Disclaimer: Me owny nothin' thata belongy to Tolkieny!

A/N ~ Hope you like this loverly chapter as much as I do! I shall leave you all to guess as to how much I might like this chapter... And good grief with the languages! I didn't realized I'd used so many in this chapter...yikes!

Bold is mind-speech. Italic is Westron.

Haradaic

Rihkasa = Wind Dancer - fleet-footed, long-maned, delicate-looking horses of the Haradrim

Calia = Lady/Princess

Calio = Lord/Prince

Muhamik = Sand-spirit - southern name for a dragon

Rhûnic

Forotûnic Rovin = Northern Dragons

Nik Rovin = Sand Dragons

Char-pyk = Clever Tongue - a type of intelligent eastern dragon

Vy-kror = Savage Blood - a type of dragon to the east. Used by Sauron and Ñaltanárë to create fell beasts

Al-Salyha = Scepter, Kingdom of the Scepter. Eastern Kingdom and home of Kahilnar

Hevcia'Jras = Flying Crown, capitol city of Al-Salyha

Ar-Hihn = Warrior, Kingdom of the Warrior. Northern Kingdom located in the forest of Bik Grov o Dolo, Kilicar's lair

Rovin Requilis = Dragon's Terror

Nahisya = Shy One, Special One

Rovin(a) = Sharp Teeth - eastern name for a dragon

Vultsin

Vultsi = Wolves - an self-given name to an intelligent breed of canine

Tvar- Menikii = Shape-Changer

Elven

Eneg Forodren Amlug = Six Northern Dragons

Forodren = Northern(er)

Mittanyë = Princess/Leader

Rohirric

Mearas = Horses - noble horses that lived as long as a man, and had extraordinary strength and intelligence

Tsuban

Tsubasa = Wing - large winged-cats

Kanshisha = Guardian

Dracon

Aonziyn = Sacrifice

Talikan = Knowledge-Keeper

Avarikal

Aaglos = Guardian

Gelir Lalaith ~ Happy Laughter

Gweltari was silent the entire flight back to the other end of the valley and her eyes tracked the progress of the Vultsi on the ground as the she wolf followed the Tsubasa and Alagos who were flying. The ranger woman felt tension building inside her. She had been calm at the Sercecet camp. She'd held together all the emotions she wanted to release, but now...now she ignored the words Alagos tried to say to her, blocking his mind from her own for the moment, not wanting to be comforted. She didn't want to be calmed. She wanted an answer as to Liska's actions. The Tsubasa with a white body and red-orange wings, Eiji, soon landed and she got off the male's back, approaching the Vultsi before Alagos had even landed and could stop her.

"It is your duty to protect him! Why did you not do so?" Her voice was filled with anger, snapped. She had trusted the she wolf to take care of her mate when he went to see the elf, when he went anywhere without her, and she felt Liska had failed her, doing nothing when Alagos and Maethorion were attacked. The Vultsi looked back at her without apology or shame, though, her lips curling back over her fangs as her cream fur bristled slightly. "It is not my duty to watch him like a small cub! He was the one who was stupid, going to speak with the elf, and I am not going to fight the Tvar-Menikii's battles! He is a Kalei! He is able to defend himself!"

"And when he can not? Are you going to sit aside and let him die because it is not your battle to fight?" Gweltari could have hurt the cream wolf as the canine regarded her calmly, unmoved. "Your mate is not dead, Huuma. There is no reason for you to complain. If he dies, then you can snarl at me and we can fight." The large wolf's blue and brown eyes seemed to say that was all there was to the situation and she watched Gweltari with little emotion.

The Akira gritted her teeth and took a step forward, her power surging within her in rage and she was perfectly ready to use the feral energy that hummed in her veins like fire. She was stopped by the long neck of a white dragon as Alagos' head came before her, blocking her sight of the she wolf who had stiffened, her fangs gleaming and fur on end. His amber eyes held her furious green-gray ones and the shape-shifter spoke evenly, knowing perfectly well how angry she was and why. "Nahisya, it is not her fault."

"She did nothing! She is supposed to protect you and she let you fight on your own, she let you get stabbed and did NOTHING!"

"From the Maia. She is charged to protect me from Ñaltanárë, nothing more and she won't do anything more than that, Nahisya. It was MY choice to help Maethorion, to visit him when I know the woods are not safe. That's not Liska's fault ." Alagos said it calmly, accepting the fact easily and the ranger woman stared at him, confused and troubled, still angry. "Do these creatures have no compassion?" She didn't care if it wasn't Liska's duty to keep Alagos from physical injuries! Who could just stand by and let someone else die when they could help, when they were on the same side of the war? She didn't understand it and the white dragon sighed silently, not knowing how to explain it in a way the Akira would understand. He would try, though.

"They have very little of it, no. They are not like humans, dwarves or elves. They are not like the Tsubasa or even the dragons. They care about no one but their own kind. They are a race trying to redeem themselves, but they are creatures closer to the darkness than the light. It is a literal struggle for them to serve the Creator, Nahisya. Liska is doing the best she can with her very nature at war with itself."

Gweltari had grown quiet and she finally shook her head, her curls hiding her face for a long moment as she looked at the ground. She didn't like this. How could Alagos so quickly trust someone who didn't care about him? Someone he'd just told her was closer to the darkness than the light? A creature who could turn on them and probably not care? The ranger woman sighed deeply, gaining control on her powers again and absently noting that Alagos had somehow deflected them from Liska, taking the lashing himself. Her gift, though, recognizing the very person it wanted to protect, had withdrawn the blow and was now seething, just waiting to strike out again. The Akira drew the wild power back to herself and finally spoke, looking up at her mate.

"If you trust her then I will try to do the same." She could not promise anymore than that. When she looked at Alagos, all she wanted was for him to be safe. The last week had been a series of ups and downs, new learning experiences and while it had not been without its peaceful moments, it had also been stressful. The shape-shifter was learning what the Maiar had to teach him, but the only way to practice these things was to test them on Ñaltanárë. When Alagos felt he was ready to do so, he sent Liska away and the Maia came back with a vengeance. It was in those moments that Gweltari felt true fear and true hate all at the same time.

She was learning what Maltasercë could teach her, but as a human, her mind was far less willing to cooperate than Alagos' was. She was doing her best, though, and she helped her mate whenever he faced the evil Maia, but this was Alagos' battle to fight and that was becoming increasingly clear as time went one. It was hard for Gweltari to simply accept, though. She wanted to help him, to protect him and she knew that desire stemmed from her love for him, but it was made so much stronger by the Rishten and even her own gift. There were so many ties between them, so many unbreakable bonds that to know she could not fight for him and hardly even with him, was hard for the ranger woman. She'd grown more angry, more temperamental because of it. She snapped at people more often now and had less patience. It was like she was hyper-alert and didn't know how to let the frustration go.

And Alagos knew that. He knew how to steady her, too. It was something her family had never been able to do. It was something the Ranger she'd loved, Balakan, had never been able to accomplish either. Back then she'd bottled her anger up, not wanting to upset anyone, not thinking her words were important enough to cause trouble, but now...Alagos let her get angry. He let her say what she wanted, he let her scream if she wanted to...and then he calmed her. He was gentle with her when he needed to be and he was firm when the time called for it. He didn't let her lose sight of the truth and he made her face the facts as they were. He offered hope while at the same time grounding her. He eased her anger and she was glad of his presence now as the white dragon's breath ghosted across her face, warm. His scaled nose touched her cheek and she pressed her palms to his nose, his scaled cheek, her forehead pressed to his nose as she took a shuddering breath.

"I love you. I know you want to protect me, but Liska is doing what she was called to do and I can not ask more of her."

Gweltari nodded against his scales, not liking it at all, but knowing in this she had to trust him even if it was so incredibly hard to do so. "I will not ask again." She looked up into his amber eyes and sighed, smiling a bit in an attempt to convince him she was fine. It didn't work and they both knew it. Still, Alagos knew she was making an effort. Gweltari sighed and looked at him fiercely. "I love you and you are not allowed to die. Do you understand?"

The white dragon chuckled in her mind, a rumble in the sound and Gweltari finally pushed his head back with a true smile of amusement and stepped away from him, back toward the camp. "Come on. Thalbor and Taurnar must be panicked by this point. I didn't explain why I was leaving to them." She said it with actual laughter in her voice, only increased as Alagos groaned mentally at the mere suggestion of having to endure a barrage of questions by the twins. His form shrank, though, and become that of a wolf as he followed his mate. And then he stopped as his gift flared and his amber eyes clouded over. Gweltari looked at him sharply, stopping as well, but the canine started to grin as only a wolf could and his eyes cleared after a moment, reassuring her before he even spoke. Whatever he'd seen, it was not a bad thing and she cocked a hip and she placed her hands on them, her brow raising. "Well?"

Alagos looked up at her with gleaming amber eyes full of excitement, more laughter in his eyes than she'd seen in a while and Gweltari knew what he was going to say even before he said it, her own mouth twitching into a smile.

"The army is here!"

Kahilnar was here. That was the silent message and Gweltari groaned a bit before she laughed at the look on her bonded's face. Alagos' tongue lolled out of his mouth in silent laughter of his own and the woman shook her head, starting back toward the camp. "Well, then we should warn those who need to know." Her mind was already swirling with the plans that would need to be made. Soldiers would have to be located to tents, food distributed and since Amr's army had dragons - something Alagos had already warned Nareke of through Gweltari - the great creatures would have to be located in safe places that wouldn't affect the humans in the valley. Healers would need to be gathered in case there were injured and on top of everything else, there was the fact that integrating two different armies, two different peoples, could be very tense...

Yes, there was a lot of work to do and Gweltari knew instinctively that she, Katun, Tigeki and her brothers would be in the thick of it. She had no doubt Alagos would do his part, too, but she also knew his place was different from her own. He would more likely be found with the Leaders than with the soldiers and she didn't begrudge him that. His information could be vital. The both of them now hurried toward the Rebel camp, looking toward the entrances into the valley as a horn sounded from up in the mountains, a scout signally what Alagos' gift had already told him.

Kahilnar's legs gripped Sharpmist's sides as the dragoness launched herself into the air at the sound of the horn that had signaled the army's arrival. The Easterling rested his hands on his thighs, perfectly at ease with the female's twisting and turning body, the way she weaved with the cold wind, catching the occasional updraft to help her flight so she didn't have to work as hard to stay in the air. He didn't need to direct Sharpmist into the valley. She knew her way and she knew where to land. The dragoness gave a small roar to clear a space for her body, sending some humans running. It made her rumbled a darkly pleased chuckle and Kahilnar grinned, unable to help it. Sharpmist was never one for subtly, but then again, neither was he...

The Prince leaped off the dragoness as soon as she landed, seeing familiar faces in the crowd that had gathered at the battle dragoness' arrival. Katun was making her way through the crowd and a hurricane of dark brown, curly hair was hurling itself into his arms as soon as he caught sight of the older Princess, the younger Princess much more exuberant in her greeting. Mahayre's voice was high-pitched in excitement as she hugged her brother tightly, appearing as if she'd never let him go. "You're back! Did you fight people? Are you leaving again? I am so glad you're back!"

Kahilnar laughed, situating his eight year old half-sister on his hip and smiling at Katun as she got closer, the older Princess returning the look, her dark eyes friendly. She seemed to have grown more confident, more relaxed since the last time he'd seen her. Kahilnar knew being away from the pressure always put on her by living the life of a royal woman and the threat of a marriage she despised no longer hanging over her head was good for his half-sister. She seemed liked she was becoming the woman he'd always seen beneath the outer layer of guardedness.

"Not so fast, Mahayre!" the older female chided.

The young girl grinned, her brown eyes shining, but she took a deep breath and asked the question she thought most important first, her brown eyes steady on her brother's face. "Are you staying?" She knew very well that he might not. People, especially the men in her family, never stayed around long, coming and going. She didn't mind when her father, Kilicar or Edgu disappeared for days or weeks at a time, but Kahilnar had always been different. Sacalnun now was, too, but she knew exactly where her eldest brother was right now. Mahayre just wanted to be sure she would know where Kahilnar was, too.

The Prince chuckled and set her down, ruffling her wild curly hair. "Yes, I am."

"Good!" Mahayre seemed perfectly satisfied with that answer, believing it without question and Kahilnar shook his head fondly, his green eyes following his youngest sibling as she darted toward Sharpmist, talking a mile-a-minute to the dragoness who only watched the small girl with amusement, understanding nothing she said. Still, the dragoness was as patient as she would have been with any dragonling and the Easterling did his best to hide a smile while at the same time he was chuckling mentally to the battle dragoness who only sent him a look before ignoring him entirely. Katun's voice drew Kahilnar's attention away from the young Princess and his bonded, and he looked at his half-sister.

"You were successful in your mission?" There was something almost eager in her voice that Kahilnar caught on to immediately and he nodded. "I was."

Katun nodded, too, appearing thoughtful even as her eyes were drawn to the entrance into the valley the army would be coming through and the Prince smiled almost secretively, but his voice was casual as he looked back at Sharpmist and Mahayre. "We are lucky Amr has not yet taken a wife. He never would have marched out if he had." Katun sent him a sharp look and she finally saw the look on her half-brother's face, the teasing light in his eyes. It brought a strong blush to her face before she glared at him, her chin tilting proudly. "Prince Amr's affairs are of no concern to me."

She didn't wait for a response from Kahilnar, only calling Mahayre back to her side before she looked back at the Prince. A small smile tugged at her lips, her eyes softening just a bit. "I am glad you are back, Kahilnar. Now if you will excuse us? I have Tsubasa to meet and I believe you have a report to give? " She gave a pointed look toward Nareke and Yileke, her two half-sisters, coming forward and then slipped away with Mahayre, leaving the Prince to send a smile after the two, admiring the way Katun had gotten out of the situation, even as he braced himself for the meeting between two sisters he still didn't know all that well.

Sharpmist's attention settled on the two Leaders before she looked over at him, her red eyes steady, but questioning. "You will handle this?"

Green eyes glinted into her red ones, confident. "Go get the other dragons. I'll be fine." The white dragoness snorted a cloud of smoke, but launched herself into the air about the same time Kahilnar came before his two sisters. Yileke immediately startled him, the deaf woman not hesitating to hug him as if they had known each other for years. The smile on her face, the warmth in her hazel eyes when she pulled back and looked at him had Kahilnar smiling back, though, feeling as if they HAD always known each other. She didn't speak, but Yileke with her calm nature and friendly attitude didn't have to in order to be understood and the Prince found himself not doubting that they'd actually have a relationship when this was all over.

Nareke was a slightly different story. Her hazel eyes were not exactly hostile when his green ones met them, but nor were they welcoming. Her expression was guarded, but when she greeted him, it was by his title and name and not 'Hecilo'. He could only think that some improvement...at least he hoped it was. "I am pleased you made it back before the month's end, Prince Kahilnar. I would have hated to name you a traitor."

Kahilnar raised a brow and gave her a look, not convinced and showing her as much. It wasn't like she could think any less of him at this point so who cared about manners between them? Nareke certainly didn't and Kahilnar was not going to pretend she wasn't being a complete pain in the arse when she was. "Yes, you would have and we both know it. Let's not pretend otherwise, Mittanyë Nareke."

The barest of smiles came to Nareke's face at his refusal to behave diplomatically and she brushed her brown hair back before looking up at the sky. "Where did your Rovina go?"

"Prince Amr brought six Forotûnic Rovin with him, one of them being his own, and three Nik Rovin. Sharpmist has gone to bring them here and show them where to go."

"Eneg Forodren Amlug!" Nareke started muttering further in elven and Kahilnar crossed his arms, merely waiting her out until she came back to reality and realized he didn't know elven. She appeared irritated and yet relieved by the fact - making the Prince wonder just WHAT she'd been saying - and sighed, her hand running straight back through her hair to most likely steady herself. Nareke was the calm Leader of the Rebels once again when she spoke and Yileke looked between the two with interest. It was obvious she understood a bit more than one would have thought a deaf person would even if she did not understand everything. One thing she did seem to know was that the conversation was venturing into things better discussed without an audience and she pulled subtly on her twin's tunic, gaining Nareke's attention.

The older twin knew the message instantly just be glancing at the calmer woman and gestured for Kahilnar to follow her as they started making their way to one of the many bridges located beneath the great waterfall around the valley that would even now be letting Amr's army in. "How big are these dragons?" Would they overwhelm the valley?

Kahilnar's answer was prompt, having spent three weeks with the creatures. "Nightwind and Skyfang are both sky dragons. Sapphirewing is a treasure dragoness, Runningheart is a messenger dragoness and her mate is Taleclaw. He is a knowledge dragon. Rapidwater is a water dragon and Rafa, Kamiseen and Hilel are sand dragons." The Prince caught the almost scathing look Nareke shot at him and hid a smile. Well, how was he supposed to they wouldn't know the size of the dragon by their breeds? With Daerhael as a teacher anything was possible. Both Nareke and Yileke knew elven when he didn't! He rolled his eyes when the woman looked away and started again. "Sapphirewing is Emeraldsong's size. Nightwind, Skyfang, Rapidwater, Rafa, Kamiseen and Hilel are around Sharpmist's size. There are slight differences between all of them, especially since the sand dragons can not fly, but none of them are in the same group as the great dragons like Emeraldsong and Sapphire wing. Runningheart is the same size as Dashheart, maybe smaller."

Nareke appeared more satisfied with that answer, though, not by much. Kahilnar was pretty sure it was because he'd given the information. "There should be room in the caves for them then. Tell that to your Rovina."

The Prince nodded, but didn't do as she said. He and Sharpmist already knew there was enough room for the northern dragons and the sand dragons. Alagos' messages had said as much, but he wasn't about to tell his sister that. The Roniysr followed the twins to the main bridge where soldiers were already streaming inside the valley and the three siblings stopped on a small hill overlooking the process. Kahilnar knew Nareke's eyes were searching for Amr and he spoke, his eyes roving over the men, too, but for different reasons. "He's not here. He won't come in until he knows his men are safely in the valley."

A group of bright colors flew over the mountains before the Rebel Leader could respond and everyone looked up at the six majestic creatures in the sky. Kahilnar's eyes picked out the familiar colors of each. Blue-green for Rapidwater, green-white for Runningheart, dark blue for Nightwind, white for Sharpmist, dark green for Taleclaw and blue for Sapphirewing. The only colors missing were the sand-hued ones of the sand dragons and the light blue scales of Skyfang. The dragon would stay with Amr, though, of that Kahilnar was sure and he didn't worry about the male dragon's absence as he watched the group of flying creatures approach the section of the valley dedicated to the Char-pyk and the Tsubasa.

Sharpmist's growl of annoyance for the startled greeting she got from the humans near the place resounded in Kahilnar's mind and he smiled before shaking his head and turning back to his sisters. "There will be injured men. Kilicar's arm has grown long and there is another enemy that the Rebels should be aware of, but I will say nothing more of it until Amr joins us."

Going by the forest route had seen the army suffering surprise attacks, but nothing of the magnitude that would have awaited them had they cut across the plains so soon. They did have to take to the plains of Vintael eventually, though, but by then Alagos' wind-messages had been frequent again and it was due to the white shape-shifter and the scouts of the army that they had avoided Kilicar's own army, the fell beasts and certain carnage. Still, the army was battered and grateful to be coming to a safe place at last. Kahilnar agreed with that sentiment if only for the fact that he was ready to be able to relax again without wondering if they would be attacked at any moment.

Nareke nodded at his words, looking like she wanted the answer now, but her position as a Leader having taught her at least some patience, even if she had learned that patience reluctantly. The older twin turned to Yileke, though, and with some form of communication that was lost to Kahilnar - a series of hand motions - the deaf woman was sent on some task or another that filled her face with determination. She left swiftly, her light green dress swishing about her legs as she hurried away. Kahilnar didn't question her departure, only looking back over the army again as they started to fill the valley. So many soldiers, generals, so many fighting men. He felt they had some kind of chance to defeat Kilicar now, to challenge the Maia, but he glanced at Nareke. "How is the training here going?" Every man would count in the end and the Rebels were the heart of Rhûn, they would want to be in fighting. Kahilnar would rather have them ready for that kind of bloodshed and pain before he sent them, though.

"Better than I expected considering our instructors are Rangers. I was not sure Forodren would want to help us and would teach us what them knew, things that might be used against them in the future."

"It will not be used against them as long as there is peace with the Northern and Western Kingdom. The twins and Gweltari want to help us. I told you to trust them."

The woman gave him a hard look. "I don't trust you. Why would I trust your judgment?" She didn't look away as Kahilnar's green eyes narrowed, glaring into her stubborn hazel ones. "You sent a person you didn't trust to meet an ally you needed?" His disbelief was clear, but Nareke only raised a brow, her voice perfectly calm, almost sweet. "I never said I couldn't use you, just that I don't trust you."

Kahilnar stared at her, suddenly angry beyond belief. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the infuriating woman before him that if they won this war he would be her King, it would be she who would be serving him. It was on the tip of his tongue to remind her that HE was the eldest child, the Crown Prince, a male and therefore higher ranking than she was. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her he didn't need her approval or permission to do anything. He didn't say any of it, turning away from her taunting expression.

No. That wasn't how he felt. Maybe some if it was fact or could be, but...he wasn't that person, not anymore. He didn't WANT to be that person. And as he let that wash over him, the anger bled away until he was calm once more and there was no bitterness or mocking in his voice when he spoke next to his sister, not looking at her, but his words having no less of an impact on the Rebel Leader. "I will be of whatever use I can be to our people, Nareke. The reasons for my actions and the orders that direct them are of little consequence as long as Rhûn is liberated."

He didn't turn to see the surprised look and then speculation that came to Nareke's face as she studied his profile. The woman finally looked away from him and toward the army again, appearing almost frustrated, but also slightly chastened. "You've...done well. The Rangers are excellent teachers and...our aunt...the child-dragon Tigeki, she has been teaching those willing to learn how to ride, fight and communicate with the Char-pyk. Katun seems to have a good standing with the Tsubasa as well and she is helping them find suitable riders as well. Your advice about all of them has been...helpful."

Nareke sounded like she'd eaten something bitter, but Kahilnar didn't comment on it, nor on her grudging compliment. The action seemed to surprise his sister even as she looked relieved by it, paying attention to the words he did speak as if she were trying to forget her own from a moment ago.

"Have there been any Rishtens among the Char-pyk?"

Nareke appeared thoughtful at that statement, truly pondering it and she nodded. "I think...there might have been. I am not entirely sure. My talents do not lie with the dragons and Tigeki...well, honestly, I can hardly understand a word that comes out of her mouth." She smiled just a bit as Kahilnar glanced at her, amused. "Do you need her to understand the dragons?"

The brown-haired woman sighed, but she didn't appear upset by the question. "I know I should. I am part dragon and I can shape-shift, but I truly feel no connection to them. I would rather be completely human if I had a choice in the matter."

"Even if it meant giving up your fire?" Even now he could feel the devourer, the heat, in her like a threat to his water-gift and he knew she felt the same just judging by the distance she kept from him. Nareke chuckled and her hazel eyes seemed to flare with her element for a moment before the spark was gone. "Well, perhaps I don't want to be human that badly, but it would certain make things easier."

Kahilnar smiled, understanding completely. It was the closest they'd come to having a conversation that had both of them seeing eye-to-eye and not bristling at each others' throats while they did it. He looked out at the army again, changing the subject. "Amr has brought five hundred archers, three thousand horsemen and two thousand, six hundred foot soldiers. Around six thousand, one hundred fighters in all."

"Valar..." Nareke seemed to breathe the word in a whisper and Kahilnar glanced over at her, remembering for the first time in a while just how young she really was and how much responsibility was on her shoulders. Much like him. The Prince didn't say anything about it, though. Nareke and he were not on terms where he felt he could try to reassure her without stirring her ire and so he remained quiet. The hazel-eyed woman was the one who broke the silence a few minutes later, her eyes glimmering as they looked over the horses that were being ridden and led in.

"They are beautiful, are they not? There are bred from the highest bloodlines, built for speed and stamina. Even some elven horses and Mearas have strains of the Rihkasa in their veins."

Kahilnar grimaced slightly, looking down at the equine and Nareke blinked at him, surprise and not trying to hide it. "Oh, not you, too!"

"What?"

"Yileke. She hates horses." The brown-haired woman was almost laughing now in exasperation and the Prince smiled. "A wise woman is she."

"Yes." Nareke said no more than that, but the connection she held with her twin was visible in that one word, the respect and love coming through clearly. The two grew silent after that, the sky growing darker as time passed until the army finally started to trickle as they came over the bridge that led into the valley and a dragon's roar in the sky signaled Amr's arrival in the valley. Skyfang circled above the army for a long moment, a dark-haired figure on the light blue dragon's back and Kahilnar gave a sharp whistle, letting the dragon know where he was and where to land. The sky dragon did so and Amr dismounted a moment later, grinning as he came toward Kahilnar and Nareke.

He dipped his head at the woman. "It is lovely to meet you, Calia Nareke. I can not thank you enough for your offer of peace and shelter. My men, the Muhamik and I are at your service."

Kahilnar rolled his eyes, but Nareke smiled and her voice was courteous. "The Rebels appreciate your support, Calio Amr. We will have our healers see to your wounded and your men will be taken care of and located around the valley. The Muhamik are welcome to stay with our own Muhamik in the caves given to them."

Amr dipped his head again and Kahilnar tilted his. "Doesn't that give you a cramp after a time?" The Haradrim gave him a look, but the Eastern Prince only grinned. He turned, though, as Amr looked beyond him, his eyes showing first alarm and then surprise. Kahilnar saw what had garnered the reaction immediately as his green eyes alighted on amber ones and then the mismatches ones of blue and brown. The cream-colored wolf stopped a few feet away, slowing and then merely staying where she was, sitting calmly, uninterested. The white one, however, kept coming forward and his form changed even as he did so, becoming that of a lithe human with windswept white hair. A smile danced around his lips and Kahilnar chuckled as he went to meet the shape-shifter, pulling him into a hug that he was happy to note Alagos did not resist.

The Easterling looked toward Amr as he pulled away from the male he considered a brother and looked between the Southern Prince and the shape-shifter. "Have you two met?"

Amber eyes met black ones that immediately developed their own amber flecks as Amr's power acted as a mirror for the shape-shifter's emotions. Alagos only smiled a bit, though. "Amr was very young the last time we saw each other. It was his sister, Nusayya, that I spoke with, though." His fingers came up to feel the wind-cross under his tunic fondly before he looked at Kahilnar again. "Tell them about Maia."

Kahilnar started, his green eyes meeting amber ones sharply, but the Easterling quickly realized he shouldn't have been surprise that Alagos already knew about the powerful female. Especially if the Maia truly was targeting the shape-shifter. Alagos would be aware of it and the white-haired male now spoke to the Eastern Prince, knowing his words wouldn't be passed on, knowing at the moment that Kahilnar was the ONLY person in this group that COULD hear him at this point - though, perhaps with some training, Nareke could do the same thing, being part dragon. "We'll speak more of this later. For now, tell them that the Maia is a powerful one. Her time in Arda dates back to some of the first dragons. She is far more powerful than either Maltasercë or Sairalassë, but she's not beyond being defeated."

The black-haired youth nodded and relayed the exact message to Nareke and Amr as the two approached. His sister's eyes narrowed, but rather than question how Alagos could know such things - obviously the shape-shifter had made good on things he'd already told the Rebel Leader - she asked something else entirely. "Who has she been masquerading as? If the two Maiar on our side could fool us into thinking they were elflings, who has this Maia fooled into thinking she is someone she is not?"

Kahilnar made a note to himself right then and there to never try and trick his sister. She was much too intelligent. He knew he would be slightly pale at the question, though. He knew very well what the answer was, even without asking Alagos. How was he to answer, though, without giving away the fact that the Maia had tricked the shape-shifter? He wanted to discuss that with Alagos when they were alone, not here in front of Amr and Nareke. "The only name I know her by is Oyna, though, she did mention a few others, Helciel and Manarwë among them. Oyna is, or was, a young woman who's father is one of the richest in Al-Salyha."

Amr frowned. "Wasn't that the young lady who wanted to marry you?"

The Easterling only nodded, glancing at Alagos. What he saw was encouraging. The shape-shifter was merely listening, his amber eyes slightly clouded with his gift, but appearing fine with the information being received, both through his ears and mentally.

"You said she called herself Helciel and Manarwë, too. You spoke with her?" Nareke appeared extremely puzzled, but also suddenly suspicious and Kahilnar gave her a leveled look. "You've seen what kind of power I can wield. I used my connection to Rhûn to find out what was happening on the plains and then my power took me to the Maia. We spoke, but she revealed very little that we would find useful. At least we know she exists now."

"Where is she? We know where Kilicar is located, but what of the Maia?"

Kahilnar sighed, running his hand back through his black hair. It fell back in his eyes again when he was done. "When we spoke she was in Hevcia'Jras, but that was a week ago. She might have moved by now." His green eyes glanced over at Alagos, but the shape-shifter shook his head. He didn't know where she was, either, but he did speak. "She won't be in Al-Salyha anymore. She can't complete her next task there."

"What?" Kahilnar wasn't aware he'd asked the question out loud until Nareke raised a brow, crossing her arms and Amr tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

The Eastern Prince glanced at the two and then back to Alagos as the shape-shifter explained, looking reluctant and yet willing at the same time. "The fell beasts need a leader. The Maia is providing them with one. She is bending the mind of a dark dragon, making him loyal to her. When she succeeds, this dragon will lead the fell beasts in an attack on the Rebel Home. The Sertek and now men have been getting into the valley for weeks now. I suspect the either the fell beasts or flying Sertek have been bringing them. They only target the Sercecet on the other end of the Rebel Home, but Nareke already knows that and the Sercecet have been handling it fine. A sky attack would effect everyone, though."

Kahilnar swallowed and looked over at his sister and his friend. "Alagos says that the Maia is training a dark dragon to lead the fell beasts in an attack on the Rebel Home."

"What fell beasts?" Nareke's voice was a hiss, angry, scared and Amr answered, calm, but his pallor anything but healthy. "Our scouts encountered fell beasts on the plains. We almost walked into a massacre. Sharpmist said, and Kahilnar confirmed, that the Maia is a fire spirit. She can mutilate the Vy-kror dragons into fell beasts, but instead of nine this time, there are much more. Dozens and that was just what was on the plains."

The Rebel Leader growled under her brother and started pacing, the bridge of her nose pinched between thumb and fingers, her eyes partly closed as she thought. "How long before this dragon is ready?"

Alagos looked thoughtful at the question and only answered after a long moment of contemplation, Kahilnar relaying the message. "He says there's no way to really tell with complete accuracy. The dark dragon's mind is already corrupt, but its strong in its own way. It may be evil now, but that doesn't mean it wants to follow orders. The Maia has to gain a hold in the dark dragon's mind before she can start implementing commands and forcing the dragon to comply. Only after is starts doing so willingly will she even consider it ready for test trials. It could be a month or so before we have to worry about this attack, but it is imminent."

Nareke stopped moving, her expression hard, unreadable for a very long minute before she spoke, every inch of her a leader. "We'll need to be ready for them, for Kilicar by then. I will not have my people trapped like rats when we meet our enemy. We'll be ready to march by then and we'll meet Kilicar on the plains. This fight will be fair or the Rebels will find a new home, we will go into hiding once more until we are ready. I won't have my people slaughtered. I would rather digress in our plans to liberate Rhûn by few months, even a year or two, then have them dead."

"You have the full support of Harad whenever you decide to strike." Nareke blinked in surprise at Amr, but the Southern Prince only looked back at her, at Kahilnar, steadily. "The South and the East have an alliance and while it has been tense and unsatisfactory for both peoples, I know that with rulers such as you two, there could be a better peace treaty between us. Harad will not abandon Rhûn, you have my word as the Crown Prince of Harad."

Both siblings smiled at the Haradrim, looking very much alike in that moment before it passed and Kahilnar spoke once more, looking at his sister. "You have been getting attacks IN the valley?"

"Only on the north-west side. The Sercecet are located there and Renegade, their Commander, reports that men attacked just today. The Sertek have been doing so for almost two months now, but this is the first I have heard of men doing so."

"Why only the north-west side?"

Nareke shook her head, clearly frustrated by a puzzle she'd obviously been trying to piece together for some time now. "I don't know. They seem to want Commander Renegade, but either he does not know why this is or he won't tell. And before you question if I trust him, the answer is yes. Yileke is sure of him as well and I am inclined to believe her."

Kahilnar frowned, glancing at Alagos to see if the shape-shifter had anything to add. The white-haired male only looked closed-off, though, giving nothing away. That was enough to tell the Eastern Prince that the amber-eyed male knew something, but was only unwilling to say what it was, much like he'd done with the Vultsi. And when Alagos gained that look, absolutely nothing was going to make him talk, so Kahilnar didn't even try. He did blinked in surprise when Alagos did speak, though, just not about the Sercecet Commander. The shape-shifter's eyes were suddenly completely glazed with his gift.

"Sacalnun is sending out messages to the Kings of the other Kingdoms. He has received a message from the Crown Prince Zaid of Ar-Hihn that King Hisan is dead and has been for a year. Prince Zaid pleads with the Kings of the three remaining Kingdoms to join together under one banner to defeat Kilicar. He speaks of one Kilicar fears will unite Rhûn against him and advises the Kings to seek this person. Sacalnun is making all efforts possible in secrecy to see these messages delivered and to stir the other Kings into action."

Alagos' eyes cleared swiftly and he blinked, his gaze settling on the conflicted green eyes that stared at him. The shape-shifter spoke quietly, but firmly. "You need to send messages to the other Kings. Tell them you look to unite Rhûn. If this does not convince them to fight together, that these messages they are receiving are true, then we will resort to other methods, but you must try."

Kahilnar nodded, but raised a brow. "Other methods?"

The white-haired male's mouth danced with a smile and his amber eyes seemed to glitter. "I have convinced more than one person to do things they didn't want to do. A King or three would not be all that much of a challenge."

"You would go to the Kingdoms?"

"If that's what it took, yes. But let us try the messages first. I don't really want fly that far." Alagos' voice was light, teasing, but Kahilnar wasn't fooled and he really didn't want Alagos going to these Kingdoms anymore than the shape-shifter would want to.

"We'll try the messages and if they don't work THEN we will talk with the Northerner as see what SHE says about you doing this." He grinned at Alagos' wince and then the shape-shifter's immediate glare afterward. "You had to pull her into it?"

"Yes."

"Traitor."

Kahilnar's grin grew wider, but he didn't respond as Nareke cleared her throat. "Are you two speaking of anything I should be aware of?" The impatience in her voice was clear and Kahilnar shook his head. "No." He was conflicted about what to tell Nareke. On one hand, he outranked her. If they won this war, he would most likely be King of all Rhûn. But these were her people. These were her Rebels and Kahilnar had very little knowledge of how Nareke thought of herself. Did she see herself as a general? As a temporary leader because the situation had called for one? A Princess? Or did she think herself a future Queen? Until he knew how she thought, what she wanted when this was all over, he was not going to tell her of any move he might make toward his own Kingship. It was not that he wanted to deceive her, but at this point, what did it matter HOW they got help as long as they got it?

He would have to speak with her about this topic later, but now was not that time. Now was the time for planning and getting the new arrivals settled. Now the time for training those who could not fight and getting ready for a battle they did not want, but could not avoid.

"I need to speak with Daerhael. Do either of you want to join me?"

Amr immediately nodded, but Kahilnar shook his head. "No. I need to speak with Alagos. I will see you both on the morrow."

Nareke nodded curtly and started away. Amr paused, however, looking back at Kahilnar. "Please, tell your other sisters I said hello." He started to walk after Nareke when Kahilnar's voice made him still. "Katun asked after you." All right, so maybe it was slight lie, but oh well. Seeing the look on the Haradrim's face when he glanced back was worth it. "She did?"

Kahilnar nodded, a smile twitching at his mouth. "She stays near the Tsubasa and dragon caves. You have my blessing to speak with her if you desire." The Eastern Prince said nothing more, walking away and Alagos followed, shaking his head. "That was devious."

The Easterling effected an innocent look while at the same time sounding affronted. "What? He's been interested in her ever since he visited last year. They are of age for both our people at sixteen and fifteen. Perhaps nothing will come of it, but they both appear to like the other. This is not an arranged marriage. This is nothing more than a push for both of them by someone who cares."

"Hmph. Somehow I don't see your sister thanking you for your care."

Kahilnar grinned. "Perhaps not at first, no."

"You are incorrigible."

"You say that as if I should be ashamed of such a fact."

Alagos only shook his head again as the two headed for a very familiar spot next to a small waterfall. It was really Sharpmist and Kahilnar's designated spot and everyone in the valley knew it if only because Sharpmist was so vicious when woken by 'intruders' in the morning. It was the place Alagos had been training Kahilnar and the two almost relaxed when they arrived there, feeling more comfortable in a place they both found was only filled with good memories.

The shape-shifter settled himself by the water's edge, Liska having followed silently and now laying a short distance away, appearing for all the world like she was asleep. It was almost eerie how silent the Vultsi was, how patient she appeared when her task was as boring as this. Still, she never complained and only spoke when spoken to or when she was fed up with a stupid conversation. She was strange, but the cream-colored wolf was doing her duty and that was all she cared about. Alagos wasn't about to try and make her more sociable, either.

The white-haired male now kept his eyes averted from the water as Kahilnar stripped and got in the small lake, cursing quite loudly at how cold it was. Alagos snickered purposefully in the Easterling's mind and Kahilnar flicked water at him in retaliation. "Oh, shut up. You're not the one covered in dirt and blood from three weeks worth of fighting and marching. And horse. You don't smell like horse..." The shudder was clear in Kahilnar's voice and Alagos grinned, continuing to keep his eyes shut. It wasn't that either he or Kahilnar were particularly shy or self-conscious about their bodies, at least not with each other, but privacy was the courteous thing to do and there was no reason why the shape-shifter needed his eyes open right now anyway when he had no intention of moving.

"How has your shape-shifting been coming along?"

"You don't know?" The puzzlement was clear in Kahilnar's voice and Alagos shook his head, hearing the water lap up at the shore near his legs and knowing the Easterling was about ready to get out. Not that he blamed the other male. The water was COLD! "No. I've been preoccupied for a while now. I kept up with your safety, but little else."

"With what?"

"You're changing the subject."

"And you're hiding something."

Alagos sighed. "So are you, but one thing at a time, Kahil. How is your shape-shifting coming?"

The wince was clear in the Easterling's voice, but it wasn't for the question, but rather the shape-shifter's statement. "Fine. I can now control the horse form and the Twanres without any problems. I have trouble with smaller forms, though."

"Which one did you take?" Before the Prince had left, Alagos had told him to practice with just one smaller form of the Easterling's choosing. And now, judging by Kahilnar sudden reluctance to speak, the form had to have been either cringe-worthy or laugh-worthy. "Kahilnar?"

"A...turtle." It was mumbled and Alagos heard the Easterling get out of the water and start to dry off and dress if his grunts and muttered curses for the cold and now damp state of his skin - making it hard to get his clothing on - were any indication. The shape-shifter was more interested in what the Prince had said, though, and he raised a brow, eyes still closed, but a smile twitching at his lips. "A turtle?"

"Yes. I thought Sharpmist was going to die laughing."

Alagos held in his own silent mirth in with effort. "So what happened?"

"I...couldn't get a good hold on the animal part of the form and...I ended up staying the shell with terror." Kahilnar's voice grew into a growl. "It didn't help that Sharpmist started tossing me in the air..."

This time Alagos gave into the mirth bubbling up inside him. his body shaking with silent laughter, but his mind conveying it perfectly well to the Easterling who only scowled at him as he sat near the shape-shifter, attempting to further dry his dripping black hair. "It wasn't that funny!"

Alagos cracked an amused amber eye open and grinned at the look on the Prince's face. His shoulder shook just a little bit more in a chuckle that fluttered at his throat, but created no sound and then the shape-shifter took a steadying breath. "Yes, it is funny, but also manageable. Most shape-shifters don't expect small forms to be so hard to control, but the truth is that smaller forms are the hardest to control. They are usually creatures with either a high potency of fear because they are typically prey for larger animals or a fierce drive to hunt and survive because they are the smaller hunters and need to compete against the larger animals."

"How do you control that?"

"You don't control it as much as you blend your own desires with the animal's instincts. You find a balance and once you have, only then can you start to override the animal instinct. You must first understand it, though. Bigger creature are easier to understand because most of the time, they are very similar to us. Smaller creatures are different and we have to work to find out how they are different and yet the same to us before we can begin to control the instincts that make them act as they do."

"And you didn't tell me this...because you wanted me to experience it for myself?"

Alagos only smiled and Kahilnar sighed, giving up on the task of his hair. It was a lost cause anyway, though, he knew Tigeki would not agree and he was sure to get a forced haircut the next time she got a hold of him. "I can control my wings now. I've tried to take the form of a dragon, but I can't. The only thing that appears are the wings, the tail and some scales. I don't know why."

"Does that bother you?"

Kahilnar looked down at the dirt, his fingers tracing a pattern as he thought about the question and then answered slowly, almost as if he were afraid to get the words wrong or say something he didn't mean. "I...I just want to fly. I don't really care what form it is in, but...Sharp...she...she wants me to take a dragon form. She hides it well, but I know that's what she really wants."

"And you want to make her happy." It wasn't really a question, but Kahilnar nodded, his lips pressed tightly together. Alagos sighed. It was the most progress he'd seen between the two bonded in a while. Kahilnar would never had admitted a month ago that he wanted his dragoness happy and Sharpmist would have never made her desire for something from the Easterling so obvious in the past. And only Alagos knew why both the Prince and the battle dragoness were acting this way. If only they would stop being blind and see it in each other... This wasn't his problem to solve, though. Sharpmist knew Kahilnar was her mate. Kahilnar...it seemed he was beginning to suspect something. Only time would reveal what came of that, though. In the meantime...

"You'll take your dragon form when it is the right time, Kahil. Your body or your mind are just not ready yet."

Green eyes looked into amber ones, intent. "You think I will be able to take the form of a dragon?" He had only a quarter blood of dragon in him...maybe it just wasn't possible...

"I know you will. Trust me." If Sharpmist was mated to Kahilnar, then there had to be a way to complete that union and seeing as Sharpmist was not a shape-shifter...that only left the option of Kahilnar taking the form of a dragon. Alagos was more than sure it would happen, but he couldn't tell Kahilnar WHY he was sure. The Easterling only nodded, though, appearing relieved, but then like he wanted to ask something.

"Alagos, do you think I could learn to fly in this form?" The Prince was already standing before the shape-shifter could respond and Alagos watched in new interest as wings grew from Kahilnar's back, the Easterling's shirt disappearing with the transformation so as to allow the leather appendages freedom to appear and then spread. And spread they did, opening calmly, completely under Kahilnar's control just like he'd said they were. His tail twitched in circles as Alagos stood, meeting the green eyes that watched him. "May I?"

Kahilnar nodded, trusting the shape-shifter completely as Alagos took one of the wings in his hands, running his fingers over the bones and design, his brow furrowed thoughtfully. He jerked back as Kahilnar moved the wing back, fearing he might have hurt the other male, but Kahilnar's reached over and scratched the green leathery surface. "It tickled."

Alagos gave the Easterling a look, relieved and shook his head, studying the make of the wing again, but only with his eyes. "It looks just like a dragon's wing. Same design, same movements, but there are slight differences in the bone where it connects to your back. They are stronger, functioning a bit differently from a dragons, but I think this is to support your weight in a way that won't be painful over time. Flying...might be possible, yes, but certainly interesting as well. Your form isn't like that of a bird or a dragon. I am not sure how you would land and that might be the least of your problems with wind-currents and steering." His amber eyes glanced at Kahilnar's tail. Dragons used their tails to help balance them, steer, but Alagos was unsure as to how Kahilnar's would be helpful instead of hindering.

The Easterling appeared excited, though, his green eyes gleaming. "I want to try it."

The shape-shifter sighed, but smiled. "Fine, but not now. Have you learned anything else?"

Kahilnar face had fallen a bit, like a child denied a great game, but it brightened again at the question and an almost mischievous look came to his face that instantly had Alagos wary. The black-haired male didn't speak, though, only letting his body change again. Only...it didn't. Kahilnar's form didn't change at all...only his coloring did. Alagos watched with wide eyes as the Easterling's black hair went gold-brown, his skin lightly tanned and his eyes blue. The wings on his back and his tail now matched his hair. And if Alagos was not mistaken, the Prince seemed to have grown just a bit. He looked like a Rohirrim with dragon-wings.

Still Kahilnar said nothing and his coloring changed yet again, his hair growing darker and then slightly curly, his eyes a steel gray and his skin darkly tanned. He'd grown shorter now and his wings disappeared along with his tail, even as his clothes changed, becoming those similar to a Ranger's. The only thing that never seemed to change was Kahilnar's face, the shape of it and the physical build of his body. Everything else, though...

"I can do the same thing when I'm a horse or a Twanres. It's...like I can be anyone."

"It is a powerful gift, Kahil. And it could be very helpful or very harmful. Be careful how you use it." Alagos' voice was quiet. While he'd known Kahilnar could mimic forms - like his winged-horse one - and even colors, he'd not known that it applied to the Easterling's human form, too. It didn't worry the shape-shifter that Kahilnar had this power, but like he'd said, it was a powerful gift and needed to be used wisely. And practiced a great deal before the Prince could ever hope to use it for things like spying or blending into a certain people. There were customs and culture, languages and manners that applied to every race, every breed of human. Looking like one of them wasn't nearly enough...though, it was impressive and would no doubt be extremely useful in time.

Kahilnar nodded, understanding and his appearance going back to what was normal - green eyes and black hair. "I will. It...could very helpful, as you say, but...it frightens me, too. Sharpmist doesn't like it." He said the last bit with a smile, thinking of the battle dragoness snort of disgust whenever he performed a change. The only way she'd been able to recognize him had been by smell and she hadn't liked it at all.

"I don't doubt that." Alagos smiled and maneuvered his body in such a way that he could lay on his stomach, his chin propped on his forearms, his lithe body relaxing. Kahilnar was both grateful to see the tension leave and wary at the same time, remembering the last time the shape-shifter had taken such a position and ended up falling unconscious. "Are those herb remedies helping you?" What the Maia had said about something called Rovin Requilis was running through Kahilnar's head, but he wanted Alagos' answer to the question. He wasn't prepared for it, though.

"No. It was a poison of sorts to weaken my mind."

"What...do you know who was giving it to you?"

The shape-shifter shook his head a bit. "It is hard to determine whether it was the healers or someone tampering with their remedy." The shape-shifter appeared calm about the whole thing and that was the only reason Kahilnar kept his own tone relatively calm. He really wanted to hurt someone, though. "I will read the healers' mind if it will help."

Alagos nodded, accepting that as a good idea, his eyes focused on something in the distance, not really seeing it. "The Maia, she's in my head, Kahilnar. She has been for a month now, though, I didn't know it until right before you left. That is why I stopped sending the wind messages at first. She knew everything I did, everything I thought or said. It didn't want to endanger you."

"What changed?" Kahilnar kept his voice quiet, recognizing instantly the state Alagos had gone into. It was the same kind of mindset he took when talking about his torture and the Easterling knew that to exhibit anger now would only make the white-haired male grow quiet again, closed off. Now, though, Alagos seemed to focus a bit, as if reminding himself of something. "The Maiar, Maltasercë and Sairalassë, the dark Maia, Ñaltanárë, is their sister. They are teaching me how to fight her, mentally and Liska keeps her at bay until I am ready to battle her again. The dark Maiar and the golden-haired ones, they are triplets. Ñaltanárë, though, was the first one, the first Maia, to bond with a dragon. She killed the creature, Stormtongue, and a prophecy was set against her. One of Stormtongue's bloodline would defeat her to bring justice for his death."

Kahilnar felt a coldness settle in his stomach and he moved his head until he caught the shape-shifter amber eyes. "Alagos?" He thought maybe he was asking the shape-shifter to tell him suspicion was not true...but it would make sense if it was. Why the dark Maia had killed those near the shapes-shifter, why she'd lured Alagos to eight years of hell...why she seemed obsessed with the white-haired male... Kahilnar didn't want it to be true, though, for his friend's sake.

"I am of Stormtongue's bloodline and Maltasercë and Sairalassë, the Creator, say I fit the prophecy." It was said quietly, almost with a hint of disbelief. Kahilnar sighed, realizing he needed to support his heart-brother, not doubt him, not rage on his behalf. He just needed to be there...and to tell Alagos what he'd learned, no matter how painful it might be.

"If it is a prophecy then it is true, right? You will defeat her?"

Alagos smiled, but it held an almost bitter quality and he sat back until he was on his knees, meeting the Easterling's worried green eyes. "It is not the only prophecy that has been made concerning me, Kahil. And if both are true, I am loathe to see how they will work together."

A chill ran down Kahilnar's spine, a feeling of forbidding. "What is the other prophecy, Alagos?"

"'Talikan will you be for your gift, but Yllomin will be what you become. Storm of Wind you shall be called. Aonziyn are you truly named for this will surely be your bane'. My father made that prophecy when I was born and over the years, everything has been proven true. Everything but the last part."

"What does it mean? What do Yllomin and Aonziyn mean?" Kahilnar was not sure he wanted to know and yet, he had to know.

Alagos sighed, looking down at his hands as they flexed against the top of his legs, curling into a clawed shape before relaxing again. "I am the Talikan within the Dragon Clan. That you know. Yllomin means 'Guardian' and that is what I have become to you. The Tsubasa have confirmed it calling me 'Kanshisha', as has Noruiel with the name 'Aaglos'. Both mean 'Guardian' to their two peoples. Storm of Wind is merely what the elven name 'Alagos' translates into. Aonziyn...means 'Sacrifice' in Dracon. My father said my true name was Sacrifice." Amber eyes looked up into green ones, their expression pained. "How do you think that fits in with me defeating a powerful Maia?"

Kahilnar swallowed hard, staring at his friend and knowing just what Alagos was implying. The Prince pushed the thought away stubbornly, though, glaring and his voice harsh with anger. "No! You are not going to die defeating her! The Northerner won't let you die and neither will I."

That got a small smile out of the shape-shifter, but Kahilnar wished it hadn't. This wasn't funny. "You can't control that anymore than I could control when you die, Kahil. Only the Creator decides and knows the hours of our departure from this world."

"You're not going to die. Not that way."

The shape-shifter sighed deeply, but the sound was lost before it could be made. "I hope not, Kahil."

Kahilnar shook his head, not convinced and not willing to let this go, not yet. He set his hand on the white-haired male's shoulder, his green eyes hard. "You will not die from this battle. She couldn't kill you with torture and she won't kill you now. She can't break you."

Something flickered in Alagos amber eyes, a question and the Easterling looked away for a moment before steeling himself and speaking, wishing he didn't have to deliver the words that came from his mouth. "The Maia...she was Keyna, Alagos." He waited for the realization to sink in for the other male, wondering if he'd have to use more words to explain. He knew he wouldn't as Alagos went pale, his eyes wide and he opened his mouth, but nothing came out, not even an attempt at sound. Kahilnar felt the slight tremble under his fingers from the lithe figure before him, but then it stilled and he felt a great deal of air being drawn in instead as the shape-shifter seemed to forceful settle himself.

"She tricked me." It wasn't a question, but Kahilnar nodded. "She did."

"She won't do it again." Amber eyes looked into green, determination and anger in them and Kahilnar found himself smiling and squeezing his friend's shoulder in encouragement, approval. No, the Maia would never trick the shape-shifter again and Alagos' spirit would never bend to her.

The next day...

Gweltari closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, trying to calm her racing heart and jittery nerves. Katun laughed softly and the ranger woman opened her eyes to see the Princess smiling at her reassuringly. Maybe they could not speak the same language, but the message the younger woman was sending was clear; everything was going to be fine. Gweltari smiled back, shaky, but her green-gray eyes glittered with anticipation and not fear. She looked once again at the reflection in the pool, seeing the beautiful woman who looked back at her and feeling amazement. That was her? Really?

Dark brown, curly hair had been pinned mostly up with long, wild tendrils hanging down her neck in delicate strands and wispy about her face. The style had been done by Tigeki and Gweltari could say nothing against it. She had never seen her hair cooperate so well for anyone before! Then again, this was Tigeki... A thin silver chain with a small leaf pendant that sat on her neck had been a gift from her brothers, something they'd been saving for her birthday in a month and a half, but had seen fit to give her today instead. The ranger woman's light blue dress, so pale it almost looked white, hugged her slim waist before flaring down to her feet. The shoulder-sleeves hung off her shoulders before becoming sheer lace that hugged her arms like a second skin all the way down to her wrists. Dark blue designs spiraled from one hip, across her lower stomach and then to the other hip like a belt and the same designs were woven into the lace on her arms. The entire dress was breathtaking to Gweltari and she could not stop thanking Yileke when the woman had showed it to her yesterday. It didn't even matter that the deaf woman could not hear her. Kahilnar's sister had been pleased anyway just by how wide the ranger's woman's eyes had gone at seeing the lovely thing.

Gweltari wore no shoes, not wanting them and no persuasion by Katun or Mahayre would convince her to wear them. Mana and Kasumi had found the whole thing ridiculously funny and the winged-cats had merrily watched the exchange. Tigeki had finally told them all to shut up and Emeraldsong had rolled her eyes, something the auburn-haired female had obviously taught her, though, the Treasure Ancient didn't seem to realize she was doing it. Both Runningheart and Sapphirewing now commented on how pretty Gweltari looked, at least by human standards, and the woman blushed.

Kamiseen and Rafa warbled in amusement at her reaction, the sand dragons more than used to humans. None of the four dragoness had met the ranger woman before today, but she was marrying one of their own, a dragon, and they welcomed her accordingly, wanting to help and merely just show the human that she was accepted. Gweltari, for her part, felt warmed by the amount of attention she was receiving from females she knew only tentatively. She felt like she was part of their families, though. At this moment in time, she felt like she belonged. All of them gathered here, together in their best clothing, brightly colored and happy, it felt right.

Giggles and whispers, suggestions and advice, teasing and reassurance, Gweltari received everything from so many different personalities and races that her head spun, but it was a good spinning. Still she was grateful when Tigeki darted back into the secluded area by the water where the other females were, coming back from her self-appointed task. "They be ready!"

The ranger woman felt her stomach clench, butterflies trying frantically to find a way out of her and she suddenly found she couldn't move, could barely breathe from the anticipation, the excitement that constricted her chest. Nareke, silent up until this point, laughed, pulling the ranger woman up to a stand and grinning in a less than reassuring way, more mischievous than anything and Tigeki's face mirrored it. "Oh, come now. You love him, don't you?" the Princess asked, already knowing the answer.

Gweltari could only nod and Yileke smiled at her encouragingly, following along with all the other females of every race, as Nareke was pulling her out of the secluded area. "Well, if you love him then you've nothing to worry about. He just better realize how lucky he is!"

"He knows." It was Sharpmist, her red eyes gleaming with silent laughter and Gweltari gave the dragoness a look, but in truth, was glad for a truly familiar face as they all made their way toward the great expanse of field that held so many people that Gweltari knew she'd never met more than half of them. Still, news of a wedding was hard to keep quiet and these people were eager for anything good and joyous even if it was not specifically for them. And the ranger woman really couldn't blame them for it.

Among all the faces she knew and didn't know, though, the only one Gweltari wanted to see would be waiting for at the end of this swarm of people. She felt like swimming through them if it was get her there faster!

Little did she know that Alagos was thinking the same thing.

The shape-shifter looked out across the sea of people and felt his heart skip a beat as he spotted the many dragoness coming toward the crowd. That meant Gweltari was among them and the thought made a smile come to his face. He heard Kahilnar snort quietly and directed a glare at the Easterling. Every male - him, Kahilnar, Thalbor, Taurnar, Amr and Daerhael - were all dressed in their best. The dragons - Skyfang, Nightwind, Rapidwater, Taleclaw and Hilel - and the Tsubasa - Eiji, Aki and Osamu - were all gathered not far away, their scales, fur and feathers gleaming in the sun. The clothing of the humanoid males differed with cultural influence, though. Thalbor and Taurnar looked like the Rangers they were in blacks, browns and greens, even wearing their swords, but their pants were clean and their tunics and vests the same. Their cloaks had been washed and every piece of metal polished.

Kahilnar was in black and red, the colors of his home and his hair had been pulled back and cut thanks to Tigeki. Daerhael was dressed much like an Easterling, wearing the sturdy pants of the east, like Kahilnar and both wore long tunics with loose sleeves, perfect for concealing weapons. The guard's colors were a mix of red and brown, showing his loyalty to Kahilnar as well as the Rebels. Both males had forgone any weapons other than the daggers they wore at their waists on simple belts.

Amr was dressed in the best garb of his people. His clothes were brightly colored being of light greens, blues and yellow. The vest he wore was long-sleeved because of the weather, but it didn't button up in the front, showing his dark-skinned chest. His pants seemed to billow out at the sides and were made of a very light, loose material. On his feet were boots of a Rhûnic make, though, as the weather was not suitable for his own wear.

Alagos for his part, belonged to no particular culture and his clothes seemed to show that. They were simple, being only brown pants and a deep, dark red tunic that Amr and Daerhael had practically forced on him, stating he had to have SOME color. The shade certainly highlighted his white hair, making it look as pale as freshly fallen snow and it darkened his amber eyes significantly. The shape-shifter had reluctantly let Tigeki work on his hair, but she'd had some mercy on him, only loosely tying it back in the style of the elves and a bit more sloppily, taking care to stay true to the shape-shifter's style and knowing very well he'd just take it out if he wasn't happy with it. Everything about the white-haired male was simple, but detailed at the same time. It fit.

"Relax, Alagos. It's not like she's going to come here and then change her mind." Kahilnar said reassuringly.

"And we weren't planning on denying this union at first just to stress you out..." Taurnar grinned and Thalbor smacked the back of his head, making the younger twin yelp a bit, drawing the attention of Amr who gave the twins a raised a brow. Daerhael only sighed, mumbling something about young ones that made Kahilnar snicker.

Alagos gave them all a look. They'd been teasing him since that morning and he was more than used to it by this point. Still, he could see the amusement they all gained from it and didn't protest. He did smile, though, as Taurnar rubbed his head again, glaring at his sibling with more of a pout than anything. The shape-shifter shook his own head before, glancing at Liska sitting close to him and then turning his attention forward again. When he'd told Kahilnar about the wedding yesterday, he'd been excited, happy, nervous...now all he felt was the first bubbles of joy welling up in his chest and an anticipation to see his mate that made his body hum with energy.

Today, she would not only be his mate in the dragons' way of thinking, but his wife in the human and elven way of thinking, too. And all he could think about was her. The smell of baking breads and other foods for the celebration tickled his nose and the wind teased his hair, rippling across the dark, lush green grass of the field everyone was gathered on. The sound of people murmuring, Kahilnar telling the twins to shut up and Daerhael restoring order was only a distant buzz in his mind because in the distance, coming toward him with graceful steps, surrounded by her female friends...was Gweltari.

The shape-shifter could honestly say, in the the four hundred and fifty-something years he'd lived, he'd never seen anything more beautiful than how Gweltari looked right now. Her hair ghosted against her slender neck and the curves of her body were a delight to look upon. She was nothing less than perfect in his mind. From her stubborn spirit to her fear of drowning. Every angry outburst, flare of power, every gentle word or touch, every tear and laugh was cemented in his memory forever. She now was approaching him with a smile on her lips, though, and a glow about her face, her eyes sparkling with love and mirth. He felt a smile come to his own face and his amber eyes never left her, never looked away from her own gaze even when she stopped, seeming almost startled when Thalbor and Taurnar gained her attention, both the twins clearly wanting to laugh at the dazed look on their sister's face. They refrained, though, both kissing her cheek and then walking with her the last few steps to stand opposite Alagos.

Gweltari felt like her heart was going to beat out of her chest and she'd barely heard the words of blessing her brothers had spoken quietly to her. She barely felt their hands holding one of her own on either side, representing her family, her father who should have been giving her to Alagos. She only had eyes for the handsome specimen of male before her. She loved the red tunic that darkened his amber eyes, making them appear even more wild than they usually did and the way his white hair looked like it wanted to escape its confinement. Every strong line of his face was studied, every muscle through his clothing observed and she could not help but think of all they'd gone through, everything they had endured to come to this day. She thought of every hardship and every scare, and in her heart, Gweltari knew they would be fine. If they could survive that, they could survive anything and now...they knew they'd forever be together to do so.

By the end of this ceremony, Alagos would be her husband. The thought and the love she saw in his amber gaze sent a tingle down her spine and the woman's smile grew. She blinked, though, surprised when both Maltasercë and Sairalassë came to stand to the side and between the two groups. The Maiar smiled and the ranger woman understood then that her wedding was going to be conducted by them. Her wedding was being validated by MAIAR! She felt like laughing and glanced at Alagos again to see him smiling as well, but not appearing surprised.

She didn't find that strange at all.

"Has everyone who is gathered here come of their own free will?" The question, unexpected, came from Maltasercë and everyone only nodded, looking at the two Maiar. The golden-haired male smiled a bit and looked at Alagos, clearly going to represent the male group while his sister would represent Gweltari's group. The shape-shifter only wondered why the male Maia was speaking in Rhûnic when Gweltari, Thalbor and Taurnar could not understand it... "Alagos Thenincoalson, have you come here, knowing every duty expected of you and fully aware of every oath that you shall take today in promise to your wife?"

"I have."

Alagos' eyes widened, shocked as he brought his fingers up to his throat and everyone else around him stared at him in surprise. He'd spoken out loud. He hadn't meant to, but he had. The only ones not surprised were the Maiar and they both chuckled, Sairalassë's voice kind when she spoke. "This will be the last time you are able to speak, Alagos, but you've been given a gift this day from the Creator. He loves you and He delights in this union. Everyone here will hear and understand anything either you or Gweltari say, no matter what language you say it in."

The shape-shifter let his eyes slip closed, feeling like he could cry and when he opened them again, he saw that Gweltari was, silent tears dripping off her face even as she smiled at him. Alagos almost lost the tentative control he'd gained in that moment, but managed to hang on to it. He kept his eyes on Gweltari as Sairalassë spoke again, feeling warmth curl in his chest, a silent assurance of love and approval from the Maker of the Universe. The shape-shifter had no doubt that Gweltari was feeling the same thing.

"Gwelutarien Thalosiel, have you come here today, fully aware of the duties expected of you as a wife and understanding of every promise you shall make to the male before you?"

"I have. I am fully aware of every promise I shall make to Alagos and I am prepared to keep them." She spoke softly, but the ranger woman's words were no less sure for the fact. Both Thalbor and Taurnar grinned and at a nod from Sairalassë, addressed Gweltari, Thalbor speaking first as he was the eldest twin. "Sister, you know I love you and I want nothing but your happiness. I ask you this day; does this male you are about to marry make you happy? Are you willing to go with him?"

"He does make me happy. I am willing to go with him."

Thalbor smiled and squeezed her hand, looking at Taurnar who spoke to the white-haired male before them. "Alagos, we give our sister, a treasure, into your keeping today. We ask that you cherish her and protect her as we have up until this day." They watched the shape-shifter and Alagos spoke firmly, still appearing amazed at being able to hear himself. "I accept your sister's hand and her heart. I will protect her as you have protected her. I will provide for her and love her for as long as we might live. I will never give you reason to regret giving her into my care."

Both twins looked extremely happy about his words and they took the hand they each held in their larger ones and placed them in Alagos', Gweltari taking a step toward the shape-shifter in a clear sign that she was completely willing in this agreement. The shape-shifter and the ranger woman stared at each other for a long moment before Maltasercë spoke, capturing their attention so that they looked at the Maia. "Alagos, have you the symbols for this union?"

Amber eyes looked back into green-gray ones with a smile before Kahilnar stepped forward and handed Alagos something the woman could not see. The shape-shifter held her left hand in his own and she watched, biting her lower lip against a happy laugh as he slipped a ring on her third finger. It was a make she'd never seen before and she found herself looking at it in surprise, watching the sunlight glint off the smooth, white surface, a color spectrum appearing at the right angle. "What is it made of?"

"Dragon-scales. Sharpmist helped me make it." Alagos showed her an identical one and she took it, holding his hand gently as she slid the ring on to his the third finger of his left hand, smiling into his eyes. Sairalassë's voice was filled with happiness when she spoke, her voice lilting and filled with mirthful laughter. "In the eyes of these witnesses, by the customs of both your people and by the will of Eru Ilúvatar, you are now husband and wife. May your union and your lives be blessed. May you have many children to carry your name. May you always love and respect one another and may nothing come between you."

A cheer went up from those around them and the dragons roared to the sky, but Alagos and Gweltari only watched each other and the words they spoke were only to each other. Alagos took his new wife's hands in his own and she drew closer to him, looking up at him with eyes shining with untainted, undulated love such as he could fathom deserving or being worthy of. "When I met you, I did not know the desire of my own heart. I did not understand why you cared about me. I still don't understand that, but I do know that you have captured me thoroughly, Nahisya, and yours is a trap I never want to leave. I never want to be parted from you and I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy."

The ranger woman laughed softly, stepping closer to him, her own voice soft in her husband's head. "YOU make me happy, Alagos. I need never fear being unhappy. I am yours and you are mine from this day forward. I will never desire that to change. I will be faithful to you and I will never stop caring for you, whether you be sick or hale. I will be a wife you can be proud of, a mate you can rely on."

Alagos smiled, his amber eyes dark, but joyful as he slid his fingers underneath Gweltari's jaw, tilting her head up and lowering his own, saying the last words he knew instinctively that he'd be able to say. "I love you."

The woman smiled, her reply whispered. "And I love you."

No more words were needed between them as their lips met and both their arms went around each other, holding the other close. Neither could help smiling as they kissed, though, when both Thalbor and Taurnar whistled and clapped.

"We'll deal them during the celebration, right?" Visions of retaliation were already skipping through his mind and Gweltari grinned mischievously as she pulled back from Alagos slightly, her green-gray eyes dancing. "Of course."

"Good." It was all Alagos said before kissing her again and Gweltari's laughter sounded in his head, happy.

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