Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings. I mean, yeah, I own the books (and yes, I have read them even, too!), but not the rights to the story or the movies. Everyone understand the difference? Good!
A/N ~ Please enjoy the chapter as I now go to bed...*falls asleep at computer*
Elven
Astarwë = Faithful/Loyal
Ñaltanárë = Fire Radiance
Sairalassë = Wise Leaf
Maltasercë = Gold Blood
Mittanyë = Princess/Leader
Eldanarë = Elven Fire
Ered Aearon = Sea Mountains
Emyn Muil = The Drear Hills
Dracon
Tyshayn = Prince
Miharq = Warrior
Rhûnic
Bryn = Hot
Baya = Fiery
Vintael = Greenback
Other
Khand = Meaning Unknown. A land to the South-east of Mordor, to the East of Near Harad and South of Rhun.
Bold is mind-speech. Italic is Westron.
One day and a night time-skip from the last chapter concerning Kahilnar, Sharpmist, Alagos and Gweltari (Chapter Forty-One: Bellas), the Rebel Home...
Lefnar Anann ~ A Week's Time
Kahilnar didn't think he'd ever been so grateful to hear the signalling horn announcing the return of a Rebel group. There hadn't been any sent out recently so he knew it could only be his sisters returning nearly two days after they'd left. The Easterling leaped up and out of the cocoon Sharpmist's tail and claws had made for him and started to run with a second thought toward the landing spot the women would most-likely take. It was only when he skid to a halt on the packed dirt created by so many Tsubasa and dragons landing in this area over the last few months, seeing the Tsubasa and water dragon landing, that Sharpmist's voice entered his head, snickering.
"You do realize you have no shoes on, right?"
Kahilnar blinked and looked down at his feet and yes, they are indeed bare. He just...hadn't noticed. Hmm, come to think of it, he probably should have put a shirt on, too. It was getting toward winter, but here in the volcanic mountains of the Orocarni it was warmer than the outside world and at night it got more humid than even during the day. Sleeping with a shirt on had been something he'd not done for months now. Still, judging by the looks he was getting it might have been a good idea to have slipped a shirt on anyway.
Sharpmist, now directly behind him, snorted in amusement and cast glares at the people who were staring too long for her liking. She had gotten infinitely more open about her possessiveness of the Easterling just from the night before last alone and the Prince had already decided he was fine with it. It wasn't like he could change Sharpmist anymore than one could harness a tempest. Kahilnar decided he didn't care about the looks anyway and smiled to see his youngest sister tumble from Mana's back. Mahayre ran toward him and seemed to launch herself into his arms and the Prince held her tightly, relief strong as it washed over him.
"I missed you!" The little girl whispered it into his ear and Kahilnar pulled back, staring at her incredulously. "You MISSED me? You never should have left you little brat!" The fierceness in which he said the words and the glare he gave Mahayre had her grinning cheekily and then giggling as Kahilnar tried to stay stern and could not, smiling and shaking his head, hugging her again.
"Ugh, don't do that to me again, Mahay. I was so scared for you!"
The princess sighed into his shoulder and hugged tighter with both her arms and legs. "I know. I'm sorry, Kahil...but we had to. We had to help them." she whispered back and Kahilnar finally looked up again and focused on the rest of the people who'd returned with his littlest sister. His green eyes met Katun's first and she gave him a look that was both part pleading for him to understand and part determined, sure that what she'd done was right. Kahilnar could understand that feeling completely and he sighed, but set Mahayre down. She promptly scampered away to who knew where and Kahilnar didn't worry about it as he approached the older princess.
They looked at each other for a long minute without speaking, unsure of the words to say, before Kahilnar brought his hand to the back of Katun's head and pulled her forehead forward to rest against his own. She let him without protest and they stayed that way for a moment before his half-sister leaned in further and hugged him, hesitating for a moment at his shirtless state and then deciding she didn't care what etiquette said she could and couldn't do. Katun hugged him tightly and the Easterling hugged her back in the same way.
"You worried me." It was a reprimand and heartfelt all at once and he could feel Katun relax as that was all that came from his mouth.
"I am sorry, for that was not my intention." There was a slight hesitation before the next words, but the princess said them, her voice firm. "I am not sorry I left, though."
Kahilnar chuckled and pulled back, giving Katun a look. Yes, he could believe she didn't regret her decision at all. He really hadn't thought she would, not when she'd risk so much to see it done. "I wouldn't expect you to be. I am not father."
The princess' smile was brilliantly wide at that statement and Kahilnar smiled in return, but moved away from her as he saw Amr coming forward. The two young royalty were still shy, uncertain around each other, but the Easterling knew the Haradrim Prince had been just as worried as he was about Katun and he would let them have a moment to speak. Besides, there was one sister he'd yet to greet and Nareke was watching him with her arms crossed and guarded hazel eyes. It would seem Daerhael - and probably Yileke before the other woman went off to get things ready for their new guests - had already given her the entire 'you were stupid to attempt something so risky even if it DID work' speech and now she was waiting for the same from him.
Kahilnar, however...couldn't make himself say the words. Yes, he'd been angry, had thought they were being foolish...but he'd done many the same things before and he knew part of the anger he felt was a pride thing, too. He was learning, but there was still a part of him that thought women less than men...or maybe not less in a personal way, but able to do less. He needed to stop thinking that way, though, as his three sisters had just done something worth any man. He should not be angry with them anymore than he would be if they had been his brothers instead of sisters.
The Easterling sighed, bracing himself as he stopped before the Rebel Leader. For a long moment they just looked at each other and Kahilnar prayed quietly for wisdom, to know what to say to the unyielding, difficult woman before him. She might have been his sister by blood, but she was a pain in his arse by experience. Eventually the words came to him, though. "Your mission was uneventful, I trust?"
Nareke's lips seemed to twitch and she uncrossed her arms, sensing that she was not going to experience hostility from him. The statement had been very neutral, in fact. The Rebel Leader snorted softly. "You could say that. Our sisters and the flying creatures are back unharmed. That counts toward a good mission, does it not?"
Kahilnar gave his half-sister a look, not commenting as he looked past her at the group of children staying back near Rapidwater. The Tsubasa had already dispersed back to their people. They were free creatures, helping in the Rebellion, but at the same time not part of it and no one had any say in what they could or could not do. They did not need to stay for debriefing or lectures and they knew it. Rapidwater would certainly hear a thrashing from his own kind, but right now he seemed more interested in staying near the five young ones that were looking around with wide and uncertain eyes.
Well, all but one of them. Kahilnar's green eyes met the black ones looking back at him and something seemed to flicker in the young boy's eyes before he stepped forward and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder when one of them seemed to protest. The oldest boy moved forward again after reassuring his sibling and Kahilnar glanced at Nareke who had her arms crossed again and was turning to face the younger boy. Her voice was quiet, meant only for her brother's ears and there was something in it that Kahilnar could not define. She almost seemed...curious? But curious about what?
"His name is Zaid. He's the Crown Prince of Ar-Hihn and I've already told him who you are."
Kahilnar nodded, suddenly understanding his sister's curiosity a little better now. He wasn't sure whether to be irritated with Nareke or grateful to her...or if he should just question her motives. It was very obvious that she wanted to see how he'd handle this...and yet, she was also not challenging it in any way. She could have insisted that as the Rebel Leader she would see to the Prince of Ar-Hihn...but she wasn't, leaving Zaid to Kahilnar. Was she trying to say that she herself was willing to start following him? Or did she just really want to see him screw up so she could taunt him?
He really did need to talk to her about this, but right now was not that time as Zaid was nearly upon them and Kahilnar turned fully to meet the young Prince. He felt at that moment like every lesson he'd learned while he was younger escaped him. He and Zaid were equals, both Crown Princes and there were certain things to avoid doing, certain things to say...but damn if he could remember any of them in that moment! Kahilnar heard Sharpmist snort - loudly - behind him and resisted the urge to glare at the unhelpful dragoness.
"Would you like me to get you a shirt? Would that help?"
"Shut up, Rovina!" Of all the times for her get playful and teasing, this was not a good one! Kahilnar took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak as Zaid stopped before him, but the Easterling didn't get the chance as the Prince of Ar-Hihn suddenly knelt to one knee, bowing his head. Silence fell almost immediately in the area as everyone - who'd been trying to make it seem like they weren't trying to eavesdrop - suddenly paid full, open attention to the proceeding.
"Prince Kahilnar of Rhûn, in three messages now I have sworn to pledge my allegiance to you should my family be spared harm from your men during the war. My family is now safe and Mittanyë Nareke tells me we are welcome among you. If this is indeed true then I, Crown Prince Zaid of Ar-Hihn, do solemnly swear to follow you as long as Eru sees fit to have you lead." Zaid's words rang out clearly in a way they really should not have, carrying volume that was beyond his power.
Kahilnar looked down at the young prince and for a panicked moment, his mind was blank and he had no idea what he should say, what he should do and then wisdom seemed to come, to flow through his mind like whispers of guidance and the Easterling spoke calmly, sure of his words in a way he suddenly felt as well. "It is not in me to demand allegiance from any man, but what you have offered freely Prince of Ar-Hihn, I accept in the same spirit."
Zaid looked up then, something like relief, but also a great fear and sadness in his eyes and Kahilnar smiled gently, beckoning the young prince to rise. He knew in that moment what was going through the boy's mind. Kahilnar could not really have told you HOW he knew, only that he did. He understood why Zaid was saddened and scared even if he truly meant what he said, the oath he swore. Only when Zaid had regained his feed did the Easterling speak again, though, addressing those worries. "Do not be troubled. You have offered your service, your life and your lands freely and with good-will I give them back to you. As your father was before you, so shall you be the King of Ar-Hihn and your siblings its princes and princess. Your home will remain your own and none shall take it from you."
The Prince of Ar-Hihn could only stare at the man before him, hardly daring to believe what he was being told. He had come here, prepared to lose everything if it meant keeping his siblings alive and safe. He'd been prepared to be little better than a servant to this new ruler if need be, to offer his home and crown as payment. Never in a thousand years had he dreamed that he'd receive all of it back in a spirit of friendship. But as he looked into the eyes of the new ruler, Zaid could not believe the man was lying. Not when his strange green eyes seemed to glow like that, with an inner light that allowed for no darkness.
The young Prince could not help his shaky smile and when he placed his fist over his heart and knelt again, head bowed, it was with a genuine gratitude. "Thank you, My King." There was no hesitation in the words and a collective gasp of surprise and then smiles spread through the crowd gathered. It was not Kahilnar who bid the young man rise this time, though, but a feminine voice, sweet and gentle.
Sairalassë seemed to glide toward the two rulers, unhindered, and her smile was radiant as she looked down at Zaid, touching his forehead with her fingertips where a glow started to seep into the young prince. Her voice was soft and sweet, but there was a power behind it, a resolution that could not be denied. "For your courage and your willingness to obey the command of Eru, for being the first to bend your knee to the Creator's chosen King, you and yours will be blessed beyond measure. You Kingdom will flourish and your woods be cleansed and filled with light. So is the promise of the Lord of All."
The Maia stepped back and Zaid opened his eyes, staring at the female with wonder as she smiled back at him, speaking not another word before she turned away and left as suddenly as she'd come, disappearing back into the crowd.
Kahilnar grinned as dark eyes came to settle on him, questioning and wide. He understood that feeling all too well... The Prince of Rhûn just shrugged, though, chuckling. "Welcome to the Rebel Home. You will get used to it." Sharpmist snorted again at the words, bringing her head closer to her bonded and eying him for a moment before she turned her attention to the younger prince. She sniffed at Zaid who watched her with widening eyes and Kahilnar pushed the dragoness' nose away without a care, only making the young prince even more unsure as the dragoness rumbled a snarl, but allowed herself to be shoved back. She knew what was going on because Kahilnar translated the Rhûnic for in mentally and that was one of the reasons she let him push her back. These were children, but they were Rhûnic children. They'd been taught that dragons were enemies.
"My King..."
"Kahilnar. And this is Sharpmist. Who have you brought with you?" Kahilnar asked the question rather quickly, not sure he wanted to explain about dragons and the fact that they were going to be permanent fixture in Rhûn at this point. Zaid didn't exactly fall for the bait, looking Sharpmist over again with wary eyes, but he did allow the subject to be changed and Kahilnar made a note to himself to keep this young one close. It was a strange thought, but it made sense. Zaid was smart. He'd kept his siblings and himself alive while in the presence of Kilicar, while being royalty, a threat to the Dark Lord. He would make a good King and would most-likely be someone Kahilnar could rely on for loyalty and counsel.
"These are my siblings." Zaid beckoned the other four children over and while the three boys came, he looked puzzled when his sister did not, staying under the water dragon's head and petting it's scales as Rapidwater looked back down at her, the two seeming to be talking. The Ar-Hihn prince appeared concerned about the sight, still very uncertain about the dragon, a creature he'd grown up hearing was evil even if he'd never seen one himself.
Kahilnar watched the scene for a moment with a different expression, however, and set a restraining hand on Zaid's shoulder when the prince made to call the little girl over again.
"Leave her be." It was a quiet command and Zaid blinked, confused, but only nodded after a moment of watching his new ruler's face. The Prince of Rhûn seemed to know more about this than Zaid did. He glanced at his sister again, unsure what Kahilnar saw that he did not, but let it go and brought his attention back to his brothers who were standing near him now, unsure exactly what had transpired and what they were supposed to do. Zaid laid a hand on Atarn and Kasid's shoulders, smiling reassuringly at them. He might have only been fourteen, but they were younger still at eight and seven. He was their big brother and they trusted him to look out for them.
"My King, these are my brothers; Yasyn, Atarn and Kasid. My little sister is Eleem and Asada was my elder, but she is no longer among the living."
"I am Kahilnar. It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am sorry to hear about your sister, Princes' of Ar-Hihn. Her death was not in vain, I promise you."
Zaid smiled, a bit sad. "We already know this, but thank you for your words. Asada was brave and noble, and I know she would be pleased that we are safe now. She was always able to take care of herself. It is Eleem I worry for now." The young prince looked back over at his sister and Yasyn, at his side, spoke up then. "She has not stopped talking to the Rovin, Zaid. I do not understand it." He wasn't at all happy about that, either.
Kahilnar, hearing these quietly spoken words, glanced at Sharpmist to find her looking back at him with a knowing expression that he knew his own mind mirrored. The Easterling sighed deeply and looked over at Nareke. The Rebel Leader had been listening to everything in silence and she only looked at him now in the same manner, no help at all. It was times like this when Kahilnar wished Alagos were readily available. The shape-shifter would explain this so much better than he ever could... But the task fell to him and he'd have to make do with what he DID know.
"The bond between a dragon and a human is not easy to understand, but it is not a worrisome thing."
Four heads turned to look at the Easterling and Yasyn's eyes narrowed. Even at twelve he had a fierce disposition and a sharp mind that did not accept tricks or sidestepping with grace. "What bond?"
Kahilnar ran a hand through his black hair, starting toward Rapidwater and Eleem, the other four princes' following. Maybe he should not have said such a thing so bluntly, but there was really no other way to go about it in his mind. That was probably something he'd have to work on, but right now, on the brink of war...there was little time to perfect the art of delicacy. Sharpmist rumbled in amusement for that thought and she didn't move to follow him but her body was coiled to spring into action the moment she might be needed. As a battle dragoness, she could appear perfectly relaxed while at the same time radiating an overwhelming amount of energy.
"It is called Rishten. It happens when a dragon connects mentally and spiritually to a human or an elf and in rarer cases, one of the Maiar. Sharpmist is Rishten to me and it would seem Rapidwater has become Rishten to Eleem." Kahilnar's green eyes were sharp when they glanced into the startled ones of the younger princes'. He knew already the protests that would arise, the same he'd given when he'd bonded. "It is not something that can be torn asunder, nor can it be stopped. It is already done and it will not harm your sister. Rapidwater will protect her with his life and he will never betray her."
The Easterling looked up at the dragon in question, the creature having been listening to the conversation as they came closer. Rapidwater was a young dragon, but already Kahilnar could see the protective fire in those light blue eyes, the spirit of the Rishten kindled in the Rovin's heart. "I have told these boys you would never betray the child that has bonded to you. Will you?"
Rapidwater growled, wrapping his tail even more securely around the little girl he held close to his side. "I would sooner die of torture." The water dragon looked over at Zaid, Atarn, Yasyn and Kasid, giving them a fierce glare of warning. "I will not let her go." He could sense the threat the brother's might represent and through him, young as she was, so could Eleem. Kahilnar was grateful he did not have to translate words between the two groups as it would appear that Rapidwater had a grasp of Rhûnic that Sharpmist had never cared to learn.
"He's mine!" The small and sudden voice, as fierce as the dragon was, spoke up and the four brothers blinked in surprise at their sister, any words they might have been prepared to say fleeing from their minds. Sweet, innocent, timid little Eleem was...yelling at them? The startled expression on their face made their little sister grin and start giggling as she snuggled further into Rapidwater's hold, peeking at them from over the dragon's blue-green scales. "Can I keep him? Please?"
Zaid opened his mouth and then closed it again, looking from his sister's pleading eyes, somehow both determined and innocent all at once and then the dragon's eyes, completely stubborn and the young prince could only close his own eyes and shake his head wearily. It had been a few too long days... "Yes, Eleem, you can keep him." What else was he going to tell the little girl? She'd had so much taken from her recently, so much fear and uncertainty and sadness. If by some bizarre turn of events a Rovin made her happy and said Rovin was loyal to his sister...who was he to say no? He didn't even understand this! Weren't dragons supposed to be evil? And yet the King he'd just sworn his allegiance to had already professed that HE had a dragon, as well...and that there was no way to reverse this process. Zaid wasn't sure why he believed that so readily, but he did.
There was a lot he needed to learn apparently.
"I will get used to this?" It was not a question asked by a prince, but by a young boy who was in way over his head, doubtful. This time Nareke, still listening, laughed outright and just like that the serious atmosphere evaporated even as she walked over. "Yes, young prince, you will. Now let's get you and your siblings a place to sleep and something to eat."
The Rebel Leader met Kahilnar's eyes then and despite their disagreements and the mild hostility they still felt for each other, there was almost something like approval in Nareke's hazel gaze and she smiled just a little before taking over the royal family of Ar-Hihn, ushering them and Rapidwater away. They'd be given a tent to stay in and the situation of the Rebels explained to them today or tomorrow when they wished it. They'd be provided with food and clothing, healing, whatever they needed that the Rebels had the ability to give.
As the small group left, Kahilnar was more than sure that he saw the Ranger Thalbor move away from the crowd and toward Nareke. The Easterling smiled slightly, thinking about the implication of Thalbor showing such interests in his sister. He'd have to talk to Alagos about that...find a way to make the Ranger just a little nervous about eventually asking for a blessing. It could be fun... After all, he planned on doing the same thing for Amr...he had to make it fair, right?
The Prince shook his head at the thought, still smiling and looked over the crowds starting to disperse. Kahilnar felt like he'd passed a test of some sort as he watched them head to their respective work and perhaps he had. He now had the future King of Ar-Hihn's loyalty. That had to be a good thing. The Easterling turned back to Sharpmist and the dragoness' tipped her large white head, looking him over with an unreadable expression. Her mind was clouded from Kahilnar, too, and that instantly made him wary as he watched the large white creature. He crossed his arms defensively.
"What?"
"Now, you see what happens when you don't wear a shirt?"
The Prince couldn't even find it in himself to blush, only deciding to glare at the dragoness and speaking to her through slightly bared teeth. "That had nothing to do with any of this." Sharpmist rumbled deep in her chest and bared her fangs back at her bonded, bringing her nose down to his level and her rough scales brushed his chest. "Hmm...I'm not so sure that's true." Even the tone of the dragoness' growl was full of sass and almost coy in a way, sending a shiver streaking up the Easterling's spine and warmth to spread over his skin.
Kahilnar groaned in exasperation, dropping his forehead to her nose and sighing in defeat. If this is what happened after one told a female...scratch that. If this is what happened when one one told Sharpmist they loved her he had to wonder if it was worth it! One green eyes peeked open to look into a red one. "If I were to say I give up, would you stop talking?"
The dragoness chuckled and Kahilnar couldn't help smiling slightly as the vibrations shook his entire body where it leaned against Sharpmist's white scales. The dragoness blew a light cloud of smoke and a tongue of fire flickered from her mouth to wrap around his torso for a moment, repelled by the Easterling's water gift, coating his skin in a layer of water.
"No."
"Just thought I'd ask." The Easterling sighed again and pushed away from Sharpmist's nose even as his skin started to dry, more than used to her flames now and hardly noticing it. He looked around, noting that people were starting to get to work and dawn was truly creeping over the red mountains, casting them in a rather beautiful glow.
"Come on, Rovina, the day starts."
This time it was Sharpmist who sighed heavily, grumbling under her breath even as she followed Kahilnar who easily ignored her.
Alagos woke to his gift raging through his head in a way it had not done in a good while. The shape-shifter bolted up on to his hands and knees, but didn't get further than that as his breath hissed between his clenched teeth and his body warned him that he'd better not push it further right now. Another wave of voices, information slammed over his mind then and a scream of pain ripped at the white-haired male's throat, but made no sound at all, only producing more pain and blood that he started to cough up. Alagos attempted to breathe properly as he gripped his head in shaking hands, his body curled to try and escape the pain, his amber eyes clouding completely over as the words continued to shriek at him, pulling him away from reality...
"The five royal children of Ar-Hihn "Zaid, Yasyn, Atarn, Kasid, Eleem" have arrived in the Rebel Home. The Crown Prince has pledged his loyalty to the Prince of Rhûn. Princess Eleem bonds with the water dragon "Rapidwater" and this is warily accepted by her brothers."
"The Eldanarë starts to gather the dwarves to Minas Tirith, discussing plans for the dragon city of Kaleilorin in Gondor. Morroch "the Tyshayn, shape-shifter dragon" and his mate "Freewalker, knowledge dragoness" leave Gondor to journey to Rivendell. They go to oversee for a time the coming of dragons to the former elven haven."
"The Maia "Ñaltanárë" completes her training with the Dark Dragon "Onyxtalon" and sends him to lead the fell creatures to the plains. She plots in secret a plan against...against..." The words grew fuzzy and jumbled and Alagos' sight of the Maia was obscured as her dark eyes seemed to meet his own. Deep in his mind, he felt her power stir, rising, ready to attack...before snarling teeth and a fierce roar-like growl pushed the Maia back. Liska. The Vultsi could not hold back HIS power, but she could hold back Ñaltanárë's and Alagos was grateful for it as his gift pulled him away, dragging him deeper, the voices unwilling to release him.
"The Prince of Al-Salyha "Sacalnun", his wife "Suhayra" and the wives of King Diraron "Mawiyah, Firyal" journey in secret through the Orocarni toward the Rebel Home."
"The King of Ak-Jnab "Mikal", his wife "Sajara" and his son "Tahir" wait on the plains of Vintael with three thousand tribal fighters. They can not return home, nor can they move forward. They must wait for the Prince of the Four Kings. This is the will of Eru Ilúvatar."
"The King of Ab-Gribyl "Ruumano", his wives "Zahre, Celepina", his sons "Emirin, Rabim, Ihsan" and his daughter "Telhia" travel on the plains of Vintael, moving ever closer to the King of Ak-Jnab's location. They travel with four hundred soldiers from Ab-Gribyl. They are not permitted to turn back home and must continue forward until they meet the Prince of the Four Kings. This is the will of Eru Ilúvatar."
"The Lord of Ak-Jnab, of the Family of Khand "Ramlayon", his wife "Veranesa", his son "Zakasad" and his daughter "Farasa" journey on the plains of Vintael toward the King of Ak-Jnab's location. The Lord of Ak-Jnab, though he is surrounded by one thousand men, is cautious in his approach, but he and his family are not permitted to turn back toward their home and are only permitted to continue forward until they come upon the Prince of the Four Kings. This is the will of Eru Ilúvatar."
"The Haize Pyak "Kisor, Lih, Jevin, Kyan, Zala, Zaraen, Dashira, Kalla, Niiso" answers the Necib Pyak's "Sirhaan, Zehavi, Tala, Raniso, Arnou, Liekos, Tasrod, Shyel, Itessi, Liska" summons to join the war. The Haize Pyak have passed the Ered Aearon west of the Sea of Rhûn. They travel with haste toward the Orocarni."
"The Celd Pyak "Benos, Vesah, Seren, Cii, Etem, Aradi, Dryn, Miita" answers the Necib Pyak's summons to join the war. The Vultsi journey through Emyn Muil, their steps like the wind over the treacherous rocks as they run toward Rhûn."
"The Dark Lord of Rhûn "Kilicar" prepares his army to march within the week. His Sertek army has grown to overwhelming numbers and their bodies obscure the ground from sight. They trample and kill all in their path. War has begun in Rhûn."
The voices started to taper off, fading away enough for Alagos to push them back completely and he felt himself released from his own mind. He came back to awareness struggling to breathe for the blood deep in his throat and started to cough, disoriented as he tried to make his mind work. Sure and soothing hands helped him swiftly and the shape-shifter was soon on his side, coughing up the blood. His breathing started to grow easier after a time and Alagos was now aware enough to know that the fingers that ran through his hair belonged to his wife. The voice that was starting to make sense in his ringing ears was Gweltari's as well and he let it calm his trembling body.
He was safe.
"Shh, relax, my shape-shifter. Relax, love." Gweltari said the words softly, knowing better than to say everything was fine when she didn't know if it was. She knew what Alagos had experienced had not been a nightmare. She'd felt his power running rampant through his mind and for the first time in a long time she'd been unable to harness it quickly. It was something the ranger woman had feared would happen over time. The shape-shifter's gift was powerful, more powerful than anyone could properly comprehend, even Alagos himself. It's depth could not be tapped into and it was a learning power. It wanted to be heard and it found ways to get past any defense set up against it.
Truth be told, Gweltari was scared she wouldn't be able to control it much longer for her bonded. She'd run into the tent when she'd first felt it, but had been unable to draw Alagos back out of his mind and seeing him like that, so panicked...it tore at her heart. All the ranger woman could do now, though, was calm him, listen to what he'd learned, what he'd seen.
Her fingers continued to run through the white hair she loved so much, frowning in distaste at the blood flecked in it, vividly red, but not upset with the shape-shifter himself and her voice saying as much, soft and quiet. He had to have a horrible headache.
"Alagos?"
A shiver answered her query and then a raspy voice - even mentally - came into her mind. "I'm fine, Nahisya. It...it was just information." Alagos felt Gweltari stiffen next to him and then heard her breathe in deeply, trying to let go of that tension for his sake. He could tell her words were carefully said, he could feel the anger whirling around in her mind. She could not hide it from him and Alagos disliked greatly that his gift made her so unhappy most of the time. It was not something he could help and it never would be.
"Was it useful?"
"Yes."
Gweltari closed her eyes, knowing she'd made him wary of saying anything further. The ranger woman stayed quiet for a long moment before speaking again, doing what was best for her bonded. She could not listen to what he'd discovered without remembering how much it pained him to hear it from his gift, not right now when it had just happened. But he needed to speak of it... "Perhaps you should talk to Kahilnar about what you heard."
Alagos turned his head, his amber eyes both surprised and hesitant at the same time. He wanted that, it would be easier, but...he didn't want to hurt Gweltari by going to someone else. His wife chuckled, hearing his thoughts easily and she brushed the hair from his eyes, smiling down into them, completely understanding. "I am not upset with you, Alagos. I have told you I would rather you speak to Kahilnar than not speak at all. I can not remain calm when I think of you being hurt, not when I can not stop it in any way and we both know this. Tell me what you need to when you come back and I am better able to hear it properly."
The shape-shifter smiled at her words and reached up, brushing his fingers down Gweltari's cheek with a light touch. He didn't deserve her, at all. He didn't deserve someone so perfect and loving. He didn't deserve someone who would put up with all of this, with all of his problems and at the end of the day would still say she wanted to be with him, that he made her happy. And yet, that was exactly what he'd gotten in Gweltari. It still amazed him. SHE amazed him. "I love you." It was a raspy whisper in her mind and green-gray eyes held amber ones with a fondness in them that was both love, friendship and yet something stronger all combined. "I love you, too. Now come, let's get you cleaned up, love."
Alagos nodded and looked around him, realizing that blood spotted all the bedding and bigger puddles of it decorated the ground beside the bedrolls. The shape-shifter grimaced and swallowed gingerly, wishing he hadn't as he started coughing again and his hand came away speckled with more blood. His throat felt like it was on fire and his head pounded like dwarves had set up residence. It took effort to mind-speak and the thought of moving made him want to lay down and just go back to sleep, slip back into darkness...
"Alagos!"
The white-haired male jerked back to awareness, realizing Gweltari had been saying his name more than once now and she looked scared, kneeling in front of him, cleaning forgotten. Her hand felt his forehead and the shape-shifter took her wrist gently, shaking his head as much to clear it as to tell her that her action was unnecessary. "I'm fine. The desire to sleep is common after a surge of power. I'm fine, Nahisya, I promise." He added the last bit for the skeptical look she gave him and allowed his bonded to slip her mind into his own without resistance, letting her search and reassure herself that he was WAS all right. And he was. He just needed to get cleaned up, shift to heal his throat again and start moving so he'd stay awake. This was better than other times when his gift had 'attacked' him. At least he COULD stay awake...
Gweltari eventually sat back again and sighed, casting her shape-shifter a halfhearted glare when he smiled at her, almost cheeky and yet sheepish all at once in the expression. She resisted the urge to smile back into those dancing amber eyes and stood, letting her trust in him drain away the tension and fear in her. "Fine. You're fine, now go and find Kahilnar." She pointed to the tent opening, almost commanding him to leave, but Alagos only rose - she noted he was more shaky then he'd let on but she said nothing - and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close.
"I am sorry for scaring you." Alagos felt Gweltari sigh against him, felt the noticeably large swell of her stomach safely nestled between their bodies and he truly was sorry he had caused her to worry. She already had enough reason to worry and to fear without him adding to it. He always added to it...
"Stop thinking that way." It was a quiet reprimand and the shape-shifter blinked down into the fierce green-gray eyes that seared into his amber ones. Gweltari shook her head and lifted her hand to palm his cheek. Alagos leaned into the touch without conscious thought and a smile danced at the ranger woman's lips as she noted once more how wild her husband really was. He controlled it well, but not well enough that she did not see it in all the little gestures he did. "You scare me too often, Alagos, but only because I love you too much to bear the thought of losing you."
The ranger woman slipped her hand behind his head, pulling it down to her level so that her lips brushed his ear and he heard her whisper clearly. "Stay safe for me, my shape-shifter." Gweltari moved her head and Alagos' breath hitched as her lips brushed in a kiss against the skin of his neck, the pressure point there, an intimate action only done between mates. Her green-gray eyes met his slightly glazed amber again and Gweltari's lips curved into a knowing smile that he thought suited her face wonderfully.
"Stay safe." she repeated before kissing him and despite the pain in his throat and the headache that hammered through his skull, Alagos relaxed into the feeling of Gweltari's mouth on his own and her body safely in his arms. He knew all too soon that it would change, that they'd be fighting and in danger...and this memory would be a happy one, but distant in that present. He would cherish it now all the more for that reason.
Gweltari was smiling when she pulled back - when he let her pull back - but her cheeks were flushed too and she laughed as Alagos grinned, shoving him away lightly. "Go, you rogue. I have work to do, now go!"
Alagos raised a brow. "I should not help you?" It was him, after all, who'd made the mess. His wife only shook her head, though, pointing to the opening again. "No! You will be a more a distraction than a help!" Alagos grinned, knowing that statement was more than true as he looked at Gweltari and it was with some effort that he made himself leave, ducking the cloth the ranger woman tossed at him playfully as he did so.
The curly-haired woman hugged herself happily and shook her head as she watched the white-haired male disappear, hearing clearly his laughter in her mind. It was a sound SHE would always cherish greatly.
Alagos knew he would never be fully comfortable around humans, but as he walked amongst them, he was grateful that a few months with the Rebels had done wonders for his distrust of them. Oh, he'd never want to be alone with them without someone he knew close by and he still wouldn't allow any but a selected few to get close to him, physically or mentally, but he could tolerate them and that was progress. He could walk through the tents and training areas, through small crowds of children without feeling like he was going to be attacked at any moment. It was a blessing and he'd take it.
He still attracted stares, but they were more familiar now, friendly rather than cautious and interested. His coloring was a novelty for these people, even after seeing so much change in their land in so short a time and the fact that a large wolf trailed him wherever he went was a cause for watching as well. Alagos didn't let it bother him anymore, though, he was happier when he came to the foot of a familiar mountain and started to climb away from the camps below.
His gift had already told him where the one he sought for was. It would seem that Kahilnar wanted some quiet as well and Alagos was sure he knew why. The shape-shifter soon came upon the Easterling and Sharpmist on the ledge that seemed to have become their own and the dragoness noticed Alagos first. Her red eyes narrowed as she looked him over, her nostrils flaring. He'd shifted before walking through the camps, but dragons could smell blood on another dragon even after as much as three shifts and battle dragons could sense it even after five shifts.
"What happened?" Sharpmist growled it into his mind, her voice loud as it reverberated through his skull and Alagos hissed between his teeth, glaring at the white dragoness as he mentally snapped back at her. "I tore my throat. Would you quiet down!"
Sharpmist pulled her head back slightly, genuinely surprised by the fierceness of his reply and Alagos rubbed his temples, dreading having to use so much mind-speech, but knowing it was necessary and when Kahilnar, now aware that the shape-shifter was present, touched his mind to Alagos' hesitantly, the white-haired male let the Easterling in enough to communicate.
"What happened?" Kahilnar's question echoed Sharpmist's own, but unlike the battle dragoness, Kahilnar knew enough to keep his voice low and the pressure he exerted on the words to a minimum. Alagos appreciated it as he gave the Prince a wry smile and settled himself on the red stone ledge, leaning back against the mountain itself. He didn't think he was up for sitting near the ledge like Kahilnar was doing. He was actually afraid he'd fall asleep and fall straight off the mountain. If the landing didn't kill him, Gweltari surely would for being so reckless. Better just to avoid the entire situation and stay away from the open air.
"My gift woke me rather unpleasantly."
Kahilnar frowned, standing from his perch at the ledge and moving closer to his friend, sitting not on the ground, but on Sharpmist's tail which she grudgingly deigned to keep still for him for the time being. The battle dragoness remained quiet as she watched the two males, knowing it was the only way she was going to be included in the conversation. Alagos had gotten stronger with his mind-speech and could now transmit to two people if one of them was quiet. If both people talked at once, the connection was broken, but she could listen in on what the shape-shifter was saying and Kahilnar easily opened his mind to her and she was privy to his responses as well. It was a fragile three-way conversation, but it worked as long as everyone did as they were supposed to. And right now, Sharpmist's part was to stay quiet and much as she didn't really like that, she'd do so to figure out what was going on.
"Have you seen Daerhael?" Kahilnar could see the effort it took for Alagos to even speak mentally and the Easterling knew the shape-shifter well enough to read between the lines and understand what had probably happened if Alagos' gift had 'attacked' him. He'd been in the other male's mind, he knew how brutal Alagos' power could be, how painful and he'd seen how it affected the white-haired male physically often enough to grasp what he was not being told about that morning.
The shape-shifter only shook his head, though, his fingers brushing the two scars on his throat. "No. I shifted and it's healed. The headache will pass, but I need to tell you what I heard."
"The Northerner know you are here?"
Alagos smiled a little and raised a brow. "Do you think I would be here if she didn't?"
Kahilnar's green eyes glittered with humor. "Yes. And I don't want to be at the end of one of her lectures so I thought it safer to ask."
"Fair enough."
Kahilnar heard Sharpmist snicker softly in his head and cast the dragoness a look, but didn't say anything. He was not going to go back on that statement. Gweltari had always been a person he was wary around even if they got along well enough by this point. He was not...intimidated or even scared of her, but he KNEW how powerful she really was, what she could do with her power and without it. Under the beauty and humor, there was simmering fury that was hard to match, a fierce protectiveness that was not to be taken lightly and a mind that was sharper than a steel trap. Kahilnar looked at it this way: anyone powerful, stubborn enough, patient enough and wise enough to match Alagos was someone to be respected and not trifled with. He'd know that the first day in Gondor.
The Easterling shook the distracting thoughts away and focused once more on the shape-shifter before him. Alagos looked like he wanted to sleep, his amber eyes staring with an almost glazed expression out into the distance and Kahilnar knew instinctively not to let the other male do so. He made his mental voice slightly sharper than it needed to be just to gain the shape-shifter attention. "What do you need to tell me?"
The white-haired male started as if shaken and then closed his eyes briefly in what looked to be a silent groan, running his hand through his white hair and then opening clearer amber eyes again, making himself focus. "Ñaltanárë has completed the Dark Dragon's training and Kilicar is going to march his army toward the plains this week. It is time for us to move as well."
The news was met with silence and Alagos watched Kahilnar absorb the information. The Easterling's green eyes flickered through a wide range of emotions, but none of them were fear. He was not afraid of battle. He just...all these people. The Prince glanced back at the ledge, knowing what the valley would look like. He came up here every night with Sharpmist and looked at the camps below, the armies and dragons, Tsubasa...all these species coming together to fight an enemy that might very well annihilate them all. And he was to lead them.
That thought still scared him. Battle and even leading a battle...that didn't worry him. Leading in times of peace or in the aftermath of defeat? That was not something he was prepared for or at least he did not feel as if he was prepared for it. But there really wasn't much time to think about it anymore, was there? A week to march and most of those days they WOULD be marching out to war. There was no more time to really think about this anymore. It was already upon them.
Kahilnar sighed and finally looked back at Alagos to see the shape-shifter alert and watching him. While the Easterling was grateful Alagos hadn't gone to sleep, he wished that the other male would not look at him so, like he had faith in Kahilnar's abilities and no doubt whatsoever. It was...nerve-wracking.
"Was there anything else?" Did he really want to know if there was? Too late, Alagos was talking, but the shape-shifter looked more pleased than anything, so maybe it was good news...
"Sacalnun, Suhayra, Mawiyah and Firyal are coming here. We should meet them in the passes as we travel toward the plains."
Well that was surprising! Kahilnar blinked, starting to smile at the thought of his brother and the two 'mother' figures in his life. It would be good to see the women again and he felt relieved knowing they'd finally be safe - and he wanted to meet this Suhayra who'd so changed his brother. It was a strange feeling, though, wanting to see the other male. So far, the family he could trust had been his sisters, but Sacalnun had proven he was different now and out of all his brothers, Sacalnun had been the one who hadn't outright shown hate toward Kahilnar. Now the thought that he'd see his half-brother again filled Kahilnar with a hope and a happiness he'd not been expecting. Sharpmist could feel it from him clearly and the dragoness tilted her head, bringing it around slightly to look at him and the Easterling couldn't help smiling wider.
"I won't have to roast this sibling?" It was said only partly in jest, but Kahilnar chuckled anyway which seemed to please Sharpmist greatly, though, she tried not to show it. Still, the glitter in her red eyes and the rumble, almost like a purr, in her chest were hard to miss.
"No! Sacalnun, he's the one who helped the twins and I get Alagos out of the Tunnels. He is...a brother." Kahilnar could really think of no other way to describe it. Sacalnun had never really been his friend or a confidante, but...there had been respect there and when Kahilnar had needed it most, the other Prince had stepped up and done the right thing, like a brother would.
It was enough for Kahilnar and because it was enough for him, Sharpmist would accept it, too...but only after she'd tested Sacalnun for herself of course.
Alagos was smiling by this point, too and he seemed more relaxed, his head not pounding quiet so fiercely anymore. Still, he kept his movements to a minimum and continued to alternately rub his temples gently and then the back of his neck, continuing to speak once more. "The Vultsi-" The shape-shifter stopped, glaring at Sharpmist as she started to growl and amber eyes bore into red for a tense minute before the dragoness snarled softly, but backed down. It was testament to how much Sharpmist had grown that she could do so, that she could admit a temporary defeat when all she wanted to do was argue.
Kahilnar let the two work it out themselves and only looked away from Sharpmist when Alagos started speaking again. "The Haize Pyak is in Rhûn. We will meet them on the plains and the Celd Pyak travels from Rohan so they only now cross the Emyn Muil, but they are coming, too and should be here within a few days. They've answered the Necib Pyak's summons."
"Good." Kahilnar breathed it in relief and Alagos could agree in a way, but in more ways he was thinking along different lines of thought. To have three packs of Vultsi in one place, a place dragons would be too...could be interesting. And if he were to call the Tusara Pyak, there could be the problem of having two packs - Necib and Tusara - that didn't get along well, too. The Vultsi were unpredictable creatures and even with Maltasercë keeping them in line...there could be problems, fights. It was a risk, it seemed, they would have to take, though.
Alagos sighed, not liking the option all that much, but more than used to having to pick the least evil choice out of a multitude of unpleasant ones. The shape-shifter stood, suddenly needing to move and Kahilnar did as well, both of them moving to the ledge and standing, shoulder to shoulder, as they looked out at the Rebel Home and then to the mountains beyond. Baya and Bryn were a constant shadow, a friendly one, but also reminders of what lay beyond; the rest of Rhûn, a land they were attempting to liberate.
"I will call the Tusara Pyak."
Kahilnar glanced at Alagos, noting the shadowed look in the shape-shifter's amber eyes. "You hesitate to do so. Why?"
"The last time the Dragons and the Vultsi fought in the same battle, it was against each other and the hostility that was felt then has not abated greatly since that time."
"You fear the Vultsi will turn on the dragons in the midst of the battle?"
Amber eyes met green ones, brutally honest and not withholding the blow the truth would give. "I fear that the Dragons will turn on the wolves just as much as I fear the Vultsi could do the same. Neither race is exempt from this suspicion, Kahilnar." The shape-shifter glanced back at Sharpmist and Kahilnar did the same, not wanting to believe such a thing of the race he was coming to accept and love, but the indecision in Sharpmist's eyes made green ones widen.
"Sharp! You will do no such thing!"
"They can't be trusted, Miharq."
"I asked them to fight! They would not have done so if I had not asked, Rovina! You would make me a traitor to a race that would ally themselves to us when we need the help most desperately!" To say Kahilnar was angry would have been an understatement. He was livid and Sharpmist wanted to snap back at him, her own anger rising to match his own in challenge, but stronger than her stubborn mind was her stubborn heart and it told her in no uncertain words that she was WRONG to even THINK of betraying her mate and bonded in this way.
And then there was that Voice, deep inside, that was merely frowning at her in disapproval and the dragoness growled, uncertain and not liking it. She wouldn't look into Kahilnar's eyes, but the Easterling was not going to let her off that easily, not until he got an answer from her either way. "I know you dislike them greatly, Rovina, but this is beneath you. You are not a Dark Dragon and your heart is not steeped in shadow."
The Easterling was directly before the white creature now and he placed his hands on her scales, on her nose. "Sharp, look at me." His voice was soft but commanding. He spoke to Sharpmist as an equal, as if he were a dragon himself and she was incapable of hurting him. It was that confidence and the complete trust and surety in the action that finally made the dragoness do as he said. Red eyes met green ones and the acquiesce in her eyes made Kahilnar smile. It wasn't a gloating look or a triumphant one, but something warm and proud.
Sharpmist glared at him. "I hate you."
The Easterling's smile only widened for he'd heard in the deepest corners of her mind what she'd really meant by the words, what she would not say out loud but what he could feel with each breath that ran through her great body, with every growl she aimed at him. "I hate you, too. Thank you."
The dragoness snorted smoke at him, but an understanding had been reached. For his sake, she would do the right thing and not turn on the Vultsi, not even if they decided to do just that. She would stand beside her mate and honor his agreement with the wolves, much as she didn't like it.
Kahilnar could accept her grudging promise and he turned back to Alagos who'd remained quiet through the whole scene, unable to leave, but trying not to intervene. Now the shape-shifter spoke again, though, like he'd not been interrupted at all and Kahilnar was grateful for it...or at least the Easterling thought he was...until the white-haired male actually started explaining what he'd heard from his gift next.
"King Mikal of Ak-Jnab, King Ruumano of Ab-Gribyl and Lord Ramlayon of Ak-Jnab are journeying to meet with you, along with all the members of their families."
Kahilnar's eyes widened immediately in shock. "What!"
Alagos didn't answer the immediate question, a smile dancing at his lips as he continued to speak as if he hadn't been interrupted and Kahilnar wanted to reach over and smack the shape-shifter. He wouldn't, but oh, it was tempting! "King Mikal already waits on the plains of Vintael with five thousand tribal fighters. King Ruumano still travels across the plains toward King Mikal, moving with four hundred soldiers from Ab-Gribyl. Lord Ramlayon also approaches King Mikal's location, but he is much more cautious in this than King Ruumano is. Lord Ramlayon brings with him two thousand men."
The Easterling stared at his friend in complete shock, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that three leaders were all traveling to the same destination to meet with HIM. And in the middle of a war, a war that was going to break out within the week. Why were they coming NOW of all times? "I don't...why now? What in Arda would possess them to gather now!"
Kahilnar saw that smile twitch at Alagos' lips again and growled warningly at the shape-shifter. "Alagos..."
A white brow rose. "What? Can you not guess for yourself?"
This time Kahilnar did reach out to smack the white-haired male and Alagos grinned, ducking the halfhearted strike and speaking. Tormenting Kahilnar was entertaining, but he knew that he DID need to tell the Easterling and besides, his headache was fading, but it wasn't gone yet and getting smacked on the head would not make things any better. "Eru commands it of them, Kahil. I don't know how it is being accomplished, but He will not let them turn aside from this command. You must meet with them."
Kahilnar stared at the shape-shifter for a long moment before looking away without speaking, out at the valley again. His mind was in a whirl with thoughts. So far, he'd led without really leading...not truly. It had been spoken of - him becoming the King of Rhûn and Zaid had pledged loyalty to him just that morning, but...to speak of such things with ALL the current rulers of the Kingdoms of Rhûn? Could he DO that?
"How am I going to convince these people to follow me, Alagos? Zaid came to me willingly, I didn't even expect it!" Kahilnar knew Alagos would know about that morning. He couldn't imagine the shape-shifter NOT knowing and he knew his outburst would not be unexpected. His panic would be expected by his friend and Kahilnar felt he had the right to his worry. These were KINGS he had to convince to follow him! He was only a Prince...a disgraced Prince leading a band of Rebels. Granted, there were a LOT of Rebels and the kingdom of Harad was on his side, but still...
He knew Alagos would probably say something to encourage him, but even knowing that, the shape-shifter's response startled the Easterling. It was calm and sure and the shape-shifter didn't seem worried at all, but rather almost amused. "You won't have to convince anyone of anything on your own, Kahil. You didn't have to do anything by yourself to convince these people, you won't have to do it with the Kings and their families either."
"You can't see the future, Alagos. You can't promise that." Kahilnar wasn't sure why he argued. Alagos had yet to be wrong about anything he'd said regarding this war, regarding the Easterling himself...but somehow this seemed too big, too fantastic for the Prince to just accept his friend's word on it. He felt like he needed some kind of proof or tangible assurance that this was going to work out and work out well.
Amber eyes turned to meet green ones and despite the smile on Alagos' face, his voice was entirely serious. "Can't I promise such a thing?" He didn't wait for a response from Kahilnar and the Easterling was glad for he had none, unsure what to say to that in the face of his friend's confidence. He didn't know how Alagos could be so...sure, so without doubt that Kahilnar was the right person for this task, that he was worthy of the effort Alagos had put into him. "Eru made you to be who you are, Kahilnar. He created you to lead this land, these people. You are obeying him in this and you have been for months now. He won't forsake you when you are this close to achieving the task he's set before you."
There was a moment of quiet before Alagos spoke again, setting his hand on Kahilnar's shoulder and gripping it firmly. "You are Eru's chosen King and whether or not anyone wants to believe that to be true is irrelevant. It does not change anything."
That elicited a small smile from Kahilnar and he raised a brow at the shape-shifter, starting to grow less stressed and more amused himself by Alagos' sureness about the whole situation. "You need people to lead if you want to be a King, Okahk." he pointed out and Alagos grinned, moving his hand away from Kahilnar's shoulder and sweeping it out to encompass the whole valley.
"True enough, but you have these people, Kahilnar. It is a start and Eru will only multiply it. Trust me, you will not have to convince these Kings of anything on your own. Be open to what Eru tells you to do and let Him handle the rest."
The Easterling sighed, shaking his head, but deep inside he wanted to believe. Deep inside he wanted to trust that it would be as easy as Alagos claimed. Part of him...thought the white-haired male was right. So far all he'd had to do was follow whatever instructions Eru gave and things fell in line, into place as if they were meant to be that way. But a bigger part of him was struggling not to tell his friend that he was crazy and that it wasn't going to be that simple. Kahilnar said nothing of the sort. He needed to have faith, no matter how faithless the situation looked.
His green eyes glanced back at Sharpmist to see the battle dragoness looking back at him with fierce and yet strangely encouraging red eyes. She believed in him, believed he could do it and Kahilnar had no doubt that when the time came, she'd defend him against anyone. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if her presence was only going to complicate everything with his kin. Truthfully...he didn't really care if it did. Sharpmist was his and he was hers. Nothing was changing that.
Still...it probably would complicate things.
"Obey Eru...that is easier thought and said than done, Alagos."
Kahilnar said it quietly, accepting even as he sounded weary and Alagos looked over at him, a half-smile on his face, but understanding in his eyes, too. The shape-shifter's mental voice was as equally quiet as the Easterling's.
"I know."
He knew it was hard, but he also knew Kahilnar could do this. Eru had called the Easterling and that was all that needed to be said. Everything would work out because Kahilnar had been called and the Prince had answered that call. Everything had just started going forward from there and it wasn't going to stop now.
That night...
The camp was still alive with noise, something that sounded strange to Gweltari even as she knew the reason for it. By now, late as it was, the Rebels should have settled, little sound detectable unless one listened for it. The cry of a baby, the clinking of metal, the wind and snorts of horses, the rumbling sound of sleeping dragons in the distance, a howl from a wolf or perhaps even a Vultsi...those were usual night sounds, but this... Metal clanked and horses neighed, talking was a constant buzz and the tent walls were aglow with the light from torches outside, providing light. Wagon wheels creaked and the sound of swords being sharpened, hammers falling on hot metal in the smithies were as alive as they were in the daytime.
The Rebels were making their last marching preparations. Alagos and Kahilnar had gone to the other leaders and commanders, and the announcement had been made late that afternoon to the rest of the valley. The war was nearly upon them on a grand scale. It was time to leave the safety of the mountains and venture onto the real battle-lines.
The ranger woman was unsure what she felt about all of it. Her initial reaction had been some excitement, a flutter of anticipation - not for the idea of having to kill or being in danger, but for the chance to be DOING something again! Alagos had rubbed off on her just as much as she'd changed him. She'd always been a Ranger, liking to move and be on a task, but that desire had increased even more now that she was bonded and mated to Alagos. He was a wanderer and had been since he was young. He didn't like staying in one place for long and now, she wasn't all that content with it either.
Now, though, now that she'd had some time to think about everything, about what this battle would be like...Gweltari was plagued with doubt. She stopped folding the clothes she was packing and set the shirt down, looking down at her hands tangled in the fabric for a long moment before she let it go entirely, placing a hand on her swollen stomach instead. She could feel the life within her. It wasn't just the knowing that there was a baby growing inside her body, it was more than that. Her gift could FEEL the child, could feel when it felt fear or sleepiness or when it was awake and alert. It had only really started to get her attention within the last few days, but Gweltari knew now that she'd been feeling it for a while.
When she would spar or when she was startled, the baby picked up on her emotions and mirrored them in some way or another. When she was active, the child usually was, too. When she was agitated, so was the baby. Her son knew her and she was starting to understand him more and more and with that understanding came worry and uncertainty she could not help.
Gweltari sighed slowly as she sat down on a crate, glad she was alone in the tent as she lifted her shirt and laid her hands against her stomach, looking down at the visible evidence of life inside her. Was she being selfish, wanting to go and fight? Was she putting her son, Alagos' son in unnecessary danger? She had always dreamed of having children, of being mother despite how nervous it made her to actually think of doing the job, but Alagos...he'd never dreamed of this. She knew his heart, she knew his mind and his memories.
He'd never thought anyone would care for him, love him. He'd never thought to have children and the ranger woman KNEW what a blessing, surprise and gift this little boy was. She only had to look into her husband's eyes, his face when he looked down at her stomach to see how awed and happy he was about this pregnancy. Alagos wanted to be a father just as much as he'd wanted to be a mate to her. There was no comparing the two. When Alagos gave his heart into something, he gave it fully and this child had his heart just as much as she did, just in a different way.
And Gweltari knew she was jeopardizing that, for all three of them. She knew the baby would be in danger as would she, but what the ranger woman could not decide was if it was necessary, unavoidable danger. She'd felt all along like she needed to stay with Alagos, to go where he went as much as she could and she'd felt that intense desire ever since he'd come back from Al-Salyha and the tunnels.
But was there HER desire, her fear that if she let him go he'd get hurt again? Or was it deeper than that? Was it a feeling she was supposed to have for a purpose? She didn't know. Thalbor and Taurnar were - and had been - protesting vehemently her choice to go to war, to march out with them. They brought up many good reasons why she should not go, the main reason being her unborn son, but the ranger woman, while she could not refute their arguments, could also not give in to them. It was a difficult struggle, especially when she was unsure of her own choice.
Gweltari closed her green-gray eyes and brushed dark hair behind her ear, keeping one hand securely on her stomach, cradling the life within. "Well, little fire, what say you? Are you willing to see your first battle so young?"
"Perhaps the One better to ask is He who has given you both life."
The voice startled Gweltari, but the child within her seemed perfectly calm, trusting, relaxing greatly at the sound of the person in the tent. The ranger woman's eyes flew open, but she didn't jump up, somehow knowing to take her cue from her child as she stared at the being in front of her. Its presence seemed to fill the entire tent, but not in a suffocating way. There was just light everywhere it came from the male standing in the center of the little 'home'. Gweltari could not determine what the being really looked like. All she understood was that the person had wings, they were filled with light if not made of it and they were male. And the male was good...not good, but pure. Very pure, but not safe from faults, just less prone to them.
A name floated before Gweltari's mind, a memory not her own, but Alagos' and she decided to test the theory, making her mouth move after a halting moment. "Gabriel?"
There was the sound of laughter, deep and rumbling and soothing but full of mirth and the male seemed to shake his head without appearing to move. It was strange, but beautiful in a way Gweltari could not define or explain properly. "Nay, he is assigned to your husband for this allotted time. I am Astarwë."
"You are a winged-Maia?"
"That is one of my names, yes."
Gweltari nodded slowly, thinking she understood, but really only wondering why Astarwë was here at all. Surely she was not so important that Eru would send one of His servants to speak with her! The ranger woman made to stand, her heavier body making it a bit awkward, but the winged-Maia held out a hand, halting her progress. "Please, stay seated. I have come to alleviate your fears and to bid you speak what is in your heart, Daughter of Eru."
Green-gray eyes looked intently at the light-being even as Gweltari remained seated like requested. "Then I would prefer you sit as well. It is only polite that two people talking should both be comfortable."
More laughter followed her statement, but the woman could not find it offensive for it was pure and light, full of a joy she could feel sweeping over her in gentle waves, calming her heart and lulling the child within her into a peaceful sleep. Astarwë did not answer her words, but only sat...on air, as if there was a perfectly useable seat where he decided to rest. Gweltari stared for a moment and then shook her head, grinning. "You are much different than Gabriel. Alagos tells me he is much more...serious and intense."
Astarwë seemed to smile and while Gweltari got the feeling that Gabriel was deeply respected by the other winged-Maia, she also got the impression that harmless and mirthful jokes were often made about the more serious servant of Eru. "Gabriel takes his assignments very seriously and therefore he is usually given assignments where the human or elf in need is more serious themselves. Eru has assigned me to you for He has seen that we will communicate well."
Gweltari slouched a bit, shaking her head as awed disbelief ran through her. The Creator had seen fit to find a servant that would be compatible...with HER? She had heard Eru's Voice many times, had felt His Presence, but to send someone...it was an act of love and caring that she found suddenly overwhelming and the ranger woman took a deep breath, realizing she was crying. She wiped away the tears hastily, clearing her throat. "I am sorry. I am with child and my emotions are...worn."
"Be at peace, Daughter of Eru. Not all tears are caused by evil and your heart is understood. Please, speak your fears."
Astarwë's voice was so understanding, so gentle and compassionate that Gweltari didn't think twice about it as she started to pour everything that had been building up in her out to the winged-Maia, trusting him in the same way she trusted her Creator because it was Eru who had sent His servant to minister to her. She told him about her worry for Alagos. How the shape-shifter had gotten stronger in fighting Ñaltanárë, but how she feared that without Liska, Maltasercë and Sairalassë, Alagos would be overcome. She told Astarwë that she dreaded the day when she could not keep the shape-shifter's gift at bay and how much she disliked the pain it caused her husband. Gweltari spoke of the worry she felt from Alagos himself about the prophecy she'd glimpsed in his mind and how much it troubled her that he was not speaking about it with her.
She spoke of her fear that she'd lose one of her brothers in this war or a close friend. The ranger woman shared her anxieties about not knowing what to do when her son came, about the sadness she felt over the likely possibility that her mother would not be here for the birth, would not be here to help her. She spoke of her fear that her father would not accept her marriage despite his love for her. She spoke of the longing to see the North again and her family, to know what peace felt like and to see Alagos experience it as well.
And last, she spoke of the decision ahead of her and the sick feeling it gave her deep inside to think of making the wrong choice. "I do not want to put my child in danger, but...I feel I must follow Alagos. I just do not know if that is my desire or a desire placed in me."
Astarwë did not hesitate to speak into the silence and Gweltari listened intently. So far she had not asked for advice, for her listener to speak. She'd needed to talk and the winged-Maia had been an astute audience, but now it was different and she didn't just need a pair of ears. She needed a messenger.
"Are you asking for wisdom in making your choice, Daughter of Eru?"
Gweltari took a deep breath, knowing that if she asked for answers and she received them, the next step would be to obey their directions...and that might be hard depending on what was said. But she wanted an answer and to not be plagued with this worry any longer and so the ranger woman nodded, opening her eyes again, only now realizing she'd closed them. "I am."
Astarwë nodded in that strange way again and Gweltari was unsure when the winged-Maia had stood, but she thought it fitting as he spoke, the light rays coming from him intensifying as a Voice seemed to come from the male, the Presence in the tent suddenly more powerful and not Astarwë's own. "Know, My Daughter, that the desire in your heart is not false. My Son shall need you before the end and I have brought you together for your joy and contentment, but more-so for this approaching hour and place."
"Then I am to go?" Gweltari breathed the words, feeling like she could barely speak at all and the powerful Voice swept through her like a great wind, strong and yet infinitely gentle and loving. Patient. "You are to follow the half of your heart that I have given to you. You are to follow your husband. Let no voice turn you aside on to another path. Keep to the straight road I have set before you and it will go well for you."
"And my son?" The ranger woman kept her hand over her stomach protectively, but in a moment thought the gesture silly as warmth curled through her, into her middle and she felt a surge of pure, untainted joy from the baby. Her son needed no protection from the One who had made him and given him a soul. The warmth seeped away slowly and the answer to her question, when it came, was given by Astarwë once more.
"The Creator has made you a promise and it is thus; Your line shall never fall away from Him and never will He turn His face away from the child you carry in a your womb. Be of good courage, Daughter of Faith, and do not let the Evil One steal your joy away. Keep it close to you and follow in the Light."
Gweltari smiled through her tears, unable to make them stop. "Thank you." Though she knew she whispered the words to empty air, she also knew she was heard. Heard and loved and when Alagos came into the tent soon after, she opened her mind to him without speaking, letting him see and feel and hear what she had because there were no appropriate words to describe it. And her husband, strangely blocked from her while the messenger had been there - but not a way that worried him - held her tightly as they both rocked, both quietly thanking Eru for each other and for the blessing of life between them amidst so much death and destruction and the promise of more to come.
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