You can think of this chapter as the second part of Helm's Deep Battle. I
really meant to type it in one chapter.
Pop Quiz answer: Not gonna say! It would totally ruin the plot!
Chapter 11
Duo stared at the walls of the room in which they were resting. The high-arced ceiling was carved by water and irrigation into complex yet enchanting forms. Diamonds, opals, jades and many other precious stones were encrusted into the walls, some in long, fine lines shimmering in the pale torchlight. It was a breathtaking view and yet all was completely natural. Not a single human hand had shaped this room.
Aseldir watched the walls, but instead of seeing them with wonderment, he was filled with quiet respect. He had seen them many times before but the magic of their beauty could never make him grow tired.
The boy beside him hadn't changed since he had become cold and somewhat stronger. He was staring strangely at the walls, as if in untrusting wonder, like a child being offered the most wonderful candy by a suspicious man.
" Do you want to know the story of these walls?" asked Aseldir, breaking the silence.
The American turned slowly and stared at him with his frozen eyes. Then, when Aseldir was sure he wouldn't be able to withstand it anymore, he turned away and nodded vaguely.
" It goes like this: " he said
Once when the Sun and Moon Shone under a same sky And the Earth and Sea were just names Gods walked the land
In the high mountains flew the great Eagles Master of the Skies and Best of Sight In the burning valleys, great Sabre Cats ruled Fastest on Foot and Strongest in Combat
In the Underground dug the Earth Worms Master of the Soil and Best in Stealth In the deep Waters swam the Sea Dragons Controller of the Waves and Wisest of all
In the ancient Waters of Elsnir The greatest of Dragons lived His name was Gwethien His power shadowed all
Gwethien had a beautiful daughter All desired her and longed for her Lothien, the Fairest of all did not fear For her father was all-powerful
One day she saw the sky Jealousy filled her dragon heart She cursed being born a Water Lord And wished for the Eagle's freedom
Pushed by the jealousy She swam to the water's surface When fresh air filled her lungs She longed for the Skies
When the smell of sweet grass came She longed for the Valleys When the power of the ground she discovered She longed for the Earth
Gwethien her father warned her But Lothien ignored his wisdom She summoned the Great Worm Teilf And begged for underground galleries
Forced by the Dragon's powers Teilf did as she bid him But anger was filling his heart since the start of time So he dug farther than was safe
When Teilf was finished He showed proudly his work to Lothien She swam in her galleries, unheeding her father's advice So Teilf unleashed his rage
Unblocking the tunnels did Teilf All the water coursed through the undergrounds And the sea of Elsnir emptied itself on the Valleys
The great Tiger Felthan howled in fury When the drowned valleys he discovered So in vengeance he dueled the great Gwethien
Their combat lasted a thousands years Felthan being the youngest and strongest won But suffered great injuries He died at the very end after a sad victory
Teilf the Worm was foolish He drowned when the underground flooded His scales went back to the Earth So does the diamonds come from
The Great Eagles were wise They stayed in their mountains Safe from the battles below And so lived on
Lothien, the Water Dragon Lost herself in the vastness of the tunnels Never came back she did She is still searching for a way out
As her tears filled the caves They solidified and became diamonds They encrusted in the rock And filled them with beauty
" That is it." Finished Aseldir after taking a deep breath. The echo of his warm voice danced from wall to wall until it died away.
" It's long." Whispered the braided boy.
" Oh, that's the shortest version of it, the resume of the resume, if you like. The full story takes at least an hour to tell, and it's a better song, too. Still, this one tells the important parts of the tale." Replied Aseldir.
" It's very good. I'll try and learn it. " Said Duo.
Silence reigned for some time. The both of them stared mutely at the carved walls and their shining stones.
" She was very human."
Aseldir turned and looked inquisitively at the boy.
" The dragoness I mean. It's hard to imagine her as a beast and not a human. Her actions are very manlike."
" You are right. This tale is a great lesson. We found in it an example of foolishness and greed. Some brave souls tried to found Lothien and show her the way out. None came back." Said Aseldir, a smile tugging his lips.
The red-haired soldier was surprised to hear Duo laugh quietly beside him. The boy put his hand on the rock and chuckled some more.
" I think I know a girl who should listen to that story. She has an important impact on the rest of the world but she doesn't realize it and does selfish and foolish actions that usually result to people being hurt or killed. She just can't see that her power isn't for herself but for the people. She says it's to achieve world peace but hidden under that sentence his all for herself. " He finally explained.
" Yes? What's her name?" asked the soldier in sheer curiosity.
" Relena Peacecraft." Duo answered before moving away from the wall and down the hall.
Aseldir fell in beside the boy and lead him down the maze of tunnels.
" I am going to the biggest and most beautiful room of all of the discovered parts. It's where it is said that Teilf drowned, giving his body back to the Earth."
Duo only nodded, too absorbed in his head to care much for what was going around him. For all the desolation that these tunnels inspired, it crawled with life. A flutter of wings above betrayed the presence of bats, a small rush against one's leg proved to be a small animal that found refuge in the complexity of the tunnels. The light of their torch reflected on the jewels incrusted in the rock and appeared to burst out in flames. Small cascades of water showed the deepness in which they were and the continuing life. It was magical.
Aseldir was used now to Duo's silent walking and didn't notice when he stopped until the light of the boy's torch disappeared behind a corner. The soldier went back to find the braided boy kneeling beside something sparkling. It was a small puddle of water that shone fiercely under the torchlight.
" What do we have here?" asked curiously the red-haired man, kneeling beside the boy.
The small puddle proved to source itself from a small trickling of transparent water that had found its way between the rocks. Stones as brilliant as the moon were resting at the bottom. Pure diamonds and shining pearls.
" Good Lord! I think I know the name of this fountain! It is called the Fall of Lothien's Tears. It is said that here all her tears collect and transforms into pure jewels! I never thought of ever seeing it!" exclaimed the soldier.
Duo was standing there, eyes unfocused as if in a deep dream. He slowly brought his cupped hand and took some water. It felt cold yet warm. A deep shudder coursed through the boy's body but he ignored it and drank the water. As if possible, his eyes unfocused even more and paled until they menaced to become grey. His hands twitched and fell on his sides, nervous less. He stood up slowly, swaying dangerously.
" Duo! What have you done? Are you alright?" cried Aseldir in alarm, holding the braided boy by the shoulder to help him keep his balance.
The American didn't respond. His mouth slack and body limp, he moved like a walking corpse towards the direction in which they were heading, unconcerned of the sizzling torch lying on the floor. Aseldir followed reluctantly, attention constant on the boy beside him.
********
// Duo looked around himself. He was standing in the twisted trees' forest again. This time, they weren't dead or colourful. Instead, they shone a dull grey and danced mournfully in the wind. He walked aimlessly, following a pale spot of light before him. It was barely visible but he seemed attached to it. Soon, it fainted until it disappeared completely. Duo panicked and looked around. He felt lost all of a sudden; no one was there to help him! In his frantic panic, he noticed something shining on the ground. It was a small pool of water. He realized he was frightfully thirsty so he cupped his hands and meant to drink some. Before he could act, someone spoke in his head. It was the same woman voice that had spoken to him before.
" Are you back manchild? I doubted you would stay away for long after being in contact."
" What? Who are you, where am I?"
" Do not fear, nothing will harm you. You are special, boy, to have found your way here."
" I don't understand."
" Of course you don't. A lot of things need explaining. You seem lost."
" I am. Can I drink this water? I'm very thirsty."
" Drink this water you surely have the ability, but what consequences will befall on you, I cannot say."
The dreamlike Duo shrugged and drank. All the scenery around him shifted and soon, all went black.
" We will meet soon again, manchild. Be wary of what you see and hear, you might never have such a chance again."
The woman's voice died away at her last words and he was left alone in the dark void. He struggled to see, feel something and finally, the dark changed to shades of green and blue. Colours filled his vision and an assault of light almost blinded him. He soon managed to make out what he was seeing.
He was standing in a vast valley. At the horizon's rim huge mountains were standing straight. The sky was wonderful. Instead of being a light blue for the day or deep navy for the night, it was a sort of mix of the two. Strange waves of light to dark blue moved under two orbs: the sun and moon.
In the valley that stretched endlessly, high, yellow grass flowed in great waves, reflecting a radiant red when they caught the Sun's light and a reddish brown when the Moon's light came upon them. In the middle of this sea of fire, huge, red sabre cats walked, slept and played. Their shiny red coats were stripped with black and long canines went down to their lower lip. The greatest of them all was easily visible in the mass. He was about two times the size of the others and his golden eyes reflected great authority.
As Duo wondered at what he was seeing, a faint whisper came to him, like the gentle touch of a breeze upon the skin of a sleeping child. It grew stronger and the braided boy finally remembered what it meant.
In the burning valleys, great Sabre Cats ruled Fastest on Foot and Strongest in Combat
"Have I landed in the ancient world Aseldir talked me about?" He thought in wonder. "Are these the sabre cats' valleys? If it is, then that big one must be, what's his name?"
The great Tiger Felthan
"Felthan? So, they haven't fought yet, since he's alive. Am I seeing the legend? Does it mean it really happened? Maybe I'll see the Dragons too, and the Eagles and Worms."
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he found himself soaring over Felthan's valleys and to the great mountains. He stood over their rocky spikes, watching the Eagles' nests and young. The birds were flying in circle over the mountains, looking at everything with big yellow eyes that seemed unconcerned with the rest of the world.
"I don't know what's the name of the chief of the Eagles but Aseldir didn't say." He wondered. "They seem so distant and uncaring. That's right, they didn't mingle in the affairs of the Dragons. That's why they still exist. I remember Sam telling me stories about Gandalf and someone named Bilbo meeting them. It's so strange."
After that thought, he felt once again the pull and flying feeling. This time, it pushed him down in the Earth with unbreakable force. Great mounds of brown soil passed beside him as he coursed through the rough element. As soon as it had begun, he came out into a gallery. A great golden worm like none he had ever seen was moving perfectly silently. Fur was running down the whole length of the beast and his golden scales shone brightly in the ground. Duo faintly remembered his name.
In the Underground dug the Earth Worms Master of the Soil and Best in Stealth
"It goes like this I think." Duo pondered.
She summoned the Great Worm Teilf
" There! I feel sad seeing him alive since I know he's going to die. I wish I could see the Dragons know."
For the third time, he flew upward and was pushed fiercely out of the ground to found himself surrounded by flowing liquid. He was in deep yet transparent water. Dragons were swimming around him, uncaring for the human in their domain. One of them was big and old looking. His long fins had patches missing and two long moustaches ran down beside his nose. The silver scales covering his body seemed to have lost some of their glisten, the same went for his blue eyes.
In the deep Waters swam the Sea Dragons Controller of the Waves and Wisest of all
In the ancient Waters of Elsnir The greatest of Dragons lived His name was Gwethien His power shadowed all
Duo remembered sadly, knowing that despite all the Dragon would do and say, his foolish daughter would ruin everything. When the braided boy thought of Gwethien's daughter, he saw another shape become clear beside the great beast. This one was smaller and slimmer. Her fins were long and graceful and the brightness of her silver scales were almost blinding. Though all this beauty, her blue eyes gleamed with a childish expression.
Gwethien had a beautiful daughter All desired her and longed for her Lothien, the Fairest of all did not fear For her father was all-powerful
" Curse her, it's all her fault all the gods died. She should have been the one dying, not her father, nor Felthan the Tiger who was enraged that his valleys were destroyed, nor Teilf the Worm who was forced to built the caves. She's the one who should be blamed." Cursed Duo, his hands tightening into fists.
" Do you really believe it so?"
Duo was startled at the voice that had spoken. It was the woman's that had whispered as if from far away in his mind.
" Maybe you should be put into one's skin. It would be the best way for you to understand this story."
The scariest thing happened to Duo that very moment. He felt himself being snatched away from the few connections he still felt with the living world. His soul wandered free, without bound. He was pushed forward and he felt all the living pain and happiness. Fire scorched him, water drowned him, hunger killed him, craziness overcame his sanity. He meant to scream as the entire world's suffering was imposed on his already aching mind. He fought to go free, to go back to his own little worries that seemed now so meaningless.
" Do not resist, let yourself be guided. The stronger you resist, the harder it will be." Encouraged the woman's voice.
The braided boy at first refused it but soon let go. He noticed that everything went much faster and he found himself in a body, but he knew it wasn't his own. He touched the thoughts of the beast he had inhabited. It was full of sorrow, sadness and regrets. The mind was in so much pain Duo couldn't help feeling pity. The thoughts were gentle but hid a great strength. As he lived in them, the American recognised, or rather felt, which it was: Lothien. She was wandering in the tunnels, lost and helpless. Her mind was filled with regret. In her thoughts, she was showing her father the great galleries she offered him as a gift, and he was finally the slightest happy.
Before he could grasp what that meant, Duo was forced out of the dragoness' mind and shoved into another one. This mind was cold and careless. It was above all else and didn't mind for anything else than his tribe. It was the Eagle's. Duo was filled with anger at the non-caring creature while others suffered so much.
As soon and unexpected as before, he was forced out of the Eagle's line of thoughts and forced into yet another one. He didn't stay long in this mind, he was scared. The only thing he felt was anger, revenge, and sorrow for long suffering. The great worm Teilf was remembering only unhappy things, and that was about all of his life's contains.
When he was thrown out of this one, Duo felt in the way a fleeting thought, small and discreet. It was Gwethien. The only thing Duo managed to grasp was tiredness. Afterwards, he was forced into the fiercest mind of all: Felthan the Tiger. His mind was filled with raged has he saw his lands destroyed, his tribe slaughtered. Duo understood that anger and embraced it, making it one with him. He encouraged it and added his own to it.
Duo became one with Felthan in such a way that he saw with the tiger's eyes, smelled with his nose and attacked with his claws. He saw the tiger running in madness towards the empty lake, towards Elsnir's Sea. Greenery flashed pass them but he ignored it completely. He kept running in unison with the beast, not looking back. When they arrived, Gwethien was waiting for Felthan, ready for battle. When they engaged, Duo was disconnected from the beast but he could still feel and share its fury.
" Do you see now?" asked the woman's voice, clearer this time.
" See what?" asked Duo.
" I cannot say. Only, I will allow you to remember, so that you can think over what you have seen and felt. Things aren't always as easy as they appear. Remember that manchild."
" Wait! Is what I'm seeing and feeling real? Did it really happen?" demanded Duo, a bit more panicky.
" That I can say. Legends are what shape this world. Without them, we would be empty. This is but one off them. It is not real but it can become so in the minds of those who search for meaning. Haven't you learned a great lesson with what I have shown you? You will have to ponder greatly to discover the true meaning this story is telling. This is why you will remember. We will meet again manchild."
After her last words, Duo, felt that he was being pulled away from the ragging, mad tiger and pushed back into the real world. Something was restraining him, holding him back. He struggled to go free but he was too weak to do so. The only thing that came out of his mouth was a half groan and his vision was so fuzzy he could barely see anything.
" Duo! Snap out of it! Please, stop. Stop."
********** The end ********** Finished! Looks like I was in a rush of inspiration! I refused to go to bed until I was finished! (Not the brightest idea) Anyway, it looks like Helm's Deep Battle will take up three chapters instead of two. ^^; I can't believe I typed this chapter so fast! (My arm is hurting @.@)
Pop quiz: Who's speaking into Duo's head when he's 'dreaming'? No choice of answers for this one! Same reasons as the first quiz!
Pop Quiz answer: Not gonna say! It would totally ruin the plot!
Chapter 11
Duo stared at the walls of the room in which they were resting. The high-arced ceiling was carved by water and irrigation into complex yet enchanting forms. Diamonds, opals, jades and many other precious stones were encrusted into the walls, some in long, fine lines shimmering in the pale torchlight. It was a breathtaking view and yet all was completely natural. Not a single human hand had shaped this room.
Aseldir watched the walls, but instead of seeing them with wonderment, he was filled with quiet respect. He had seen them many times before but the magic of their beauty could never make him grow tired.
The boy beside him hadn't changed since he had become cold and somewhat stronger. He was staring strangely at the walls, as if in untrusting wonder, like a child being offered the most wonderful candy by a suspicious man.
" Do you want to know the story of these walls?" asked Aseldir, breaking the silence.
The American turned slowly and stared at him with his frozen eyes. Then, when Aseldir was sure he wouldn't be able to withstand it anymore, he turned away and nodded vaguely.
" It goes like this: " he said
Once when the Sun and Moon Shone under a same sky And the Earth and Sea were just names Gods walked the land
In the high mountains flew the great Eagles Master of the Skies and Best of Sight In the burning valleys, great Sabre Cats ruled Fastest on Foot and Strongest in Combat
In the Underground dug the Earth Worms Master of the Soil and Best in Stealth In the deep Waters swam the Sea Dragons Controller of the Waves and Wisest of all
In the ancient Waters of Elsnir The greatest of Dragons lived His name was Gwethien His power shadowed all
Gwethien had a beautiful daughter All desired her and longed for her Lothien, the Fairest of all did not fear For her father was all-powerful
One day she saw the sky Jealousy filled her dragon heart She cursed being born a Water Lord And wished for the Eagle's freedom
Pushed by the jealousy She swam to the water's surface When fresh air filled her lungs She longed for the Skies
When the smell of sweet grass came She longed for the Valleys When the power of the ground she discovered She longed for the Earth
Gwethien her father warned her But Lothien ignored his wisdom She summoned the Great Worm Teilf And begged for underground galleries
Forced by the Dragon's powers Teilf did as she bid him But anger was filling his heart since the start of time So he dug farther than was safe
When Teilf was finished He showed proudly his work to Lothien She swam in her galleries, unheeding her father's advice So Teilf unleashed his rage
Unblocking the tunnels did Teilf All the water coursed through the undergrounds And the sea of Elsnir emptied itself on the Valleys
The great Tiger Felthan howled in fury When the drowned valleys he discovered So in vengeance he dueled the great Gwethien
Their combat lasted a thousands years Felthan being the youngest and strongest won But suffered great injuries He died at the very end after a sad victory
Teilf the Worm was foolish He drowned when the underground flooded His scales went back to the Earth So does the diamonds come from
The Great Eagles were wise They stayed in their mountains Safe from the battles below And so lived on
Lothien, the Water Dragon Lost herself in the vastness of the tunnels Never came back she did She is still searching for a way out
As her tears filled the caves They solidified and became diamonds They encrusted in the rock And filled them with beauty
" That is it." Finished Aseldir after taking a deep breath. The echo of his warm voice danced from wall to wall until it died away.
" It's long." Whispered the braided boy.
" Oh, that's the shortest version of it, the resume of the resume, if you like. The full story takes at least an hour to tell, and it's a better song, too. Still, this one tells the important parts of the tale." Replied Aseldir.
" It's very good. I'll try and learn it. " Said Duo.
Silence reigned for some time. The both of them stared mutely at the carved walls and their shining stones.
" She was very human."
Aseldir turned and looked inquisitively at the boy.
" The dragoness I mean. It's hard to imagine her as a beast and not a human. Her actions are very manlike."
" You are right. This tale is a great lesson. We found in it an example of foolishness and greed. Some brave souls tried to found Lothien and show her the way out. None came back." Said Aseldir, a smile tugging his lips.
The red-haired soldier was surprised to hear Duo laugh quietly beside him. The boy put his hand on the rock and chuckled some more.
" I think I know a girl who should listen to that story. She has an important impact on the rest of the world but she doesn't realize it and does selfish and foolish actions that usually result to people being hurt or killed. She just can't see that her power isn't for herself but for the people. She says it's to achieve world peace but hidden under that sentence his all for herself. " He finally explained.
" Yes? What's her name?" asked the soldier in sheer curiosity.
" Relena Peacecraft." Duo answered before moving away from the wall and down the hall.
Aseldir fell in beside the boy and lead him down the maze of tunnels.
" I am going to the biggest and most beautiful room of all of the discovered parts. It's where it is said that Teilf drowned, giving his body back to the Earth."
Duo only nodded, too absorbed in his head to care much for what was going around him. For all the desolation that these tunnels inspired, it crawled with life. A flutter of wings above betrayed the presence of bats, a small rush against one's leg proved to be a small animal that found refuge in the complexity of the tunnels. The light of their torch reflected on the jewels incrusted in the rock and appeared to burst out in flames. Small cascades of water showed the deepness in which they were and the continuing life. It was magical.
Aseldir was used now to Duo's silent walking and didn't notice when he stopped until the light of the boy's torch disappeared behind a corner. The soldier went back to find the braided boy kneeling beside something sparkling. It was a small puddle of water that shone fiercely under the torchlight.
" What do we have here?" asked curiously the red-haired man, kneeling beside the boy.
The small puddle proved to source itself from a small trickling of transparent water that had found its way between the rocks. Stones as brilliant as the moon were resting at the bottom. Pure diamonds and shining pearls.
" Good Lord! I think I know the name of this fountain! It is called the Fall of Lothien's Tears. It is said that here all her tears collect and transforms into pure jewels! I never thought of ever seeing it!" exclaimed the soldier.
Duo was standing there, eyes unfocused as if in a deep dream. He slowly brought his cupped hand and took some water. It felt cold yet warm. A deep shudder coursed through the boy's body but he ignored it and drank the water. As if possible, his eyes unfocused even more and paled until they menaced to become grey. His hands twitched and fell on his sides, nervous less. He stood up slowly, swaying dangerously.
" Duo! What have you done? Are you alright?" cried Aseldir in alarm, holding the braided boy by the shoulder to help him keep his balance.
The American didn't respond. His mouth slack and body limp, he moved like a walking corpse towards the direction in which they were heading, unconcerned of the sizzling torch lying on the floor. Aseldir followed reluctantly, attention constant on the boy beside him.
********
// Duo looked around himself. He was standing in the twisted trees' forest again. This time, they weren't dead or colourful. Instead, they shone a dull grey and danced mournfully in the wind. He walked aimlessly, following a pale spot of light before him. It was barely visible but he seemed attached to it. Soon, it fainted until it disappeared completely. Duo panicked and looked around. He felt lost all of a sudden; no one was there to help him! In his frantic panic, he noticed something shining on the ground. It was a small pool of water. He realized he was frightfully thirsty so he cupped his hands and meant to drink some. Before he could act, someone spoke in his head. It was the same woman voice that had spoken to him before.
" Are you back manchild? I doubted you would stay away for long after being in contact."
" What? Who are you, where am I?"
" Do not fear, nothing will harm you. You are special, boy, to have found your way here."
" I don't understand."
" Of course you don't. A lot of things need explaining. You seem lost."
" I am. Can I drink this water? I'm very thirsty."
" Drink this water you surely have the ability, but what consequences will befall on you, I cannot say."
The dreamlike Duo shrugged and drank. All the scenery around him shifted and soon, all went black.
" We will meet soon again, manchild. Be wary of what you see and hear, you might never have such a chance again."
The woman's voice died away at her last words and he was left alone in the dark void. He struggled to see, feel something and finally, the dark changed to shades of green and blue. Colours filled his vision and an assault of light almost blinded him. He soon managed to make out what he was seeing.
He was standing in a vast valley. At the horizon's rim huge mountains were standing straight. The sky was wonderful. Instead of being a light blue for the day or deep navy for the night, it was a sort of mix of the two. Strange waves of light to dark blue moved under two orbs: the sun and moon.
In the valley that stretched endlessly, high, yellow grass flowed in great waves, reflecting a radiant red when they caught the Sun's light and a reddish brown when the Moon's light came upon them. In the middle of this sea of fire, huge, red sabre cats walked, slept and played. Their shiny red coats were stripped with black and long canines went down to their lower lip. The greatest of them all was easily visible in the mass. He was about two times the size of the others and his golden eyes reflected great authority.
As Duo wondered at what he was seeing, a faint whisper came to him, like the gentle touch of a breeze upon the skin of a sleeping child. It grew stronger and the braided boy finally remembered what it meant.
In the burning valleys, great Sabre Cats ruled Fastest on Foot and Strongest in Combat
"Have I landed in the ancient world Aseldir talked me about?" He thought in wonder. "Are these the sabre cats' valleys? If it is, then that big one must be, what's his name?"
The great Tiger Felthan
"Felthan? So, they haven't fought yet, since he's alive. Am I seeing the legend? Does it mean it really happened? Maybe I'll see the Dragons too, and the Eagles and Worms."
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he found himself soaring over Felthan's valleys and to the great mountains. He stood over their rocky spikes, watching the Eagles' nests and young. The birds were flying in circle over the mountains, looking at everything with big yellow eyes that seemed unconcerned with the rest of the world.
"I don't know what's the name of the chief of the Eagles but Aseldir didn't say." He wondered. "They seem so distant and uncaring. That's right, they didn't mingle in the affairs of the Dragons. That's why they still exist. I remember Sam telling me stories about Gandalf and someone named Bilbo meeting them. It's so strange."
After that thought, he felt once again the pull and flying feeling. This time, it pushed him down in the Earth with unbreakable force. Great mounds of brown soil passed beside him as he coursed through the rough element. As soon as it had begun, he came out into a gallery. A great golden worm like none he had ever seen was moving perfectly silently. Fur was running down the whole length of the beast and his golden scales shone brightly in the ground. Duo faintly remembered his name.
In the Underground dug the Earth Worms Master of the Soil and Best in Stealth
"It goes like this I think." Duo pondered.
She summoned the Great Worm Teilf
" There! I feel sad seeing him alive since I know he's going to die. I wish I could see the Dragons know."
For the third time, he flew upward and was pushed fiercely out of the ground to found himself surrounded by flowing liquid. He was in deep yet transparent water. Dragons were swimming around him, uncaring for the human in their domain. One of them was big and old looking. His long fins had patches missing and two long moustaches ran down beside his nose. The silver scales covering his body seemed to have lost some of their glisten, the same went for his blue eyes.
In the deep Waters swam the Sea Dragons Controller of the Waves and Wisest of all
In the ancient Waters of Elsnir The greatest of Dragons lived His name was Gwethien His power shadowed all
Duo remembered sadly, knowing that despite all the Dragon would do and say, his foolish daughter would ruin everything. When the braided boy thought of Gwethien's daughter, he saw another shape become clear beside the great beast. This one was smaller and slimmer. Her fins were long and graceful and the brightness of her silver scales were almost blinding. Though all this beauty, her blue eyes gleamed with a childish expression.
Gwethien had a beautiful daughter All desired her and longed for her Lothien, the Fairest of all did not fear For her father was all-powerful
" Curse her, it's all her fault all the gods died. She should have been the one dying, not her father, nor Felthan the Tiger who was enraged that his valleys were destroyed, nor Teilf the Worm who was forced to built the caves. She's the one who should be blamed." Cursed Duo, his hands tightening into fists.
" Do you really believe it so?"
Duo was startled at the voice that had spoken. It was the woman's that had whispered as if from far away in his mind.
" Maybe you should be put into one's skin. It would be the best way for you to understand this story."
The scariest thing happened to Duo that very moment. He felt himself being snatched away from the few connections he still felt with the living world. His soul wandered free, without bound. He was pushed forward and he felt all the living pain and happiness. Fire scorched him, water drowned him, hunger killed him, craziness overcame his sanity. He meant to scream as the entire world's suffering was imposed on his already aching mind. He fought to go free, to go back to his own little worries that seemed now so meaningless.
" Do not resist, let yourself be guided. The stronger you resist, the harder it will be." Encouraged the woman's voice.
The braided boy at first refused it but soon let go. He noticed that everything went much faster and he found himself in a body, but he knew it wasn't his own. He touched the thoughts of the beast he had inhabited. It was full of sorrow, sadness and regrets. The mind was in so much pain Duo couldn't help feeling pity. The thoughts were gentle but hid a great strength. As he lived in them, the American recognised, or rather felt, which it was: Lothien. She was wandering in the tunnels, lost and helpless. Her mind was filled with regret. In her thoughts, she was showing her father the great galleries she offered him as a gift, and he was finally the slightest happy.
Before he could grasp what that meant, Duo was forced out of the dragoness' mind and shoved into another one. This mind was cold and careless. It was above all else and didn't mind for anything else than his tribe. It was the Eagle's. Duo was filled with anger at the non-caring creature while others suffered so much.
As soon and unexpected as before, he was forced out of the Eagle's line of thoughts and forced into yet another one. He didn't stay long in this mind, he was scared. The only thing he felt was anger, revenge, and sorrow for long suffering. The great worm Teilf was remembering only unhappy things, and that was about all of his life's contains.
When he was thrown out of this one, Duo felt in the way a fleeting thought, small and discreet. It was Gwethien. The only thing Duo managed to grasp was tiredness. Afterwards, he was forced into the fiercest mind of all: Felthan the Tiger. His mind was filled with raged has he saw his lands destroyed, his tribe slaughtered. Duo understood that anger and embraced it, making it one with him. He encouraged it and added his own to it.
Duo became one with Felthan in such a way that he saw with the tiger's eyes, smelled with his nose and attacked with his claws. He saw the tiger running in madness towards the empty lake, towards Elsnir's Sea. Greenery flashed pass them but he ignored it completely. He kept running in unison with the beast, not looking back. When they arrived, Gwethien was waiting for Felthan, ready for battle. When they engaged, Duo was disconnected from the beast but he could still feel and share its fury.
" Do you see now?" asked the woman's voice, clearer this time.
" See what?" asked Duo.
" I cannot say. Only, I will allow you to remember, so that you can think over what you have seen and felt. Things aren't always as easy as they appear. Remember that manchild."
" Wait! Is what I'm seeing and feeling real? Did it really happen?" demanded Duo, a bit more panicky.
" That I can say. Legends are what shape this world. Without them, we would be empty. This is but one off them. It is not real but it can become so in the minds of those who search for meaning. Haven't you learned a great lesson with what I have shown you? You will have to ponder greatly to discover the true meaning this story is telling. This is why you will remember. We will meet again manchild."
After her last words, Duo, felt that he was being pulled away from the ragging, mad tiger and pushed back into the real world. Something was restraining him, holding him back. He struggled to go free but he was too weak to do so. The only thing that came out of his mouth was a half groan and his vision was so fuzzy he could barely see anything.
" Duo! Snap out of it! Please, stop. Stop."
********** The end ********** Finished! Looks like I was in a rush of inspiration! I refused to go to bed until I was finished! (Not the brightest idea) Anyway, it looks like Helm's Deep Battle will take up three chapters instead of two. ^^; I can't believe I typed this chapter so fast! (My arm is hurting @.@)
Pop quiz: Who's speaking into Duo's head when he's 'dreaming'? No choice of answers for this one! Same reasons as the first quiz!