Hi everyone! Last few chapters were what I had been building up to for years, so now we (I) really have the freedom to fully explore the Unseen's path.
Please review! They bring me so much happiness, even reviews for the earliest chapters.
May these words be the first
To find your ears
The world is brighter than the sun
Now that you're here
Though your eyes will need some time to adjust
To the overwhelming light surrounding us
"Light"
-Sleeping at Last
Chyann
Everything hurt. As her heart restarted her blood began pumping through her veins again, and it was as though she was lying on pins and needles. Ants crawled over every square inch of her, and for many terrifying moments, she had no control over her body. Her head ached, and her shoulders felt like they'd been beaten with a baseball bat. She whimpered silently, and for a moment longed for the painless existence as a soul in Valinor.
But air. As her lungs expanded, all the pain was momentarily eclipsed by the euphoria of oxygen flowing back through her. Being dead was painless. Your soul could cry, but you certainly couldn't breathe. Her chest heaved greedily, but was too much too soon. Her chest spasmed, and she was coughing. There was too much air, then too little-her vision swam—
But there was vision, she realized. Her eyes were clearing, healing from the cold sleep of death, and tears wet her cheeks as they cleansed her eyes. Chyann was laughing. Laughing. She was alive! She could smell the cold of snow and linen, she could smell the mud turned up by horses' hooves, she could smell the beeswax candles and oh...
She could see the sunlight.
The memory of the light in Valinor was dimming in her mind. She remembered that there was unspeakable beauty there, that the Powers had known her, and she had known them, and that they had decided to return, but the details were fading. Above her burned sunlight more beautiful than anything she had ever seen.
It had been weeks since she had seen the sun. Its light was watery and golden, and Chyann wanted to reach out and take a big bite out of it. She could feel its warmth touch her even through the tent material above her. She realized she was beginning to feel cold. Cold.
She could feel her body reawakening from her hands all the way down to her toes. The pain was ebbing. She was hyper-aware of every beat of her heart. She tried to move her hands, but it hurt too much. Still, she tried again, and her fists finally clenched. She laughed again, remembering the movie Kill Bill Vol. 1: Wiggle your big toe.
She was alive. Alive. It hurt, and it was beautiful.When she closed her eyes the last living memory she'd had played over her lids. She could still see the cloud of Sauron washing over her, and Miriel's voice in her head. She could still see Valinor too. But now, when she opened her eyes, she could see bright red haloed by the sun, and through a thick throat, Chyann said, "Hey, Tauriel..."
She could hear her friend gasp and laugh and she felt Tauriel's arms around her. That felt nice. Chyann felt everything. She could feel Tauriel's heart, she could sense Legolas, and Mellianor. She could sense Beorn. Leather. Earth. Tears.
Her sisters.
She could hear the camp as they realized the Unseen were alive, and the sound of Tauriel laughing with her. She could sense the King, too. She strained her neck to look around herself over Tauriel's shoulder.
Chardonnay was looking at her, crying, and she was being supported by her old friends from the Kitchens. Caraborid was petting Chardonnay's hair gently. Chyann could sense her sister's heart to be catching back up to life just like hers. She could sense that it hurt Cice more than her, like she was being squeezed by a fist lined with spikes, but the air was flowing, and Chardonnay was smiling despite the pain.
Their eyes met, and Chyann knew then that they had made the right decision to come back. She couldn't imagine a life without her big sister. Chyann reached out with a shaking arm, and Cici reached right back, and her arm was shaking too. Tauriel saw this, and swept Chyann into her arms. Chyann could sense Tauriel's strain and lent her some strength. The effort sapped her with her healing body, but Tauriel's pain eased, and Chyann was quickly set next to Chardonnay.
They clutched each other close, and with their Lights melded together their pain was soothed, and they both felt a lot less dead. Chardonnay's hair smelled like cinnamon and the candles burning around them, and she inhaled greedily. Tauriel flowed away to the other two biers and Chyann and Chardonnay both looked to follow her. Around them, others were coming into the tent, and more were gathering outside where the guards stemmed the flow. Chyann smiled and waved. Chardonnay did the same, and the Elves who saw them cheered.
Tauriel stopped beside Megan, who was complaining, of course. "I feel like shit," she croaked, "God, is this what babies feel like when they're born?" One of Megan's old Scouting team, Laesofin, Chyann thought her name was, was helping Megan sit up so she could breathe better. Laesofin rubbed her cheek against Megan's crown, and Megan was smiling a little bit. As prickly as she acted sometimes, Megan was a cuddlebug.
A team of Healers came in through the throng of Elves outside, and they gathered close and blocked their vision. Chardonnay waved them off. "We're fine. Just give us a minute."
"Bet I could walk," Chyann said, grinning.
"Just hold on," Chardonnay said. "Give your body time." She leaned her head against Chyann's. "We have all the time in the world."
No, Chyann thought at her sister, and she knew Chardonnay could hear her, we don't. But I'll take it easy anyway. For now. Chardonnay nodded, satisfied.
Chyann looked over to where the King knelt by Alyx, and she frowned at them both. She nudged Chardonnay to make her look as well.
Alyx's chest lifted and lowered with breath, yes, and her heart was beating just fine, but she wasn't waking up. Thranduil was calling Alyx's name while a Healer and Tauriel hovered nearby. Even Megan shut up as she realized her sister wasn't waking up.
"Cici," Chyann said, "look."
Chardonnay was frowning too, and said, "I don't sense her in there..."
Panic flared in Chyann. "What does that mean? Her body is alive…?"
"It means," Chardonnay said, "that her soul is somewhere else. But I think I can find her."
Alyx
Over the ocean she flowed. With her newly-healed soul Alyx flew against the wind and even beneath the waves, and she could feel all the spirits of the sea greet her. She was whole, and she was powerful. Alyx let her light loose, and she laughed aloud. This was her truest form; ethereal, glowing and strong, unencumbered by her weak physical form. In this form she was a spirit of nature, both one with it and apart.
She skimmed close to the water, and she could hear the same Music within it that had shaped the World. She could sense all the life and spirits of the ocean, and she greeted them with all her heart.
Behind her on the far eastern shore she could feel her sisters reawakening, and she was glad. She could hear Thranduil calling her, too. She could feel his pain and growing worry as she didn't awaken, but she shoved her own longing aside and pushed forward. She still had a task left to do.
There.
Upon the horizon she could see the approaching ship that held their mentor, and Alyx shifted. Instead of wings and a trailing tail of light she envisioned her normal form, and she alighted onto the deck of the ship. She could see him. He was taller than Thranduil. Alyx made herself visible to him as a ghost may chose to do, and spoke in his mind. Hail, Maedhros, I am come to greet you.
The Elf was visibly young. As like her he had once died, he was granted a new body for the purpose that they now served together. Scars that he may have known in another life were gone, though with her spirit-vision she could see them clearly beneath his physical facade. He carried them with a great care, both to remember them, and to conceal them.
He did not seem surprised to see her. Instead, with all the grace of Elven lords of old, he knelt on the wet deck of the ship. "My Lady."
Alyx waved at him. No need to be so formal. We're quite casual. So, you are Ertharom?
Ertharom nodded and stood. Around them the wind howled ferociously. It tugged at his grey cloak, and she could sense its power of concealment-another gift from the Vala, Ulmo. His eyes were very old, and full of regret. She could sense it flow it off him in waves no less powerful than the sea itself. "I am coming quickly to your shores. How will I find you, and what are your orders?"
Alyx nodded. It was a good question even she wasn't entire sure of until now. Visions of a garden and oak trees, and far down the road of time, a tall tower filled her mind, and she spoke: Somewhere with trees, and room for a garden. Then we will seek for holdfast, Alyx said, somewhere we can build a refuge, and a home for ourselves and others.
Maedhros, no, Ertharom, nodded. "What do I call you, my Lady? And your sisters?"
Alyx smiled and gave him their names and descriptions. We will come when it is time for us to break away from the Woodland Realm. Her heart hurt to think of it, but their time in the trees of the north was running short.
She could hear Thranduil's call growing desperate, and Chardonnay was there as well, using her spiritual power to draw Alyx back. It was quite powerful, and while Alyx was herself still the superior in matters of the spirit, she knew then Chardonnay was becoming stronger. Alyx resisted her call for a moment longer. She spoke to Ertharom again: For now, I need to go home. Safe travels, and we will find you soon. Once you reach the shores, go east.
Ertharom nodded and raised his hand as Alyx returned to her body.
Alyx opened her eyes to blinding sunlight. Above her fell a curtain of silver-blonde hair, and she was reminded of her dream in which he had found her ragged and ruined in that icy wasteland. She smiled softly. Her vision swam momentarily, but gradually they focused on his features. His impossibly high cheekbones. His sky-blue eyes beneath his gorgeously lush brows. His thin lips open with amazement. With how he was looking at her, she felt as beautiful as Princess Aurora. Her lips felt cold, but she felt them move a little as she smiled.
She cleared her throat, and it stung. "I heard you call for me," she leaned against his palm where it cradled her face. She could feel how soft his skin was. She could feel the delicious warmth of his skin. His eyes were shining, and he smiled right back at her. He was so beautiful. Her breath caught in her throat, and she coughed.
Thranduil seemed a little panicked as he helped lift her up and rubbed her back. He was almost kneeling on the ground beside her bier to be closer to her level, she realized. Past him she could feel the whole camp gathering nearby. She looked around herself and saw Chardonnay. Her cheeks were flushing healthily, and her mouth was frowning in relief. Her breastplate was gorgeously crafted, and she was dressed in blue. She looked lovely.
Chardonnay's eyes were dimming from what must have been quite the light show, and Alyx smiled at her. "Hey, you-"
Chardonnay slapped Alyx's arm so hard that she yowled. "What was that for?!"
"Testing to see if you could feel," Chardonnay sniffled. She jabbed Alyx all over and made her giggle. "No more spiritual joyrides without telling us, alright?"
"Deal," Alyx nodded and Chyann was there, then, and she threw her arms around Alyx, who laughed at the difference between the two sisters. Chyann's energy was bright and empowering, and Alyx gave just as much energy right back, even with her arms trapped against her sides. She was so happy to see Chyann alive again.
Alyx could feel Thranduil's hand touch near her knee, and the contact made her blush. Chyann, all of a sudden, was a little hostile towards Thranduil. When he withdrew his hand, though, Chyann was calmer. Alyx pulled back and looked at Chyann strangely. "What was that about?"
Chyann shrugged and said, "Nothing," a little too petulantly, and Chardonnay laughed. She hugged Alyx gently, and whispered in her ear, "Thank you."
"Move, you big-boobed gingers, my turn!" Megan shoved her way in between the two sisters, who tch'ed, and let her by. Megan was standing shakily, but she didn't seem to need much support.
The two stared at each other for the first time with living eyes while both knew they were sisters. While Alyx had thought before that she couldn't love Megan more than she already did she realized she was wrong. There was something about mutual love that made it grow exponentially.
Alyx mutely opened her arms, and Megan flung herself into them with her blue eyes welling with tears, and she clung to Alyx hard. Alyx squeezed right back. Most of her body had awakened while she was 'elsewhere', and Chardonnay certainly helped, though some remnants of death remained in how stiff she was. In that thought, she flashed back to the church, and whispered, "Just remember to do what I say this time around, okay?"
Megan whispered back: "You're still vertically challenged...biiiiitch."
Alyx laughed so hard she was crying, and her and Megan's energy melded and flowed together like only family could. Megan pulled back first, though. "Where did you go?"
Alyx remembered her orders from the Valar and said, "Sightseeing." I'll tell you in private, she promised Megan, and she knew Megan could hear her and she looked around to the sisters and Tauriel and Thranduil. Outside the tent, she could sense Bard, and little Mellianor. She could feel Avrith and Gildor. She sensed Legolas, too. She frowned and looked at the King.
"Where is Morien?"
Pre-Flash
Gandalf
Thoughts ran rapidly through his head as he furiously puffed on his pipe. So much time and subtlety invested in a single Elven Spell Caster, he thought as he paced. It was incredible that Sauron had nearly accomplished overthrowing the Woodland Realm by means of a traitor, if not for Miriel. What a sight she had been: Gandalf had been truly privileged to witness such a display of power. The Elf spirit had banished not only Sauron, but the Nine as well, and in one blast of power.
He wondered if the Lady Galadriel herself could have accomplished such a thing without aid and doubted it. Perhaps with use of Nenya and the light of Earendil she might have done it, but Gandalf supposed he would never know. With the coming of the Unseen, perhaps it was a message from the Valar that it time for the Elves to truly fade from Middle Earth. They had been mortal heroes; not more Maiar like himself.
With that thought he looked around himself. Many Mirkwood Elves stood by, most of which were meant to preserve Morien for the King's Justice. Others were clearly ready to bleed the traitor dry. Gandalf could understand their fury. The Palace of Thranduil had been made into a bloodbath; he had heard tales of children poisoned in their beds, the Archivist murdered, and mutilated and desecrated bodies were piling up under Morien's orders, and the traitor himself described yet more plans planted in his mind by Sauron. Clearly, Morien had given everything he knew to his Master and his servants, and now more than ever Thranduil King was vulnerable.
It was such a tragedy, all of it. One whom might have become one of the greatest magicians in Middle Earth had been groomed from before birth to be an agent of Darkness, and those whom had most strongly opposed him had lost their lives. Gandalf understood Morien was responsible for three of the Unseen's deaths: by putting Chardonnay and Megan to sleep, painlessly, Morien had insisted, he had also killed Alyx en route to rescuing Chyann. They were now likely far beyond the realm of Arda. Gandalf wished of all the girls peace in whatever awaited them Beyond.
He heard the amazed whispers before the Light came. Gandalf turned and saw its approach. First it was four stars in the distance, alike to the Silmaril that burned forever in the heavens upon Earendil's brow, but they moved. Gandalf could feel the wind blowing his robes about. The strength of it forced Gandalf bow his head against the growing wind. He saw the shadows of the Elves around him vanish as the world was wrapped in Light, and he gasped.
In his mind he was Olorin again in the halls of Nienna, then at the feet of Taniquetil as Varda, whom the Elves called Elbereth Gilthoniel, dressed the night sky. He could see the Two Trees in the Light of the Unseen returning out of the West.
All around him Elves were blinking, they whom worshipped Light and who could gaze upon the burning stars and see them in their true glory and still not lose their sight. Gandalf could see many still looking around, half-blind, and many others were funneling towards where the Unseen's bodies were being kept. Many were casting aside whatever task they had been commanded to do post-battle. For his part Gandalf abandoned his post with Morien, and strode on his old legs towards the tent. His staff thumped rhythmically against the frozen earth in time with his strides, and many an Elf wisely cleared out of his way.
He strode past the man, Bard, who was struggling to keep little Mellianor in check. She wriggled in his arms, straining to see through into the tent. "No, wait, child, just one moment."
"No! They are back! My big sisters are back! Come on!"
The throng around the tent was thickening, and while Gandalf normally avoided mobs he had to see this to believe it, although he knew in his bones that the young ladies had returned. A cheer suddenly rose up amongst the Mirkwood Elves, and Gandalf thought he caught a glimpse of long red hair, but that easily could have just been Tauriel. He was quickly losing his patience. "Let me through!" Gandalf commanded, thumped his staff against the frozen earth, and the echo in his voice sent several moving aside.
He was not entirely sure what he had been expecting, but still he felt surprised: There they were. Still a bit pale, still a bit stiff, but Gandalf could see color rising in their cheeks with every breath they took. All four girls were clustered together atop the bier where Far-Seer had lain, and their synchronicity was visible. They seemed to glow. Gandalf could see remnants of the Light of Valinor in their eyes, and he immediately knew what they were. "Incredible..."
The four peered at him quietly and seemed about to say something, but King moved in front of them, as if to protect them from him. Gandalf simply leaned around him. "Well," he said. He brushed his long grey hair aside and nodded. "Good morning, young ladies."
Chyann nodded at him. Megan Lore-Seer waved awkwardly. Thranduil put his hand on Gandalf's shoulder. He spoke lowly in his ear. "Mithrandir, they need rest, not to be examined by a Wizard. See to the traitor. I want everything you can glean from him before we execute him."
"It's fine." It was a voice Gandalf had not heard before, but the change in Thranduil was instantaneous. Alyx spoke again. "He can talk to us for second." Thranduil let Gandalf by, though he looked ready to throw Gandalf into the snow at a moment's notice.
"Are you certain?" The King asked Far-Seer, "I am sure you must be tired."
She giggled. Gold glittered on her brow, and her lips were flushing with living color. Gandalf could see the life returning to all of them, and he could feel the power radiating off their skin in a way he simply hadn't been able to before. "Like we'll get any sleep with everyone worked up around us. We can rest later. Y'all good with that?" She looked at her brethren, and Chyann nodded.
"I say we go make some rounds," Chyann said, smiling, "show them that we're all good."
"Later," Megan said, looking at Gandalf, "right now, I think we have a few questions to answer."
"If that is alright with you," Gandalf adjusted the sleeve to his robe, and stroked his beard. "I must say, I had not expected you four to return. Such gifts have only been granted once before in Valinor..."
The Unseen's expressions closed off like a door is shut. Their gazes slid over to the various Elves in the room, and Gandalf understood.
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Megan. She nestled closer to Far-Seer.
Chardonnay spoke to the room at large. "We died, yes, and now we're back. That's all we'll say for now."
Gandalf understood their desire for discretion-he, too, was of Valinor, though it was far from common knowledge. "Might it be possible to make this tent a little more private?"
The Unseen looked at him shrewdly, but Gandalf could tell they had good instincts. Far-Seer looked at Thranduil with a clear request, and the King placed his hand on her shoulder. "Should you need anything, just say the word."
"We will," she promised. Though she was still a bit pale, her cheeks seemed a bit pinker. "Wait," she called, and the Elvenking turned. Alyx said, "Keep him alive...for now."
A cruel glint flashed in his eyes before Thranduil bowed his head to her. "As you wish." He departed. Around them everyone else left and the tent was closed until only Tauriel remained. Gandalf peered at her expectantly, but Chyann spoke up firmly: "Tauriel stays with us. Where we go, she goes. She's proven herself plenty."
He shrugged. "Very well." Gandalf came around and sat on the bier across from them. He folded his hands and looked at each of them individually. "How are you all feeling?"
"Crappy," Chardonnay said. She tugged at the neckline of her breastplate as though it were too tight, though it seemed to fit well. "I can still feel the death in all of us. It feels gross."
"I feel fine," Chyann shrugged.
"Lucky," Megan and Alyx said together. Alyx flexed her hand. "We'll be better soon. The death will fade."
Gandalf nodded as if this was all a normal conversation. "I understand that you four are mortal. So how is it that you come from the Blessed Realm, bearing gifts alike to the Valar?"
"That's where you come from," Megan's eyes glowed hotly, and her gaze searched his face. "You're like us," she realized, and the Unseen looked at him with fresh eyes. "You're from Valinor. They sent you."
Gandalf could feel the shift in the Unseen. They looked at him with eyes that begged to understand, and which held their own secrets tightly against their chests. He understood what vows the Valar may have demanded of them, and they saw him as someone safe to speak to.
"Yes, I am, though that is little known," Gandalf acknowledged.
"I knew it," breathed Tauriel, "you are a Maiar. There has long been rumor of it."
"Indeed, my Lady," Gandalf nodded to her, "though I would prefer that information remain in this tent."
"What happens in Vegas," Chyann whispered, and Chardonnay replied, "Stays in Vegas."
"Vegas?" Gandalf asked, tilting his head, "Is that a state of mind? Or a place?"
"Ooooh yeah," Megan said, grinning. "It's one of out holiest cities."
"Don't lie!" Chyann laughed, and thumped Megan on the back. Chyann nodded at Gandalf. "It's a gambler city."
"And hookers," Alyx added. "God, I miss hookers."
"You've never even been with a hooker," Chardonnay rolled her eyes.
"Everyone is so squeaky-clean here," Alyx griped. "It's weird."
"Oh," Gandalf sighed, "you will find plenty of that business in this world, I am sure. But where are you from, precisely? And how?"
There was a long silence.
Tauriel spoke for them, "They were found running into the trees in late October. They were to the east, quite near to the palace. It was odd; they arrived just ahead of a Warg pack. We have cared for them since."
"Uuuuh, we died," Megan reminded her. "I wouldn't call that care-OW!"
"Megan," Alyx scolded, "shut up. I love you, but shut up."
Megan rubbed her hand where Alyx had pinched her and glowered. "Sorry," she muttered to Tauriel. Gandalf remembered Tauriel's tears and guilt for the Unseen's death and was at a loss for what to say in the matter. As it seemed resolved for now, Gandalf let it go. He remained silent and looked to the other two Unseen. He settled on the eldest MacKenna, and at last she opened her mouth.
"We're not from here," Chardonnay said.
"Yes," Gandalf agreed, "but where from? The east? The South...?"
"No. We're not from here. We're from Beyond."
He blinked. There was no ambiguity in how she said it. Gandalf could hear the power resonate with that word, the deep mystery that shrouded it from even the wisest in all Arda. That explained one aspect of their situation and yet created a dozen more questions. "How strange, that. And you four were simply plucked out of the ether and brought here?" Gandalf asked, and he immediately regretted the question. Megan's face crumpled, and she buried her face in Alyx's shoulder, whose expression was tight.
"Yes," Alyx said. "Basically."
Tauriel knelt beside Megan and brushed her hair aside. "Are you alright? We can stop."
Megan shook her head. "I'm okay..."
Chardonnay looked at Gandalf shrewdly. "Why do you want to know all this, anyways?"
"I, too, was given a purpose on these shores," Gandalf replied, "I see in you four my kindred. I only want to understand." And he did. He smiled gently at them. "I believe you may have been sent to help defeat the Enemy."
Chyann jerked her chin at him, "So, are you human or not? You look like one, but you feel...other."
"A Maiar isn't human," Alyx said, "they're more divine. Sauron is a Maiar," she added, and Chyann was amazed. "Oh, shit," she said. "So, wait, if you're the same species as Sauron, why can't you take him down?"
Gandalf sighed. "My purpose is simply to guide. To combat Sauron with my own force would not allow Men and Elves to rise and become stronger. Also, I am not as powerful as him..."
"I see," Tauriel said. Her expression hardened. "You ask many questions, Mithrandir."
"Do you think we could beat him, if we got stronger?" Alyx asked, leaning forward. "Morien thought we could. Well, he thought if I teamed up with him, we could."
"Defeating a force like Sauron is not like defeating a normal foe," Gandalf nodded. "There are many forces at work in their world, only one of which holds the key to truly destroying him. But he has been defeated for now, and that buys us time."
"His ring," Megan said softly. Her eyes went far back in time, Gandalf could see, and she shuddered. "Is that the only way to beat him?"
"What ring?" Chyann asked, but Chardonnay shushed her.
"The One Ring," Megan nodded, "to rule them all. The band of gold forged from the fires of Mount Doom." Her voice swung low as if in trance, and Gandalf could see her eyes glowing so bright that they cast shadow on the rest of her face.
"Yes," Gandalf nodded. "His ring is what binds him here, and ultimately, as long as it remains, so does he. But that is not to say that your strengths are without purpose, or without the need to grow yet more powerful. Today I saw that you four do have extraordinary gifts, but much of it is from wildly letting them loose. You four must learn to control them."
"I think we have a decent handle on our powers, thanks," Chyann muttered, and Tauriel placed her arms around the four girls. "You don't intend to take them away, do you?"
"'Away'?" Parroted Chyann, "We're not going anywhere." She yelped as her sister pinched her.
"I mean to do no such thing, they can choose to go wherever they like," Gandalf said, "though I think ought to learn to better control their powers, and perhaps seeing the world outside of the Woodland Realm would do them well. I happen to be a wanderer. They are more than welcome to join me if they like."
"We can handle it," Chardonnay said. She crossed her arms. "If we need help, we'll ask for it."
"Well, then, it's settled," Gandalf nodded. "You don't want my help, I shall not force it on you. But what do you four intend to do next, may I ask?"
"Eat," said Megan. "I don't know about y'all, but I am fucking starving."
"Same," Alyx said, and she swung her legs off her death bier. Their little chat was clearly done, now. "You guys ready to smile and wave?" With Chyann's hand at her elbow, she was able to stand without wobbling over-much. She clasped hands with Megan, and Tauriel lead the way towards the tent entrance. As Tauriel parted the material, thunderous applause and cheers rang out for the Unseen. It was like the battle all over again, except now all the cheers were shouted with joy and love, and not grief.
Chardonnay stopped him before he could follow. She pitched her voice low. "Listen, don't take this personally. We're super grateful for all your help, but we've got this covered. And there's still a lot we're not comfortable sharing even with Tauriel yet."
Gandalf could see it was not just youthful self-assurance that made her say those words. The Unseen held many more secrets brought back from the Blessed Realm, and if they were not ready to reveal them, who was he to force their hand?
"Very well," Gandalf nodded, "I promise I will never tether you to my interests. But should you ever need my help, you shall have it. You are not alone on this journey, Chardonnay." He clasped her shoulder. "Of all the many people in Middle Earth, I and my kin might best understand your path. I will not pretend to understand all of it, for we are all on our own journey. Also, if you should ever need guidance, seek for Rivendell. Elrond Half-Elven could be of a great help, too."
Chardonnay nodded slowly. "Okay."
"Now," Gandalf adjusted his shawl and staff and held out his arm to her, "let us seek for food. Mean stuff, when one is normally on the march, but I do not doubt the Elvenking will be treating you to lavish as food as he can spare."
Chardonnay smiled. "I have friends from the kitchens, too. We always have the hook-up." Tauriel parted the tent for them and around them the applause rose again for Nienniel. Chardonnay broke away from him to join her sisters, and Gandalf held back. He saw Bard and went around to him.
"I do not believe it," Bard breathed as he stared at the four girls. "They were dead."
"And now they are not." Gandalf could see the fear in Bard's eye. "Not to worry, my friend. They are not returned by the means of black magic of necromancy. They are simply...quite blessed." There was nothing simple about it, but Gandalf held his tongue. He watched as the Unseen were surrounded by the Elves of the Woodland Realm, and they were smiling and touching all those who reached out to them. They seemed overwhelmed at times, but every now and then Gandalf could see the hints of ladyship shine through. They would make fine leaders one day.
"I do not fear them," Bard shook his head. They watched together as little Mellianor finally made it to the center of the crowd where the Unseen were and was lifted high by Chyann and Chardonnay MacKenna. Gandalf knew little of their relationship, but he had been told that Mellianor's abduction was one of the reasons the Unseen had left to pursue Morien in the first place. Mellianor was passed around and clung to Alyx's neck and played with the edges of her short hair.
Alyx kissed Mellianor's cheek, and beside her Thranduil smiled and touched the top of Mellianor's head in blessing. Gandalf tilted his head at the odd, but lovely, picture they made.
Bard continued. "I fear for them. If they have returned from the dead, then their destiny is one beyond my comprehension. I hope they do not lose it..."
"Lose what?" asked Gandalf.
Bard shook his head. "Their light."
Morien
He could still see the Light washing over his even in the darkness of his tent. He sighed and knew his time must be approaching. He had told the Wizard all he could remember, and now that those whom he had wronged the most were returned from Death, there was nothing to delay his torture and execution.
His hands and feet were growing numb, and the cold was biting his skin. Morien's body ached deeply from Nienniel's poison touch and from the height he had fallen. How he had survived thus far was beyond him, though he suspected it was to pay for his sins. A tall shadow fell over him, and Morien whispered, "My King."
Thranduil's inner fire had returned. The Unseen were truly back, then. He was as excited as Morien had ever seen him. "Traitor. Murderer. ...Nephew."
"Is it time, yet?" Morien rasped through a dry throat. "I have told all I can. I swear it..."
"Your promises mean nothing," the Elvenking snapped, and Morien bowed his head. Thranduil continued. "Your legacy will disappear, Bastard. You will be erased from our histories. I will permit nothing to tarnish the legacy of your mother, or to haunt my people and allies. You will cease to be, as surely as day turns to night. And when you reach the Halls of Mandos..." Thranduil stepped closer on light feet, "You will be faced with the Great Judge. No mercy will be afforded you; I sincerely hope you are cast into the Void with Morgoth."
Morien gave a small smile. "I would ask for nothing less. Where are they, now?"
"That is none of your concern. You need only know they will be here soon." Thranduil grasped the hair atop Morien's head and pulled harshly so his head was bent back to expose his throat. The King seethed. "She asked that I keep you alive. Isn't that kind? After everything you have done to her and her sisters?"
It was an effort to speak, but Morien made it. "I did not rape her, you know."
The hand released his hair and clasped around his neck instead, pulling him up and off the ground until his eye was level with the King's. The pressure under his jaw made it hard for Morien to swallow. "You think you could possibly lessen your death sentence by telling me some lie-?!"
"Thranduil," Morien croaked, "of...everythin...g I...have confessssed-to! ...Why...would-I-lie now?"
Thranduil snarled. "You are a lying snake and I do not believe this charade of innocence you put on. You killed the children of my realm, you slew my councilors, and hurt the one you claimed to love. You expect me to believe you, now?"
"Not that it's anyone's business," her voice rang out, "but he's telling the truth." Thranduil dropped Morien to the cold ground. Behind the Elvenking the Unseen had come. They were so full of Light that with his fresh eyes Morien was blinded by it. All the Unseen were glowing in the peak of health as well. They were glorious. And they were furious.
Alyx spoke again over Morien's gasps for air. "Morien assaulted me plenty of times, but he never raped me."
Chyann scoffed. "Damn near did a few times there. Asshole."
"No kidding," said Chardonnay. "He beat on all of us." She rubbed her cheek where the faint marks of Morien's nails had dug in to her skin remained.
"Not me," Megan piped up, and she crossed her arms. "I gave him that nice little scratch on his face."
"It was a good shot," said Chardonnay. "And I almost killed him," she smiled and held up her hands. Morien shuddered to remember the deadly poison she put in him. What bits of it remained and flared inside of him, and he whimpered.
"I have both you bitches beat: I've nearly killed him three times," Chyann tossed her hair.
"And now we have to finish the job," said Alyx. Her hands were clenched and shaking.
Thranduil said, "As pleased as I am by your bloodlust, I do have a few...requirements before he is disposed of."
Alyx's eyes flashed with a fit of her power. "A trial. Are you kidding me? As if anyone wants to relive what he did." She crossed her arms over her chest and Morien could still see the faint marks of the Shadows on her arms. Now that Sauron was banished, they would fade quickly, but they would linger for some time.
"Hey," Chyann shrugged, "If I got one, he gets one. And no trial by combat this time. I think I'm done with those."
Chardonnay rolled her eyes. "About time. This isn't Westeros, Chyann."
Morien remained silent. He was hoping for a good death, but it seemed it was going to be further out of reach for a time. He sighed.
Megan Lore-Seer stepped forth. "Thranduil King, I can provide plethora of evidence against this guy; I agree with Alyx, why bring everything back up? And there's no law saying we can't release all the info post-mortem."
"There must be order," Thranduil said. "My people deserve closure."
"I am ready to die." Morien croaked. "Do what you must. I will accept anything...anything to pay for what I've done..."
Alyx's eyes raked over him. Understanding and horror dawned in her eyes, and Morien felt something like hope bloom in his chest. Does she know me? Does she see me? But she turned away quickly and pushed out of the tent. Morien sagged against his post.
Thranduil started forward as though to follow her, but Chyann motioned to him to stay, and said to her sister, "Keep an eye on them," and she followed Alyx out.
Megan blocked his view of the two Unseen disappearing by crouching in front of him. Her blue eyes glowing with an internal fire that had nothing to do with her Light. "How does it feel," she said softly, "knowing you can never pay back what you've done?" Her power clawed into his mind and scooped up his worst memories and held them up against Lore-Seer's Light. He had once called Alyx a Deep-Seer, but now it was Megan who truly Saw into him. Morien shuddered as though with mortal fever, and tears welled in his eyes as he re-lived his greatest sins.
Beside him Thranduil looked down at Lore-Seer approvingly. "Quite right."
"No," said Megan as her eyes searched deep into Morien, "there are things even you don't know he's done. Things Morien barely remembers himself..."
Morien blinked. "What do you mean?" he whispered, and Chardonnay took a sharp inhale of breath. A charge of energy sparked between the two girls, and Chardonnay said, "The Blue Boy. The one who saved Chyann..."
Morien's glance bounced frantically between the two Unseen. Their words were ringing hollowly in his mind. What more could Morien have possibly done beyond the blood that already soaked his every pore? He was vaguely aware of the images Lore-Seer was pulling from his mind, but aside from the familiarity of the Palace, this memory was foreign and strange.
He could see himself walking and a young boy near his age was following close. They crept down the sides of the moss-covered walls, whispering excitedly. They made it to the bottom where the flow of the Forest River cut through the palace. Overhead soared the complex pathways of the Main Cavern, and it was a glorious sight.
Morien said to Avridon, the son of Avringil, "Care to make a wager?" Morien could feel a deep malice grow in him. His words didn't seem his own.
Avridon laughed. "I hardly ever see you smile, Miriel's Son! Very well, what is it?"
"I will wager you cannot hold your breath long under the water."
Avridon balked. "I...I don't really like water."
"Do not worry, friend..." Morien could feel the darkness rise in him. His words echoed as if into a deep chasm where his own will once was. "I will be right here to help you conquer your fear..."
"Oh..." Morien whimpered. He shrank in on himself away from Lore-Seer. "No more...please. I cannot bear it. Please...please kill me."
"You don't get to set the terms anymore, dick," Megan finally stood.
Chardonnay said, "Why are his eyes a different color?"
Morien shook his head and focused on the memory of his mother's last blessing. "My mother...she cleansed me, I think." With his bound hands he touched his forehead. "I betrayed Sauron at the last moment. Even ruined with Darkness, I avenged my mother's life."
"You have been a killer since you were a kid. Helping your mom beat Sauron at the last second doesn't redeem you one bit," said Megan.
Behind them Morien could hear the approach of a heavily armored guard. Neithan, unless Morien missed his guess. When the tent flap was moved aside, he was proven correct. "My Lord," said the guard Elf to the King, "you must come at once."
Chyann
"Alyx! Hey, Alyx, c'mere. Come back" Ahead of her Alyx was furiously walking away into the shadows of the still-rotten forest. The edges of her purple cloak vanished into the thorns. Chyann huffed, and momentarily worried about the crazy-fog of the forest but shook herself. Most of it was dissipating in the sunshine and sweet wind, and Chyann figured she was immune to it by now.
She glanced behind herself to check that no one was following; she didn't care for an Elvish audience. Lunch was enough exposure for her, and this was a private matter. Seeing as many of the Elves were nearby were Morien's guards and none were permitted to leave their post she headed into the woods.
Alyx was gaining ground away from her, but Chyann simply amped up her chakra and followed. She tried to send out feelings of comfort and understanding, or at least, wanting to understand, but Alyx wasn't slowing. She couldn't sense emotions like her friend, but she knew to not leave Alyx alone. She could still see Alyx falling apart at the feet of Namo as she begged to be punished...
Oh. Chyann ground to a halt. She could see how Alyx felt, now. Looking at Morien must have been like looking a mirror. She wondered how she might have felt if she identified with her abuser, and she felt nauseous. She called out: "You aren't like him."
Away in the woods she could sense Alyx stop. Yes, in a way, I am. The words entered her mind like she and Chardonnay had shared thoughts, and Chyann thought out back to her. How? She asked. Explain it to me. Because as far as I can see, you really aren't.
I'm a monster, Chyann. Waves of guilt that weren't hers passed through Chyann, who shook her head as Alyx continued. And he isn't what he was. This is some part of him that was built over by Sauron. Any part of him that was ever decent is now free of what afflicted him.
"How are you a monster?" Chyann murmured into the woods, but she knew Alyx could hear her. Chyann put her hand on a wide-trunked oak and looked down. Alyx sat in the tangle of dark roots with her hood up and cloak wrapped tightly around her. Chyann sat next to her and opened her arms. Alyx leaned into her, and Chyann propped her chin atop her head. The cloak's material was far richer than anything she had felt before; even her own cloak. Thranduil and his damn favoritism.
"You have no idea what I can do, Chyann," Alyx whispered. "How I can hurt people. I sense that I can make people do things, feel things, and see things that will make them do what I want. I...I manipulate people."
Chyann could understand what she was saying. "And I can break bones," Chyann said softly. "I can rip people's limbs off. I can scare people into doing what I want, too."
Alyx chuckled. "You're cool, though. You're a good person. You can tell when they deserve it."
"So can you," said Chyann. "You're a good person, Alyx. And if people need a little nudge, do it. We're..." Chyann choked as she realized the enormity of the task before them, "We've got a big job ahead of us, babe. What's that thing about omelets?" She really couldn't remember, but it was at the tip of her tongue and was perfect for their situation.
"Can't make one without breaking a few eggs," Alyx whispered. She shook her head. "I'm still not okay. With a lot of things."
"Girl," Chyann shook her head before thumping it hard against the trunk of the tree. Above them branches rattled, and a light dusting of snow fell over them. "You were the prisoner of that fucking asshole longer than any of us. We all died, and found out we fucking died before. Do not feel like you need to be perfect right away. Fuck, I'm not okay either, and I seriously doubt Cici or Megan are."
Alyx sighed. "You're right. And I should help them with that. I shouldn't be complaining. Y'all suffered to."
"Hell yeah, I'm right. And right there, Karsons: you help people too. You care. You're our therapist. But you're not alone, babe." Chyann squeezed her tight. "We're here for you. We'll all pull our weight. Don't carry more than your share, okay?"
Chyann could feel Alyx crying, and she let her friend be. Chyann rubbed Alyx's shoulders and used her energy to keep her warm. She rocked Alyx under that rotting tree, in the rotting woods, in an arguable rotting world. But right then all that mattered was that she was there with her friend, and they beat the bad guy.
She hummed under her breath as the sun with its silver-gold hue shined down on them with more warmth than they had known in weeks. At last, Alyx shook herself and Chyann let her stand up. Alyx reached down and Chyann accepted her hand and let her friend lift her up.
Chyann asked, "You ready to head back?"
Alyx shrugged noncommittally. "It's time to go back. I must look like shit, though." She scrubbed her cheeks, and she was a bit of a mess, but she was still pretty. Her cheeks were flushed, and with the crown she looked like princess. Chyann said so, and Alyx blushed.
"Speaking of royalty," Alyx said as they set back to camp together. "What's with you and Thranduil? You two're getting along less than usual."
Chyann froze. Oh fuck. She changed the subject. "Where did you go earlier?"
Alyx twisted her mouth. "Chyann?"
"Hey," she protested, "You still haven't told us where you went. You scared the shit out of us, so you first."
Alyx rolled her eyes. "I went to go find Ertharom."
Chyann tugged her to a stop. "You what--?"
"I went across the ocean," Alyx smiled, "He's on his way here as we speak, and coming in fast. I gave him some instructions."
They started walking again. Chyann's head hurt just thinking about how much energy that must have taken. She never could have done something like that. "So let me get this straight: you went, in spirit form, to go find this new mystical mentor."
"Yes."
"You touched base here first to wake your body up..."
"Uh-huh."
"Then you flew all the way out to the ocean, talked to the guy, then came back in record time."
Alyx thought about that for a second. She nodded. "Yup, that sounds about right."
Chyann shook her head. "Damn girl, you almost gave us a heart attack. Your soul's all good now?"
Alyx nodded. Chyann could still remember Namo closing his hand over Alyx like he was going squish her and how she came out more whole than before. "You know, you really scared me earlier in Mandos..."
"The Nether State, huh?" Alyx nodded. "Trust me, it feels scarier than it looks. And it hurt." Alyx shuddered and touched her chest. Chyann remembered something else Alyx had mentioned. Chyann asked, "What kind of instructions did you give him?"
"I told him to find a place with a garden, and a place for us to build up strength. For when it's time for us to outgrow Mirkwood. Before this, Chyann, all I could really See was the showdown at Dol Guldur. I didn't know what it all meant before, but as the pieces started falling into place I realized how limited our time was. Now..." Alyx looked up into the trees where an opening in the canopy allowed light to filter down to them. Their breaths misted and faded around them. "Now, I see so much more. I see time, Chyann. I see so much time stretching out in front of us that it scares me. But I'm done being scared."
Chyann nodded. She knew how Alyx felt. Alyx went on, "Now, we're playing the long game. We have to really kill Sauron this time."
Chyann could hear something crunch behind them, and they turned back the way they'd come. A dark raven stared at them shrewdly from a branch above them, and Chyann stared right back at it.
"That's a messenger," Alyx whispered into Chyann's ear. "I can sense he's here to observe. He's been watching for a while, now..." Alyx walked forward and held out her hand. The big carrion bird shifted and flapped his feathers but did not go to her.
Alyx pitched her voice low as she spoke to the bird. Chyann could feel the power in her words, like when she had first taught Chyann how to channel her energy. Chyann called it Alyx's Priestess Voice.
"By Orome..." Alyx whispered. "I swear to do you know harm. Come to us...Come to us..."
The raven hesitated for a long moment before it flapped down to them. It landed on Alyx's cloak-covered forearm. Chyann reached out slowly where the raven could see her and stroked its silky smooth feathers. It corked happily at the affection, and Chyann felt like a giddy little kid. She suddenly wanted a puppy.
"There," Alyx smiled at the raven. "Not so bad, right?"
The raven croaked again and leaned into Chyann's petting. "Pretty bird," Chyann smiled.
"Now," Alyx said to the raven, "tell your masters in the Hills this: we mean no harm. Mirkwood is free of the necromancer, now."
A rare memory from Galdor's lessons popped into Chyann's head. "The Dwarves! From the Iron Hill, that's right!" She clapped her hand over her mouth as the raven was startled, and it nearly took off, but Alyx calmed it down. "That's right," Alyx whispered. "It's okay. Everything is going to be okay."
The raven's feathers were ruffled. "You can go, now," Alyx said. "Go home to the Hills and let them know everything is fine here."
The raven looked at Chyann with what could only be annoyance before it took off. Both of them got a face full of feathers, and Chyann spat one out her mouth. "Dammit," she said. "Gross."
"Eh," Alyx plucked another feather off Chyann's cloak and stuck it behind her ear. "You've had worse things in your mouth."
"Hey!" Chyann laughed, and they watched as the raven circled overhead a few moments longer before it exited out the hole in the canopy overhead. Chyann looked behind them once more just to check that they were raven-free and tugged Alyx along. "Come on, I'm hungry again."
Alyx smiled. "Me, too."
Before they could take another step, though, ahead of them they could hear hoofbeats approaching, and Chyann could sense Thranduil. Alyx gasped a little as the King's Elk made its way towards them through the trees, and behind the king came another horse. That he didn't have any guards seemed weird, but Chyann's thoughts were cut off as he spoke.
"My Ladies," Thranduil called, and dismounted Tauhir. "You are needed. Quickly, now, mount and follow me."
"What's going on?" Chyann asked and made for the horse. No way was she sharing with Blondie. Alyx dithered between the two, but Chyann could see that the horse's saddle was a smaller size, almost as if made for a child. Well played. She shot the King a scowl as Alyx realized the lack of room for the horse and made her way towards Thranduil, who had his hand stretched down to her. Alyx accepted it and gave a short yelp as he pulled her weight up easily.
Chyann pointed her pointer and middle fingers at her eyes and swiveled them around to point at the King when he glanced at her. I'm watching you, asshole. She shook her head as Thranduil looked too pleased as Alyx was sat before him. But as Chyann mounted her own horse she noticed how happy Alyx looked, too. Chyann noticed her friend's blush and groaned as she realized how hard it was going to be to keep them apart.
"Hey Chyann?" Alyx called, and Chyann asked, "What's up?" she nudged her horse towards the two. When she came up beside them Thranduil thumped his heels to the Elk and set pace at a swift gallop. As the sound of hooves filled the winter air and her breath was taken away by speed of the horse, Alyx spoke into Chyann's mind: Get ready: everything is going to change. The future is beginning now.
Not the biggest fan of this chapter. I'll comb back through everything, but it's been awhile since all four Unseen had interactions with both themselves and others, and I'm rusty. Having more than two characters of the same gender talking together forces me to be more careful in writing.
About the raven: if y'all remember the raven Morien spotted waaaay back in chapter 22 or so when he was hunting for the Unseen, yes, it is the same one! I know that ravens are associated with Erebor, but with the Smaug there they are still displaced, and in my head cannon they have primarily taken up residence in the Iron Hills with Dain.
Now to address a few things: The Unseen, having returned from Death, and with renewed blessings from the Valar, have become more powerful. Not in terms of telepathy, but their powers will be expanding. Especially Chardonnay, who has discovered her 'death touch', and Megan beginning to really exercise her Post-Vision for legal means.
And yes all the Unseen are very fucked-up. Expect a lot of flash-backs and nightmares.
And yes, Morien is still guilty.
Now, can any of you guys guess what's gonna happen next? Not that I'll confirm or deny, feel free to take some guesses! Who knows, you may give me some ideas!
Please leave a review! Thanks!