Seems like the blocks gone. Yay!
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Erebus stood in front of a large obelisk. With a grin he placed a hand on it. In a flash it became see-through.
A figure sat hunched over, black fire surrounding it. Its hands clenched together, years of dried blood almost gluing them to one another. Long ago its clothes had decomposed, leaving its vulnerable naked body to the ever- present cold. Its face was hidden, pressed against the hands at the bridge of the nose. Its lips were cracked and swollen, dried blood clotting them together. Its entire body was coated with a fine layer of grime and ice.
With a laugh he withdrew his hand and shook his head.
"Fool. Still alive?" His tone softened. "Why don't you just give up? Give into death. Why not travel into the Houses of the Dead? What is left here for you? I felt your pain when your woman died. There is no one here for you. So why are you remaining?" There was no response. Erebus rolled his eyes. "Come on, I know you can talk."
A low creaking sound filled the air. Grime and ice flaked off the long black hair and neck as its head was raised for the first time in over an age. A similar sight happen as the facial muscles began to move. Its jaw quivered, swallowing hard, and with a shuddering breath, dark purple eyes sprung open. Its lips moved but no sound escaping it. Finally a croak came.
"Caleb." Erebus smile faltered for a moment.
"Surely you realize the boy isn't going to survive? He has returned from whatever place you hid him, but I will not allow him to live." The violet eyes flashed to the dark god's face. Finrod didn't speak again, but the lord knew what it was he thought. "True, he is no longer a babe, and as foreseen by that wailing bitch, he's been preceded by that damn girl. But Finrod, surely you realize a retched human will not be able to handle the powers of a Light Tree, not with Laurelin having her own agenda." Finrod grunted and stood, falling back as his legs failed him.
"She's stronger then she looks." The elven lord said, his voice slightly clear then before. Erebus lips pressed into a thin line.
"We shall see."
--------------------
The horse moved slowly in the grim light of the morning. We had left at the ungodly hour of four, and had been trudging on for over an hour. We were leaving Arwen at Lothlorien, but, oddly, Caleb was coming with us. I had thought he'd want to stay with Galadriel and catch up or something, but apparently he had some pressing news to brief Elrond on. I had a sneaking feeling that it had something to do with me. He, Rinvil and Estel where the only ones I really mentally noted as being there. It was too early to think.
Try as I might, I couldn't go to sleep last night. When I finally did I was plagued with a horrible dream. And now I wouldn't allow myself to sleep. It seemed that my dreams were never private anymore. The gods weren't the only invaders. Last night I there had been a new one.
It was the same perfectly green field, with the perfect blue sky and perfect warm fuzzy light. But instead of Irmo, Tulkas or Orome there had been a woman. She sat Indian style in the grass, her long golden hair flowing around her. It had almost been glowing. I had walked closer, expecting it to be another god. Golden eyes peered up at me, full of warmth and light, as she smiled. Her voice rang like bells but her words sent me into a shiver.
'When are you going to let me take control?'
I shuddered. I really didn't like what she meant. At least I think I knew what she meant. I got a very strong suspicion she meant my body...
"Jack! Watch the branch!" Josh shouted as Rinvil yanked my horse out of the way.
"Jack, you're going to have to pay more attention." Rinvil warned. I grinned stupidly.
"Yeah, sorry."
"You are hopeless. What if we come under attack next time you daydream like that? You'll be dead before Rinvil yanks you out of the way." I turned in my saddle and sent the silver-eyed lord a death glare. He obviously still had his panties in a bunch from our last argument.
Not my bloody fault, he's the one determined to make me weak. I patted my horse's neck.
"Nice horsey. This horse got a name?" I asked ignoring Glorfindel completely.
"Yes, Aqul-"
"Mofo."
"Excuse me?" Rinvil asked as his face contracted in confusion.
"This horse's name is now Mofo." I announced as I stroked it again.
"Mofo?" Rinvil asked again. The lost elf tilted its head to the side as I chuckled to myself. "I do not understand, what does it mean?" I just shook my head and grinned.
"Hey, Caleb!" He called up. Caleb turned in his saddle.
"Yes?"
"What does 'mofo' mean?" Caleb's face screwed up for a moment; I grinned harder.
"Why do you ask?" My cousin's voice was tinted with amusement, his eyes flicking over to me questioningly.
"That is what Jack just named her horse." Joshua explained from next to me. Caleb snorted.
"Of course she did." He turned to me. "Why have you named your horse a cuss word?"
"It is a foul word?" Rinvil asked, clearly surprised.
"It means 'mother fucker'." I answered patting my horse as it snorted.
"Why would you give your horse such a name?" Josh asked with a laugh.
"To answer that you clearly need to think like a five-year-old, Estel." Glorfindel's cold voice broke in from behind. "Your lack of maturity astounds me every time it's thrust into my face." I clenched my teeth together.
"You need to find whatever's been shoved up your ass and remove it." I suggested. Next to me Rinvil barely covered his chuckle. I bowed my head when Glorfindel didn't respond. It seems that our verbal match had ended for the moment. I closed my eyes and sluggishly tugged the hat visor down further.
So damn tired. After the dream, I had stayed up all night. I was already seriously sleep deprived because of the dreams, but now it was almost unbearable. I pulled the sleeves of my sweatshirt further over my hands. Wasn't it supposed to be getting warmer? I resisted the call of sleep and forced my eyes open.
Sleep used to be an escape for me; now it was just another place to be assaulted with responsibilities. Orome, Irmo, Tulkas and Este came almost every night, (not necessarily together) offering words of advice, rebukes and warnings. They all had such high expectations for me, too high.
I couldn't even please my father, how was I supposed please a bunch of gods? I was not good enough for this. I can kill, I'd probably kill anyone they asked me too. A sad, dark smile crept onto my lips. I did, after all, kill my own father. But that's really all I can do.
Almost all three had the same words to say:
'Remember Jack. You are the warrior of the Valar (or with Orome, my warrior). You will fight for us. You will help fight back the coming tide. '
And Este would almost always add:
'You will be one of our saviors.'
Those words always made me feel horrible on the inside. I'm not anyone's warrior. I am no one's savior. I can't command armies. I can't save a world. I can't fight back any damn tides. I was just a kid. I wasn't good enough for this. The other saviors would reject me, whoever they were. They'll see right through me. Then maybe the gods will see their mistake.
I'm no one's savior, I'm just Jack. I leaned forward a bit further, my forehead resting on Mofo's soft neck.
'Jack.' A soft, femine voice called.
I jerked myself awake again and cursed softly. Alright, that settles it. I am not going to fall asleep. Not with that lady waiting for me. I forced myself to keep my eyes open.
--------------
Glorfindel watched as Jack's body jerked again. She had fallen asleep many times on a horse, so why was she preventing herself this time? Maybe she was starting to get some common sense. Or maybe she just remembered the lecture he had given her last time they were on the road. He snorted as her head fell again. Probably not.
Glorfindel sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, silver eyes never leaving Jack's figure. His anger for her had left long ago; now he was just confused. What in the Valar's name does she mean? How was he making her weaker? He shook his head, his loose hair flying behind him. Reaching behind him, the elven lord pulled it into a leather band.
Jack forced herself awake again. He shook his head as he heard a loud curse about the Valar. She needed to be more careful about those. The gods had quite a sense of humor. He was living proof of that.
It wasn't long again before her small frame slouched again. Glorfindel watched her, waiting for the jerk. When it didn't happen and she started to lean to the right, he urged his horse into a quicker speed and slowed by Jack's side. Reaching a gloved hand out, he gripped her shoulder, keeping her from sliding off the horse.
He locked eyes with Estel's gray ones. He shrugged as the young human sloped an eyebrow upwards and nodded towards the support. Silver eyes rolled irritation as the boy looked forward, a knowing smile on his lips.
Damn teenage boys and their dysfunctional thoughts.
He had barely removed his hand when Jack started to fall backwards, her back bending at a very uncomfortable angle. With a sigh he reached out and pulled her back up. She let out a groan of protest as she fell forward. Glorfindel reached out and caught her again, once again positioning her to stay on the horse.
This time it seemed to work, her body finding support from itself. He pulled away his hand but kept by her side. If she fell again, he would catch her.
---------------------
I gapped at the large towering gates. They were opening, reveling black stone and scorched paths.
"We're going in there?"
"Yep." Alex responded with a yawn. "Don't worry, Aya, it isn't a bad place. Really. Got wonderful dudgeons."
"You've been here before?"
"Yeah. Got here from Rivendell in less then a day."
"How?" I demanded. Why the hell couldn't they have taken that travel? My ass hurt like a bitch! True amusement flickered across Alex's face then.
"Some sort of flying beast. I believe it was a dragon mix breed. Pure darkness, moved faster then any beast I know."
"Why could I not have traveled that way?" I complained angrily.
"You don't want to come that way." Alex said with a wicked smile.
"Why not?"
"I'll tell you later. That and much more about the dark world, as will our Lord. Look, a welcoming party." Alex pointed to where a large group of men on horses were approaching. They wore polished gray armor and bore a red eye on their chests. They were rather intimidating.
"Whoa." I managed under my breath.
"Yeah. They're impressive—elite warriors I believe. Your new guard." A feeling of excitement rushed through me. Those men where my guard? Elite warriors for me?
"Mine?" I asked as the regiment of fifty lined up before our party.
"Don't sound so shocked, Aya. You are his Queen. He wouldn't want anything to happen before you gave him a kid." Alex said as he dismounted. I was a Queen? I was a Queen! Booyah.
"Come on down. Why don't you let me show you around?" Alex asked, his arms raised to help me down. I slipped off the horse and almost instantly the regiment fell to its knees, bowing so low their heads touched the gravel. "Lovely to have power isn't it?" His voice whispered softly to my ear. My body shuddered with something akin to lust as my eyes locked on the bowed heads.
Finally.
--------------
When Erebus is speaking to Finrod, he mentions 'that wailing bitch' he is talking about the Goddess Nienna. She forever mourns for every wound Arda (Middle-earth) has suffered at the hand of Melkor and his minions. Anyone who hears her song learns pity and patience.
He also talks about the Houses of the Dead or the Halls of Mandos. In these places the souls of the dead elves rest. It is ruled by Namo, the god that forgets nothing and knows all that will be (save the will of Iluvatar).
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Thanks for you guys reviews!
-------------------
Erebus stood in front of a large obelisk. With a grin he placed a hand on it. In a flash it became see-through.
A figure sat hunched over, black fire surrounding it. Its hands clenched together, years of dried blood almost gluing them to one another. Long ago its clothes had decomposed, leaving its vulnerable naked body to the ever- present cold. Its face was hidden, pressed against the hands at the bridge of the nose. Its lips were cracked and swollen, dried blood clotting them together. Its entire body was coated with a fine layer of grime and ice.
With a laugh he withdrew his hand and shook his head.
"Fool. Still alive?" His tone softened. "Why don't you just give up? Give into death. Why not travel into the Houses of the Dead? What is left here for you? I felt your pain when your woman died. There is no one here for you. So why are you remaining?" There was no response. Erebus rolled his eyes. "Come on, I know you can talk."
A low creaking sound filled the air. Grime and ice flaked off the long black hair and neck as its head was raised for the first time in over an age. A similar sight happen as the facial muscles began to move. Its jaw quivered, swallowing hard, and with a shuddering breath, dark purple eyes sprung open. Its lips moved but no sound escaping it. Finally a croak came.
"Caleb." Erebus smile faltered for a moment.
"Surely you realize the boy isn't going to survive? He has returned from whatever place you hid him, but I will not allow him to live." The violet eyes flashed to the dark god's face. Finrod didn't speak again, but the lord knew what it was he thought. "True, he is no longer a babe, and as foreseen by that wailing bitch, he's been preceded by that damn girl. But Finrod, surely you realize a retched human will not be able to handle the powers of a Light Tree, not with Laurelin having her own agenda." Finrod grunted and stood, falling back as his legs failed him.
"She's stronger then she looks." The elven lord said, his voice slightly clear then before. Erebus lips pressed into a thin line.
"We shall see."
--------------------
The horse moved slowly in the grim light of the morning. We had left at the ungodly hour of four, and had been trudging on for over an hour. We were leaving Arwen at Lothlorien, but, oddly, Caleb was coming with us. I had thought he'd want to stay with Galadriel and catch up or something, but apparently he had some pressing news to brief Elrond on. I had a sneaking feeling that it had something to do with me. He, Rinvil and Estel where the only ones I really mentally noted as being there. It was too early to think.
Try as I might, I couldn't go to sleep last night. When I finally did I was plagued with a horrible dream. And now I wouldn't allow myself to sleep. It seemed that my dreams were never private anymore. The gods weren't the only invaders. Last night I there had been a new one.
It was the same perfectly green field, with the perfect blue sky and perfect warm fuzzy light. But instead of Irmo, Tulkas or Orome there had been a woman. She sat Indian style in the grass, her long golden hair flowing around her. It had almost been glowing. I had walked closer, expecting it to be another god. Golden eyes peered up at me, full of warmth and light, as she smiled. Her voice rang like bells but her words sent me into a shiver.
'When are you going to let me take control?'
I shuddered. I really didn't like what she meant. At least I think I knew what she meant. I got a very strong suspicion she meant my body...
"Jack! Watch the branch!" Josh shouted as Rinvil yanked my horse out of the way.
"Jack, you're going to have to pay more attention." Rinvil warned. I grinned stupidly.
"Yeah, sorry."
"You are hopeless. What if we come under attack next time you daydream like that? You'll be dead before Rinvil yanks you out of the way." I turned in my saddle and sent the silver-eyed lord a death glare. He obviously still had his panties in a bunch from our last argument.
Not my bloody fault, he's the one determined to make me weak. I patted my horse's neck.
"Nice horsey. This horse got a name?" I asked ignoring Glorfindel completely.
"Yes, Aqul-"
"Mofo."
"Excuse me?" Rinvil asked as his face contracted in confusion.
"This horse's name is now Mofo." I announced as I stroked it again.
"Mofo?" Rinvil asked again. The lost elf tilted its head to the side as I chuckled to myself. "I do not understand, what does it mean?" I just shook my head and grinned.
"Hey, Caleb!" He called up. Caleb turned in his saddle.
"Yes?"
"What does 'mofo' mean?" Caleb's face screwed up for a moment; I grinned harder.
"Why do you ask?" My cousin's voice was tinted with amusement, his eyes flicking over to me questioningly.
"That is what Jack just named her horse." Joshua explained from next to me. Caleb snorted.
"Of course she did." He turned to me. "Why have you named your horse a cuss word?"
"It is a foul word?" Rinvil asked, clearly surprised.
"It means 'mother fucker'." I answered patting my horse as it snorted.
"Why would you give your horse such a name?" Josh asked with a laugh.
"To answer that you clearly need to think like a five-year-old, Estel." Glorfindel's cold voice broke in from behind. "Your lack of maturity astounds me every time it's thrust into my face." I clenched my teeth together.
"You need to find whatever's been shoved up your ass and remove it." I suggested. Next to me Rinvil barely covered his chuckle. I bowed my head when Glorfindel didn't respond. It seems that our verbal match had ended for the moment. I closed my eyes and sluggishly tugged the hat visor down further.
So damn tired. After the dream, I had stayed up all night. I was already seriously sleep deprived because of the dreams, but now it was almost unbearable. I pulled the sleeves of my sweatshirt further over my hands. Wasn't it supposed to be getting warmer? I resisted the call of sleep and forced my eyes open.
Sleep used to be an escape for me; now it was just another place to be assaulted with responsibilities. Orome, Irmo, Tulkas and Este came almost every night, (not necessarily together) offering words of advice, rebukes and warnings. They all had such high expectations for me, too high.
I couldn't even please my father, how was I supposed please a bunch of gods? I was not good enough for this. I can kill, I'd probably kill anyone they asked me too. A sad, dark smile crept onto my lips. I did, after all, kill my own father. But that's really all I can do.
Almost all three had the same words to say:
'Remember Jack. You are the warrior of the Valar (or with Orome, my warrior). You will fight for us. You will help fight back the coming tide. '
And Este would almost always add:
'You will be one of our saviors.'
Those words always made me feel horrible on the inside. I'm not anyone's warrior. I am no one's savior. I can't command armies. I can't save a world. I can't fight back any damn tides. I was just a kid. I wasn't good enough for this. The other saviors would reject me, whoever they were. They'll see right through me. Then maybe the gods will see their mistake.
I'm no one's savior, I'm just Jack. I leaned forward a bit further, my forehead resting on Mofo's soft neck.
'Jack.' A soft, femine voice called.
I jerked myself awake again and cursed softly. Alright, that settles it. I am not going to fall asleep. Not with that lady waiting for me. I forced myself to keep my eyes open.
--------------
Glorfindel watched as Jack's body jerked again. She had fallen asleep many times on a horse, so why was she preventing herself this time? Maybe she was starting to get some common sense. Or maybe she just remembered the lecture he had given her last time they were on the road. He snorted as her head fell again. Probably not.
Glorfindel sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, silver eyes never leaving Jack's figure. His anger for her had left long ago; now he was just confused. What in the Valar's name does she mean? How was he making her weaker? He shook his head, his loose hair flying behind him. Reaching behind him, the elven lord pulled it into a leather band.
Jack forced herself awake again. He shook his head as he heard a loud curse about the Valar. She needed to be more careful about those. The gods had quite a sense of humor. He was living proof of that.
It wasn't long again before her small frame slouched again. Glorfindel watched her, waiting for the jerk. When it didn't happen and she started to lean to the right, he urged his horse into a quicker speed and slowed by Jack's side. Reaching a gloved hand out, he gripped her shoulder, keeping her from sliding off the horse.
He locked eyes with Estel's gray ones. He shrugged as the young human sloped an eyebrow upwards and nodded towards the support. Silver eyes rolled irritation as the boy looked forward, a knowing smile on his lips.
Damn teenage boys and their dysfunctional thoughts.
He had barely removed his hand when Jack started to fall backwards, her back bending at a very uncomfortable angle. With a sigh he reached out and pulled her back up. She let out a groan of protest as she fell forward. Glorfindel reached out and caught her again, once again positioning her to stay on the horse.
This time it seemed to work, her body finding support from itself. He pulled away his hand but kept by her side. If she fell again, he would catch her.
---------------------
I gapped at the large towering gates. They were opening, reveling black stone and scorched paths.
"We're going in there?"
"Yep." Alex responded with a yawn. "Don't worry, Aya, it isn't a bad place. Really. Got wonderful dudgeons."
"You've been here before?"
"Yeah. Got here from Rivendell in less then a day."
"How?" I demanded. Why the hell couldn't they have taken that travel? My ass hurt like a bitch! True amusement flickered across Alex's face then.
"Some sort of flying beast. I believe it was a dragon mix breed. Pure darkness, moved faster then any beast I know."
"Why could I not have traveled that way?" I complained angrily.
"You don't want to come that way." Alex said with a wicked smile.
"Why not?"
"I'll tell you later. That and much more about the dark world, as will our Lord. Look, a welcoming party." Alex pointed to where a large group of men on horses were approaching. They wore polished gray armor and bore a red eye on their chests. They were rather intimidating.
"Whoa." I managed under my breath.
"Yeah. They're impressive—elite warriors I believe. Your new guard." A feeling of excitement rushed through me. Those men where my guard? Elite warriors for me?
"Mine?" I asked as the regiment of fifty lined up before our party.
"Don't sound so shocked, Aya. You are his Queen. He wouldn't want anything to happen before you gave him a kid." Alex said as he dismounted. I was a Queen? I was a Queen! Booyah.
"Come on down. Why don't you let me show you around?" Alex asked, his arms raised to help me down. I slipped off the horse and almost instantly the regiment fell to its knees, bowing so low their heads touched the gravel. "Lovely to have power isn't it?" His voice whispered softly to my ear. My body shuddered with something akin to lust as my eyes locked on the bowed heads.
Finally.
--------------
When Erebus is speaking to Finrod, he mentions 'that wailing bitch' he is talking about the Goddess Nienna. She forever mourns for every wound Arda (Middle-earth) has suffered at the hand of Melkor and his minions. Anyone who hears her song learns pity and patience.
He also talks about the Houses of the Dead or the Halls of Mandos. In these places the souls of the dead elves rest. It is ruled by Namo, the god that forgets nothing and knows all that will be (save the will of Iluvatar).
--------------
Thanks for you guys reviews!
