out. Our Order is working again with a complete hierarchy and a member count of seven, you included. Outer-Earth, as it is called, is larger than Middle-Earth was, so the help is welcome."
Hyano grinned. Really? She took a seat gladly, though her mind was miles away thinking of the new istari she was soon to meet. She couldn't wait but she would have to in this case. The Valar sent more of her kind... and some were still here. That was fantastic!
The family was a little surprised when despite their answer they were given water anyway. However the boy happily took the offer and blinked at its taste.
"It... tastes strange." He said, not sure how to describe it. It wasn't a bad taste. However, he was so used to water that lacked magic that having water which was in a way a new level of purity just struck him as... odd.
Gandalf watched her and sighed, shaking his head a little at the smile and excitement he could read from her features, guessing what she must be thinking of. Of course, he wasn't against the idea of taking her with him on one of his trips but he was more than sure that she will have her own tasks given out soon, so they will have to go on separate ways. Meeting only rarely...
"Do not be so excited, Hyano." He decided to warn her, pouring some water for himself as well and lifted the glass to his lips to take a sip. "They are far away and have their duties, which you will soon receive from the Valar as well. Everyone has their own tasks and contribution to any world created." The White explained with a smile, only averting his gaze from her when he heard the comment of the little boy. He raised a white eyebrow at it and stared at him before frowning and tasting his own water again, just to make sure nothing is wrong with it. "It tastes fine... Perhaps you find it strange because it isn't exactly... the same water you drank on Middle-Earth." He smiled at the boy, explaining, reaching over to ruffle his already curly hair. "It is entwined with magic, the life force of this world at the moment. Nature is weak right now and we need to prepare Outer-Earth for her reign."
Hyano cringed a little at his words, knowing too well he was right. She nodded. She would get her orders from the Valar soon enough. Part of her worried about what these orders might be... though if she was right... she already knew. She gripped her glass before nodding. She then looked at the boy and smiled, taking a drink of the water herself. She tasted the difference as well. So many years away had changed her tastes so much. She looked at the confused herder child.
"You will get used to it. If anything, it will make you much stronger." She said.
The boy shook his head, his curls falling right back into place and smiled as he heard the istar's words, then a thought came to mind before he looked towards his parents and whispered something to Holly. His mother blinked, then looked at Hyano.
"Will we still be allowed to celebrate our holiday here?" She asked, wondering if their culture could still be practiced, or if they need to meld into the elven society completely, forgetting what they are, who they are and where they came from.
Hyano blinked. She hadn't even thought about that just yet. With everything being so fast she didn't yet have the time to stop and think about the details.
"Um... I would hope so... Though, don't expect the elves to understand too quickly." The orange wizard replied, then looked towards Gandalf. " It's called Ash day. The day when their ancestors chose to shift... and one was turned to ash. At first they would just gather to mourn but with the generations they turned it into something like a cultural holiday." She explained to him.
Gandalf couldn't help but frown at the mention of a holiday and some kind of celebration, blinking at the thought before he was explained what it was about. He hummed at the request, his blue gaze falling to the clean and pure water in the glass before lifting it to his lips again.
"I am surprised but honored to hear that you decided to keep your fallen brethren in mind. She died for the cause she believed in was right." He smiled, putting down the glass and cleared his throat, thinking. Of course he didn't say that what the herders chose was right because it was their own decision if they found it right or wrong. He could not and didn't want to judge the situation and the outcome. "I am sure the elves wouldn't mind if you celebrated. Could you please tell me what it all contains? The holiday, I mean." He asked, tilting his head slightly, his gaze fixing on the family, mainly on the woman. She seems to be the most talk-active of the group. He wondered why...
"Well..." Holly thought for a moment about how he could explain the event. "The whole event actually lasts about a week. It is a week of fasting. We only drink water and enjoy the raise of the sun. Going back the way we used to be. This also is a time for thought. It is said that this represents the time our ancestors took to contemplate their decision. It is how we should think about every decision we make as well, taking the proper time to do so. During this time the men also take the time to gather fallen tree branches. Only pieces that have fallen naturally can be used. The women use these pieces to create... a sculpture. Normally in the shape of a woman but sometimes the children will get more creative. On the final day, Ash day, everyone normally spends the day itself sleeping since they are so tired from lack of food. However, as night falls everyone gathers and places their sculptures together... then Hyano is normally kind enough to use a fireworks spell so as the sculptures are set ablaze... a shot will go off in the sky in the shape of each sculpture that is made. When all the sculptures are burned away what is left is always ash. The ash is then blown away. After that the night is normally full of games, song, and dancing. This is also the end of the fast so we are allowed to eat again once the fire show is over." She said, smiling sheepishly, feeling the whole explanation was rather longwinded.
The White wizard listened closely to the process of the celebration, understanding the meaning behind all the points. Indeed the fast is like... attempting to return to how their ancestors lived and still live here within the hearts of their little brothers. Water and sunlight. This is all they need.
"It is nice to see you didn't forget who you are and what decisions your ancestors made, may they be easy or hard. Perhaps with the heavy magic in this world you might return more to the 'roots' and will start to resemble them once more." He said thoughtfully, stroking his long white beard at this possibility. Anything can happen at this point of creation. Maybe they won't change, maybe they have another purpose which the Valar will point them to slowly, unseen and unnoticed. They were meant to come after all. "Would you like to see your ancestor's little brothers? At least a few of them. Some are around... I can..." The wizard trailed off as he concentrated. "...hear them whisper and speak. A youngling is somewhere, so they might be a little... less tolerant." He grimaced, wishing to offer them the opportunity to see what their ancestors looked like before the change, experience their very nature and perhaps share some words.
Lilly, the little tree herder child had been half asleep, worn out from the trip and also crying as hard as she had, however when the istar spoke of seeing their ancestors' kin she sat up and smiled as if the tears never ran down her cheeks.
"I want to see!" She said excitedly, though again her voice was like the wind to anyone who didn't know any better.
Hyano giggled at the excited little girl also seeing curiosity in the young boy. Even the parents grew a bit excited, however like true herders they were also careful of their own young. Rosa was considered old enough to take care of herself to a degree but these two were far too young. Hyano looked at Gandalf and nodded.
"I think they would really like that. Even from a distance I think they will enjoy seeing where they came from." She said, standing up.
The wizard's eyes widened at the sudden change in activity and smiled before chuckling, his blue eyes meeting the excited little girl then looked at Hyano, nodding.
"Well, considering the reaction I am sure they do. Well, do you wish to make the trip now or perhaps want to rest first? It was a long and tiring journey and we might need to walk a lot until we can catch a glimpse of them." Gandalf asked the family and turned towards them, not wanting to tire them out too much. Of course, he noticed the fatigue shown by them, so gave them the choice to first gain some more energy before going out on such a trip. They might end up having to run if a tree herder becomes slightly aggressive because it is defending the young one. Tree herder children were rare as it is and their older brothers tolerated no danger around them. If they deemed anything all too risky... they would stop the living daylight out of them to case the problem.
The parents looked at each other. The man finally spoke up for the first time since he got here.
"That might be best." He said, his voice deep and rough, similar to the tree herders he came from. Lilly got a disappointed look in her eyes.
"Aw, but papa." She said sniffling cutely. However, her father only looked to her firmly, his decision not about to change despite her protest.
The mother looked at Gandalf.
"I think I should go ahead and put Lilly and Cane to sleep." She announced, feeling her daughter was both disappointed but also a little cranky because she was tired. The boy was disappointed as well but didn't say anything about it. Instead he just finished off his water before leaning against his father showing he was tired as well.
Gandalf smiled at the reaction showed by the little girl, his gentle blue eyes falling on her for a moment and reached out to stroke her head softly.
"The first thing we will do when you wake up is to go and see the tree herders, what do you say? Maybe they will be closer when night passes." He offered and drew back his hand to nod at the mother, gesturing towards the cot in the corner. "There is a bed they can sleep on. And... I think there must be a smaller mattress somewhere... Just in case two of us came at the same time and we needed shelter..." He quickly explained and stood up, trying to locate the bundle. Either to make room for both kids to sleep on a different bed or for the parents. They surely needed some sleep too. The journey is tiring for everyone and the magic when crossing the border normally sucks some out as well as a security measure. "I think... Ah, here it is!" He shouted and quickly produced the item he was looking for.
Hyano smiled as the family stood up. The mother thanked the wizard before setting her children down on the smaller of the two cots making sure they were tucked in properly before going and laying down with her husband.
Hyano stood up after making sure the family was properly resting and shifted her green gaze towards the older wizard.
"I think I will sleep outside. It will be nice to sleep out in the nature for once. It will feel nice." She said, walking to the door to go outside. There wasn't enough room for them all to sleep inside anyway.
The wizard watched as the family retired and laid down, smiling a little, knowing that they are far more tired than they showed. They were so... different than how he last saw their kind. Even with the change they still looked tree-like, however as generations went by and as the magic started rapidly leaving Middle-Earth they became more human-like instead and melded into their society. He wondered briefly how they could do their ancient task with the humans becoming as they are now. Shaking his head, Gandalf stood as well silently and drank the water in his glass before moving outside with Hyano, stopping in front of the door as he closed it behind him, letting the family rest for as long as they wished. One thing was certain... They either need a home of their own or with time they will want to sleep outside as well. Maybe their kin will urge them to go with them instead... who knows.
"Nature calls each istar and invites us to spend our time there in return of our work. The trees offer shade in the sun and shelter from the rain." He mused and reached into his white robe to retrieve his pipe, sticking it into his mouth. "I will go and take a look at the... statue you brought... Then I have some matters to discuss with the elven leaders before looking for a home for the family. I will be back by the time you wake up." He reassured, then turned and walked towards the closest road. Indeed he had a lot to do.
Hyano watched after him for a moment and nodded as she pulled out one of her cigarettes. She looked at the small object wondering if she might switch back to a pipe now that she was in Outer-Earth. However, she was sure she would just continue to make her own. All the things she needed were here she was sure.
"I will see you when you return then, Gandalf." She said before using her lighter to light it, then looked at the shack. If it wasn't for the family inside the shack she would probably go exploring right now. However, the family was in her care so she would stick by their side until they were settled in. She looked around before finding a nearby tree and like it was yesterday she climbed up the object of nature and onto the shack's roof.
She would sleep there tonight.
-back at the docks-
The water's gentle waves rocked the boat still tied to the wooden post at the shore. It was truly miraculous, that a force that swallowed whole world could be so soft and caring at the same time. Nature in this world was still unpredictable, larger waves did disrupt the slow dance of the moonlight on the surface of the water that easily gave a shove for the boat but its still, lifeless occupant didn't seem to mind. because it could not even if it tried. The statue of the creature was untouched by anyone, left alone and to its fate in the boat, left to the mercy of those who stood around it.
Because it was not alone.
Elves watched each move the boat made, ready to jump into a battle if the creature suddenly revived itself. Hyano told them the wraith would not be able to do so on its own. Then again... she was an istar who should know her place and the side she was supposed to be on... yet she chose this being over it many times in the past. They could not trust her words.
The alert elves soon parted, giving way to a much taller man as he walked past them and stood in front of the boat, his shadow engulfing the state that rested in it. Blue eyes observed the motionless figure but otherwise did not move. This did not mean that his thoughts also stopped. They were going a mile a minute as memories of the past flooded him.
One might think that Gandalf, for the first time in ages, was at a loss on what to do. This was a great lie, however. The White wizard knew exactly what to do and no emotion will sway him from the responsibility that was given to him during the Third Age on Middle-Earth. He had enough knowledge to know that he cannot let this creature corrupt what they were creating, having learned from the past. He also had enough knowledge to know that if Hyano cannot be saved from this bond she was sharing with this dark creature... then the only choice would be to give her up in return of the safety of the world. But wisdom, the one trait he was renowned for, told him that the safety of the world was relative. The safety is balance and just because he had a belief in what balance was... did not make it right. Just because he believed that darkness had nothing to do on a world did not make it true.
Fate and destiny... these traits were not in their control. These strings were held and guided by the Valar and their great God himself. Who was he to say that the creature cannot exist if they let him enter this world? Who was he to judge him if the Valar, despite the danger he poses let him pass their protective barrier and enabled him to be part of this world?
Time... Time shall be his guide.
Time will tell him the Gods' true plans and who this creature truly was in this world.
Now, we would like to grasp the chance and explain the istari business to our Dear Readers. In the first book a Guest asked us about them and we told them that we changed a few things about that group. In our story, the istari aren't just sent to battle Sauron in the Third Age. But the istari are also the helpers of the Valar in creating and maintaining life on the worlds.
In our story, we indicate that there are multiple worlds on Arda, and the Valar give and shape life to one at a time and let it go its course. Once that world is to end, they start shaping another world, rotating between those that were freshly created or have died out to start anew. Hence why the magic flows away from one land to another, which means that the Valar turn their gaze to a new world. The elves and istari follow it.
In our story, Gandalf and the other wizards had been at multiple worlds already. But otherwise their story on Middle-Earth did not change. You could see it as an... addition you didn't know about.
We hope we were able to clear it up.
So, see you in two weeks.
CA Productions