Gun X Sword: The Lost Region

Chapter 7: The Rohirrim's Audience

(DISCLAIMER: No, I don't own Gun X Sword because it belongs to the likes of Geneon and FUNimation. So, enjoy the show! Rated M for violence, adult content, and adult language.)

Van and Wendy saw the Rohirrim woman as she wanted to see them in person. They had never seen anyone like her before as she was more different than the standard human beings on this planet. The Rohirrim woman was a warrior who would go at their service and die for it as she was willing to protect them from the House of Feanor's clutches. Both Van and Wendy were curious about the new visitor as they found her to be quite mysterious at times, but she was there to watch over them, regardless.

"It seems that you tracked us all the way to Zetsuei," said Van.

"I was sent by my masters to find you," answered the Rohirrim woman.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"My name is Kalanen, my brother's name is Kalanar. We were dispatched here to find you here in Shirohana."

"Where's your brother now?"

"He's in the borders right now, but he also has to protect his cover."

"I bet that you're worried about him," said Wendy.

"My brother and I are not afraid of death, but we have been monitoring the House of Feanor's activities inside and outside the borders of the Lost Region."

"I take it that you are very close, but more loyal to each other."

"Tomorrow morning, we shall meet again at the temple near the bridge where the frozen river awaits. I'll be looking forward to seeing you there."

With that, Kalanen disappeared into the moonlight as Van and Wendy saw her vanish without a trace. They have never seen anyone like her appear like this as she was their ally in their battle against the House of Feanor. It was an ongoing battle, but there was always a slew of obstacles waiting to be overwhelmed in a certain saga that propelled both the future king and queen out of Evergreen in the first place.

###

The silence of the frozen keep had been broken as the sound of moaning was heard in the distance. When Eothain was walking in the halls, he heard the sounds of erotic stimulation coming from one of the rooms as he looked through the keyhole. He saw one of the minor members of his family on top of one of the loyal sentries as she was giving him the ride of his life. Naked and fully endowed with curves, she was giving the sentry her all as she was riding him all over. The throes of pleasure filled the room as the woman felt the sentry's strong hands touch at her large breasts when she moaned with pleasure. It wasn't long until she felt the sentry's seed explode into her as she was fully sated with him. When she removed herself from him, she was happy as she laid down beside him. She had known the sentry ever since she saw him in the service of the elite as she felt his lips touch one of her nipples.

"You really are a very naughty boy, Horumo," she said.

"I take it you prefer a good fuck, don't you, Shelob," he answered.

"Eomer should at least let loose a little instead of throwing his scythe around."

"Don't forget, you still have that loose cannon, Danae. She's may look young, but she is at least the same age as the members of the Elite."

"Hold it." Shelob got up as she noticed movement outside the door. "We're being watched by Eothain! Quick, get yourself cleaned up!"

Horumo pulled no punches as he went into the bathroom. As for Shelob, however, she went to where he was as she went towards the shower to clean herself off. With the hot water turned on, the both of them washed off the evidence of their little fling as they were getting themselves clean in the process. After spending a quick shower, they dried themselves off as they put on some fresh clothes and left their room. It wasn't long until they saw Eothain sitting on the floor as he was simply massaging the treasure between his legs.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" cried Horumo.

"I was just simply enjoying the hard fucking that you two did earlier," answered Eothain.

"You've got some nerve sitting next to my chamber!" cried Shelob.

"By the way, Eomer demands that the two of you come into the main hall at once. Oh, and by the way, Shelob, if you keep giving the local sentry a lot of pussy, you're most likely to be losing all of yourself at the end."

"Go to hell!"

With that, Shelob and Horumo left the hall as they were on their way to the designated chamber where Eomer and Eowyn were waiting for them. There was even the unstable Danae sitting in her chair as she was rocking back and forth. There was always strife in the halls of the frozen keep as everyone had to maintain control here. Even Eomer was angry at the fact that Van was near the border as he was itching to strike him down with his scythe.

"It seems that you are all here," he said coldly.

"You never learn, do you?" said Shelob as she sat down next to Horumo.

"You're all here because of the fact that Van is on his way here in our territory."

"That's very comforting," said Horumo sarcastically.

"He's already liberated the towns near the border, including the outpost of Shirohana. After eight hundred years of maintaining the rule here, my patience has been tested and I am also losing it as well."

"When can we start?" asked Eothain as he was revving up his chainsaw.

"We wait when they come closer, but it is also a godsend that we wait for our prey like the proverbial hawk waits for its mouse to be eaten."

It was the way of the House of Feanor to wait for the upcoming prey as Eomer was simply just biding his time. He had to maintain a grip on power as it was slowly slipping away from him. The numerous omens that appeared had gotten intense as they resembled trees with blossoms on it. He hated the blossoms that grew on the trees as they also symbolized the coming of the true king of the Lost Region, who was about to come home and vanquish the eternal winter that surrounded it. He couldn't let that happen as he was determined to keep the wintry hold on the Lost Region, no matter what the situation.

###

Van was still up as he was back at the fortress. After tending to the twins, he helped out as he put them to bed for the night. With a fresh fire going in the fireplace to warm the nursery, it was very toasty as it kept the cold weather out. Van was thankful that the fortress had glass windows to keep the cold out of there as he also felt the warmth inside. Soon, he would be travelling on foot once again as he would also have to brave the harshest weather that was in store for him in the Lost Region. With the twins asleep, he left the nursery as he went back towards the master bedroom. When he laid down, he saw Wendy sleeping as she was covered up in such warm blankets. He was next to her as he was simply stroking her long hair. He would have taken her, but not tonight as he was ready to fall asleep beside her. He continued to stroke at the long hair that Wendy had as it was long and beautiful. He loved her so much as he was even holding her hand as well.

It wasn't long until he noticed that Wendy opened her eyes as she saw him touching her hand. The sight of him made her blush as she felt a sense of longing for him. She wanted him with her for the night, but he was tired after helping out with the daily chores and taking care of the twins. Just as Van was about to fall asleep, he felt Wendy's slender hands touch at his chest as she felt his heartbeat from within. She was close to him as she felt the warmth of his body when she felt the need to have such insatiable pleasure from him. It was more than just a simple night as they were warming themselves in the covers. Van even held her in his arms as he even had the urge to take her once again. He was most likely to do that as he felt the softness of Wendy's large breasts. He wanted her so badly as he fished out a condom just for the night.

He noticed that her long hair was more beautiful on her more than anything as he felt the desire to make love to her once again. It wasn't long until he was kissing at her lips as he was even touching at her neck. The pleasure made her ache for him as she felt his hands touching at her breasts. He wanted to be all over her as she felt him probing at her body. His member couldn't take being pent up too much as he wanted to go inward as soon as possible. It wasn't long until he removed his nightclothes as he was completely naked for Wendy to see. With the blankets pulled back, Van decided to bring his wife pleasure as he found her to be without any underclothes from within her nightgown. He loved it that way as he decided to go forth with such passion. With the condom released from its wrapper, it was placed on his erect member as he was ready to move forward.

With Wendy's nightgown hiked up, she noticed that Van was spreading her legs open as he went deep inside of her. Her body wanted him as she felt his member coarsing with such heat. She moaned with such an intense excitement as she felt him bury his face beneath her breasts. With her nightgown lowered, Wendy felt Van's lips touch at her breasts as he simply couldn't get enough of her. It was like before when he noticed that her breasts were leaking with the supple breastmilk. He decided to have another taste of it as he was staring at Wendy's breasts with such intensity. It wasn't long until he was touching at one of her nipples as he began to suck with such delight. He tasted the breastmilk as it was more than enough for him to bear when he sucked on the other nipple. The taste of the breastmilk had been more sweeter than before as he was even staring at the nipples that squirted it out.

After getting enough sweets to tide him over, he began to thrust back and forth inside of Wendy as he was giving her his all. She was fully sated with him as she felt his hot member bringing her more joy than ever. Her moaning had been heard throughout the master bedroom as she felt Van kiss at her breasts. He felt her body succumbing to his caresses as she was even gushing in the process. They continued to make love until the point of orgasm as they were tired from their escapade in the night. It wasn't long until Van pulled out of Wendy as he removed the spent condom from his member and threw it away in the wastebasket. He was tired as he laid back down with Wendy He was happy to be with her as he continued to stroke at her long hair, for she was staring at him with her beautiful green eyes.

"I guess that you can't get enough of me," she said.

"I know," said Van. "Anyway, we sometimes do this just to be close to each other after doing our daily duties, including taking care of the twins."

"Speaking of the twins, you should at least cut back on what you suckle out of me, but at the same time, there's more milk just to feed our babies."

"We've come a long way, haven't we, Wendy? After having our wedding and starting a family, there's a much more challenge for us to endure once we enter the Lost Region, but we'll start on it first thing in the morning."

"Oh, Van..."

Wendy snuggled next to him as she felt his warm body while covering themselves back up with the blankets. With the snow falling from outside in the night, the cold still remained as it would diminish once the House of Feanor falls. It wasn't long until both Van and Wendy closed their eyes as they fell asleep once again in their arms. They had a lot to muster as the time to reclaim the throne was drawing near. Very soon, they would meet up with Kalanen at the temple near the bridge tomorrow, but now wasn't the time tonight, for there would be an audience with their new guest sooner or later.

###

Kalanen returned to the temple as she removed her cloak and put it on the hatstand. With her spear put away, she walked towards a roaring fire in the fireplace as it was blazing brightly. She would soon meet up with Van and Wendy once again as she wanted to be of service of them for the time being. Just as she was about to warm herself, she heard footsteps as she turned around to see her brother, Kalanar, returning from the hunt with some meat for the winter. Like Kalanen, he was fierce with his abilities as he was also one of the few who survived the massacre of the Rohirrim envoy that lost their lives when the Claw eliminated them years ago. Now, that the main enemy is dead, the House of Feanor was still carrying the keys to the kingdom as they were still maintaining a slight hold on power.

Kalanar and Kalanen were also the keepers of the sacred water that came from their home planet as it was glowing blue in a crystal flask. It was the Water of Life as it was sacred in general when it came from the wellsprings of the sacred temples. Now, it was there on the Endless Illusion as it was reserved for someone in particular. Kalanar remembered the time when he encountered Wendy after Van's departure as he even had to bring out the Water of Life as well. He never wanted to make her drink it, but there was no other choice in the matter, for the House of Feanor was on the move at the time.

"Alas, the Water of Life...," he said.

"You're planning on using that, aren't you?" asked Kalanen.

"Van has no choice but to do so. Sooner or later, the time will be given to him when he reaches the desert in winter."

"That's in the corners of the Lost Region."

"The Caliph that rules there has battled against the House of Feanor for generations. He and his family are also descendants from the House of Moria. Even one of them has joined Van's crew when he and Dulkas Holden encountered them in Zetsuei. Very soon, Van will cross the bridge over the frozen river, for the travels will begin there."

"As for the Water of Life, only women drank it and lived. It would also be a rarity that a man would drink it, but most men who drank from the sacred water had died from it. As I recall, you caught the queen after the fall of the Claw, didn't you?"

Kalanar sighed as he was staring at the blazing fire. He was reminded of the duty that he had as he didn't want to recall the rest of it. The mere memory had blazed in his mind as he remembered Wendy as a young girl at thirteen at the time, for he would never be put into trying something drastic like that ever again...

###

Six years earlier after the fall of the Claw...

Wendy was on her way back to Evergreen as she was taking a train there. With Kameo still around her neck, she was also reminded that Van would return someday as she would also become his bride. The long train ride was more than enough to have her be exhausted as she got off at a train station in Zonnet. It wasn't long until she was being followed by a certain someone in a black cloak. He had a flask in his hand as the substance in it was glowing with such intensity. He also knew that the young girl who was known simply as Wendy Garret would become the queen of Tir Andurinar as he finally caught up to her and took her away into a hotel room.

With several cloaked figures surrounding a bed, they saw the main figure enter the hotel room with Wendy in tow. It wasn't long until she was placed on the bed as she was surrounded by the rest of the congregation around the bed. What were they up to? Why were they so interested in her? Was it that she was travelling with Van for a while when he went up against the Claw? There was a mysterious ceremony that was about to be performed as the main figure drew out the flask with the glowing substance.

"What's going on?" cried Wendy.

"Wendy Garret," said the main cloaked figure as he opened up the flask. "You have been chosen to be the future queen of Tir Andurinar, or the Lost Region which is now known for centuries. Your body has been chosen to accept the Water of Life, for it is the will of the universe as well as our god, Sulkar, the All-Knowing. May you receive the blessing of the universe and Sulkar's request well."

Wendy was held down as the she saw the main cloak figure carried the flask to her lips. With no other choice left, she was forced to drink the strange contents of the flask as she swallowed the bitter-tasting substance. It was the Water of Life that was coarsing inside of her body as she sat up and screamed in pain. It was too much for her to bear as she felt the effects of the Water of Life take hold. Clutching at her stomach, she couldn't take the pain as the newfound effects were lasting a lot longer than expected. Her body continued to grasp at the Water of Life's potency as it was starting to survive the ritual. She couldn't take no more pain as it finally went away. What was happening to her? Could it be that she was meant for Van the whole time after the journeys that they had together?

"Wendy Garret," said the main cloaked figure. "In five years, you will meet Van again, for he will be your betrothed and your future king. Remember this omen well and keep your virginity intact when the time comes."

And so, Wendy saw the cloaked figures leave the hotel room as she was starting to fall asleep. With the pain gone, she was sleeping on the bed as she was clutching at Kameo. It would be a while before she met up with Van once again, but for now, she was still a young girl at thirteen and still developing. Sooner or later, she would find the man in the tuxedo again, for he was her betrothed and her future husband as well.

###

Meanwhile, back in the present...

Kalanar watched the fire as he remembered the task and duty that he performed along with his Rohirrim brethren. He also regretted the memory of that day when he made Wendy drink the Water of Life while he and his brethren had her in a hotel room. The painful screams that he heard were too much to bear as he wanted to plead for forgiveness to the future queen of the Lost Region. Even Kalanar was concerned as she wanted to console her brother very carefully. Both siblings had endured such struggles and hardships in the past as they were also bound to be in service to the future king and queen of the Lost Region. Sooner or later, they would meet with them at this temple near the bridge as there would also be a much graver challenge at hand.

"After nearly six years, you still have that memory in your mind," said Kalanen.

"I cannot forget the screams in that hotel room," said Kalanar. "Queen Guinderen should have never taken the Water of Life at a young age."

"Kalanar, the queen has survived and she also felt the pleasure and pain from her husband on her wedding night. She has even beared his children as well. Soon, the man who made it this far would be crossing into the territory of the Caliph, where the descendants of the House of Moria await the arrival of their king."

"O Sulkar, I beg forgiveness from the queen for what I've done to her..."

Kalanar was still distraught after nearly six years of guilt due to a duty that he had to perform. The ritual that featured the Water of Life had made him feel shame for forcing it down Wendy's throat that day as he wanted to apologize for his actions with such repentance. Sooner or later, he would meet with the future king and queen as he would ask and beg for their forgiveness as well, for the shame was too much for him to bear for a Rohirrim.

###

The next morning, Van and Wendy set out of the fortress as they were being accompanied by Tinuviel, who was more interested in helping out with the repairs of the ship than following them near Shirohana. The cold weather was starting to get too harsh as Tinuviel continued to complain about it. She didn't want to accompany Van and Wendy as she had so much to do in getting the airship ready for flight, but she was told by Edoras that she had to do as she was told after all. Even Tinuviel and Zira followed along as they were dressed in winter clothes. There was even Ghazim following after them as he even had an interest in one of the girls that followed the future king and queen. It wasn't long until they all stopped at the doors to the temple as it was next to a bridge where a frozen stream stood. When the party went inside, except for Undomiel, Zira, and Ghazin, they were greeted by Kalanen and Kalanar as they sat down on the floor where a statue stood.

"Welcome to our temple," said Kalanar as he was staring at the party that was sitting next to the huge statue. "We are honored by the presence of the future king and queen of the Lost Region."

"Thank you," said Wendy.

"We humbly offer ourselves in your service, my Lord."

"I take it that you've got some business in the Lost Region," said Van.

"Across the bridge, you will find a road that will be travelled on," said Kalanen. "That is where you await the challenging quest there."

"I take it that you're coming with us.

"We are, my Lord," said Kalanar. "The House of Feanor's long reign is coming to an end, for the time has come to take back your throne."

"Hey, Van and Wendy had made it this far, but they can't do it alone," said Tinuviel.

"I take it that you're one of the Imperium Twelve, I take it. You've got some stubbornness in you, but you're also suitable in aiding Van and Wendy on their travels on foot."

"Hey, I'm only here because that jerk of a big brother told me to come along."

"Tinuviel," said Van. "Edoras hand-picked you because of your past experiences with us. Besides, you were also one of the crew members who helped out in delivering the twins."

Van had a point there as he was also seeking an asset in Tinuviel. He always viewed her as stubborn and uncooperative, but she always came through in the end when it came to helping out her fellow crew members. It wasn't long until Kalanar had found the feisty Tinuviel attractive as she displayed a body that has been through battle and back. He wanted her, but he had to deal with his logical assumptions in the long run. Now wasn't the time to look at things that didn't concern him as his focus was fixated on protecting the future king and queen from harm. After spending most of his life battling the House of Feanor, he had finally found the very people that came here so far as they were standing in front of him.

"My lord, have you heard of the Water of Life?" asked Kalanar.

"No, I haven't," answered Van.

"It's a substance that we Rohirrim find sacred." He was staring only at Wendy as he had guilt flowing all over. "The Water of Life had is a lifeforce that shouldn't be taken lightly."

"What exactly happened?" asked Tinuviel.

"Years ago after the fall of the claw, I was told by the Sacred Elders of Sulkar that I was to travel to this planet and seek out the future queen."

"And then what happened?"

"I travelled with a congregation of my brethren to find the girl and take her to a hotel room in order to perform the ritual by giving her the Water of Life. We caught her and did the deed by giving her the sacred water, but her body for being human caused her great pain. She lived, but we had no other choice but to tell her of her future."

"Wait...," said Wendy as she was staring at Kalanar. "That strange figure that was in Zonnet..., that was you who gave me that bitter-tasting substance back then, didn't you. My insides felt like that they were on fire, but they went away after that."

"I am here to plead for forgiveness, my lady."

"What did you do to her?" yelled Van.

"I simply did my duties without question when I gave her the Water of Life. She is also the first human that wasn't in the Sezorin Sisterhood to receive it, for she also carried the genes of the fallen House of Sindar. She lived, but her body now accepted the Water with such potency that she even has the healing power that her fallen ancestors possess."

"So you gave her some nasty water that didn't suit her well, didn't you?"

"He had no choice in the matter," said Kalanen as she stood up to defend her brother. "You of all people should know that it was also my brother's duty to give the queen the Water of Life in the first place. Her body took it and accepted it well because she was chosen to be your wife and the mother of your children. She was also chosen to be your queen because it was also the will of Sulkar, the All-Knowing, and the rest of the Endless Illusion as well."

Van looked at Wendy as he saw tears running down her cheeks. He had never seen her scared to death as the memories of that fateful day in the hotel room came back. She remembered the ingestion of the Water of Life as it caused her great pain in her body. It was also a miracle that she lived through that ordeal as she was aware that she had a much greater purpose in staying by Van's side and reclaim the throne that was lost centuries ago. She bore no grudge against Kalanar and his actions as she saw him to be a man of repentance for such a guilty conscience. As for Van, however, he didn't like how his "faithful servant" cornered Wendy that day and gave her the Water of Life while she was still thirteen at the time, for she lived throughout the ordeal and is now his wife and the mother of his children.

"How could you do this?!" he cried as he got up and stared at Kalanar. "Wendy was still a little girl at the time! You stalked her after she saw me leave, didn't you?! You kept on following her until you and your pals caught her and made her drink that bitter crap! You should have taken her to a doctor after what she went through! She could have died after what happened to her! It's a miracle that she's still here, but-"

"Van," said Wendy as she grabbed his hand. "Kalanar's been through enough. He's extremely sorry for what he did and I forgive him for that. You should do the same."

"Sorry, I was out of line. As for this Water of Life, it's a dangerous substance that isn't fit for human consumption. It was a godsend that Wendy lived, but it's also a great blessing that she carried the blood from the House of Sindar as well. As of now, we humbly accept your apology, for your actions might do you more good in the future. This Water of Life..."

"Van, is something wrong?" asked Tinuviel.

"The Rohirrim may have given it to Wendy, but there are fatal consequences when it is given to a man."

"And what consequence is that?"

"They die..."

Van was aware of the fatal side effects as he viewed the Water of Life as a bitter poison and a grateful panacea at the same time. Looking at Wendy, he had seen her more grateful and beautiful than ever as he was happy to have her in his company. It was fate that brought them together since they met in Evergreen nearly six years ago as Van was after the man who killed Elena. Even Wendy wanted to be his bride after she wanted him to save the town back then. Now, they were husband and wife as they were there for each other more than ever. The business with the Water of Life had scared Van as he would soon be forced to drink the bitter substance that was on hand, but not yet.

###

Undomiel was sitting on the porch as she was watching the snow fall. The cold weather was both inhospitable and beautiful at the same time as the snow fell from the sky. Undomiel was even watching Zira making snow angels as she loved the weather with such fun. The activity in the snow was a reprieve from the harshness of reality as both girls were playing in it. With Zira still making snow angels, Undomiel made a snowman as it was missing something. She wanted to put a hat on it as she found one in the trash. It was one that was similar to Van's as it did very nicely on the snowman. With a few rocks and pebbles put for the eyes and mouth, Undomiel found a small peg on the ground as she put it in where the nose went to, along with some sticks for arms. It was a snowman that looked like Van as it had a hat that was almost like the one that he always wore.

"I take it that the snowman's supposed to be Van," said Ghazim as he walked out of the temple.

"It's supposed to be a monument of Van," said Zira.

"Our future king of this harsh weather has a flame that never ceases. He also has a much calm and gentle side to him."

"I take it that you saw Van at work," said Undomiel.

"He got angry with the one of our guests."

"Why did he do that?"

"He heard one of them giving Wendy their sacred water long ago. It seems that she survived the test and lived. Sooner or later, our new friends will force Van to to the same thing."

"Ghazim, what are you talking about?" asked Zira.

"The substance that was given to Wendy is legendary as our new friends call it the Water of Life. There is also a strange reality that only women ingested the water and lived. The men who tried it had met a fatal end."

"Then Van is fated to drink the Water of Life, isn't he?" said Undomiel with concern.

"I'm afraid so. There is a reason why I know so much about those people in the temple is because I am a descendant of the House of Moria, whose blue eyes signal water and the gift of foresight. I am also destined to marry a girl who bears the Telfer crest on her hip according to the will of my father, the Caliph."

"And who is destined to marry you, pray tell?"

"It is you, Undomiel. Yes, you will turn seventeen in June, but there is a lot more to go. I was also born on a June day when I will turn nineteen."

"Then I take it that you have a blessing on your hands. By the way, you really look gorgeous with those blue eyes of yours."

Undomiel proved her point as she found interest in the young man who travelled with the crew since the liberation of Zetsuei as she found him to be attractive. She had never been in love before as she saw him sitting next to her on the steps of the temple. It was a simple fate that brought her together with a man that was two years older than her as she felt her heart race with such excitement. She had to keep it in for a little longer as she was also saving herself for marriage as well. It wasn't long until she felt his hand touch hers as the warmth from it was a sign of love. Just as they were about to kiss, they were being pelted by snowballs as Zira was having fun with the snow on the ground.

"I got you," she said.

"Hey! You are so gonna get it!" yelled Undomiel.

"I take it that you know a lot about snowballs," said Ghazim.

"I'm here to throw them out, you know."

"Your friend is the one who threw them first."

Undomiel giggled as she saw Ghazim scoop up a handful of snow. With a snowball forming, he was ready to throw at his intended target as he was ready to aim directly at Zira. Even Undomiel threw some snowballs at Zira as she was having fun in such harsh weather. Just as the activity was getting more interesting, all three saw the temple doors open as they saw Van and the others come out and join them on their way back to the fortress. With the two new guests in tow, they were ready to return to the fortress until something was following them in the distance. A sense of dread had worried Van as he turned around and saw a familiar face hiding in the distance. It was Brego, who had escaped the Zetsuei incident as he bore a grudge against Van. It was only a matter of time before he would exact his revenge against the future king, but not yet.

###

Van and company returned to the fortress as the airship was now fully repaired and ready to go. Sooner or later, he would be off again as the airship was ready to take off into the skies once again. When the party got there in the main hall, there was a meeting at hand as Van and Wendy sat down on their respectable thrones while they saw everyone all present and accounted for. Even Edoras was impressed to see two Rohirrim in the company as they were also in the service of the future king and queen of the Lost Region, for they were on a quest to stop the House of Feanor once and for all.

"Listen up," said Edoras as he stood up from the table. "From here on out, Van and Wendy are most likely to be trekking the trail where the bridge is. Even though that we made it this far, we have to put our trust in Van and Wendy, but they can't trek out there alone. As of now, I'm composing a team just to watch over them. For the medical expertise, I choose Nancy. She's more into medical jargon, but she's not alone on this."

"I hear you there," said Dulkas.

"Next up, I'll have Tinuviel and Undomiel come along with the travelling party. They've been through the thick and thin of all things when they travelled with Van and Wendy. For the defense, I'll have Yutaka and Tzippio to come along. They are no strangers in going up against the House of Feanor's forces, but they have pretty effective Armors on hand as well."

"I'm going with them," said Pavel. "I came with them since I left Evergreen, but I'm no pushover."

"I hate to say this to you, but this isn't a job for little kids," said Tzippio.

"Hey, I may be a kid, but I'm not gonna let Van and Wendy get killed! I've been there since I was made to pilot Gil-Galad of May and I'm not gonna let my guard down, either!"

"But you're just a kid!"

"Let him go," said Yutaka. "He's a kid who's on the verge of manhood and is willing to put his life on the line."

"And it's settled," said Edoras. "Van's group is selected and accounted for, but with one catch: the twins will be under our protection for the time being."

"No, the twins must go with their parents," said Kalanar. "It is the will of Sulkar the All-Knowing."

"I'm afraid not. The cold weather is no place for babies. Don't worry, they'll be in great hands because they have the best protection from the ones that Van and Wendy trust. Even Priscilla knows a lot about caring for babies because she's also a mother as well. This battle ahead is gonna be one big challenge, but we should also put our faith in the future."

Kalanar found Edoras's decision very wise as he was taking the man's words to heart. He was also on hand to protect the king and queen from harm as he was ready to put his life on the line. He had faith in both his god and the crew as he was happy to accept his position along with his sister in order to put the House of Feanor in its place, for its hold on power was weakening in the Lost Region.

###

Wendy returned to the airship as she was getting some last ditch things done before the departure. She was worried for the twins as she was also trying to get enough stuff together just to provide for them while under the care of Edoras and Priscilla. It wasn't long until she saw some spare baby bottles that were unused as they had pink and blue nipples just to coordinate with the genders. She was more than happy that the twins were ready to transition from breast to bottle in their near four months of life. And so, she spotted the breast pump that Undomiel had given her as there were spare milk bags on hand just in case for freezing purposes. With her shirt unbuttoned and her bra lifted down, she pressed the breast pump against her engorged nipple as she saw the breastmilk flow into the milk bag that was attached to it. It was a godsend that her breasts had a lot of milk after being sucked on by Van during the past few nights of pleasure as she saw it fill up one of the bags.

With the bag sealed, it was categorized and put into the freezer as it was intended to feed the twins during her absence. When she pressed the breast pump to her other nipple, she saw the same potent milk filling up another bag as it was full to the max. Bag after bag, she provided enough milk for the twins as it would be feasible for them in the long run. After finishing up, she put the breast pump into the sink as she put back on her bra and buttoned up her shirt. It wasn't long until she put the bags of milk in the freezer as they would be in good storage for the twins, for they couldn't go out in the cold weather at their age right now.

"So, are we all set for the journey?" asked Van as he was standing next to the door.

"Yes, but I feel bad about not bringing the twins with us."

"It's like Edoras said, they can't handle the harsh weather out there. As for our new friends, they know the dangers ahead."

"I see what you mean. Whenever we meet up with them again, we'll be meeting the twins as well."

"I have a gut feeling that I would be forced to have something bitter shoved down my throat."

"Is it the Water of Life?"

"Yes..." Van was starting to get concerned as he felt his hands tremble. "The Rohirrim say that no man has taken the Water of Life and lived. It's a fatal mistake to do so. Earlier, Ghazim told me that his family live in a warm desert surrounded by winter and it's been like that ever since. There's even an ongoing battle between the Caliph's forces and the House of Feanor and it's been getting ugly."

"I take it that Ghazim's family need our help after all."

"Ghazim's family are the descendants of the House of Moria. That house was also part of the Noble Families. They cannot succumb to the House of Feanor even further, but whenever there is danger, we answer to the call."

Van was right about that one as he was ready to venture towards the upcoming journey ahead. He didn't want to leave the twins behind, but he also knew that they were in good hands with Edoras and the rest of the crew. The entry to the Lost Region was beginning and the future was hanging in the balance as the Endless Illusion was beginning to take a turn for the worst.

To be continued...