A/N: CHAPTER SIX!!!!! Yahoo!!! Thank-you for all your wonderful reviews!!!
I take much pleasure in reading them!! Enjoy chapter six and wait patiently
for chapter seven!!
1 Chapter Six
It was three more days before Bren showed signs of ever waking from her slumber.
Legolas woke early that morning, leaving her ghostly form to hover on the edges of the small forest, watching as the sun began to rise, painting the sky deep hues of red, orange, purple and yellow. It was a beautiful sight, easing his heart if just the slightest bit from its horrid ache. Keeping vigil over Bren had been a grueling task. Watching her slip from his grasp, moment by moment, was more painful than he could have ever imagined. She was dying, and there was nothing he could do.
Thankfully enough, she had regained a little of her former color after the first night, though it was not much. At least it made her look alive, in one way or another.
The mists were beginning to rise when Legolas finally pulled himself away from the beautiful view, stepping lightly across the mossy floor to regain his post by Bren's side. Though to his surprise, and much horror, he found she wasn't there. Three dirty blankets lay abandoned on the ground, and her lovely Rivendell dress was missing.
Legolas felt his heart swell with joy, and he paused, listening for sounds of her footsteps close by.
Sure enough, her pained breathing echoed throughout the forest, sounding loud in his sensitive Elvin ears.
Like lightning he took off, meandering through the trees, dodging over falling branches and strong roots that protruded from the ground. How she had managed to get so far in her state, Legolas was amazed at. She was truly a strong woman. Stronger than any of the airheads he knew. Her path led him to a small river, so small it was likely not to be on any of Middle- Earth's maps. The water was clear and flowed persistently down the hill, curving its way here and there. He followed it upstream, noticing Bren's light footsteps in the dirt and moss. That was where she had gone.
Continuing on, he was met with a fork. Stopping abruptly, he pondered his course, glancing up either way. His keen eyes caught sight of Bren's thin form down the left fork, walking slowly onwards, her once beautiful dress faded and old, with patches of dirt along the hemline. Her hair did not shine in the rays that spilled through the canopy. Instead it looked just as dead as she had many a night ago. It was a sad sight to see. He had loved her hair, the way it glittered and glowed, perched gracefully upon her head in a fine work of art, or just falling in waves down her slender back. In any form, seeing it warmed his heart. He missed it greatly.
Sleek as a cat, Legolas sped up the hill, making not a sound. His feet barely left any print whatsoever on the mossy ground, a twig barely snapping as he trod over it. Soon he was close behind her, and he dared to say her name.
"Bren!"
She froze, turning on her heel, gaze locking with his. Her emerald eyes still had their shine, watching him carefully as he approached her.
"What do you want?" she asked irritably.
Legolas shrugged.
"I am glad to see you awake." He ventured, stopping to stand beside her. She glared at him fiercely, starting to walk again.
"Where are you going?"
"That is none of your business. Leave me alone. Go back to your ferns and frolic amongst the daisies. That's what Elves do don't they?" There was an edge of anger in her voice that made Legolas almost happy. At least she had regained her fiery tongue. The events of the past few days seemed to leave her unabashed. She did not seem upset or afraid at all. It was almost strange.
"Well, no, not really." Legolas answered, taking another step forward. "We prefer to follow young maidens through the thicket, winning over their hearts with sweet words."
He smiled slightly, but Bren looked disgusted.
"How dare you speak so lightly? After what has happened?"
The smile faded instantly.
Bren shot him a murderous look, then turned on her heel and continued on, hands clenched firmly by her sides. Legolas hesitated, watching closely. He heard a sniff, a choked sob, and saw her arm come up to wipe the tears that were now falling. Mouth set firmly, he followed, catching up with her in a few long strides.
"I'm sorry." He muttered, turning his head slightly to look at her. "I am terribly sorry….Bren I.."
"Leave me alone!" she shrieked, tearing up the last stretch of the hill. Once there she stopped, and Legolas heard her gasp loudly, staggering backwards. The heel of her foot caught on a treeroot and she cried out, arms wind-milling to regain her balance. Legolas ran forward, catching her as she fell, the impact bringing him to the ground. His body tensed, waiting for Bren to struggle.
But she didn't.
She just lay in his arms, muscles loose, trembling slightly. She was looking up, her mouth in a wide 'o '. No sound escaped her lips, and her eyes were fixed on something above them. Legolas looked up, following her gaze, gasping just as loudly as he caught sight of what she was staring at.
It was a woman, tall and slender, standing just on the tip of the hill. Her long, golden hair was tied in many braids, trailing down her back to lie on the forest floor. Some strands had come loose, which danced and swirled in the breeze, gently brushing her smooth shoulders. She wore a flowing, pale maroon gown make of velvet, that seemed to have a life of it's own, moving almost hypnotically even when the woman stood still. It was a breathtaking sight, but what really made Legolas' spine tingle was her eyes.
They were one color, and yet every other color at once. He was beyond words to explain them. One moment, they were sky blue, the next, midnight black. They swirled and changed, too quickly for any eye but of an Elf to see. They seemed to see right through him, penetrating his mind, reading his inner most thoughts, sending wave after wave of chills that would not leave him.
Legolas was entranced.
The world was falling away. The sounds and smells of the forest left him. All feeling abandoned him.
She was even more spellbinding then that of Lady Galadriel.
His eyes began to cloud, his breathing slowed.
"Amin utue lle…." She whispered, her voice like the wind. "Khila amin…."
I found you. Follow me.
Legolas' body stiffened, and began to move as though possessed. His eyes were glazed an unfocused, staring off into the oblivion. Gently, he moved from underneath Bren, standing tall and following as the woman began to walk away.
"Hasana!"
Bren's voice cut through the silence, as she stumbled to her feet, running after them. "Hasana!"
With her words, Legolas snapped back to reality, eyes clear once more. He was staring at the woman, and she was staring at Bren, a mix of emotions swirling on her features. Bren was crying, a look of grim determination set on her face.
"Hasana! I know it's you!"
There was a pause.
The woman nodded. "Uma, ta naa amin."
"I do not understand!" she cried. "Do not speak so to me!"
Hasana closed her eyes, hands folded neatly in front of her. "Yes, it is I."
Bren sniffed, face screwed up tightly in an attempt to keep herself from sobbing. More and more tears kept streaming down her cheeks, their once glowing tenderness snuffed from many nights of the Ring's torture. She was shaking, trembling with sorrow and weakness. She had never looked so tired and alone, so mournful and afraid. It wrenched horribly at Legolas' heart to see her this way. He longed to hold her tight in his embrace, wipe away her tears and ease her pain. He longed for it so much, at yet he knew that he could never do so.
"It has been too long, sister." Hasana said, reaching out to touch Bren gently on her shoulder.
Bren bit her lip, choking on her sob that threatened to escape.
"Nalla, elle ar." Hasana soothed, brushing a stray lock of dull copper hair aside. "Cry, little one."
"Nalla, seler'haba. Cry sister-mine."
Bren could hold it in no longer, collapsing in Hasana's embrace, shaking and sobbing, shoulders heaving. Legolas stood nearby, watching painfully. The forest echoed with the sound of Bren's mourning, silencing the happy chirping of the birds, the casual swaying of the trees, and the chattering of small animals.
"He umbar si'morri." Hasana said softly, and Legolas was glad Bren could not understand. She was looking at him now, her eyes swirling and changing constantly. "He malle'si'an."
Her fate is dark. Her road is long.
"Nwalma nauva he corm."
Sorrow fills her heart.
"Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle he kaima."
My heart shall weep until it sees her well.
Legolas nodded, as Bren began to quiet, her tears subsiding to meager sniffles. She sighed dropping to her knees, her eyes on the forest floor. There was silence for quite some time, the sounds of the forest still. Hasana was watching Bren carefully, not looking the least bit tired for how long she had stood. Legolas took a step forward, dropping down to her level.
"Are you alright?"
Bren ignored him, gaze shifting to her sister. She was breathing heavily, clutching her hand. The faint smell of burning flesh swirled in the air, making Legolas' nostrils prickle. Bren winced, biting her lip hard, a trickle of blood sliding over her chin. Hasana's eyes changed again, to a turbulent storm blue.
"The Ring." She murmured. "It holds you captive in his grasp. It kills you for it's evil purpose. It burns you. You do not have much time left my sister. It will not be long before Sauron's plan is complete."
Legolas stiffened, clutching the ground to support himself.
"How much time?" he hissed, voice wavering.
Hasana frowned, turning around slowly. She began to walk down the other side, footsteps light and dainty, almost as if she were gliding. Legolas motioned Bren to stand, and they followed her, always a few strides behind. She led them on for a long time, all the while faint traces of sweet music gracing the silence. The forest changed before their eyes, from the simple shelter, to a magical wood. Sunlight poured through the canopy, bathing everything within it's reach in a warm, secure blanket. Clouds of dust and particles sprinkled the air, invisible except within the shafts of bright sunshine, where they ignited into glimmering specks. The trees were mostly evergreen, though every now and again, foliage of red flame, or rich orange and yellow would appear. It was simply beautiful. Beyond that of even the most wise of poets to put into words. In the field, the forest had seemed so small, but once inside, it stretched on forever in every direction.
After many minutes of walking, they came upon a small opening, where a natural spring was gurgling happily. It's contents dribbled in a winding line away into the distance, and Legolas realized that the river from before was probably fed from the spring. Sitting close by was a man, an Elf actually, with long ebony hair that trailed along his broad back in braids not unlike Hasana's. He wore an elegant red robe, trimmed with gold, lying neatly around him. A thin silver circlet was placed upon his flawless brow, topping off his almost royal attire.
He sat cross-legged, eyes closed as if in deep thought, long arms draped in red silk lying on his thighs, palms upturned. The moment they set foot within the glade, his lids snapped open, revealing eyes that mirrored Hasana's, which swirled to a mute green, then soft blue, then back again.
"Vedui' Cigry." Hasana said softly.
"Vedui' Hasana." He replied, his voice low and musical, wise with age.
His gaze shifted to Legolas, and he smiled slightly. "Heru en amin." My Lord.
Legolas frowned, but nodded all the same. He did not like the feeling of this man.
"Bren." Hasana said, motioning her to come forward. "This is Cigry, my husband. You have met him before, though I am sure you do not remember. We have come to this forest by the request of Lady Galadriel. I am her apprentice now, though I will not, and cannot tell you why. She was upset by Celeborn's decision to kill you, and sent us here to meet you when you came. She knew you would escape the House of Elrond, and knew you would come here."
Bren was staring at her sister, confusion marring her tired features. She looked ready to say something, but couldn't seem to find the words. Legolas was just as shocked as she. So many things had happened in the past days, and he was sure more surprises were to come.
Hasana continued.
"There are many things you do not know yet. Many things. I wish to show you some of them here. Your time grows thin. The only chance for you to change the course of fate, will be to know these, and heed them, for danger, and darkness I see much of in your future. Are you ready?"
Almost without thinking, Bren nodded.
In a flash of white hot light, Bren and Hasana dissapeared.
*
The light caught me unprepared. I was not ready for it.
In what seemed like half a heartbeat, I was pitched to the ground, shaking as though cold. I could feel Hasana beside me, the aura that surrounded her so strong it dulled my senses. She had changed so much. So much, I almost didn't recognize her when I saw her atop the hill. She was very different from the sister I knew, though I wasn't surprised. I had heard the tales of Lady Galadriel, of how she put spells on all who gaze upon her, and I had felt them first hand. She changed all those who came across her, in more ways than one. I could tell I was different now too, from before our meeting, though not as much as my sister.
In my dreams I would remember her as a smiling, joyous youth, drunk with love over the handsome Cigry. I remember her as being the one who would tell me tales of horror, adventure, and magic, of two lovers parted, then reunited. I remember her as the one, who besides me, would never heed our father's word, who would sneak out at night and go to the beach even though she knew it was wrong. I remember her so differently.
The Hasana standing close was a stranger.
I knew nothing of her now.
I opened my eyes, the world swaying underneath me. I felt Hasana put a steadying hand on my shoulder, lifting me to my feet to look upon the image presented. I knew straight away we were no longer in the magical wood. We stood in an open field, facing the sea, on the edge of a great cliff that was vertical to the shore far below. Behind us, even before I looked, I could see my home, the large home of my family of ages past and ages present.
Hasana had brought me home.
She turned me slowly, to face the building where I had grown up, the building of memories good and bad.
I am sure I never knew pain until I looked upon it.
Outside were my brothers, doing their daily chores, chatting casually, and letting life pass them by without a care in the word. Simeon, Domic, Caelan, Cyrus, Armael, Nathaniel, Essien. I felt my heart twist into a horrible knot, unstoppable tears building in my eyes. I didn't realize until know, how much I missed them, how much I longed to be embraced by a loving brother, to be safe, to not have to take care of myself. I was so sick of being by myself, having to do everything without help. I wanted so much to be home, to lie in my comfortable bed, to eat my delicious food, to sit around the hearth at night and tell tales. The tears had escaped my eyes, falling in waterfalls down my cheeks.
Then, as if to mock my pain, I saw Asillan walk over and pat Simeon on the shoulder, giving him a warm smile. Simeon smiled back, embracing him tightly. I felt the anger rise in my chest, the outrage burning in my veins. I could not believe they had brought him into their home, my home. After what he had done to me? It made me more angry and hurt than I had ever felt. I wanted to run over, and rip Asillan's throat out, crush his disgusting head under my foot, tear him to pieces and curse him.
"Bren." Hasana warned, drawing closer to me. "He did not tell them what he did to you. Did you seriously think he would? He merely lied. He told them you had run off, into the forest of Mirkwood, and did not come out. They believe you dead sister."
The reality of the situation hit me hard, and suddenly, I felt alone again.
They had not been there. They had not been there when I needed them. My brothers had left me. They weren't my brothers anymore.
"Bren, the first thing I must tell you, is of your past." Hasana began, looking me in the eye. "You must realize now, that you were never a part of this family. You were not born of a woman. You were created, by Sauron, to fulfill his plan, and that is all. You are not even human. Neither am I."
I heard her. I did hear her, but I did not want to.
"Along with you, I was created, though not by Sauron. I was created by Galadriel, to watch over you, and guide you. Galadriel knew long before the creation of the Rings of power, what was to happen. She has always known. She created me, to keep you safe, to keep you on course. The True Ring has the power to manipulate, and if you let it Bren, it can corupt you. The True Ring can make you believe you are to live for the purpose of Sauron, which cannot happen. I cannot let that happen. So that is why I am here. That is why I left home for Lothlorien. I needed to learn how to guide you. And now I do."
Everything was beginning to fit. I was beginning to understand.
"Now that the Ring has begun it's purpose, everyone you once knew, in your former life will forget you ever existed. They were manipulated by Sauron to believe you alive. One day you weren't the next you were. You did not grow up in this house. You didn't even grow up at all. Sauron made you as you are, and you will never age, or look a day older. But now, he has manipulated them to forget. They will not remember you. Even if you wanted them to."
Now I understood.
"I understand. Amin rangwa."
Hasana seemed a little surprised. "I thought you could not speak Elvish." She said, giving me a strange look.
"I don't." I replied. "You used to say that all the time. That is why I know it."
She nodded in response, taking my hand. Suddenly, I felt almost safe again. I knew that Hasana would always be with me, no matter what. She might be changed, she might not even be human, but she will always be my sister. I had Legolas too. I knew he would be with me too. I didn't say it, but without him, I would not be where I was now. I knew that he would always be my silent protector.
"So now you know, my sister, and now you must decide what to do."
1 Chapter Six
It was three more days before Bren showed signs of ever waking from her slumber.
Legolas woke early that morning, leaving her ghostly form to hover on the edges of the small forest, watching as the sun began to rise, painting the sky deep hues of red, orange, purple and yellow. It was a beautiful sight, easing his heart if just the slightest bit from its horrid ache. Keeping vigil over Bren had been a grueling task. Watching her slip from his grasp, moment by moment, was more painful than he could have ever imagined. She was dying, and there was nothing he could do.
Thankfully enough, she had regained a little of her former color after the first night, though it was not much. At least it made her look alive, in one way or another.
The mists were beginning to rise when Legolas finally pulled himself away from the beautiful view, stepping lightly across the mossy floor to regain his post by Bren's side. Though to his surprise, and much horror, he found she wasn't there. Three dirty blankets lay abandoned on the ground, and her lovely Rivendell dress was missing.
Legolas felt his heart swell with joy, and he paused, listening for sounds of her footsteps close by.
Sure enough, her pained breathing echoed throughout the forest, sounding loud in his sensitive Elvin ears.
Like lightning he took off, meandering through the trees, dodging over falling branches and strong roots that protruded from the ground. How she had managed to get so far in her state, Legolas was amazed at. She was truly a strong woman. Stronger than any of the airheads he knew. Her path led him to a small river, so small it was likely not to be on any of Middle- Earth's maps. The water was clear and flowed persistently down the hill, curving its way here and there. He followed it upstream, noticing Bren's light footsteps in the dirt and moss. That was where she had gone.
Continuing on, he was met with a fork. Stopping abruptly, he pondered his course, glancing up either way. His keen eyes caught sight of Bren's thin form down the left fork, walking slowly onwards, her once beautiful dress faded and old, with patches of dirt along the hemline. Her hair did not shine in the rays that spilled through the canopy. Instead it looked just as dead as she had many a night ago. It was a sad sight to see. He had loved her hair, the way it glittered and glowed, perched gracefully upon her head in a fine work of art, or just falling in waves down her slender back. In any form, seeing it warmed his heart. He missed it greatly.
Sleek as a cat, Legolas sped up the hill, making not a sound. His feet barely left any print whatsoever on the mossy ground, a twig barely snapping as he trod over it. Soon he was close behind her, and he dared to say her name.
"Bren!"
She froze, turning on her heel, gaze locking with his. Her emerald eyes still had their shine, watching him carefully as he approached her.
"What do you want?" she asked irritably.
Legolas shrugged.
"I am glad to see you awake." He ventured, stopping to stand beside her. She glared at him fiercely, starting to walk again.
"Where are you going?"
"That is none of your business. Leave me alone. Go back to your ferns and frolic amongst the daisies. That's what Elves do don't they?" There was an edge of anger in her voice that made Legolas almost happy. At least she had regained her fiery tongue. The events of the past few days seemed to leave her unabashed. She did not seem upset or afraid at all. It was almost strange.
"Well, no, not really." Legolas answered, taking another step forward. "We prefer to follow young maidens through the thicket, winning over their hearts with sweet words."
He smiled slightly, but Bren looked disgusted.
"How dare you speak so lightly? After what has happened?"
The smile faded instantly.
Bren shot him a murderous look, then turned on her heel and continued on, hands clenched firmly by her sides. Legolas hesitated, watching closely. He heard a sniff, a choked sob, and saw her arm come up to wipe the tears that were now falling. Mouth set firmly, he followed, catching up with her in a few long strides.
"I'm sorry." He muttered, turning his head slightly to look at her. "I am terribly sorry….Bren I.."
"Leave me alone!" she shrieked, tearing up the last stretch of the hill. Once there she stopped, and Legolas heard her gasp loudly, staggering backwards. The heel of her foot caught on a treeroot and she cried out, arms wind-milling to regain her balance. Legolas ran forward, catching her as she fell, the impact bringing him to the ground. His body tensed, waiting for Bren to struggle.
But she didn't.
She just lay in his arms, muscles loose, trembling slightly. She was looking up, her mouth in a wide 'o '. No sound escaped her lips, and her eyes were fixed on something above them. Legolas looked up, following her gaze, gasping just as loudly as he caught sight of what she was staring at.
It was a woman, tall and slender, standing just on the tip of the hill. Her long, golden hair was tied in many braids, trailing down her back to lie on the forest floor. Some strands had come loose, which danced and swirled in the breeze, gently brushing her smooth shoulders. She wore a flowing, pale maroon gown make of velvet, that seemed to have a life of it's own, moving almost hypnotically even when the woman stood still. It was a breathtaking sight, but what really made Legolas' spine tingle was her eyes.
They were one color, and yet every other color at once. He was beyond words to explain them. One moment, they were sky blue, the next, midnight black. They swirled and changed, too quickly for any eye but of an Elf to see. They seemed to see right through him, penetrating his mind, reading his inner most thoughts, sending wave after wave of chills that would not leave him.
Legolas was entranced.
The world was falling away. The sounds and smells of the forest left him. All feeling abandoned him.
She was even more spellbinding then that of Lady Galadriel.
His eyes began to cloud, his breathing slowed.
"Amin utue lle…." She whispered, her voice like the wind. "Khila amin…."
I found you. Follow me.
Legolas' body stiffened, and began to move as though possessed. His eyes were glazed an unfocused, staring off into the oblivion. Gently, he moved from underneath Bren, standing tall and following as the woman began to walk away.
"Hasana!"
Bren's voice cut through the silence, as she stumbled to her feet, running after them. "Hasana!"
With her words, Legolas snapped back to reality, eyes clear once more. He was staring at the woman, and she was staring at Bren, a mix of emotions swirling on her features. Bren was crying, a look of grim determination set on her face.
"Hasana! I know it's you!"
There was a pause.
The woman nodded. "Uma, ta naa amin."
"I do not understand!" she cried. "Do not speak so to me!"
Hasana closed her eyes, hands folded neatly in front of her. "Yes, it is I."
Bren sniffed, face screwed up tightly in an attempt to keep herself from sobbing. More and more tears kept streaming down her cheeks, their once glowing tenderness snuffed from many nights of the Ring's torture. She was shaking, trembling with sorrow and weakness. She had never looked so tired and alone, so mournful and afraid. It wrenched horribly at Legolas' heart to see her this way. He longed to hold her tight in his embrace, wipe away her tears and ease her pain. He longed for it so much, at yet he knew that he could never do so.
"It has been too long, sister." Hasana said, reaching out to touch Bren gently on her shoulder.
Bren bit her lip, choking on her sob that threatened to escape.
"Nalla, elle ar." Hasana soothed, brushing a stray lock of dull copper hair aside. "Cry, little one."
"Nalla, seler'haba. Cry sister-mine."
Bren could hold it in no longer, collapsing in Hasana's embrace, shaking and sobbing, shoulders heaving. Legolas stood nearby, watching painfully. The forest echoed with the sound of Bren's mourning, silencing the happy chirping of the birds, the casual swaying of the trees, and the chattering of small animals.
"He umbar si'morri." Hasana said softly, and Legolas was glad Bren could not understand. She was looking at him now, her eyes swirling and changing constantly. "He malle'si'an."
Her fate is dark. Her road is long.
"Nwalma nauva he corm."
Sorrow fills her heart.
"Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle he kaima."
My heart shall weep until it sees her well.
Legolas nodded, as Bren began to quiet, her tears subsiding to meager sniffles. She sighed dropping to her knees, her eyes on the forest floor. There was silence for quite some time, the sounds of the forest still. Hasana was watching Bren carefully, not looking the least bit tired for how long she had stood. Legolas took a step forward, dropping down to her level.
"Are you alright?"
Bren ignored him, gaze shifting to her sister. She was breathing heavily, clutching her hand. The faint smell of burning flesh swirled in the air, making Legolas' nostrils prickle. Bren winced, biting her lip hard, a trickle of blood sliding over her chin. Hasana's eyes changed again, to a turbulent storm blue.
"The Ring." She murmured. "It holds you captive in his grasp. It kills you for it's evil purpose. It burns you. You do not have much time left my sister. It will not be long before Sauron's plan is complete."
Legolas stiffened, clutching the ground to support himself.
"How much time?" he hissed, voice wavering.
Hasana frowned, turning around slowly. She began to walk down the other side, footsteps light and dainty, almost as if she were gliding. Legolas motioned Bren to stand, and they followed her, always a few strides behind. She led them on for a long time, all the while faint traces of sweet music gracing the silence. The forest changed before their eyes, from the simple shelter, to a magical wood. Sunlight poured through the canopy, bathing everything within it's reach in a warm, secure blanket. Clouds of dust and particles sprinkled the air, invisible except within the shafts of bright sunshine, where they ignited into glimmering specks. The trees were mostly evergreen, though every now and again, foliage of red flame, or rich orange and yellow would appear. It was simply beautiful. Beyond that of even the most wise of poets to put into words. In the field, the forest had seemed so small, but once inside, it stretched on forever in every direction.
After many minutes of walking, they came upon a small opening, where a natural spring was gurgling happily. It's contents dribbled in a winding line away into the distance, and Legolas realized that the river from before was probably fed from the spring. Sitting close by was a man, an Elf actually, with long ebony hair that trailed along his broad back in braids not unlike Hasana's. He wore an elegant red robe, trimmed with gold, lying neatly around him. A thin silver circlet was placed upon his flawless brow, topping off his almost royal attire.
He sat cross-legged, eyes closed as if in deep thought, long arms draped in red silk lying on his thighs, palms upturned. The moment they set foot within the glade, his lids snapped open, revealing eyes that mirrored Hasana's, which swirled to a mute green, then soft blue, then back again.
"Vedui' Cigry." Hasana said softly.
"Vedui' Hasana." He replied, his voice low and musical, wise with age.
His gaze shifted to Legolas, and he smiled slightly. "Heru en amin." My Lord.
Legolas frowned, but nodded all the same. He did not like the feeling of this man.
"Bren." Hasana said, motioning her to come forward. "This is Cigry, my husband. You have met him before, though I am sure you do not remember. We have come to this forest by the request of Lady Galadriel. I am her apprentice now, though I will not, and cannot tell you why. She was upset by Celeborn's decision to kill you, and sent us here to meet you when you came. She knew you would escape the House of Elrond, and knew you would come here."
Bren was staring at her sister, confusion marring her tired features. She looked ready to say something, but couldn't seem to find the words. Legolas was just as shocked as she. So many things had happened in the past days, and he was sure more surprises were to come.
Hasana continued.
"There are many things you do not know yet. Many things. I wish to show you some of them here. Your time grows thin. The only chance for you to change the course of fate, will be to know these, and heed them, for danger, and darkness I see much of in your future. Are you ready?"
Almost without thinking, Bren nodded.
In a flash of white hot light, Bren and Hasana dissapeared.
*
The light caught me unprepared. I was not ready for it.
In what seemed like half a heartbeat, I was pitched to the ground, shaking as though cold. I could feel Hasana beside me, the aura that surrounded her so strong it dulled my senses. She had changed so much. So much, I almost didn't recognize her when I saw her atop the hill. She was very different from the sister I knew, though I wasn't surprised. I had heard the tales of Lady Galadriel, of how she put spells on all who gaze upon her, and I had felt them first hand. She changed all those who came across her, in more ways than one. I could tell I was different now too, from before our meeting, though not as much as my sister.
In my dreams I would remember her as a smiling, joyous youth, drunk with love over the handsome Cigry. I remember her as being the one who would tell me tales of horror, adventure, and magic, of two lovers parted, then reunited. I remember her as the one, who besides me, would never heed our father's word, who would sneak out at night and go to the beach even though she knew it was wrong. I remember her so differently.
The Hasana standing close was a stranger.
I knew nothing of her now.
I opened my eyes, the world swaying underneath me. I felt Hasana put a steadying hand on my shoulder, lifting me to my feet to look upon the image presented. I knew straight away we were no longer in the magical wood. We stood in an open field, facing the sea, on the edge of a great cliff that was vertical to the shore far below. Behind us, even before I looked, I could see my home, the large home of my family of ages past and ages present.
Hasana had brought me home.
She turned me slowly, to face the building where I had grown up, the building of memories good and bad.
I am sure I never knew pain until I looked upon it.
Outside were my brothers, doing their daily chores, chatting casually, and letting life pass them by without a care in the word. Simeon, Domic, Caelan, Cyrus, Armael, Nathaniel, Essien. I felt my heart twist into a horrible knot, unstoppable tears building in my eyes. I didn't realize until know, how much I missed them, how much I longed to be embraced by a loving brother, to be safe, to not have to take care of myself. I was so sick of being by myself, having to do everything without help. I wanted so much to be home, to lie in my comfortable bed, to eat my delicious food, to sit around the hearth at night and tell tales. The tears had escaped my eyes, falling in waterfalls down my cheeks.
Then, as if to mock my pain, I saw Asillan walk over and pat Simeon on the shoulder, giving him a warm smile. Simeon smiled back, embracing him tightly. I felt the anger rise in my chest, the outrage burning in my veins. I could not believe they had brought him into their home, my home. After what he had done to me? It made me more angry and hurt than I had ever felt. I wanted to run over, and rip Asillan's throat out, crush his disgusting head under my foot, tear him to pieces and curse him.
"Bren." Hasana warned, drawing closer to me. "He did not tell them what he did to you. Did you seriously think he would? He merely lied. He told them you had run off, into the forest of Mirkwood, and did not come out. They believe you dead sister."
The reality of the situation hit me hard, and suddenly, I felt alone again.
They had not been there. They had not been there when I needed them. My brothers had left me. They weren't my brothers anymore.
"Bren, the first thing I must tell you, is of your past." Hasana began, looking me in the eye. "You must realize now, that you were never a part of this family. You were not born of a woman. You were created, by Sauron, to fulfill his plan, and that is all. You are not even human. Neither am I."
I heard her. I did hear her, but I did not want to.
"Along with you, I was created, though not by Sauron. I was created by Galadriel, to watch over you, and guide you. Galadriel knew long before the creation of the Rings of power, what was to happen. She has always known. She created me, to keep you safe, to keep you on course. The True Ring has the power to manipulate, and if you let it Bren, it can corupt you. The True Ring can make you believe you are to live for the purpose of Sauron, which cannot happen. I cannot let that happen. So that is why I am here. That is why I left home for Lothlorien. I needed to learn how to guide you. And now I do."
Everything was beginning to fit. I was beginning to understand.
"Now that the Ring has begun it's purpose, everyone you once knew, in your former life will forget you ever existed. They were manipulated by Sauron to believe you alive. One day you weren't the next you were. You did not grow up in this house. You didn't even grow up at all. Sauron made you as you are, and you will never age, or look a day older. But now, he has manipulated them to forget. They will not remember you. Even if you wanted them to."
Now I understood.
"I understand. Amin rangwa."
Hasana seemed a little surprised. "I thought you could not speak Elvish." She said, giving me a strange look.
"I don't." I replied. "You used to say that all the time. That is why I know it."
She nodded in response, taking my hand. Suddenly, I felt almost safe again. I knew that Hasana would always be with me, no matter what. She might be changed, she might not even be human, but she will always be my sister. I had Legolas too. I knew he would be with me too. I didn't say it, but without him, I would not be where I was now. I knew that he would always be my silent protector.
"So now you know, my sister, and now you must decide what to do."