Cub: Oh bloody hell it's Wednesday. Uuuuugh.
Avp: What is so bad about Wednesday?
Cub: The day? Nothing.
Avp: Then why are y- *Yelps as Ren runs in screeching as young Hyano runs in after him yelling 'Hump!'* … Hump day?
Cub: They don't even know what it means but apparently Ren hates that word and Hyano has been having far too much fun with it every Wednesday since I told her about it.
Avp: Oh… well then… Happy Hump day everyone and enjoy the show!
CA Productions
Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Chapter 10 - New Acquaintances
Hyano sang and laughed as she slid across the recently cleaned kitchen floor.
She had her music blasting as she continued to fill the basket on the counter with fruits, vegetables and sandwiches. Sometimes she forgot she had someone else living with her now and she would fall back into her old habits. When one lives alone, no one cares how one sings or dances. One just does and has a good time doing it. She was obviously in a good mood. Who wouldn't be? She was going to go out and have a good time with some friends of hers at the park. She had several things planned from going to the park to going to the zoo, then going stargazing. Maybe she was planning too much but she hadn't been out in weeks! She sometimes missed when she would go running out in the woods. No walls. No rules. No boundaries.
Ren had been attempting to ignore her.
As long as she was occupied with herself, he can do as he wanted and she will not command him around. Last night was something he will never mention to anyone. Once gaining back his rightful authority, he will order her to forget it altogether and never dare to bring it up. It was humiliating... His pride was shattered, his rank was challenged... He hissed at the memory. He really tried to hide and just wait it out but as it seemed his mind was far more curious about what she was doing. She was giving out sounds he never heard before and was moving like her body was jerking about and was under the effect of a foul poison. He tilted his head to the side in silence as he watched her from the doorway, halfway hidden behind it as he observed her and her... unusual... antics. If he can call it that. His mind found mild amusement in watching this, his hooded head shifting and following her movements.
Hyano bopped from side to side before spinning around, then screamed and fell over when her green eyes met the shadowy figure, boosting Ren's pride a bit when she finally noticed him and was surprised, hitting herself in the process.
"Uuuugh... You know, you are very good at being quiet when you want to be. Now if only we could fix your balance problem." She grumbled as she sat up and rubbed her head, then jumped up to her feet and smiled at him. "You are done meditating already? I thought you would be at it all day." She inquired as she turned to continue her work. She just needed to find the juice boxes.
Her fall made Ren ask himself who is the one who needs to work on balance. He tilted his head to the side at her question and as usual he answered with the typical honesty he always used.
"No. I just decided to find out why you are screaming and moving like you are dying." He told her with a hiss, then simply pushed away from the doorway and prepared to go back to the basement when his senses caught sight of something on the table. He couldn't help but feel that uncanny interest surface within his mind and stepped into the kitchen, walking up to the basket, reaching out with a clawed hand and poked it once, unsure what it was. He even tensed up after as if expecting it to jump at him. "What is this?" He asked, tilting his head to one, then to the other side.
Hyano rolled her eyes at his comment about her singing and dancing, then blinked as he started to treat the picnic basket like a bomb.
"It's a basket, Ren. It is full of food and drinks I'm taking with me when I go out today." She explained simply. It still caught her off guard how many simple things he didn't know about. She turned towards the fridge, reaching out and pulling out a pack of juice boxes before walking back and tossing it in the basket. "See?"
"Go out?" Was the very first question that came to Ren's mind when she informed him about her plans for today. He didn't remember giving her the permission to go anywhere... And as usual, he forgot that today she has full control about his actions and so about hers too. But of course, his curiosity about the basket didn't end there. It was made of an unusual material. He never saw anything like it but also couldn't see all that was inside due to it being too high for him. He reached out and shifted the container, then pulled it down slightly to gaze inside and tilted his head to the side. "So you are going for... a few weeks?" He asked, judging by the content. She usually consumed just a few things a day and this will be enough for more than just a few. So he assumed she will spend a few days away... But wait... "Where are you going?" He asked in his usual authoritative tone, certain that she owes him an explanation and needs his permission to be gone for so long.
"Hmm? No I'm not going for a few weeks. Just a day. I should be back by tonight at the latest." The wizard replied to the first inquiry, watching him closely to make sure he didn't tip over the basket. "I'm just going to be out with a number of other people. Remember the dark skinned group from yesterday? I am going out with them. They are friends of mine so I scheduled some hang out time with them. As for where... Not fully sure. The park and a few other places more than likely." She explained, not bothered by his questions. He always did. For a moment she honestly forgot she was the one in control. It wasn't like she got control very often after all.
Go out? Spending time with other people? These were foreign terms in Ren's vocabulary, seeing he was used to her being only around him. Why would she want to be around others? He was her Lord, her only companion and never should she bond with anyone else. Or else she might get second thoughts... although he had yet to truly consider her trustworthy after what she has done, or better yet... hasn't done.
"I don't think so." The wraith hissed, shaking his hooded head slowly, leaving the basket alone for now and turned towards the wizard instead. "Why would you go? There is no reason to. Besides... we just came back not long ago... Why would you desire to leave so suddenly?" He asked, wondering what her motivation was in this matter. In addition... what about him? He will not be able to leave... Although... it wouldn't be too bad, since she cannot command him around... and this is the last day of this nightmare.
The orange-robed woman raised a brow at him.
"Seriously, Ren? I'm going out because it is something I will enjoy. And yes. I am going." She told him bluntly, putting her hands on her hips. Ren was a pain in the neck but at the moment she remembered he was the pain in the neck she had control over and she would gladly put him back in his place. "I would take you along with me but someone refuses to change their clothes and if I remember correctly you are also wanted on several counts of murder." She added bluntly. It was his own fault, so of course she had no sympathy for him. If anything, she was mildly annoyed with the fact.
"Yesterday I was out and about and nobody seemed to mind, neither did they become suspicious when others were dressed like me." The wraith pointed out, his mind only seeing this detail but leaving out the fact that yesterday was an event and many dressed in an unusual manner, thus he did not stand out so much. But now that everything went back to normal he would be quite a... strange sight. Maybe a late Halloween celebrator? Or they would finally recognize the murderer in him. "Besides... those clothes are pathetic. I don't want to blend in! I want to stand out and instill fear!" He hissed and turned around, his back facing her and crossed his silver-gauntleted arms over his cloaked chest in stubbornness.
Hyano rolled her eyes.
"My 'order' still stands, Ren. Either you change your clothes or you stay here. Period." She said bluntly, knowing full and well that there was no winning this argument. Not because she wasn't right but because he wouldn't care enough about the facts for it to matter. She perked up when she heard knocking on the door. It was a heavy handed knock too. That meant her company had arrived. She mentally cursed and was about to tell him to go to the basement when the door opened and in ran the little girl.
Ren didn't hear the approaching footsteps due to his mind and senses being preoccupied with the wizard and by the time his ears told him of the sound and his nose warned him about the familiar yet unusual scents it was already too late. He tensed up when the door opened and froze in place, only moving his hooded head down once the small dark dwarf appeared in his line of sight.
Lilly was of course normally dressed now and had that usual wide smile on her face, her darkly colored eyes sparkled with the joy she felt for being able to spend some time with her friend but stopped at the kitchen door when she saw Ren. She stared at him a moment the same way as he did at her before looking back at the front door.
"Daddy! The little monster grew up!" She shouted and pointed at Ren.
The Nazgul watched the little creature as they stared at one another, exchanging curiosity, then tilted his head to the side and uncrossed his arms when he heard much heavier steps coming from the door. So this one wasn't alone? By the time he looked up, he saw the shadow of a more robust person appear at the doorway about to turn.
Hyano smiled at the little one.
"Hey, sweetie. You know your dad hates it when you run ahead of him." She said kindly.
The little girl giggled before running back to her father and jumped up, climbing up into his arms like he was a tree and not a man. This only worked with other tree herders, though. If she was to try and jump into a regular man's arms... well to say the least she was a lot heavier than a regular child.
"Will. I'm in the kitchen and before you freak out... I can explain." Hyano called to the father whose real name was Willow but they always called him Will. She knew there was no hiding Ren now, so she had to just play this by ear.
Just as she uttered this, the massive herder male appeared at the doorway with his little cheerful daughter sitting on his arm. His eyes first seemed to search for the 'little monster' in the same height as he was when they last saw him but in the end his gaze only found the boots and cloak, so traveled upwards to the hood of the creature. Instantly there was the smallest of tension within his body and slowly but surely began to put down Lilly and nudged her towards her mother. He found it was better for all of them if she joined the others while they talked. He then crossed his arms over his muscled chest and his dark gaze found Hyano, silently awaiting an explanation with a raised eyebrow. His eyes flickered from the wizard to the... man... or thing... he didn't know. Though, the being watched him the same way as he did, tensing up the same way, clearly feeling the distrust between one another.
Hyano sighed. "This is Ren. He is a real Ringwraith. Back many years ago he was also one of my dearest friends. He is a prick, thick-headed and talks like a high pitched warg more often than not, however he won't hurt you or anyone else." She assured him as she watched the two closely. She was more worried about Will. Will was a cop so if anyone could figure out exactly who Ren was to this city it was him which made her worry he might go for his gun at any moment. The man never went anywhere without the damn thing after all. The humans weren't too kind to herder people, so they were forced to defend themselves and keep weapons about. Too many times are they forced to use them.
As expected, Will's frame tensed up even more when Hyano revealed what the herder male already began to speculate about this creature. Ringwraith... He heard this word before... He could remember a book from his youth which he read. It contained many stories and tales, most of them true and real, teachings and warnings of the past for those who wished to remember them. Many talked about the war, the darkness and the Nazgul. Or Ringwraiths as one also called them in the common tongue. Once man, now lieutenants of the dark forces... They were told to be immortal, invincible and unable to die. And as it seems, most of these must have been true... Not even time and the lack of magic could kill them as it seemed. But there was also something else. He knew this thing. Indeed thanks to his profession and the many reports he read... he knew what he was staring at. He did not care about all she said; there was only one thing in his mind.
"He is a murderer." He said, speaking up in his incredibly deep, strong voice, almost sounding like the ents of old. This was all he told her, nothing else, this containing all his thoughts. He was a wanted criminal, killed numerous people in cold blood... And he should trust a creature like that with his family? Never...
"He won't hurt you because he isn't even coming, Will. He is stuck in this house. Relax. I won't expose your children or your wife and you can come back and make your own observations of him later. However he is immortal and the people in the police department won't be able to handle him. Calling this in would be a horrible mistake. Now... can you take the basket so we can go?" The wizard said, waving towards the basket. She heard the door creak open and blinked as Lilly ran in yet again before her mother could get a hold of her.
She ran right up to Ren and grabbed his arm. "You're the little monster from yesterday right? How did you grow up? Can I do it too? What is your name? Want to be friends? Do you like games? Why are you so black?" She asked, not even seeming to breathe between each question. Children. They just never seemed to contain themselves. However, in this case she did not blame the poor little girl. Being one of the few herder children in this city, she was not liked among the humans. Despite her age and state they still treated her like an outcast. She never had any friends outside her kind and Hyano. Lilly was just desperate to make friends and she saw the opportunity now...
Will visibly tensed up majorly once the little girl ran up to the creature, his gaze turning swiftly towards the two, clearly about to snatch Lilly away from the being no matter what it will do. He heard what this one is capable of doing, having killed women, old people, attacked children, young people... It didn't seem to make a difference between who can defend themselves and who cannot. A vile creature that needed to be locked away as soon as possible to never be let out. That would be when he would calm down but until this monster was out and about... he cannot call her home safe enough for his family to visit.
In the meantime Ren tensed just the same when the little dark dwarf decided to latch onto his arm. He gave a surprised hiss and something akin to a small growl as he stared at the little thing on his arm. He didn't understand a word she said, so just stared at her and tilted his hooded head to the side, then the other and began to pull his arm away. In vain. Because as soon as he raised his arm, she went right along, standing first on the tips of her toes, then after a bit of effort from the wraith she was lifted off of the ground. She was heavy... Even Ren could tell. He started to shake his arm as if he was trying to get rid of something disgusting and annoying but he had no luck. The little being still had her arms wrapped around his limb. After a few more violent shakes he finally slumped his shoulders and turned his hooded head towards the wizard as if asking her to solve the situation for him. He knew he cannot outright attack her... The other bigger being would lash out, sensing the aggression he emitted. Not like he couldn't fight back... The one losing would be that big man but after what all happened yesterday he would rather just sit on the couch and watch his show... He didn't need another chase from the soldiers.
Hyano couldn't help a light laugh, noticing how the little girl not only clung to the larger creature but swung like he was a jungle gym and not a being that could kill her at any moment.
"Told you." Hyano said to the father before walking over to Lilly and taking her by her sides. She gave them a light squeeze making the little girl laugh and let go in order to cover her sides from the tickling. Hyano nearly dropped her, given how heavy she was but caught her just in time and held the little girl to her chest. "You are getting far too big for this, Lilly." She said before putting the girl down and waving for her to go to her father. "Alright. Grab the basket and let's go. Ren... don't cause any trouble while I'm gone. Everything better be in one piece when I get back." She called, waving for Will to come on so they can leave already.
Everything happened so fast. Ren didn't have the time or the opportunity to say a single word and the people were already out the door, clearly wanting to get away from him as soon as possible. So here he stood, in the middle of the kitchen, his hooded head still staring in the direction where Hyano's voice came from and his arm was cradled by the other as if he managed to pull it away from something diseased or disgusting, wiping at it as if it was dirty. After what seemed like hours the Nazgul finally stepped out of the kitchen and stopped in the middle of the living room, his invisible gaze travelling from the door to the empty room. His ears were met with silence, his senses detected no movement. He was alone after weeks of company in the large house.
Good.
The wraith shrugged and sat down on the couch, reaching over to the remote device and poked the button to switch the black box on, his sight meeting the show he used to watch. At least she isn't bothering him with orders today and not like she will stay out all day... Right?
- Hours later -
Will sighed and put his laughing and giggling daughter down on the ground from his shoulders, letting her run along with her older brother, watching as the two made their way towards the very first animal they got their eyes on in the zoo, their oldest daughter following behind although with less enthusiasm. They spent most of the morning and the beginning of afternoon at the park nearby, enjoying the soft grass, the silent dance of leaves and branches of trees, while the gentle breeze blew around them. They ate and discussed, although only his wife did most of the talking as usual, while the herder man kept an eye on their children as they ran around. There was much to talk about and Hyano indicated a far greater topic for later, which kept the ent man on edge and tense slightly but he did not show. There was some kind of a foreboding within him and his mind still did not get over the fact that she lived with and protected a murderer as the wraith within her home. But he did not wish to ruin the day, so simply let the topic rest for now, instead followed his family silently and carefully, being the watchful protector he always was.
Hyano gave the mother a nod for her to go on ahead as well before looking to the taller herder father.
"... Lilly is doing well today... but from what your wife has been texting me lately... her condition at nights is getting to the point where you have been hardly sleeping lately." She said, her voice calm. No one could tell by looking at the energetic little girl but she was hardly as strong as everyone else thought. Strong willed maybe but not strong in body and it seemed to be getting worse. She was born with a weak heart, making them wonder if she will live through her childhood. They managed to get her a surgery, giving them hope once her cheerful self could run around like everyone for a while... but in the past years she became slower. "You worry her surgery might not have been enough." She added more of a statement than a question. She noted how the little girl slowed down her run slightly as her brother ran ahead to see the next animal, however the little girl didn't complain. She worked hard to make sure no one could tell she was having a harder time catching her breath but the wizard still saw and wished there was something she could do, however there was not.
The answer of the herder man was a heavy sigh and a brief shake of his head. Lilly was sick again, weakening each day. It was something hard to see but Will could very well spot it. Whenever they are on a longer trip for example she would crouch to tie her already tied shoe to rest in hopes that they wouldn't see... But he did. And it was tearing at his very being. But he wouldn't say a word... Not to her, letting her be happy that she doesn't worry anyone. His expression changed just slightly, a single muscle moving to express just a tiny part of his concern for his little daughter.
"She needs a wonder..." He finally uttered, his words short, to the point, not sugarcoating the truth. Lilly was not doing well... and he was very afraid that it won't take long for her to find final peace... Many wouldn't want to think about such things but Will, just like his brethren, were people who saw reality. They did not like to live in a dream that can never be.
"No... She needs to move." Hyano replied as the little girl laughed and tried to get her sister, Rosa, into the fun as well. However the eldest herder child seemed a little less into the whole thing. She always was, always seeming reluctant to let her guard down. The middle herder, Cane, seemed to be alright but the truth was he was always making sure they were as far from the other children and non-herders as possible at all times. He just never let it show too much so the littlest one couldn't tell. "They all do, Will... And I think I have the perfect solution. I have told you before that sooner or later I would not be able to stay in this world any longer. My own body would not allow it... that is part of why I have the wraith with me at the moment. He cannot be allowed to stay here either... so... sooner... will be soon." She said calmly and waited for him to catch on to the offer she was putting out to him.
The ent man stopped in his tracks and stared forward as his mind processed what was being said, catching on it sooner than the wizard might have predicted and slowly but surely shifted his dark brown, almost black gaze towards her, staring at her in silence at first. Yes, he could tell what she was suggesting and offering and it might be a dream come true for most, seeing they will be able to see all those magical beings who roamed this world before their time, they would be able to see and feel magic itself... but Will and his kin were never those who jumped into everything without thinking. It might sound good... Too good. But as everything new, this one was full with hidden threats. For one, Lilly's condition might be dangerous by now but she gets the most secure care here in the hospitals. This she will not get in any new worlds. Who knows what kind of twisted beings would wait for them and he wouldn't have the security of knowing the place. He would be just as new and vulnerable, unable to completely protect his family. Not to mention that the wraith will apparently come too.
"What would make it better?" He asked her, wishing to know why she thinks it was a better solution than say... another surgery.
"The moment Lilly sets foot in the new world your people's old DNA will become activated by the magic there. It will take time but eventually that may be able to allow Lilly to not only recover but become stronger than she ever would from any surgery. Also... it would allow them to start over anew." Hyano explained to him calmly. There were some risks of course, however a surgery was not guaranteed. Just like the first time it may only be a patch on a condition that would only become worse and worse again. However, this might offer a permanent solution. It would also offer the two older ones a chance to turn over their lives. Rosa had closed herself off from everyone. Cane was always afraid of everyone. Not because he thought they would hurt him but because he was scared of hurting others. For a good reason, considering all that had happened. Herder males have large physical strength and endurance... Humans would not stand a chance.
Will simply averted his gaze from the wizard and stepped after his family, wishing to take some time to think about this. There were a lot of things to consider and he cannot let a single goal blind him. There were dangers, uncertainty, threats, and a lot of issues and troubles that might make their lives just as bad as if they would stay here... It was a onetime offer and nobody would ever get the chance to do all this... They might be the only ones of their kin who get to see the new world... This made him wonder about the motivation of the orange istar. Why them? There are a lot of herder families that are much worse off than them and yet she offered this only to them so far... So why would she consider them as worthy of this and not the rest? There was a feeling of belonging and they knew that once they set foot out of Middle-Earth... they will be on their own.
"May..." Was the only thing he said, repeating the uncertain word she said when talking about Lilly's future. No matter where they go... It will only stay 'may'.
"Will... No magic... no person but the Valar themselves can promise you what your daughter's fate might be." Hyano told him honestly, patting his back softly like she had when he too was a child. He had gone through hard times his whole life. Anything from drugs to gangs to being homeless. For him she had practically been his whole family at one point because besides his older brother, Valar rest his soul, he had no one else. That is until he met Holly, his wife, and started his current family. "Will... I cannot promise this will save your daughter's life... but I can promise that it a surgery wont. The one she already had has proven that. It is a patch on the problem at best and given she has already had one and it didn't work... when it comes time that she needs another one... I can promise that the doctors will refuse... They will see what I see... and will see her as too much of a risk." She explained to him.
The man didn't say a word just took a step forward towards his family, wishing to join them now. He didn't have anything to say as it all will need to be thought about. He will need to see all sides, all perspectives... Indeed the Valar, those who guide them and their actions would be the ones who can answer all his questions but they don't talk, they don't give answers. They only ask more until he finds the answers himself deep within. To say the least, Hyano is the only one who can be considered close to the Valar... And that she asked them... Does this mean they told her to ask them or they guided her to do so to save his daughter? He didn't know. He can only believe what he sees and right now... there was no future that he can see.
Hyano watched him walk, then sighed. She would let him be with his family for now. Just some time to think was all he needed.
Lilly turned around when she sensed her father and grinned. "Daddy!" She called, then ran up to him and yet again climbed up into his arms. "Look at the long necks! Aren't they big? They make you look like a bug." She said with a laugh as she pointed to the huge giraffes. She always loved animals. They were just so much fun and different than the other things she saw in her life. The city was a sad place with a lot of faces that all act the same. But animals were true and different.
Will's expression only changed faintly, the tiny smile at the comment of his daughter was invisible to the naked eye but not to the herder people. The men of their kind rarely if ever showed emotion, staying the strongest and most effective protectors of their kin and family but their children and women understood every inch of their movements, the smallest of sounds and the tiniest twitch of a single muscle. He let Lilly climb up his arm and guided her to sit on his shoulders so she can be that much closer to the head of the enormous animals as one leaned slightly out of their enclosure, the giraffe perking its large ears at the strangely nice smelling people and flared its nostrils to take in the scent before sticking out its long tongue at the little girl.
Lilly laughed as the creature licked her face. "Daddy, I think it likes me." She said between laughs. Animals always loved them because they smelled so sweet naturally. Some more than others of course but all still smelled sweet enough to be loved by all living beings. Well all but some. A distance away whispers could be heard as some groups of humans watched the family, their eyes sometimes flickering towards them as they leaned closer to one another to share some words and thoughts, heavily judgmental opinions. Herders did not have especially good hearing but that did not make them deaf. Lilly seemed to ignore it as usual. She was too light-hearted to be hurt by words just yet, despite knowing they were about her. However, the older siblings weren't so. Rosa put a hand on her younger brother's shoulder who was tense and tried not to show he cared what was being said. It was always said. Their mother had a sympathetic look but she knew there was little she could do. It was just a part of their life, really.
Much like the rest of the family, Will did all he could to ignore the whispers, teaching them to not pay any heed to them. They are just words and he was content until it doesn't develop to actions. Though, there was only as much one can take, so the male herder simply backed away from the animal, deciding to bring his children to the next enclosure to watch the rhinos instead who showed less attention to them, just grazed on the tiny grass that was put into their place for now. They wanted to enjoy their trip, and that is what they are going to do, no humans will destroy their fun today.
Lilly, of course, was disappointed that they had to leave the big creatures but smiled when she saw a new group. "Woooooow! They are sooooooo fat." She exclaimed, not meaning to sound rude. However she was only a child, so being able to edit herself didn't really become a part of her personality just yet.
Hyano laughed lightly from where she was and saw the rest of her family do the same. It was nice to be that naive. Made her wish she could be that way once again. She picked up on the whispers as well by this point and looked over her shoulder, then flicked her hand. A gust of wind came up behind two individuals specifically and made them trip like they had slipped on a banana peel. This made her smile grow slightly before she looked back to the big gray beasts like she hadn't done a single thing.
- Some hours later -
Hyano stepped into her home with Will right behind her. She looked around. Surprisingly the place was still in one piece... for some reason that made Hyano uneasy.
"Ren?!" She called out into the house.
Will raised a brow but beside that said nothing. He was tense. Hyano wanted him to come and... take an impression of this being and decide if it was safe to be around him or not. Honestly, he already had his impression and had no plans of bringing his family within ten feet of that monster if he had his way. However, he may not have a choice in the end. He still didn't fully understand why Hyano was taking care of this thing in the first place.
The living room was empty and there was no sound from the Nazgul aside of the characters' deaths echoing from the TV in front of the couch. He apparently either didn't want to shut it down or found something else to do and forgot about it. It would be not the first time... Her electricity bills must be as high that the company will be rich just through her. But otherwise nothing was misplaced in the room. The basement was also dark and empty, only the items the wraith hoarded were within the corner. Or perhaps the creature was lost within the pile? The bathroom was just as empty, neither was her bedroom touched. The wraith was nowhere to be found.
Strange...
Hyano groaned and waved for Will to take a seat which he did and turned off the TV. He didn't watch TV very often and already knew how crazed the world was just from his time at work. He didn't need more reminders at home.
Hyano grumbled as she walked the house before coming to his huge pile. She kicked it a few times. "Ren? Ren, if you are in there... get out. Need to talk to you."
However, the pile simply just fell apart and the items scattered at the movement she made, revealing that it was indeed empty. The wraith was not there and he probably didn't touch any of his collection for the past hours. So the basement is empty too... just like the house.
Hyano blinked as the pile deflated like a bubble, then groaned.
"Hide and seek, huh... Alright fine. Guess he deserves a game for being good while I was gone." She said before turning and starting to walk around the house. She passed by Will once who tilted his head just slightly. She waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Just sit and relax." She told him before going upstairs to check and see if he was in any of the upper rooms. Attic maybe?
But the attic was just as empty. There was nobody in the upper rooms either. If anything, some dust already collected on the floor and there were no footsteps visible. Thus, the wraith -knowing his clumsy ways of going around new environment- couldn't have gone around this place either.
"Aw damn." The wizard said as she looked over the attic before bolting out and running around the house in a way where Will could hear her running from one side to the other in a mad search for the wraith. She was worrying now. Didn't she tell him not to leave the house? He had sworn to follow her orders and now this? She wasn't sure which feeling was stronger actually. Her worry or her anger. "Ren!" she screamed as she went into the kitchen now and made her way to the backdoor. She had searched the house up and down by this point so she assumed she would look outside and try to see if there were any signs of where he went outside. Maybe he somehow got onto the roof? If he did, then she was going to leave him there until sunrise tomorrow.
The yard was empty, the same way as the house itself, no wraith was visible for the naked eye and he seemed to leave no traces behind. However, there was something that gave his position away all too quickly. There was a hiss sounding from above the yard, clearly coming from the only place she had yet to look.
The roof.
How he managed to get up there was a mystery but the Nazgul she was looking for have been spending the past hours up on the roof, although the hiss did not come from him. Instead he found interest in something there, so went to look and now he was sitting there facing the edge of the roof itself, clearly having trapped something fluffy and small between himself and the long drop below.
Hyano stepped out and blinked and looked up.
"Son of a warg... Ren! What in all of Middle-Earth are you doing up there?!" She yelled up at him, raising a brow at the idiot she once called a mate according to his belief. Good question was also how had he gotten up there and how much damage did he cause doing it?
Said wraith did not answer her but another hiss sounded which was not released by him again. Instead he was sitting -miraculously- patiently close to the edge of the roof, staring at the creature which he managed to trap. It was a cat. It looked much like the fake one he left behind in the living room on the couch but this one actually... moved, gave out sounds, and had a heartbeat and body warmth. It wasn't fake.
Ren honestly thought that all these creatures are fake and there is no more nature out there. But then he heard some kind of sounds outside and saw this critter on the trashcans nearby. He instantly found himself at the yard to take a closer look. Of course the cat felt his dark aura and was spooked, so fled up the tree nearby, then jumped on the roof, feeling safe there. However Ren did not give up but decided to attempt and go after it. The tree had a few scratch marks, the wall was not shown any mercy either. But how he managed to actually get on was a mystery. The cat was clearly stressed by now and its tail moved like a flag in a harsh wind, staring at the empty hood of the creature.
Hyano twitched, then sighed before she began giggling, then started laughing as she realized just how hilarious this all was. The being that acted more like a cat than a man had gone out of his way to catch a cat and now was stuck on her roof.
"Ren! You should get down or I'm just going to leave you up there until sunrise!" She called up to him once she had settled, then stepped back so she was able to look up at him and the creature fully. "And if you don't let go of that cat soon you are going to scare it to death and then it won't be fun anymore!" She added, trying to convince him to show the poor thing some mercy.
Ren tilted his head to the side, then leaned a bit away to look down at the wizard once she giggled, giving a sharp hiss at her daring move of laughing at him. If she has the guts to do it, he shall see how much guts she will have tomorrow. This being the very last day of the forced slavery he had to endure. His attention however was averted once he heard a growl coming from the black furry creature whose tail looked like one of the fir trees and moved like a snake about to lash out; its bright big yellow eyes kept staring at him almost seemingly emotionless. He felt almost... mesmerized by those slim pupils and the way it watched him. He felt drawn to it, so reached out with a gauntleted hand and saw as the feline hissed, opening its maw wide, showing off the white fangs in its mouth and the pink tongue, its ears moving against its skull and in the next moment it smacked the metal with its claws. It was like the flash! It was clear Ren will not move from his spot for a while. Or if not forced to...
"Oh Reeeeeen... I do believe you still have to do as I say." Hyano called up to him again with her arms crossed as she waited. Bloody dishtowel was so stubborn sometimes.
If he could sigh, the wraith surely would have, instead he just shrugged and stood up, knowing he will have to do exactly as she said indeed with no exceptions as it was their deal and he would be damned if he went against his own word that he gave. However, the sudden movement caused the small feline to hiss sharply and jump in fright, which shifted its position and flew right over the edge of the roof, plummeting downwards with its body twisting, attempting to bring its paws below its body and land on them. But well... from such a height...
Hyano's eyes widened and before she could think twice she ran and jumped, catching the cat and landing on her back hard with the little fur ball in her arms. No matter how hard she tried she was always a caretaker of animals. She groaned. She wasn't sure what hurt more... the ground under her back or the claws in her chest or her head. Yes, her head which hurt the most because of that crazy prick on her roof.
"Ren! Get down now!" She yelled up at him.
She didn't even utter the command fully and a loud thud and crash could be heard not far, a black blur passing by her line of sight with a few bits of the roof following behind, dropping on top of the tangled cloak that lay on the ground now, and causing Hyano to nearly jump out of her skin. Soon enough, Ren sat up suddenly, the pieces of bricks and slates flying from his body with the swing. He clearly did not even notice the sheer damage that this fall and the falling debris should have caused him, instead he was already eyeing the small feline which not only increased its grip on the wizard at the sound of the crash but also refused to let her go anymore, knowing it was far more safe with her. She was giving off an aura of calm and security; of course it was seeking it from her now.
Hyano sighed and looked down to the creature in her arms. She stroked behind its ear softly. She would tell it everything was alright and that Ren was not someone to worry about too much but sadly animals had long since lost their ability to communicate. Before she could go endlessly back and forth with the creatures of these lands but like the trees they only live to live now. While it seems they are still wise and have personalities it is all an illusion. Much like a wraith can give off an illusion of emotion.
Ren tilted his hooded head to the side and brushed his cloak a bit to get some of the dust off before he approached the wizard along with the feline, who in turn only dug its claws deeper into the clothes and skin of Hyano, its growling increasing and its fur rising to make itself appear bigger than it was. It showed absolutely no desire to release her from its grip, but sought defense and security in her instead, not even realizing that it is also causing her pain. Of course, the wraith stopped after a while, gazing at the creature curiously and pointed at it.
"It is not fake." He stated as if it was the greatest discovery of mankind since the entire history of Middle-Earth.
Hyano cringed. "Yes... Very much alive... and very much hurting me. Do me a favor and step back a few steps, Ren." She told him, thinking that was the best way to get the being on her chest to relax its claws out of her chest. This hurt! "The fake cat you got is based on this real one. It is kind of like how your models of building are based on the real ones as well." She explained, hoping that would help ease his curious behavior slightly.
"But I want it!" Came the hiss of the wraith but still stepped back, voicing his desire in words but did as she told him due to their deal, though he was doing everything in his power to keep his hands to himself and not to launch himself at the animal. "I found it. It is mine now." He said, handing it the same way as an item in the past. Which wraith found the shiny gems and artifacts first got to keep it, although fights were bound to break out between them for their property. Now wasn't any different. He wanted the animal and he will get it.
The cat however had other ideas and while the wraith stepped back and the being loosened its grip on the clothes of the wizard, its claws were still sunk deep enough. She won't get rid of it so soon...
"Ren. It is not a thing. It is a living being and unlike Ship it is very unlikely to stay in one place and follow orders." She replied, then sighed and sat up groaning from the pain in her back, worked herself to standing. "Just relax... It isn't going anywhere anytime soon. You, however, have a guest inside who would like to meet you. Be nice and show no hostility. We need him convinced you aren't aggressive." She told him, nodding to the door, going inside. She wanted to go ahead and get this over with. Maybe at some point the cat would relax and she could get rid of the damn thing.
The wraith tilted his head to the side at the command and couldn't help but feel confused, his Nazgul self finding no logic in all that she said.
"But I am aggressive and am not a pet. Why should I play something I am not? I am proud of my nature and will not hide it. If anything, people should hide from me!" Ren hissed and averted his invisible gaze and hooded head from her stubbornly. He is not someone who can change who he was at will. He will lash out at those who deserve it and if he feels like it. Nobody but his Lord shall tell him to hide his hostility. Witch that he stepped after her and stopped at the doorway, having not expected an intruder on the couch, so gave a warning hiss at him before just staring.
Smooth start there, Ren... Really smooth...
Hyano rolled her eyes, then looked at Will who showed no visible reaction to the wraith's hiss. None that she could see anyway. Hyano however noticed how he grew slightly stiffer and his eyes grew harder towards the wraith.
"Ren, you remember Will. Will, you remember Ren." She introduced them to one another quickly, of course speaking to the Nazgul in Black Speech. "Ren, I am asking Will's family to come with us when we leave. They may be of some help to us in the new world. Be nice." She told him, before looking at Will who said nothing, though, she could tell he was taking a mild interest in what she was saying but would not ask.
Ren shifted his attention from the man to his servant and watched her for a while in return of her plans, then turned back to stare at the man, tilting his head to the side in the process to signal his curiosity towards him. So... this one will become a servant, then? Someone who will do as he said? Or is it another uncertain plan from the creature he called 'mate' which will backfire quickly? He wasn't sure about it and honestly thinking and plans were never his strongest points. The wraith just... stood there, watching him from where he was, not approaching. He wasn't sure what to think, how much this thing knew and what he was planning to do...
Will sat calmly on the couch. He noted how quiet the other was and remembered his hisses were quite a bit like the cat's in Hyano's arms before. He thought for a short moment before standing and walking towards him, then held his hand out to shake. It was a test to see the being's reaction to his gesture. Any negative or positive reaction would be taken into account accordingly. He already knew this being was a murderer. He had seen the reports, followed everything that was happening. Ren was lucky he hadn't been put on the force sent to get him. All he went against were humans. Herders were not as easy to kill as humans.
Ren met this gesture before but for the death of him he couldn't remember what it was, what it meant and what he was supposed to do. So all he did was lower his hooded head and invisible gaze towards the hand and stared at it long and hard, not sure what he was supposed to do with it. He looked at either side of the hand to see if he was holding out something as an offering maybe but... there was nothing. The Nazgul then raised his gaze to look at the man before returning to watch the hand silently.
Hyano snickered at the reaction. Will on the other hand tilted his head slightly but did not move otherwise.
"Ren. Take it lightly in your hand and give it a calm shake up and down." The wizard instructed him.
Will was not sensing any hostility but that could change at any second. He was ready to bring the wraith down if he had to but so far felt no reason to worry about that just yet. He would trust Hyano... though his trust for anyone was very thin. Even for someone like Hyano.
Ren's hooded head turned towards the wizard as she explained, then looked back down at the hand that was held out to him. So he should take it and shake it up and down, right? It seemed easy enough. He wasn't sure if he already wondered what kind of strange and useless traditions and rituals these mortals have... The wraith finally lifted a hand, although the wrong one and just touched the hand that was stretched out to him and shook it a bit, then released it as quickly as it came and looked up at the human being. Hmm... He sniffed the air a bit. Of course... He smelled that before... He had a strange smell to him... He sniffed the air audibly again and watched him. It was familiar... He smelled that one before... Not this human, of course, but elsewhere. Maybe that tree nearby with the long leaves?
Will raised a brow, then looked at Hyano, who just shrugged.
"He isn't good socially." She admitted to which the ent man nodded before taking a seat again. Hyano noticed Ren sniffing. "What are you smelling for, Ren?" Hyano asked wondering what caught the wraith's attention. Maybe he noticed Will's plantlike scent. Wouldn't be surprising. For those who weren't used to it the smell could be almost overwhelming. At least to those who had a sensitive nose. However, Ren was known for noticing the oddest of things so he could have noticed something totally different in itself.
However, by the time Hyano was done thinking about the possibilities, Ren's attention was already elsewhere... On the cat in her arms.
The feline of course noticed his invisible gaze and gave a small growl, its bushy tail moving in an agitated manner, its claws then began to sink into the clothes and skin of the woman again.
Of course the wraith held no curiosity or attention for the herder man. He was the one who was curious about him, so he shall take the steps he deemed fit... and dared. The Nazgul instead wished to be closer to that animal... How did its touch feel like? Like the fake cat? No... The texture looked different... and this one even moved. He took a step towards them.
Hyano yelped. She cringed and gritted her teeth against the pain the little animal was causing her. Oh, damn the little claws... they sure caused a lot of damage.
Will didn't see any reason to do anything. Ren was doing most of the work for him. The reaction of the cat showed what nature thought of him. He of course didn't trust him naturally as well but animals were far more sensitive to their natural instincts and it was showing in that cat. The fact Hyano was trying her best not to react also gave Will signs that this creature shouldn't be trusted. However, she wanted him to trust it for some reason. Why, though? Then a thought came to his mind. He stepped up to Hyano and reached out to the cat stroking over its head before lifting it by the scruff into his own arms.
The wizard yelped but sighed as the cat was finally off of her. Painfully of course but at least it was off. However... what was Will up to by taking the cat away?
The cat of course did everything in its power to stay with Hyano, its claws still sticking to her when the man began lifting it and it needed to be physically forced to release the clothing of the woman. Once however it was removed, the feline sought the closest safety. And that was the man that was holding it, so without missing a beat, its claws were sank in Will's clothes, although strangely it could not pierce his skin. It was too hard in texture and thickness for it to succeed, although the tips did manage to get a hold of it. Like at a tree's bark.
Ren's attention of course immediately went from the wizard to the ent man, now that he held his prize. Although, the cat was less amused and growled, it's bushy tail still moving like a flag in a tornado and hissed sharply once the wraith took a step towards the duo.
The herder male watched him closely taking a step back as the other stepped towards him though his steps were planned. He was heading towards the door.
Hyano realized this and mentally groaned. He was practically daring Ren to react! Why?! Because he wanted to see the worst way Ren could be... Just great. "Will... don't do it." She warned him, though, she seemed to hardly be trying. Both men were stronger than her but if she had to she would blast them both into separate corners and make them stand there like children until they could play nice.
Ren did not fail to notice the plan of the herder man, so gave a warning hiss, basically ordering him to stand still and don't even dare making him lose his new toy. He stepped forward once again, this time a much wider one was taken to try and catch him before he can complete his plans. He was of course careful as well, trying to mask his intentions but so far he was failing miserably. His hooded head and invisible gaze were soon turned down to the cat which was by now as agitated as a cat is able to be in its whole life.
The feline was scared and angry, although its yellow eyes widened when the door came into sight and was already attempting to crawl its way up onto the shoulder of the herder man.
The herder man heard the hiss but didn't show any signs of really noticing it. Instead he took another step towards the door again. He kept a grip on the cat's scruff. Not hard enough to hurt it but enough to keep it from bolting anytime soon. He kept his eyes on the dark hood of the being in front of him. He could tell the wraith looked ready to jump at him at any moment. Question was... what would it take to get that result out of him?
The hiss became louder and sharper once he took one more step and Ren stepped after him, attempting to close distance, while his gauntleted hand was stretched out towards the panicked feline which was trying to still crawl its way over the shoulder of the man, its claws scratching against the tough skin, leaving only tiny white marks instead of open wounds. The wraith was less amused and his stance told anyone that one more move and he will be in the face of the tall ent man.
The larger male raised a brow, then pulled the cat off of him and held it out towards the wraith by the scruff. He held it out so it was close to the wraith, however the moment he was ready to touch it Will just let go. He assumed the little feline could handle the rest from there. The door was open. Either he would make it out the door or he would be caught by the wraith. He was hoping for the former for the cat's sake.
The wraith just stood there, helplessly watching as the feline -the moment its paws touched the ground- bolted out of the door and vanished from his sight. His hooded head lingered in that position before slowly but surely he turned it towards the tall man and released a faint but long hiss. That was it. In the very next moment Ren prepared to jump up with extended gauntlets and to land on the shoulders and head of the ent man and use everything that he had at his disposal to harm and punish the miserable puny rat of a mortal about what wraiths are and can do.
"Ren! Don't you even dare! Step back and stay still!" Came Hyano's yell before the wraith even had the chance.
Will had already moved from stoic to ready to punch the wraith the moment he moved close enough and Hyano knew that Ren was not ready for what Will had to offer. Sure, Ren was immortal but Will was still built like a tank and could punch like one can shoot too.
The Nazgul stopped in his tracks when he heard the sharp and loud command. At first his mind wanted to dismiss it because he was a much greater entity than her, so she cannot command him like his Lord however his thoughts took him to the time when they made the deal about the bet... The bet that he miserably lost. Although in unfair conditions. But he still gave his word and gave her the permission to give him orders which he shall follow. Excluding any changes to his attire. He gave a displeased hiss and stared at the man, still tense and ready to deliver a blow or two or to jump on him once maybe she wasn't looking... She cannot tell him what to do when she looks away, right?
The man knew he nearly had a fight on his hands but as it had started it was over. He blinked and tilted his head at the wraith before looking at Hyano. He had proven he was a threat but she proved he was a threat she could control. He seemed to consider this before relaxing. Fine... he would trust Hyano to keep the wraith on a leash... for now that is. However, that was a trust that could very easily be broken at anytime.
The change in the stance and behavior of the herder man was mistaken as the sign of submission by the wraith. He lost all signs of aggression and hostility, so Ren gave a threatening hiss and relaxed his own stance as well, thinking he won despite there was no fight. There was no need for one. Nazgul rarely fought physically, body language being their most frequent method and seems like he managed to get the better of this one as well. He felt some kind of a boost in his mind at this. He managed to win against a wraith-acting man the day before and today against this one. He was pleased with the outcome; although he will still need the cat back... Ren shifted his invisible gaze towards the couch which still had the fake cat sitting on it but it was just all too boring. It wasn't moving anywhere... but the other cat was! He felt frustrated and decided he will risk a step towards the door. Maybe he can find its trail and hunt it down! Then he will replace the fake with the real one. While this world seemed convenient, it most certainly was a fake one. He wanted the real thing!
"Reeeeen... Take your 'fake' cat and go down to the basement. I will come get you later." The orange istar told him from the couch, not about to let him leave the house. Sure, it was later in the day but he had proven that letting him out of the house at any time of the day unsupervised was a terrible idea. He caused far too much trouble that they couldn't afford. She couldn't at least. She knew Ren would do what she said. He would hiss and moan about it the whole way but he would do it one way or another, then maybe try to kill her later for all this. Oh, she was not looking forward to tomorrow.
The Nazgul hissed in return and crossed his arms at first, stubbornly looking away, turning his hooded head away from her in an attempt to pull off some kind of defiance against her order but in the end he knew he had to relent... He hissed and spat like an angry feline as he stomped over to the couch, taking his fake companion and walked down to the basement while making as much noise as it was humanly... ehm... wraithly possible, not all too excited about his toy anymore. It didn't move... it didn't interact... it didn't react to his dark aura, unlike the real cat. He needed that! But well... tomorrow this stupidity will end and not only will he show her how this nonsense affected him but he will finally hunt down his newest interest. And this time she will have no say in the matter! No more bets for him!
The wizard looked at Will. "Would you like to talk about if you and your family will be coming with us or not, Will?" She asked, waving to the chair across from the couch.
The herder male watched every movement of the strange creature, then shifted his dark gaze to the wizard who addressed him, although the question was all too complex to answer it right away. It was just one day. A single day since the proposed change and he did not find the time or the opportunity to give it all too serious thought. However, he wanted to know more before he made the decision. He gave the smallest sign of uncertainty, and although the time seemingly presses them now, they will need more of it so they can properly discuss it. Though, he was more than certain that Hyano was invited by his wife for tomorrow, so they can talk about it then. With that, Will turned around, having decided that he saw enough for today. The wraith was still a high concern of his but at least the wizard can keep it at bay and it seemed to do as she said, even if with some stubbornness was mixed in it. They will see tomorrow. For a brief second he wondered if she will bring Ren along to their home...
Hyano sighed, then nodded and waved him off.
"Talk with your wife about it and I mean actually talk to her. Don't put it off until later. I will see you tomorrow for dinner. Your wife invited me, said she would be making your favorite just for the occasion." She said with a grin. Herder food was often considered very overly spiced but once one got used to it, the food could be some of the best around. She especially loved their desserts... Alright, now she was hungry.
The istar watched as the ent man walked out of the door and shut it behind him. She sighed and leaned back against the couch with a sigh, her gaze falling to her hands in her lap, thinking about the future that the new world holds for her and the family.
Or perhaps her thoughts are all too forward. She should think about the near future first.
Like...
Tomorrow...
Hyano sighed and buried her face in her hands. Tomorrow will be very difficult.
Short chapter! We know!
But otherwise with what we are planning this would be too long.
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