Disclaimer: I own...lots of kitties! I don't own Lord of the Rings, though. Pity, really.
A/N ~ Hello. I still live. :)
Dracon
HONRIN IRI TYS RIIYAKINO, GLUSANCA, MINWAGNA NIKRYRQ! = Son of a thick-scaled, wet-flamed, cowardly sand-lizard!
Elven
Sairalassë = Wise Leaf
Sercecet = Blood Sword
Mittanyë = Princess/Leader
Lastallë = Listener
Avarikal
Akira = Empath
Ekaapa = Fourth
Ikatla = Third
Pangala = Second
Pangala Tyelciel Lótessënén Cullion of the Nossë Coireno. = Second-Akira Swift One's Daughter May-Water Golden-Son of the Stirring-Family.
Rávien = Untamed, Wild
Akira Fëalassë = Empath Joyous Spirit
Akira Hísimëisil = Empath November-Moon
Bold is mind-speech. Italic is Westron/Elven/Avarikal - don't worry, it shall be specified which language is being spoken in each scene.
Iaun ~ Sanctuary
Thalbor cursed under his breath as Kahilnar went limp after his brief cry, causing the Ranger to stumble as he tried to hold the Easterling up with one arm. The weight soon became easier to carry, however, as Katun rushed over and wrapped her brother's right arm around her shoulder, looking at Thalbor with silent determination. She didn't flinch from the blood coming from Kahilnar's side, simply rolling his tunic slightly and pressing it against the wound to help slow the flow as they moved. The Ranger nodded in approval of her actions and in silent thanks for her help as they half-dragged, half carried the unconscious Prince out of the tunnels, following after Taurnar.
Each twin heard it at the same time as they entered the forest opening up before them; the sound of approaching footsteps...many footsteps coming toward them quickly. Two sets of gray eyes looked back toward the tunnel entrance that they'd gained some distance from to see men emerging from the cave opening in the rock-face of the red-hued mountain. Crap. And here they had been hoping to escape undetected. The two Rangers reacted quickly to the new development, Taurnar setting Alagos down carefully by a spindly tree, eliciting no reaction from the shape-shifter - something that instantly worried the semi-healer - and Thalbor doing the same with Kahilnar, speaking to Katun quickly, though, in the back of his mind he had to wonder if she even knew Westron.
"Stay here with them and try to staunch your brother's wound."
He didn't wait for a response as he and his brother went back the way they'd come through the spars trees and down the small hill they'd climbed, blending into their surroundings despite very little actual coverage to hide behind. Such was the skill of a Ranger. The two brothers could only hope that there would only be few men to fight, though and that those men might consist of only a few guards. They fervently hoped that they wouldn't come across the King or one of his sons. The sound of screeching metal could be heard shortly after the Rangers reached flatter ground and met their foes.
Katun gritted her teeth against the noise. She refused to look in the direction of the fighting, instead steadfastly ignored the sounds of the fierce skirmish in favor of doing what the Ranger had told her. She only understood a small bit of Westron, but she was smart enough to know what should be done for Kahilnar as she lifted his tunic to view the damage. The Princess swallowed hard, though it wasn't because of a weak stomach, as she scanned the jagged cut. She was not a healer and had only a basic knowledge of ways to help her half-brother, but from what she could tell the entree of the weapon looked to have been clean, going right through her brother's side. The exit of the weapon had been wrenching to say the least, though, and the sight was not a pretty one. That's not what bothered Katun, however, as she cut a section of her dress and carefully, but efficiently wrapped it around Kahilnar's waist. No, what worried her was the internal bleeding that had to be going on right now. She could bandage the outside wound to slow the blood flow, but there was nothing she could do for the inside and that would be what killed Kahilnar.
"Ah, stupid man." The insult was muttered and she felt better for saying it, but it really didn't stop the worry and Katun was almost grateful for the distraction of a man running toward her, weapon raised. The Princess rose calmly, her mind instantly clear, dagger in hand and merely waited, almost with disdain. She stepped to the side with grace and speed just before the sword came toward her body and followed the movement with a jab to the man's neck with her slim knife, ending his life with precision. She had not had formal weapon training as she was a woman, but that did not make her helpless and where strength was not hers, quickness and trickery was and she would use both.
Not bothering to spare the body a second glance, Katun's dark eyes looked toward where the Rangers had gone to see them dispatching men as they came through the tunnels in what seemed to be a never-ending flow. It would seem they had actually been discovered and this was not just a small group of guards. That was not what suddenly scared her, though. No, it was the appearance of her brother, Kilicar, who did that and in that moment, Katun knew they didn't have a hope of escaping without help. She was not blind to the rumors of her land - though men would like to think her kind deaf and mute simply because of their gender - and she knew what her half-brother had become; a Dark Prince, one who had delved into the Black Arts. There would be no getting past him if he released his black magic on them.
Looking at Kahilnar and the strange white-haired male beside him, the Princess knew what Kilicar would choose to do, too. Katun rarely felt fear, but she did now when confronted with her dark brother and her black eyes strayed to the Rangers again, wondering if they knew the danger they were in like she did. She felt strangely sorry that they'd been dragged into this as she watched with a detached feeling of resignation as the two pale-skinned males approached Kilicar. The Prince only smirked at them and flicked his fingers. What looked to be black smoke shot out from his hands, slamming the two in the chest and sending the brothers flying backwards to land painfully in the grass a few feet away.
Taurnar felt as if he'd been hit by a troll and the man struggled to draw breath for a long moment as he lay on the ground, looking at the gray sky. Oxygen finally reached his lungs painfully and the Ranger groaned as he forced his body to move, knowing it could mean death if he did not. Right now the prospect almost seemed appealing as every muscle protested his movement and his vision swam briefly as he sat up. He immediately looked for his twin and was relieved to see Thalbor struggling to rise as well, obviously bruised and a shallow cut marking his brow, but no more injured than that for which the younger twin was grateful. Each male looked at each other in slight shock before turning their attention back to the man who had thrown them without even touching them.
The sensation of flying backward had almost been familiar to Thalbor, as if Alagos' wind was once more pushing him back, but the force of it was where the similarities ended. While the shape-shifter's wind was teasing and playful, containing no harm, this black smoke had been full of malice, intending to hurt. It had felt more like he was being constricted than thrown for a moment and Thalbor suspected that was why his lungs pained him so much right now as he drew one harsh breath after another and he slowly forced his body to rise, watching Taurnar do the same. Gray eyes met gray and in that moment both twins knew this was a foe beyond them. And yet...neither of them could even think of leaving the three people they protected. It wasn't even an option in their minds and they braced themselves to try again.
Kilicar's smirk seemed to widen as his men closed in on the two Rangers before the pleased expression was suddenly gone and his body was flying backward to slam into the rock wall of the mountain. The Prince seemed to have been lifted by an invisible hand and both Thalbor and Taurnar's eyes darted to where Katun, Kahilnar and Alagos were up on the small hill to see something that didn't really surprise them for reasons they didn't understand. Alagos had somehow managed to rise to his feet after showing no sign of wanting to wake not a few minutes ago. His very stance appeared unsteady as he leaned heavily against the small tree Taurnar had set him beside, the poor branches looking like they might collapse at any moment, too. The shape-shifter's body was weak, that was clear, but the fury in his amber eyes was not and even as Kilicar rose, looking enraged and yet completely surprised, the white-haired male released another gale of wind. This time it shrieked like a winter storm as it swept the Dark Prince's men off their feet, lifting them higher this time so the landing would cause more damage.
The Dark Prince seemed to slightly deflect the blow this time, though, when it came toward him and he was shoved backwards but not lifted off his feet like the time before. His black eyes locked with the shape-shifter's amber and Alagos did not flinch from it as he had before. His body was wracked with trembles that were not born of fear, but pain and they were something he could not control, nor did he try. His entire back burned as the injured flesh protested loudly his movement, stretching and starting to bleed again from the agitation and his head throbbed with pain. His thoughts felt cloudy and his neck hurt so much he didn't even attempt to talk, but his will had not been broken and it showed in the stubborn lines of his face, the anger in his eyes, the defiance that had driven him to stand when he'd woken to the sound of blades meeting. There was a Voice in his head, deep inside in his spirit that had bid him wake and he had obeyed. It now told him to stand and to fight. He would not tell it no and Alagos could feel a warmth curl in his chest, the same one that had been with him during Kilicar's whipping session - before the King had come in, looking angry as he told his son to stop - and he felt courage bubble up in him as a dark presence slammed into him, instantly meeting resistance as the light inside surged outward, given free passage by the shape-shifter who welcomed it.
This was not truly his battle. He knew this and so did not cringe before the darkness anymore. This war belonged to One greater than he and a rebellious Maia called Melkor, but Alagos knew at this point in time he was a vassal for the light just as Kilicar was one for the darkness and he'd finally accepted that. So it was that the shape-shifter merely stood shakily, feeling like collapsing, but determined to be of aid to his Creator in whatever way He might call for. The heat and light that rushed through his body was overwhelming and yet Alagos could sense little change in himself. He was still injured, still weak and still feeling like he might have been drugged. It didn't matter to the white-haired male that Eru did not seem to be healing him, though, as he sensed the darkness being pushed back. He smiled slightly even as his body finally gave out and fell, his mind going black once more.
Thalbor and Taurnar saw him fall, but what they focused on was the light that erupted from the still body when it hit the ground, spreading out like a violent ripple. The twins each seemed to have the same thought as they spun on their heels, away from Kilicar and ran back the way they'd come. It might be that Alagos had given them enough time to get away and they were going to take it. They almost felt the blast that slammed into the mountain behind them as they ran up the hill and the males looked back hopefully as they reached the top. While the light wave had not harmed them, passing through them like they were not there, they were hopeful that it might have caused greater damage to their enemies. Their eyes hardened at seeing many dead soldiers but no sign of Kilicar and they knew he'd gotten away. Still, knowing he'd actually run from the light was encouraging since the things they'd been hearing from those who lived in Rhun portrayed the man as invincible.
The Rangers didn't focus on the thought, though, as they hurried to the two injured males on the ground. Taurnar took one look at the blood that soaked Kahilnar's tunic and the makeshift bandage, and the blood that was now running from Alagos' back before cursing vehemently. He bent down to pick up Alagos and met Katun's pale face when he straightened. The woman's hands were bloody and her clothes stained red. Still her eyes were steady and they asked only one question; would her brother live? Taurnar looked away, unsure how to answer and that was all the answer the Princess needed as she moved with jerky movements to carry the packs the men could not reach down to get. Her eyes strayed to Kahilnar, now in Thalbor's arms and she clenched her teeth before pointing to a slight path, nearly invisible if not looked for.
"Horse."
The two men blinked, clearly confused and the woman forced herself to be patient. They were all stressed, worn out, worried and some of them in pain. To make matters more difficult, she did not know enough of their tongue to clearly communicate and they did not know any of hers. They would not know what Sacalnun had told Kahilnar about the waiting horses. Katun tried again, taking a different tactic as she simply started following the path, looking behind her at the wary men, only saying two words and hoping they would understand. Needing them to understand.
"Horse. Come."
They hesitated for a moment and the woman raised a brow. Surely her accent wasn't THAT bad! She frowned, but the brothers finally started to follow her and Katun smiled slightly in silent approval before moving faster. The Rangers followed without hesitation this time and the woman breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the whinny of a horse a short distance down the path. She was happy the animals hadn't gotten loose during the fighting. The Princess gave the twins smug looks as comprehension came to their faces when they broke through the trees and into a small clearing that held four horses, looking to have been packed quickly. A swift scan by Katun told her that they'd been packed efficiently, though, and she immediately went to her own horse, a high-spirited red-hued mare who nickered a greeting as her mistress approached. Katun looked over at the two men and hissed at them angrily as they looked like they might unpack for reasons completely foreign to her reasoning. Her noise turned their attention to her and she glared at them, gesturing angrily back the way they'd come.
"Fight come! Go now!" Did they not understand that Kilicar would not be stopped by this? Yes, the light had been impressive and she curious about it, but that would not stop her half-brother! They needed to put distance between them and the Dark Prince, even before they tended to the injured. Taurnar didn't appear to agree with her, though, as he only nodded and continued pulling things he needed out of the pack. Katun stared at him for a long moment before coming over and grabbing his wrist, thinking perhaps he had simply not understood her.
"Go now! Now!"
Gray eyes looked steadily back into her black ones and the Ranger said one of the words he knew in Rhunic. "No." Katun blinked and the man moved his hand away from her, pointing at her brother and Alagos sternly. "Help. Go." He could only hope they were words she understood as he was not going to leave before he could at least give Kahilnar a chance to survive his injury and make sure Alagos wounds were given some treatment to prevent infection. He and his brother were Rangers and they were NOT going to risk the lives of the the shape-shifter they'd come all this way to help - and risk even more of Gweltari's wrath - and the Easterling who'd helped them and seemed to have some kind of connection to Alagos. The man ignored the impatient look the Princess gave him before she started to help, muttering to herself, and looked at his brother.
"Can you tend to Alagos?"
Thalbor nodded, taking the things he'd need. "I'm not entirely incompetent at these things, Taur." The inside joke only elicited a small smile from his brother, but Thalbor was not bothered by it. He had his way of coping with stress and his twin had his. Taurnar grew serious, focused and would see that any task set before him with done with precision and to fulfillment. The elder twin seemed to do the exact opposite, joking more and becoming hot-headed when decisions needed to be made. Sometimes this impulsiveness saved more lives than planning would have. They two brothers balanced each other out and they understood each other. So it was that Taurnar wordlessly handed Thalbor something he'd forgotten, half-focused on his own patient and the older man rolled his eyes but took it, heading to Alagos.
When he knelt beside the shape-shifter, though, all playfulness vanished as he took in the pale and blood-smeared skin. Taurnar had laid the white-haired male on his side to avoid getting dirt in the wounds and Thalbor moved so he was behind the still male. He had yet to see the true extent of damage done to Alagos and now felt like hitting something as he looked at the whip-marks that crisscrossed the bleeding back before him. He winced as he wet a clean cloth - he didn't think about what it was supposed to be used for - with water from the tankard found on one of the horses and started near Alagos' shoulder, cleaning gently and as best he could with the limited supplies, reminding himself that he only need to make sure that the wounds were free of dirt, not perfect, before they traveled to a safer distance. Then Taurnar could take on the bigger task of truly caring for the injuries. Still, he knew even skimming over the whip-marks would bring pain and the Ranger tensed when Alagos did, stopping his ministrations for a moment before forcing himself to continue. He glanced over the shape-shifter's shoulder once to see that Alagos' eyes were open, but that he didn't seem to be really seeing anything at all and the glazed look only faded to be replaced with pain when Thalbor went over a particularly nasty cut.
The elder twin was grateful when he was done and could wrap the shape-shifter's torso lightly, but securely. He could do nothing for Alagos' shoulders right now, but that wouldn't be needed for riding purposes anyway. Thalbor looked down at his sister's bonded once more and was relieved when he saw Alagos was unconscious again and away from the pain. He looked over at his twin to see how his brother was progressing and felt some worry at the way Taurnar was mumbling to himself as he worked quickly, almost frantically and Thalbor knew the younger twin was probably cursing, which was never a good thing. He came over and crouched at his brother's side, speaking quietly and glancing at Katun who was only looking intently at Kahilnar and the pallor of his skin. Her hand held the male Easterling's tightly as if she was willing him to stay with her grip alone.
"How is he?"
"If I can't get him to stop bleeding he's not going to survive the ride." It was blunt, said quickly, but honest and Thalbor nodded solemnly as he watched his brother work. Kahilnar's body was much more responsive to the pain than Alagos' and the Easterling groaned more than once at Taurnar's treatment, but didn't wake, though, he did jerk sporadically. He didn't seem to be bleeding from the mouth or convulsing at all, though, and from what Thalbor knew, that was a good sign. Taurnar's movements had started to slow too, an even better sign. Thalbor spoke again after a few silent minutes. "Has the bleeding slowed at all?"
"Yes, thank Eru, and I don't think there is too much internal bleeding at this time. The blade might have just missed any major arteries or veins, but only time will tell if organs were damaged. There is nothing I can do about it now." Taurnar finished wrapping the bandage he had around Kahilnar, knowing there was little else he could do at this point and sat back, using the back of his hand to wipe at his forehead with a tired sigh. His gray eyes met his brother's identical ones. "We need to move. I can do nothing more for them without more time and a safer place to rest, though, I have drugged the Easterling to make sure he does not wake. I do not think we shall have such problems with Alagos because of his fever."
Thalbor nodded and looked at Katun. "Come. Go." The woman seemed to sigh in relief at the words repeated back to her and stood quickly. She was helpful in lifting her brother onto a horse and then keeping him stable as Taurnar handed Alagos up to Thalbor after his twin mounted a horse. The Ranger, already seated, settled the shape-shifter in front of him, careful of the wounds on the other male's back and watched as Taurnar mounted behind Kahilnar, securing the Easterling before nodding his thanks to Katun who was already moving to her own mare, mounting quickly. She swiftly rode to the spare horse meant for Kahilnar and tied the animals lead to her saddle before giving the two Northerners an expectant look. They'd spent too much time here already and they all knew it.
Both Rangers glanced at their burdens before spurring their horses forward, following the Princess as they raced away into the safety of the woods and the maze-like mountains of the East.
Katun noticed the person who came sprinting out of the trees first and the Eastern woman took little time to spin her horse around, steady it and draw a dagger, sending it hurtling through the air toward her target. She missed and looked surprised by the fact, the blade quivering in a tree exactly where the golden-haired strangers had been not a moment before.
The two Rangers had pulled up by this time and each male looked in astonishment at the golden-haired child before them, looking quite calm as she turned to the tree and pulled out the dagger meant to kill her. The girl smiled at the expressions of those around her, light blue eyes twinkling merrily in the fading light. She seemed to light up the trees and plants around her, and her voice was like rippling water as she approached Katun and held up the weapon. "I believe this is yours." She seemed to speak neither Rhunic nor Westron and yet everyone present and conscious understood what she said.
Katun took the dagger slowly, almost cautiously and did not speak, watching the younger girl as she turned to face the Rangers with a smile. "Taurnar, Thalbor it has only been a few weeks. Do you not recognize me?" The tone was teasing and the twins frowned, thinking carefully, but quickly. Yes, she did look familiar, but...shouldn't she have someone with her... Thalbor figured it out first and smile came to his face, still a bit surprised, but welcoming. "Acwyn. Gweltari told us about you." He raised a brow, reigning his horse in as it danced nervously, but halfheartedly, tired. "What are you doing here?" For some strange reason, it did not occur to anyone present to ask HOW the girl had gotten to them.
The mirth faded from the young face before them as Acwyn focused on the two limp figures in the twin's hold and the elfling looked around at the trees for a long moment. "There is a clearing not far from here. You could rest there."
"How do you know this? Who are you?" Katun's voice was harsh and unyielding compared to the child's and neither Thalbor or Taurnar knew what she said, but the golden-haired elfling didn't seem offended, only answering calmly once more. "The trees have told me a place where you will be safe as the wind has asked them to be helpful for the sake of the one they love. My name is Acwyn Sairalassë, however, your question should really not be who I am, but what." Acwyn did not let Katun respond, leaping away as nimbly as a deer in the direction they should take and the twins followed her without thinking twice about it. The Princess cursed under her breath, but followed as well and they soon found themselves in the clearing the elven child had said would be there.
The Rangers dismounted gratefully, lifting the two injured males down carefully as both Katun and Acwyn spread spare blankets out for them to set the unconscious males on. As soon as Kahilnar touched the ground, Acwyn was by his side, looking almost furious at the blood that stained his clothes and was still determinedly seeping from his wound. She said nothing to the twins, simply touching the Easterling's forehead with the tips of her fingers without hesitation. An audible hum filled the air and it almost looked like Acwyn glowed for a moment before the sound ceased and the elfling stood calmly, backing away. Taurnar frowned, about to say something when Kahilnar woke, coughing as blood came up.
Acwyn's voice was still calm when she spoke, but not without sympathy as she watched Taurnar try to calm the other male who was in obvious pain and clearly bleeding dangerously, something that sometimes happened hours after an injury instead of right away. "Change your shape, Roniysr and the pain will leave."
Kahilnar heard her clearly and despite the way his side burned with fire and sharp pain came from inside his abdomen, he complied with her words, almost desperate to let the wildness sing through his blood if it would numb the pain! There seemed to be an energy buzzing through his nerves, urging him onward, ready to be used and the fact puzzled Kahilnar slightly in an absent corner of his mind. He should have been too weak to do anything right now, especially after so much blood-loss - he'd seen stomach wounds before! That wasn't the case this time, though, and the Easterling took advantage of it, grateful for the foreign energy. He felt the effects of his body shifting as he concentrated in a way he never had before, being almost able to determine when the bleeding inside stopped and his damaged organ healed. He opened tawny-gold eyes to look at the elfling again and the golden-haired child studied the black and orange Twanres with curiosity. Acwyn smiled gently after a long moment, pleased. "Good."
Kahilnar nodded slightly, unsure about what was going on and wanting to both spit the blood out of his mouth and acquire more - the two instincts battling halfheartedly. He ignored both and his eyes found those of the twins to see them staring at him. It occurred to Kahilnar that he'd never told them what he was. The thought was slightly amusing, but the humor was drowned out by the strong smell of blood that was not his own and his feline nose told him to whom it did belong even as his eyes found Alagos. Kahilnar was changing back before he truly thought about it - not caring that he had even gotten better at the task - and he approached the white-haired male slowly. He knelt down by his side, studying the shape-shifter for a long moment, relief and guilt running through him before he finally spoke to the two brothers watching him. "How is he?"
Taurnar blinked, but answered as he went back to gathering the supplies he needed. He was completely unsure what to think about everything that had just happened and so he focused on what was logical in his mind. Some things were better left unasked for the time being. "He will live, of that I am sure, but I don't know the full extent of his injuries and I need to clean him. The fever should come down by tomorrow morning if we treat it properly. He might even heal faster than that if he can change like you just did." He glanced at his brother, still staring at the Easterling, and threw a stick at him. "Stop staring and help me." The command made the older twin glare and grumble under his breath, but he came to his sibling's aid, almost glad for the distraction if he allowed himself to be honest. Seeing someone do that, without knowing they could do it...was strange.
Kahilnar shook his head at the two before looking down at Alagos, feeling a surge of anger as he looked at the metal collar still around the shape-shifter's throat. The sooner Alagos could shift into something small enough to slip that off the better. The Easterling continued to glare at the offending metal and felt the rage in him escalating in an unusual way...in a way that was completely unnecessary for the situation. The answer to the puzzle came to him suddenly as a voice screeched through his mind like a bolt of lightning, seeming louder than thunder. "YOU STUPID, ARROGANT, HONRIN IRI TYS RIIYAKINO, GLUSANCA, MINWAGNA NIKRYRQ! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"
The Easterling winced at the volume, but could not help the laughter that bubbled up in him at the words - most of which he did not understand - silent to everyone else, but clearly heard by Sharpmist as the dragoness' mind swarmed his own with fury. "Nice to know you care, Rovina." A snarl erupted in his head and Kahilnar resisted the urge to rub his ear, frowning as his mind started to intermingle with his dragoness', seeing what had transpired on her end of this whole ordeal. The worry that slammed into him, the anger and frustration, was enough to ignite guilt and Kahilnar found himself speaking quietly even as his mind instinctively wrapped around Sharpmist's own protectively, without thought.
"Rovina, I am well. I swear it. I am sorry for scaring you. It was not my intention"
"I was not scared, Easterling. I was merely...nervous about possibly losing an enemy I have not yet bested to someone who did not deserve the honor of killing you. That is all." The matter-of-fact way in which the statement was said - and how quickly, too - had Kahilnar smiling once more and he knew his dragoness was going to be fine. Just as he was. She was a battle dragon. How could she not? Sharpmist snorted in approval at that particular thought and he felt her mind loosen from his slightly, satisfied that he was in one piece...for her to rip to shreds when he came back. The thought, the challenge of it, was quite appealing if he were honest. It had been too long since someone had truly given him a good fight and Sharpmist seemed to do it in a way that always made him feel better, more complete.
"How is the shape-shifter, Miharq?" The question was not unexpected, but even so, Kahilnar hesitated and in that moment, Sharpmist knew all she needed to know before he said it. For once she didn't' interrupt, though. "He's...injured, but Taurnar thinks he's going to be fine. He should be healed by the time the Northerner sees him."
"Healed on the outside."
Kahilnar sighed and made room for Taurnar as the man had finished gathering his things and was now coming over to use them on Alagos. "Yes, healed on the outside." The Easterling didn't know what more to say to that and he felt Sharpmist fade out of his head. How badly damaged on the inside was the shape-shifter and how long would it take to fix that hurt? Kahilnar didn't want to ask the question, but he knew it to be a cruel fact that this capture would have done something to Alagos' mind. The marks on his body would fade, heal, even disappear, but the marks inside healed much more slowly. For now, though, the Prince shook the thought away and made himself focus on what was happening now. The energy in his body felt like it was starting to tamper down, but it wasn't gone entirely and the Easterling looked at Acwyn, curious and confused.
"What are you?" The question came almost unbidden to his tongue, but once out it sounded right. Acwyn smiled, glancing at Katun who was busy with building a fire and her reply was soft, only for his ears. "I am not what I seem, but also not what I could be. I am here to help you, Roniysr. My brother travels with Gwelutarien and your dragoness. I came here before them for this was my task."
Kahilnar remained silent for a long moment, feeling neither frustrated nor angry that she had not really answered his question. He had truly matured since he'd run away from home and it was things like this that proved it to him. The Easterling finally spoke again, though, his voice just as quiet as hers. "The energy. That was from you."
"Yes."
"Will you give it to Alagos as well?"
A shadow seemed to flit across Acwyn's face, but she finally nodded and approached, not hindering Taurnar in the slightest as she touched Alagos' forehead as she had done Kahilnar. She almost appeared uncertain as the air hummed once more and brief glow surrounded her before fading. Kahilnar watched for the result, but even he was startled as the shape-shifter began shuddering and convulsing a minute later, almost as if the energy was trying to flee his body but could not. Green eyes snapped to light blue as Kahilnar helped Taurnar hold the white-haired male down, something which only caused Alagos to open his mouth in what should have been a cry of pain.
"What's wrong!" The question was directed at Acwyn by Thalbor and Kahilnar, each shouting it at the same time and the girl looked like just that, a little girl. She was instantly pale, hesitant and unsure. Even then she did not panic, though. "He's been drugged or poisoned. I cannot help against that. I can only give him energy to live and fight as I gave it to you, Roniysr. The herbs in his body will not let him wake. I am sorry. I did not know." She sounded truly remorseful and even scared as she watched the shape-shifter finally still, now restless, though, as the energy she'd given him sought a form of release it could not find. It was Katun who came from behind the elfling and wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a comforting manner. Her dark eyes met her brother's green ones with something akin to relief for his healed state before she led Acwyn away to the fire, distracting the child.
The males were grateful for the help as Thalbor traded Taurnar jobs with his brother, restraining Alagos with Kahilnar as the younger twin started to continue his ministrations to the injuries on Alagos' back. This time, however, instead of lying still the shape-shifter was now at least half-awake and the pain made him flinch away as he tried to curl inward, only stopped by the two males who held him still in firm, but gentle holds. Taurnar tried to be careful, but the awful truth was that he could not afford to not be thorough and unfortunately, whoever had whipped Alagos had also been thorough in their damage and treatment of the wounds afterward. There was little dirt as Thalbor had done a good job cleaning before they rode, but there was still dried blood in some areas and Alagos' shredded tunic had adhered itself to his lashes, creating a mess that the Ranger now had to try and undo without completely undoing his patient.
Kahilnar was sitting facing Alagos and so he was the first to see the tears that trailed down the shape-shifter's pale face from the agony being inflicted upon his body, though, he did not make a sound. The Easterling felt his heart lurch painfully even as anger swept through him, demanding retribution for this injustice, but Kahilnar hid both emotions as he brushed back white hair from clouded amber eyes, trying to gain Alagos' attention. He was not sure if it worked or not, but started speaking quietly anyway.
"You're not alone, Alagos. I'm here and so are Thalbor and Taurnar. I think you have met them before as they seem to know you. They helped me get you out of the tunnels and they saved me, too, much as I hate to admit it." He sighed at the lack of response in Alagos' eyes, but continued speaking all the same, hoping it might help as the tears were flowing faster now, almost sob-like with how the white-haired male's shoulder's shook silently. Taurnar looked pale himself and Kahilnar knew the man was doing the best he could to not stop the treatment altogether even knowing it would be the worst possible thing to do right now. The only way the wounds were going to begin healing - before Alagos changed his form - was if they were cleaned and treated correctly.
"Gweltari is going to kill me if Sharpmist doesn't beat her to it. You know that, right?" Kahilnar stopped again, seeing flash of something in the wet, amber eyes that looked at him without really seeing. Perhaps Alagos could not respond, but maybe...maybe he could hear? Or was it just Gweltari's name that had garnered the reaction? Kahilnar spoke again, just as quiet, but he only said one word this time, testing. "Gweltari."
There it was again. That flash of...yearning, awareness, pain and something like homesickness. Alagos wanted his bonded and that desire was coming through despite the pain he was in and the drug that seemed to keep him asleep or half-conscious, unable to speak or really move all that much. Kahilnar smiled shakily and grasped a pale hand with his own tightly. "You will see her again, Alagos. I promise." He hoped the words would have some peaceful affects as the shape-shifter's eyes closed once more as he gave in to darkness and blessed relief.
Thalbor looked up at his brother when the white-haired male seemed to relax and Taurnar heaved a sigh, finishing wrapping the injuries with slightly shaky hands. "I'm done. I will have to change the bandages in a few hours, but for now we can leave him alone. He's has quite a bit of bruising along his ribs and stomach, but there is nothing that can be done about that. The injuries to his head don't look like anything really worry about either. They're just shallow cuts, though, we should wash the blood off and I need to wrap his wrists." Each set of eyes, two gray and one green, focused on said wrists, raw from jerking against the metal that had encased them. Kahilnar was the one who spoke first. "I will take first watch. If he wakes..." He didn't know how to finish the sentence politely, but Thalbor and Taurnar didn't seem to mind, understanding and Thalbor smiled.
"He will be less likely to panic if he sees a face he expects first."
"Yes."
The older twin stood. "Understood. I will take second watch. Taurnar, you can have third and finally I shall have peace from your snoring." The words were thrown over his shoulder with a laugh as the man moved closer to the fire and food, and Taurnar shook his head at his brother in mild amusement before looking down at Alagos and feeling his forehead. He didn't look happy with the result. "We should bring him closer to the fire and keep offering him water even if he doesn't want to drink. I don't want his fever getting any worse than it is."
Kahilnar nodded his understanding and together the two men took two corners of the blanket the shape-shifter was on and picked him up in it, carrying him closer to the flames. Kahilnar felt a brief flutter of worry as to how Alagos might react to the fire if he woke, but he knew there was little other choice right now and stayed silent, merely sitting himself between the shape-shifter and the flames, despite that fact that it was a bit warmer than he liked. He would do it for Alagos without complaint, just as the shape-shifter had always sacrificed for him without a word.
The Easterling allowed himself a deep breath as everyone seemed to settled and finally looked around. His green eyes landed on his sister first and while he could see her arms had flecks of blood on them, her clothes were stained red and her dress torn, he also knew that she was uninjured by the way she moved, confident in every twist and turn, not dreading any pain, secret or not. The thought reassured the Easterling and he was also glad to see that she seemed to have no misgivings about Taurnar or Thalbor as she served them the food she'd made. He knew his sister could hide behind a mask as well as anyone in court, but he knew her ques - probably better than she did - and he didn't see any of them now. She was truly fine.
His eyes flickered to Acwyn next and puzzlement set in. Just where had she come from, who was she, what was she and what was she doing here? Kahilnar already knew she would not answer the question of what she was, but surely she might answer the other questions? The only way to find out was to ask and the Easterling did so, speaking Westron - she at least looked elven - making sure his voice was lowered in volume for the sake of the male next to him. "Girl, what is your name and how did you come to be here?"
The elfling looked at him before lowering her eyes, much different from the child who had been with them not an hour ago. "My name is Acwyn and I ran." Her light blue eyes came up to meet his own with remorse and she spoke in that mysterious language that seemed to be understood by all present once more. "I am sorry I could not help him."
Kahilnar shook his head gently, slightly mystified by her 'I ran' statement, but willing to let it go for now. "Do not be. You tried and you didn't know any better. You are just child, no matter what your power and everyone makes mistakes, though, I am not sure this was one."
Acwyn shook her own head, looking slightly amused as a smile quirked her lips. "I am no child, but thank you for your forgiveness. I am still learning despite the years I have seen." She looked up through her lashes, more questioning than coy. "You truly think it was not a mistake?"
The Easterling paused at that, almost unaware of the observing three sets of eyes that watched him. Taurnar and Thalbor sat quietly, listening with interest. Katun was paying attention, too, despite the fact that she could only understand half of the conversation. Kahilnar finally looked at Alagos, still pale, but some color having come back to his face. His skin was hot to the touch, however, and the Prince nodded slowly. "Yes, I do. He needs energy to fight off what herbs might be in his body and this fever. I fear without your help, he would not have had enough to fight both effectively."
"I agree. You did well, Little One." Taurnar's praise made the elven child smile widely before she seemed to relax, completely at ease again and bright once more. Her smile turned slightly mischievous as she looked at Kahilnar again. "Do you always get into so much trouble, Roniysr?"
"No!" It was blurted in Rhunic and the twins looked at him with raised brows as a snort sounded in the clearing and Kahilnar shot Katun a glance. The woman only returned a blank expression that was almost too innocent and Acwyn laughed even as the twins smiled at the banter they were more then familiar with when with each other - even if they did not understand entirely what the joke was. The Prince rolled his eyes. "I do not get into that much trouble, Katun."
"Hmm." His sister said nothing else, but it was enough and the Easterling sighed, giving up. There was no arguing with either of his sisters when they had it in their heads that something was the way it was. There would be no convincing them otherwise. And they most certainly were not going to admit they were wrong. Strong-willed said some. Pure stubbornness was what Kahilnar called it. The Easterling heard a growling chuckle in his head at the thought and resisted the urge to groan. Not another one...
"I think perhaps the stubborn gene runs in the family, Miharq. I suspect I might like this sister of yours."
Kahilnar growled. "Keep coming into my head without asking and you might find you'll never get to. What's wrong?" The Prince was not actually angry with Sharpmist for coming into his mind unannounced. In fact, he was wondering how and when it had happened that they'd begun to do that when before it had been a constant fight for them to let each other in at all. The black-haired male didn't question that right now, though, sensing what the dragoness was trying to keep to herself. She really needed to work on her shields...
The battle dragoness seemed to nip at his consciousness for that quip before she replied, sounding agitated. "It is Gweltari. I know that your are back to your insufferable state, but she will not accept what I say about the shape-shifter and well, even Noruiel is having trouble keeping her temper under control. I didn't know the Ranger knew so many swear words." The last part was said with some respect and Kahilnar rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. "What did you tell her?"
"That the shape-shifter was close to dying."
"WHAT!"
A harsh growl of protest came for his volume, but Kahilnar could have cared less as his mind lashed out at Sharpmist's, giving her a smack that would have made the dragoness' tail proud. "Tell me you did not do that!"
"Of course I didn't." The reply was grumbled and Kahilnar gave a warning growl. He was rewarded with a brief flash of teeth, an image, before Sharpmist spoke again. "I told her what you told me, but that isn't enough to satisfy her. She wants to know what happened."
The Easterling sighed inwardly. "Tell her...tell her that he's bruised up, he's been drugged, but Taurnar thinks he will be fine and...he was whipped. He's doing fine, though, and Taurnar thinks his fever will be down by morning." Perhaps this was not the best thing to tell Gweltari, but he would rather she know beforehand what had happened than risk, for whatever reason, that Alagos would not be healed before they all met up again and she'd see him this way, having expected to see him in a different state entirely. Sharpmist growled low, obviously not liking the prospect of telling the woman, but agreeing to do so. When the dragoness spoke, though, it was not about Alagos or Gweltari.
"How did you heal? My side does not hurt anymore."
Kahilnar felt a slight smile come to his face. "I shifted."
"What?" The tone was sharp and the Easterling chuckled, his voice almost conveying a shrug. "I changed my form. I am part shape-shifter dragon, Rovina." The tone he gave her was almost sarcastic, but Sharpmist didn't respond right away and the fact worried Kahilnar as when she did speak it was almost quietly. "Only a quarter, Miharq. That should not be enough."
"Well, it was and it saved my life." Kahilnar had not truly thought about it until now, but he'd almost died. The realization didn't really startle him all that much as he was constantly facing death from one source or another, but the fact that he'd actually been injured enough to die and had then healed from it in less than a minute...well, that was mind-boggling now that he let it sink in. The Easterling took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Rovina, do you know anyone named Acwyn by any chance?"
"Oh, so she did reach you?"
"Yes. Tell her brother she's well and that we will be traveling to the Rebel Home tomorrow. You should meet us there within a day or two."
Sharpmist rumbled her assent and things were quiet between them for a moment before the dragoness spoke, sounding very serious which instantly put Kahilnar on guard. "You do realize that when Gweltari comes after you, I am not getting involved, right?"
Kahilnar couldn't help but wince and then smile. "No, you'll be right beside her making sure she finishes the job." The chuckle that the dragoness gave him made the Easterling happy in a way he didn't understand and Kahilnar pushed Sharpmist away, knowing she wouldn't be surprised by the action. Sure enough, he felt the female fading out of his mind until he was left to his own thoughts as night settled its cloak of darkness across the great forest of the red mountains.
Next day, late afternoon...
Noruiel felt mixed emotions as the Rebel scouts, guards really, came forward to talk with Daerhael. The entire group consisting of humans, Tsubasa, horses and dragons had reached the hidden mountain pass with exceptional speed. It could have been the fact that everyone was nervous about going through the land of Al-Salyha, the forest of Gleritar especially, and wanted to get into the mountains as soon as possible or it could have been Sharpmist and Gweltari's silent will to go faster that had gotten them all here so quickly, but whatever it was, the Akira was slightly impressed at their speed.
She now found herself half-wishing they'd not gone so fast as she watched the Rebels give way before Daerhael, obviously recognizing him and willing to let the group through. It was not that she was unhappy about being here - anything was better than going through an eerily silent forest that was ironically named for the singing inhabitants that lived there - but coming back to the base of command meant less freedom and more order. It meant having to face a new assignment that she would be obligated to accept as long as it did not interfere with her new loyalty to the Roniysr. It meant she was no longer Noruiel, but Ikatla Akira or Akira Fëalassë. One might even call her Akira Hísimëisil since there were no others of her birth-month with the Rebels to get the title mixed up with another Akira. The fact of the matter as that she was no longer viewed as simply a half-elf or even a female, but a power, a status, a title. Being here, she was among people she trusted and she was safe, but she was not seen for who she was and if she had the chance to choose between the two...
The brown-haired half-elf shook her head, ridding herself of the dream as she focused once more on reality, moving her horse forward when Daerhael signaled that it was fine to do so. She could almost feel the congregation behind her step forward together as they ventured further into the mountains. Red rock rose up on either side of the group as they trickled their way through the narrow pass. The Akira found her gift reaching for the Rebels who watched them, gauging their reactions as the two dragons finally moved from their positions, making themselves known. Dashheart had been rather easy to hide, but Sharpmist had proven a bit difficult and the dragoness had been instructed to stay very still, something that had seemed to irritate the white female. She'd done as asked, though, and only now did the Rebels truly see her for what she was; a very large, very deadly-looking dragon. To their credit, the Rebels did not immediately reach for their weapons, but Noruiel felt the shock, nervousness and then awe that came over them. Noruiel turned back to view the dragoness when she caught the Rebel's wide eyed looks to see Sharpmist climbing up the side of a cliff-face, unable to go through the pass for her size and smiled slightly in amusement.
The Akira was suddenly pleased with the Rebels as she watched them watch Sharpmist. They lived in a land that hated dragons, they'd been born on nightmare tales about the creatures and they'd been taught to hunt dragons since they were old enough to do so and yet these few, the Rebels, had broken out of this mold and not only were they claiming that they did not hate dragons, they were practicing what they spoke. It was impressive to see, especially taking note of the fact that the only dragons they knew were the ones from their own land. Sharpmist was a complete mystery to them as no dragon they had looked like her or was nearly as big. Dashheart was a curiosity for sure, but his small size made him easier to relate to in their minds. The battle dragoness, however, simply boggled their imaginations.
No one raised a weapon as the great white creature came down the opposite side of the rock, though, and they went through the pass without incident. Or they would have gone through peaceably had a young woman not stepped forward as Gweltari rode by. Noruiel resisted the urge to groan as she spurred her horse back the way she'd come, hurrying to the two. The Akira muttered under her breath. While she tolerated Tyelciel, the Pangala Akira was often more trouble than she was helpful and now it looked like she was going to make Noruiel get her out of a situation once more.
The dark-haired, sun-kissed female could not have been more than sixteen, but she'd shown such aptitude at managing her gift that the Ekaapa Akira had sent her with Noruiel when the higher level half-elf had gone west over the mountains. Now Tyelciel helped guard the pass and she was looking at Gweltari with both suspicion, but also a small level of interest. "Who are you and where do you come from?" The words were almost harsh, spoken in elven, but before the ranger woman could answer in any way, Noruiel was by her side, sidling her mare up to Gweltari's.
Tyelciel turned her gray eyes on Noruiel as the half-elf gave the irritated Gweltari an apologetic look before looking at the lower level Akira who was standing stiffly, but haughty in her demeanor, something that Noruiel knew made her comrades dislike her. "Did you know she was an Akira?" The question was asked in their native tongue of Avarikal, purposely excluding Gweltari.
The half-elf Ikatla felt some irritation of her own as she looked down at the Pangala and her tone showed it, verging on mocking sarcasm. "No, Tyelciel. I'm an Ikatla Akira, YOUR former instructor and I had no idea that Gwelutarien Thalosiel was an Ekaapa Akira, much more powerful than myself and entitled to more respect than you are now showing Pangala Tyelciel Lótessënén Cullion of the Nossë Coireno!" The use of the younger woman's full name and complex titles had her almost cringing as much as she could without appearing to do just that. Gray eyes avoided looking at their former teacher determinedly, but Tyelciel did not remain quiet, still feeling that something needed to be said. The young woman was nothing if not persistence.
"She is a Rávien, Akira Noruiel."
The half-elf breathed out slowly through her nose and forced herself to calm, knowing perfectly well that both of the Akira near her could feel her tension, annoyance, weariness and some fear. "Yes, Pangala Tyelciel, I am aware of that, too. It is not a matter you need concern yourself with." Noruiel did not wait to see the dark-haired woman's reaction, only grabbing Gweltari's reins as she moved her own horse away, the discussion over. Gweltari was more than willing to comply with the retreat and looked sharply at Noruiel when they were out of earshot, purposely shielding both of them from the probe she felt from Tyelciel and feeling some satisfaction that it would annoy the other girl.
"What was that about?" The ranger woman knew her tone was snappish, impatient - coming through even though she spoke the musical language of the elves - but she felt that she could not control it at this point. Sharpmist had told her about Alagos last night, about the extent of damage to his body and Gweltari had felt nothing but impatience to reach their destination. She was frustrated at every delay and for the fact that she could not just go ahead herself. Fear and grief for what she would encounter when she finally did see Alagos dogged her and anger for what had been done to him refused to leave her be. The fact that she'd been able to do nothing was the worst blow to her heart concerning the entire situation, though. The curly-haired woman knew Eru was in control, she believed that, but it did not lessen the pain she felt knowing her shape-shifter had been in pain, was still in pain and she was now there with him.
And the drug...what had his captors drugged him with? That thought worried Gweltari the most and she knew she was taking it out on everyone near her, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Only Sharpmist ever seemed to snap back at Gweltari and it actually annoyed the ranger woman that the others did not do the same thing. She was being impossible. She knew that. It would be warranted at this point if someone berated her for her behavior... She spoke again, voice lowered. "Noruiel, I know that your were talking about me even if I could not understand what was said. Now what is wrong?"
Noruiel did not react to the tone the ranger woman used and only spoke calmly, a bit subdued and nervous if the younger Akira was reading the older one correctly. "I was, technically, not supposed to tell you about Pama-Lond or the Akira who live there until you are brought to Avarikal. I am not really supposed to warn you about your power's potential, the risks of relationships or the levels that each Akira is categorized in." The admission came out bitterly and it was for that fact alone that Gweltari kept her head, speaking slowly against her rising temper.
"Why not?"
"You are a Rávien, a wild Akira, someone who has never been...tamed properly."
"Tamed!" The anger was clear in Gweltari's voice and Noruiel soothed the emotion without thinking about it as she shook her head hurriedly. "I am sorry. That was not the best word to describe what I was trying to say. It is more of training than anything, but we refer to Akira who have not had such training as 'Untamed' so naturally the Akira who have had training are 'Tamed'. That is all I meant."
The ranger woman still looked suspicious, though, the anger was not as strong. "What makes me 'Untamed'?"
Noruiel seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking. She did not want to lie - she hated lying - but she'd revealed too much already and while the implications had not bothered her in the desert, away from those who watched her movements, it weighed heavily on her now. She would most likely get in trouble for the things she'd already said, but she didn't regret saying them. They'd been the right thing to do. She only felt some fear for the fact that what she'd done would most assuredly get back to the Ekaapa Akira and then she AND Gweltari would be in deep water. The young half-elf finally sighed and spoke. If she was going to be in trouble anyway... "You were not taught how to control your power when you gift first started to emerge. It was not harnessed properly and is now considered wild, dangerous. You are a danger to all Akira around you and more so to those who don't have an Empathy gift at all. Technically I should be taking you to Avarikal for training."
Gweltari remained very quiet for a long moment before reaching across so quickly that the half-elf did not expect it and she found her arm captured by the ranger woman's strong grip. Green-gray eyes looked hard into brown ones, the absence of any blue color showing how uneasy Noruiel was. "Then why did you help me instead?" The question was a simple one, said softly, but the older Akira looked torn for a long moment before replying, her own voice quiet.
"It was the right thing to do."
Daerhael saw the Rebel Home before the others riding behind him did and he could not help the smile that came to his face. Soon, so soon he'd being seeing his wife and children again. How could he not smile for that? Yes, many trials still awaited the people here, both Alagos and Kahilnar were out on their own and trying to make their way to safety, everyone was tired and impatient with each other, but they were here. And after months without seeing his family, the man was not about to focus solely on the bad that had happened, but also on the good that still could come about.
Gray-blue eyes flickered over the familiar crude wood houses that sat against the mountain walls and the cave openings that ranged from large to small, some hidden and some completely open to anyone's view. Tents were set up in what seemed to be chaos all throughout the large camp that spread out through the valley ahead of them. Daerhael knew the placement of each tent to be a well-ordered system that everyone who lived in this place long enough became well acquainted with. Children ran through this beginning area of the large camp, laughing as they chased each other and fought with 'swords'. Daerhael smiled after them as he rode past, nodding a greeting to people he recognized and taking note of those he did not. Among the people he did not recognize was a young man - no elf - with long, unbound gold hair that was only held away from his face by two small braids at his temples that wove above his ears and then back, disappearing into the rest of his hair. As he grew closer, Daerhael could see his eyes were a dark brown and held the confidence of one in command. His stride, smooth, upright and unhindered showed that as well and he finally stopped before the guard's horse as the traveling group entered the outskirts of the Rebel Home.
"Adviser Daerhael, welcome back. Mittanyë Nareke is awaiting your report and Lastallë Yileke says to tell you that you certainly took your time." The last part of the calmly delivered message carried the barest hint of amusement and Daerhael chuckled, smiling at the elf as he dismounted. He was curious as to who this individual was as the elf had not been in the close circle of confidants surrounding Nareke and Yileke when he'd left, but there was no distrust on Daerhael's part as he studied the male who was probably much older than himself despite the elf's youthful appearance. If his wife trusted this immortal, than so would he and without great question.
The golden-haired male gestured to the side with nothing but a quick glance when Daerhael's feet touched the ground and willing boys around the age of ten or twelve immediately rushed forward eagerly to take the reigns of the many horses that were being dismounted by weary travelers. Daerhael watched them with approval before looking at the elf once more. It would appear the young elf was good with children and that was an encouraging sign and as children tended to have a good idea of who they could trust and who they could not...especially Rebel children.
"Thank you for the message. Might I inquire as to your name and rank?"
"It is Maethorion. I am the Commander of the Sercecet."
A brow rose and Daerhael looked at the young elf before him with more interest before simply nodding. There was certainly a story there seeing as when he'd left, Traon had been the Commander of that particular group of men and the middle-aged man would not have given up that command to just anyone, even though Traon knew he had to retire from the position himself. "Very well. Would you kindly direct me to the area my wife and sister-in-law are located?" Daerhael knew that the headquarters changed location almost every other day for safety reasons.
Maethorion seemed to smile slightly, a ghost of the true expression and bowed his head a bit. "I was to take you there as soon as you are ready, Adviser Daerhael. Lastallë Yileke said you would have others with you." The elf's brown eyes flickered to the two women approaching them and Daerhael saw something flicker in his brown eyes when he focused on Noruiel - and she on him with an expression Daerhael had never seen before and could not place - before it was gone and the gaze of a soldier was back, polite, but giving little of what he felt away. His eyes settled on Gweltari next and this time the elf's expression didn't seem to want to obey him as his brow furrowed in thought.
The ranger woman merely met the male's gaze unflinchingly and then looked past him at the camp, ignoring him entirely which seemed to suit the golden-haired male just fine as he started to lead the three away toward the mountain wall to their left and a cave opening there. Usually headquarters would not be so close to the outside of the camp, but to keep enemies off-guard, the leaders occasionally stayed where they were technically not as safe to avoid predictable attacks.
Gweltari didn't pay any true attention to this as she followed behind Noruiel and Daerhael as they went to meet the Rebel Leaders. She truly did not care how she was received by them as long as they didn't keep her from getting to Alagos. That was all that was on her mind right now and Gweltari barely heard what instructions were given to the people who'd followed them - they were distributed among families who would help them get on their feet in this place, but also kept close together so they would not feel alone among strangers. She didn't pay attention to when Dashheart was greeted with curiosity and welcome by the few Char-pyk dragons that lived here with the humans. She didn't look back as the Tsubasa were led away quite docilely by a young man and woman who were talking to them without a problem, apparently not shocked that the winged-cats could speak. All the ranger woman could see was an end to a goal at the moment and she was unsure if that was just the way she was or if it was the Rishten directing her, consuming her thoughts as it tried to get her complete attention. All Gweltari knew was that at this point, she was willing to give that attention no matter how it might make her look. She needed to get to Alagos.
She only seemed to come out of her daze when Sharpmist gave a roar, a very loud one that gained instant attention from the whole entire camp stretching across the valley. The ranger woman blinked, her green-gray eyes clearing as she turned to look back at the dragoness, noting that everyone had their eyes fixed on the great white creature and Gweltari met the red eyes that fixed on her. Sharpmist was clearly angry and the ranger woman could understand why now that she thought about it. The dragoness had no way of following them, but she wanted to know just as much as Gweltari did what was going on and how soon they'd be able to go out to look for their bonded males.
The Akira stepped forward away from the small group to where the dragoness waited and Gweltari could almost imagine that she heard a collective intake of breath from those watching - and there were a LOT of people watching - but she ignored it, stopping before the white nose that was easily four times as big as she was. "I will ask about him for you, Dragoness."
"Why are we waiting, Northerner? We have done what we said we would do!" The irritation, bubbly frustration and sheer anger was clear to all, but only Gweltari knew the reasons for it and she didn't back down in the face of the furious snarling that came with the Westron words. Sharpmist's tail lashed, hitting the mountain to the side of her an sending a show of rocks tumbling to the ground and people running to avoid being hit. "We should leave now!"
"Sharpmist! Be still! You are going to hurt someone!" Gweltari reached out without thought to touch the white scales before her, instantly shutting down the anger that simmered inside the dragoness. Green-gray eyes looked into red intently. "I want to leave right now, too. I don't want to wait and I don't want to have to meet people I could care less about all the while knowing I could be searching for Alagos instead. I KNOW how you feel, Sharpmist, but we have no knowledge of this place and we need help."
"We could find them." The reply was vehement even if it was growled quietly and Gweltari sighed, leaning her forehead on the dragoness' scaled nose. She breathed in deeply, trying hard not to cry as she felt the grief and fear running through Sharpmist. The dragoness could contact Kahilnar, yes, but she wanted him by her side just as much as Gweltari wanted Alagos with her. The ranger woman finally felt Sharpmist moving her nose away and looked up, eyes steady. "Give me an hour. If they say they will do nothing then we will leave by ourselves."
Red eyes glared, but Sharpmist finally nodded, growling unhappily. "Fine. I will be waiting, Northerner." The dragoness stood to her full height and spread her wings before launching into the air. Gweltari watched for a long moment, seriously wondering if Sharpmist might just decide to fly off, but only witnessed as the dragoness landed on a high section of red mountain that overlooked the valley to wait impatiently.
Gweltari sighed, but turned back to where Daerhael, Noruiel and Maethorion waited. The ranger woman gave the guard, Kahilnar's appointed Second, a hard look, speaking Westron for his ears only. "If your people can do nothing to help us, then Sharpmist and I will leave on our own."
Daerhael nodded slightly. "I understand." He held the curly-haired woman's eyes for a long moment before Gweltari started walking again and the guard fell in beside her as Maethorion took up the position of a guide once more, leading them once more toward the cave that held the Rebel Leaders.
Same day, late afternoon...
Alagos was first aware of pain, a throbbing fire that engulfed his entire back, shoulders, part of his sides, the back of his head, his temple, his ribs and neck. It overwhelmed him for a long, scary moment before experience kicked in and his mind compartmentalized the different pains, separating them into tolerable and easy to ignore - his ribs, sides, temple and the back of his head - and pressing and in need of help - his back, shoulders and neck. In fact, if he had to make a third category, his neck would be on the top of the list. His back felt like had been through hell, but was now in better shape. His shoulders and sides were the same, and his ribs would heal in time, that he knew as would his head which seemed to have been taken care of as well. His throat felt raw, though, and not in a way one would expect after a healer had seen to an injury.
The shape-shifter said nothing, though, feeling as if he were only half-awake and not caring why he hurt. At least he didn't care enough to figure out how he'd gotten injured in certain places. All that mattered was that his entire body hurt and he wanted to feel as little of that pain as possible. What did it matter of something hurt more than something else? All pain was nearly identical in this hazy place. Alagos was tempted to sink back into the darkness once more, but something kept him more aware as if he was supposed to be awake in this moment. The shape-shifter didn't have the inclination to find out what this reason was at the moment, though. His mind was foggy and his eyes refused to obey his commands. Or was he even trying to see? The simple question was hard to follow up with an answer and Alagos merely let it go, not able to muster enough energy to care. His body felt cold, but he knew his skin to be hot because his mind felt warm. Pinpricks were trying to make their way through his heavy lids and the white-haired male finally managed to lift them, though, he wasn't sure how he accomplished the feat.
Dancing flames greeted his clouded vision and he tried to jerk back out of instinct. Agony flared throughout his torso and the shape-shifter wasn't sure whether he stifled a cry or passed out, but he heard no sound in his ears and his vision cleared of the blackness after what seemed to be a great amount of time that he had no way of measuring. Amber eyes blinked slowly to see a face he knew should have been familiar. The gray eyes especially rang a bell in his mind, but the name would not come to him and the shape-shifter only showed his hazy recognition by relaxing when the man reached forward to feel his forehead. The name beside the point, Alagos knew he could trust this human.
His reaction seemed to please the other male as the gray-eyed human smiled slightly and seemed to speak. Nothing truly reached Alagos' ears, though, and he incomprehension must have shown on his face because a moment later the human disappeared from his view. The shape-shifter felt a moment of panic. Had he done something wrong? He wanted to speak, to beg the person to come back - he didn't want to be alone! - but his mouth was unwilling to work and the most he could do was try to turn his head which resulted in spasms of pain rippling through his neck. The shape-shifter could do very little to stop the tears that came to his eyes and ran down his face in hot streams, but he felt relief when a new face came into view, one he immediately recognized even through vision that was quickly clouding over once more.
Kahilnar looked tired and his clothes had dried blood on them - a lot of it - but he appeared to be fine and concern was in his green eyes, though, Alagos knew that few would be able to detect it for what it was. The Easterling seemed to say something, but once again it was lost in the fog surrounding he shape-shifter's mind and he didn't respond, feeling his eyes slipping shut of their own volition with no consent from him.
He felt a flutter of frustration before it was gone and he was floating in the darkness again, peaceful and away from any immediate pain. The place calmed his mind in a way he was not sure he liked, but could not fight. The shape-shifter sighed in resignation and looked around for the light that he knew would be here.
There would always be light here now. The thought was a comforting one and Alagos smiled as he found it and then was suddenly surrounded by it, warmed. Heat swept up his spine, curling its way through his limbs before settling in his chest and the white-haired male couldn't help but laugh, looking down at his glowing fingertips.
"You have done well, My Son. I am very pleased with you."
"I didn't fight back." The doubt and self-condemnation was more than evident and the reply to it was swift and firm.
"You obeyed My words and heeded My voice even when you desired to do differently. Your courage was more than enough to please Me and your faith will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it. It was not asked of you to fight back, but to endure and you have done so. Rest now, My Son and do not lose hope; this darkness and any others you might face will not shut out the light forever."
Alagos could only nod, relaxing as the light around him lulled his mental eyes shut in a sleep deeper than the one he'd been in previously. The shape-shifter smiled slightly at the pure light that greeted even his closed eyes and he found rest in the words of his Creator.
Kahilnar ran his hand through his black hair with frustration as he looked down at the shape-shifter who'd once again drifted off, away from them and unable to be woken. Just what drug had been given to Alagos? The question was just one of many that the Prince wanted to ask the white-haired male, but could not at this point. The black-haired youth sighed and sat back, looking at Taurnar and Thalbor once more. The twins were watering the horses now that the shape-shifter had fallen unconscious.
It was late afternoon and they'd been riding since before the sun had risen as everyone had been restless to move. The group had only stopped to water the four horses, and clean and change the shape-shifter's bandages when said male had seemed to wake only to not respond to any of their words and go back to sleep without speaking. He had tried to move, though, and that was encouraging even if the effort had seemed to cause him great pain. Kahilnar knew he was to blame for that as he had not made sure that Alagos was far enough away from the small fire they'd built to boil water to feel safe. The Easterling now looked down at the white-haired male again, ready to say something under his breath when he saw the blood running out from underneath the metal collar around Alagos' neck.
"Taurnar!" The brief raising of his voice brought the Ranger to him and had Katun, Thalbor and Acwyn looking over in concern or interest depending on which set of eyes the person belonged to. The younger twin eyed the blood with worry after Kahilnar pointed it out and muttered under his breath as he tried to tilt Alagos' head without hurting him, trying to see under the metal to see what damage had been done in this area. He had not thought to look before, thinking that the metal itself would have protected any injury to the shape-shifter's neck. It was apparent that had not been the case, though, as the more Taurnar moved the other male's neck, the more slippery his finger became with blood, though, he was relieved to see that there was not enough to be considered life-threatening.
Taurnar finally seemed to find an angle where he could see between the metal and skin, and the man's face took on a murderous expression that had Kahilnar instinctively reaching for a blade he did not need. "What's wrong?" The Easterling regarded the Ranger with a hard look, speaking in Westron for the other male's sake, but the man needed no encouragement to talk as he studied what had him so upset. "There are two cuts in his throat, controlled cuts and they appear to be deep. The skin around them looks to be burned."
Thalbor was beside his brother at this point and he asked what was on everyone's mind, his voice hard and controlled. "Torture?"
"No. It looks more like cauterization. Whoever did this didn't want Alagos bleeding out or infection so they burned the cuts shut. A small part of one seems to have opened. That is why there is blood now. He should be fine, though, and there is little risk of infection if I can staunch the blood." The younger twin's voice was calm, but even Kahilnar could tell that was just because he was keeping himself busy, not thinking about exactly who it was he was examining at that moment. All healers seemed to be able to perfect this art for the good of their patients and as Taurnar started to try and ease some cloth between Alagos' skin and the metal with extreme patience, Kahilnar silently took back every harsh thought he'd directed at a healer in the past. At least for the moment.
The Easterling sighed silently as he rose from his seated position, letting Taurnar work, and walked to a nearby tree that faced East. His green eyes sought out the peak of Bryn, their guiding point and the Prince was heartened to see that it was much closer than it had been even an hour ago. They would soon be with the Rebel's if Kahilnar's gift was correct in its guidance and he had could not help but feel relief about the fact now. At first he'd been nervous about the prospect of meeting these people, but knowing Sharpmist would be there, and that Gweltari would be able to care for Alagos and bring him back from the fog that seemed to have swallowed him...well, it made meeting a few powerful Rebel Leaders seem like a trivial matter.
The though brought an amused smile to Kahilnar's lips and he shook his head slightly before turning back to the others. The sooner they could get going again, the sooner they would reach safety and that would be a blessing for everyone.
Review the pretty chapter! You know you want to... LOL