Thanks to: Laer4572, LadyJadePerendhil, legolasnDcolorblueinterestme, Arwenamin, soccer-bitch, maz, Julia, Mrs. Unknown, AmberRose, Dazzler420, Norie Ape1, margarita (Thanks for the congrats, it's all thanks to you guys!) ! I love you all!
All right, pay attention here. This chapter is a bit of a warper. I hope you don't find it bad or not up to standards, but lookie here: Pay Attention! There are many hints in this chapter as to the full outline of this fic. This is my author note to you just because I love you guys so much. Heh. Enjoy!
Chapter Ten: Days into Months
Orophin
I was hoping – praying – she wouldn't notice me near as I snuck around the large mass of Galadhrim surrounding her. I was hoping I was immune to the gentle roll of the air's fingers to beckon me towards her.
And I was really hoping she wouldn't use her spells on me.
"Orophin."
A curse burned then died in my throat and I stopped rigid and turned.
"Hello Aluna," I greeted, a smile pulling across my lips in effort to be as innocent and as giddy as possible. I knew these were two things Aluna detested in others.
But, alas, she smiled at me and I heard the wind whisper my name as she neared; the males she was leaving glaring my direction. They were too drunk with her scent and power to realize she had been using them. She used everyone.
Including my ever steel-backed brother, Haldir.
"It has been many days since I have arrived yet you have not come to greet me," she said in that honey coated voice as her hand slipped through my arm and guided me to walk away from the group of gawking on-lookers.
"I fear I have been busy," I replied, trying not to take large breaths of the air that she was layering in her tantalizing magic.
She used her gifts freely...and in every way but right. Never were the gifts of the Valar to be tampered with for personal pleasure, and she'd done so for many years. Though she hadn't been punished yet, I found some peace knowing she would.
In fact at the moment I also knew that a heavier, more powerful gaze was on me as well. Galadriel watched from nearby, I could feel her.
"Such a shame," Luna murmured. "And your brother; Haldir? Has he been busy?"
I locked the thoughts that wanted to explode for I knew she would be able to hear them clearly. I couldn't think of why Haldir was not in the city - Aluna would know immediately. And, if I knew her correctly, she would not be kind to the circumstances.
I couldn't think of Ashk and Haldir together in Celebruim. Aluna couldn't know.
"He has been busy as well. If I remember correctly, he went to the southern borders."
Aluna was silent beside me and I felt the heat pass from her into me, lighting a very potent fire. I tried not to growl or curse as I shoved her mental hands away and I heard her giggle in that low, seductive tone she had.
"Oh, Orophin," she said softly. "Why would the Warden himself go to the southern borders? There is nothing there but plains and Rohan humans who are still trying to discover how to use a spinning wheel and needle."
Aluna's ever present prejudice was still very alive, I noted.
"Why would Haldir go south, Orophin?" she questioned again, stopping and stepping to stand in front of me. Her eyes were smoldering and I avoided her gaze by looking to the practicing archers.
I stiffened as she moved closer, stretching to whisper in my ear. "Why do you lie, Son of Onduras?" The feeling of lips on my earlobe made me turn to ice rather than spark any interest or desire.
I stepped away from her. "Keep your spells for someone else, Aluna," I warned her. "Do not use them on me." I was about to walk away before I paused and gave her a glare worth being called fiery. "And do not use them on my brother. This is my only warning to you."
"Warning?" Aluna's voice turned to ice. "Dare you threaten me, Galadhrim?" The wind bit with a cold snap and her clear, blue eyes shadowed. The smell of charging energy filled my senses but I only glowered.
"You do not have to worry about me, Temptress," I replied before my eyes lifted into the trees behind her. She turned to look and the charged energy immediately dropped as the Lady of Light and Aluna met each other's gaze.
It was a dangerous glare exchanged between the two, but as fit, the younger and weaker bowed to it and looked away.
And so I took my leave quickly, not looking back to see the glare Aluna was boring into my back.
Later
Ashk
"No, no. You are not swinging a piece of lumber. Loosen your arms a bit."
"I loosen them anymore and this sword is going to be on the ground," I replied giving him a critical look.
Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea.
I'd woken early at dawn to feed the horses. And, I might add, I took great care to be quiet as to no wake neither Haldir nor Donavon. I thought I'd succeeded until I walked outside.
The creek had been glittered like it did every morning. Pieces of ice floated on its currents and the early sun lay mist over its depths. The frosty snow glimmered like jewels on the fields around the house and reaching into the golden trees of Lothlorien.
But, between the creek and the forest of the Elves my eyes stayed fastened.
I'd never really seen a warrior before. I'd seen Rohan riders, great soldiers of Edoras and the surrounding cities of Rohan, but I'd never seen them fight with their swords or bows and axes. I'd never seen anything like Haldir.
I couldn't explain him if I tried. The gleam of his blade shot off the sun when he moved it in those measured and expert executions. It looked as though he was dancing. Dancing to some ancient battle song I didn't know, but if I watched long enough, I would swear I could hear the drums of war.
His fluid grace was something I saw both in awe and ruthless envy. The knowledge and wisdom he held in that sword was so obvious, it shimmered off of him. For the first time, I saw how ancient and glorious of a creature he was.
Foolishly, I could remember the tales of the Elves from all my days behind a tavern counter. Being one of the closest villages to the east of Lothlorien, I often heard many tales of them. The Lady of Light many had rumored to be a fearsome Witch whose beauty matched her terrible power.
Though Galadriel had been beautiful and the power of her rolled off of her in waves, I did not now believe she would harm any innocent as the rumors told.
There were tales of Elvish healers and the one who led them. The name slipped my mind, but I could vividly recall every scene ever described to me of him. He was said to have fought in the Great War.
I'd heard of the maiden Evenstar and the twins of Rivendell. I'd, of course, heard of the horrible fate of Galadriel and Celeborn's daughter before my lifetime. I'd been told of the large royal family of the Greenwood Elves. It was said that there were twelve children to the Thrandulion house.
And I'd heard of Haldir before, too; the strong Warden of Lorien. I had yet to decide whether many of the things I heard of him were true, but there was one I could prove that morning I watched him.
He was said to be a swordsman few could tamper with, and it was true. Never had I seen someone wield a blade the way Haldir did.
And when he caught me watching him, I made a foolish excuse.
I was wary of fighting, I had told him, but it had crossed my mind to learn its craft here.
Haldir had stared at me for a long moment before nodding and agreeing.
Now look where I was. All because I openly gawked at a refined warrior...who also happened to be the father of my children.
Who was Haldir? When I thought about it, I realized there were few places that did not know that name. Yet, it was always only the name of the ever faithful servant of the Lady of Light. There was nothing of Haldir himself in the stories I heard.
Would I ever know him beyond the title and cool stare?
"Ashk, concentrate."
"Concentrating," I amended after I'd let my mind drift. Haldir raised a brow at me before taking a deep breath and tapping his sword against mine.
"Do you feel that?"
If he meant the tremendous slamming of my heart as it tried to explode from my body, then I most certainly could. What was wrong with me this morning?
I nearly groaned.
I knew what was wrong. The night before brought many dreams that reminded me of that careful, yet reckless, passion that brought us to this current situation. Even in the night, I could nearly feel his hands and breath against my skin.
And now I was fighting to push it away.
However, as his words passed over me, so did the shaking of the sword in my grasp. I glanced down at it to see it vibrating from the gentle tap.
"Yes," I replied, looking back up at him.
"You can often tell how your opponent will attack again if you are on the defensive," he told me. "He can slide off but cut on the left as he pulls away." Haldir demonstrated leaving both blades singing. "Where can he possibly go from there?" He repeated the tactic but this time completed it.
"He has to turn...?"
Haldir nodded and did such, slowly bringing the sword around for me to block.
"He can push off." He did so and I was forced a few steps back before throwing the sword I held up to block his next attack that came from dead on.
"If he does not slide the blade," Haldir told me as the two swords were the only things separating us, "he will automatically come back if he's on the offensive." He pulled his sword away without any further contact, but backed away.
"Sliding always means he will come back, Ashk. Remember that. And when he does, you never need to stay on the defensive side. Surprise him."
"Right. Surprise." I nodded then smiled to myself. "I could just go into labor and really shock him," I said with a giggle. "What do you think?"
"Let us hope you will be fighting anyone that long down the line," Haldir told me with a half-smile. "Or any time for that matter."
"Yes, I suppose that's the best to wish for," I replied, peering at the sword's blade as it reflected the clear sky.
"Do you train other people?" I asked then, looking up at him.
He nodded. "I am March Warden. It is often my duty to train, though I also have instructors for my trainees."
I nodded in reply, deep in thought. This was the first time Haldir and I had ever actually had a conversation without offending each other or bringing bad news. The thought made me smile slightly.
"Ready to go again?" Haldir asked, twirling his sword over his hand once and brought it up. I glared at him.
"Show off," I muttered as he used one hand to send the sword tapping lightly against mine.
Nearly Six Months Later
Galadriel
The months passed slowly, even for me. Days turned to nights. The moon waxed and waned, and the seasons faded into each other as they always did.
Yet, this year, I could not help but will the coming autumn to approach faster. Even the Lady of Light had little patience at some point.
One particular point happened to be my March Warden and his current life.
Celeborn was insisting I was taking far too much interest in the situation. He stated more than once that I needed to let the Elf find his path on his own. However, I'd never been one to let the lost wander. Haldir was dear to me, he had been for many centuries, and to see him so confused was painful for us both.
The Warden returned when called upon. Numerous times I'd brought him to private chambers to discuss his personal life. He said little, as he always did about nearly everything, yet I could see silent thoughts shining in his eyes that I had the respect not to peek in on.
The day he came with the news that the children had moved within their mother was the first time I saw the barest excitement in his eyes. It was a bittersweet sight, I mused. I knew what it was Haldir would go through with this young family. There were times when I felt I was cheating him of his own choices, but who was I to alter what fate had dealt?
I had visited Ashk in secret once near spring. The look on her young face was fulfilling to me and well needed. I worried for her as I shouldn't have. Over my many years, I knew the love for humans was a difficult one to cope with. Humans passed with the seasons...and with that brought pain.
Many-a-days I reminded myself that even as I saw the roads of fate, they were constantly changing. With this, I found some measure of peace. If only I knew the roads they would choose, perhaps then I could look at my Warden without a burdened heart.
I found it amusing that Rumil and Orophin took such great interest in Ashk. They adored her, in fact, and I was grateful for it. I knew Ashk's days were still filled with doubt of her place in her new life, yet it seemed the brothers of the Warden anchored her in some way.
And the boy…
Donavon was another addition to this puzzle I could not ignore. He carried more than his share of secrets. They were heavy in his eyes the moment I saw him and I heard his silent screams in the moments of our introduction.
Donavon was troubled and I had yet to decide what path he was to take in all of this. Some part of me feared for the boy, another feared him and all that he stood for.
Finally, summer bloomed brightly, and the heat was heavy.
Haldir worried for Ashk in his absence from her. She worked too hard in the days, even I agreed. Valar forbid she to over-work herself completely.
The thought made me shudder.
The time over the icy winter and into summer went favorably, mostly, for both Haldir and Ashk. They were cordial to each other. Tempers flared now and then, and I found it almost amusing that I could always see when arguments burned in Celebruim as they scorched my Warden's steel gaze when he was home. Ashk had more of an affect on him than either she nor Haldir realized.
And when times were gentle between the two, I could see that too. Instead of that cold gaze Haldir so constantly had, it would soften to a gentle look. It was a look that was warming and not void of emotion.
Though, still, when he smiled, it was that strained smile most saw as merely fake. I saw more as an attempt of normalcy. I saw the sadness there that had lingered for so many years; sadness I wish I could find the cure for.
My mirror that I now stared into this warm day in late summer shimmered in a quiet welcoming to me. I saw my reflection for some time and smiled slightly. Yet, the mirror had nothing to show me this day. My mind was too far and wandering to focus on one area for now. Too many thoughts crowded for attention.
The warm breeze stirred through the trees and I lifted my face to greet it.
However, with the gentle, stroking breeze came a voice that whispered softly.
I frowned. Aluna's magic was tainting the air. The Temptress of Rivendell was spending much time among the Galadhrim and I knew why. She sought the answer to the Warden's absences.
If she knew what was truly happening...
I felt my body flood with anger. Aluna was a despicable Elleth and if others could see past her magic the way I could, they would only gaze upon her in the same vile disgust I did.
Silently now, I waited for the day she would be punished for her enticing magic and how she wielded it. I waited for the day my own reigns dropped and I taught her a lesson.
Yet, sadly, I knew it was no time soon. Aluna still had her role to play. I only hoped it was the brighter path she took than the darker one I foresaw.
But, then again, I hoped that for all of them.
In light, there was always darkness. Never could one always stay to the brightness of hope and purity. Sometimes, shadows ebbed just enough to make their presence known.
They all needed to be strong for the years to come. Every last one of them.
The Next Day
Ashk
I brushed away the sweat on my brow and sighed, looking around the field just down the hill. It was still morning, but it was also quite hot at the moment. By noon, the sun would be scorching and it was yet another month until autumn's first day.
Turning my gaze down the field I spotted Kali and Black munching on the dry grass around them.
It had been six months since I bought the colt. He had to be over a year old now, but he was the mature body of a prime seven year-old because of his Elvish blood. He had yet to be ridden as I decided I would be the first to ride him well after the birth of the twins.
Yet, the once angry colt was now subtle. He didn't show his favors often, but he did not shun me anymore either. He detested Haldir which I found hilarious. It took months to try to name the stallion, but when I did, it seemed right.
Black.
Simple. There was nothing else I could possibly think of for him and when I'd once heard Donavon hollering at him for getting into the goat corral again, he'd called him 'Black'. Simply Black.
And that was exactly what he was.
"I think we should cool the horses down," I mentioned to my companion.
He grumbled. "I think you should cool down," he replied tartly. He was in a testy mood this morning and had been since the night before for whatever reason. I ignored it and glanced at him. I wanted to laugh, but withheld it wisely.
It was not every day one would see the Warden of Lorien plundering about in the dirt of a garden. However, he had insisted he help. The sooner the weeding was done, he grumbled, the sooner I would go inside.
He worried too much. I knew my own boundaries. But, having his company - snippy as it was for now - was fine with me.
"Perhaps I will bring them to the creek in a little while," I said before kneeling again in the dirt.
"After noon, perhaps," Haldir told me, yanking a weed from among the potatoes. I raised a brow at him and he gave me a sharp look. "Ashk, I am not going to lecture again about– "
"Over-working myself. 'It is in my best interest to take time down and out of the sun. What if something happens?'"
He glared at me a good few moments before going back to work. "Amusing, Ashk. Highly amusing. I just do not wish to say 'I warned you' eventually."
I rolled my eyes.
We continued to work in silence for some time after that. I was certain Haldir was brooding while I casually meandered through my thoughts that were of anything from the gossip Gronig had told me the day before, to my children, to my back that never ceased to ache.
Yet, even in my thoughts, I was not oblivious when Haldir tensed beside me.
He continued to work, but he was quieter now as if he was trying not to make noise. It was as if he was trying to listen for something that even the sound of dirt and weeds would dampen the sound.
Looking at him, I found him avidly avoiding my gaze or too lost in thought to notice.
Time passed and I silently waited for him to tell me what was wrong. Black's head flew up several times that I noticed. His dark eyes scanned the field he was in before going back to eating with a wicked snap of his tail.
"Ashk," Haldir's voice was very calm yet somewhat quiet. "Go inside for me."
I frowned. "Why?"
"Riders are coming," he told me, standing in one graceful movement and holding his hand down for me. In his eyes I could see a quiet anxiety and I knew what he was thinking.
Raiders. Wilde Men, sworn and ancient enemy to those in Rohan. It was not uncommon for them to pillage through a town in one giant sweep. And as I took Haldir's helping hand to rise, over his shoulder I saw the bare outline of the horde nearing.
"Who are they?" I asked, even as he ushered me around the stone wall of the small garden and towards the house.
"Westerners, perhaps," he told me. "Gypsies or Rohan riders."
"Not Wilde Men?" I asked to assure myself. He shook his head as we went up the handful of stairs to the porch and entrance. "Then why are you making me go inside?"
"Just put me at ease for this once, Ashk," he told me before turning and pattering back down the stairs and moving towards town; the same direction the travelers were racing towards.
It wasn't so much that I was worried about that huge mass of riders nearing town. Being assured they were not Wilde Men shoved any greater fear away. Yet, it was the simple fact that I knew Haldir was uncertain of this and that made me agitated. Haldir wasn't one to become anxious over just anything.
Standing at the window, I continued to watch the herd of new-comers. Summer dust and pollen clouded over them as they ran right toward Celebruim. All of them were on dark colored horses with heavy grab.
Yet, suddenly I noticed one particular horse that was not dark. Though, it was not white either. Instead, it was a deep, churning grey. It was a grey I'd seen before.
And when I look to its rider, I didn't need the distance between us to close for me to know who it was.
Exotic beauty screamed her name; black hair unlike the rest of her family, yet the same color eyes. She was tan and always had been from her days of travel. And she was dressed in Gypsy garb. I knew this woman, and I knew her well.
Haldir
I was nearly a hundred yards from the house when the door burst open again and my eyes cut across the way to see what was going on. Ashk, heavy with child as she was now, was rushing down the stairs. Immediately I could just see her tripping and tumbling down them.
"Ashk!" I shouted. What in Varda's name was she doing!
"Ana!" Ashk cried, waving one hand over her head while the other braced on her inflated stomach. "Ana! Ana!"
Ashk seemed to completely ignore me hollering at her as I ran towards her while she waved and shouted to the band of riders. Yet, even I paused as one rider fell back from the front lines and appeared in the layering cloud as the others passed by.
"Ana!" Ashk screamed with all her might and her voice shattered into my ears.
"..Ashk?" Only I heard the woman. She did not shout it as Ashk was, but she seemed to be in a state of shock.
I looked at my wife. "Ashk, what-"
"Ashk!" the woman suddenly shouted, her horse barreling forward towards us at a dangerous speed. Others from her band of riders came back to see what was going on, yet they looked as confused as I was.
The woman had barely stopped her horse before she was tumbling out of the saddle and racing at the mother of my children. Both of them were still shouting at each other as if the world were about to end.
They collided in a fierce embrace that I could hear was of both laughter and tears.
Ashk
"Ana - Ana!"
"I finally found you," she whispered to me, her voice tight with obvious tears. "I looked for months, Ashk. But I've found you now, baby sister. I found you."
Of all the people in the world, Ana had come.
She had not been with the family when I was exiled. If she had been, I had no doubt things would not have turned out the way they had. If I had left home, it would have been with her. I knew that. And never would I have gone after Haldir.
Ana pulled away from me and looked me from head to toe. "Omar, little one, look at you. What have you gone and done?" She smiled as she questioned me and her eyes drifted around us to the house and surrounding property.
But the searching gaze stopped on Haldir.
Immediately her eyes went to ice and she released me, stalking towards the Warden.
"Ana, don't," I said, reaching for her but she avoided my grasp.
"So, is this him?"
Haldir raised a speculating brow at her and I tried not to cringe. It had been nearly a year since I'd seen my sister, a confrontation right then and there between her and the father of my children was not was I was hoping for.
"And you are?" he questioned, his voice ringing in that terrible arrogance he had.
Ana's eyes burned as she stood toe to toe with him. Ana was not short, but she still had to look up at him.
"Anamel, Ashk's sister," she ground out at him. "And who might you be?" There was a sly look in her eyes, waiting for him to trip up on the question and say the wrong thing.
And Haldir saw it too.
"Haldir - Your sister's husband."
I nearly choked on the air I breathed. Haldir never referred to himself as my husband, ever. Nor did I often refer myself as his wife unless I needed to.
"You little–!" Ana didn't bother to finish what she was about to say and instead, her hand flew up and, did not slap him, but sent a curled fist directly into his jaw.
Worst of all, I knew Haldir could have avoided it, but didn't. I wasn't sure whether I admired this because I knew if she had missed, Ana would have been further enraged, or if I wanted to hit him myself.
Haldir shifted his jaw with a look of thought on his face. I didn't doubt he was surprised at the force Ana dealt; she was ever the heavy hitter.
He cleared his throat. "Feel better?"
"For the moment," Ana hissed back.
"Anamel! Warden!" I shouted at both of them, shoving the two apart and feeling like only a twig between two ancient trees. Both of them were much taller than me and rigid as a mountain side. "For Valar's sake, the two of you!
"Ana, quit playing your part of big sister for a moment. Warden, stop being such an egotistical noble, please!"
I huffed out a breath and looked at both of them. Neither happened to look sorry for what had just occurred.
"Ana, please," I muttered, looking at her. Haldir would not offend her if she did not attack him, I knew. Haldir was too much of a noble to do something like that, even if she had struck him across the face quite fiercely.
My sister looked at me and her icy eyes thawed. She glanced once more at Haldir and huffed out a breath.
"All right, Ashk," she replied softly. "All right."
Evening
Haldir
"So, how long do you have left?" Ashk's sister questioned. Ashk made a face of thought and glanced at me.
"Little under a month?" she said as if uncertain. I knew she was very aware of how much time was left between now and when the twins would be born.
I nodded in return, glancing outside to the sun that began to set. The horses, both ours and Ana's, grazed quietly under its rays among the goats and with the cow that often had more of a temperament than a birthing mule.
"When is it Ryn joining you again?" Ashk said with a look of confusion on her face.
"Oh, end of the month or so," Ana replied. "Like I said, he remained in Gondor with his foreparents and Lynile for the average Gypsy traditions."
Lynile was Ana and husband Ryn's son. This I had gathered even though I had just joined the two not but a handful of minutes ago. However, I couldn't help but notice the look of confusion on Ashk's face. There was something wrong here and I knew it. The story didn't go together fluidly.
Uncertainty rose in the room for a moment before the back door burst open and I heard two pairs of feet shuffle about.
"Where is my little evening bird?"
I closed my eyes and rubbed my hand over my forehead with a deep breath. If things weren't awkward enough, my two brothers had to show up.
"In here, darling!" Ashk called back with a smile. Rumil promptly came prancing into view before staggering to a halt. Color rose in his face. I hid a smile behind my hand.
"Oh. Company," he announced as Orophin joined him in a much more dignified manner.
"Do Elves just come out of the woodwork here?" Ana asked glancing at Ashk and smiling at the two. I had the urge to tap Rumil's mouth closed as the smile beamed over him.
If anyone was incapable of hiding attraction, it was my youngest brother. And the moment he came in the door, loudly announcing his presence, I knew there would be an issue here.
Ana resembled Ashk but tended towards exotic beauty. Her hair was black, not the chestnut brown of her sister. Her skin was tanner, probably from days of travel, and she was taller than Ashk.
But the two had the same eyes as each other. There was no doubt in that.
Yet, still, I couldn't help but enjoy the smitten look on Rumil's face. Ana was a dark beauty; rare in the Elvish lands.
Ashk introduced the three to each other while Orophin jabbed our brother in the back as he continued to stare.
"It is a pleasure," Orophin said smoothly as he shook hands with the woman who was much warmer to them than me, I happily noted. Rumil cleared his throat and held up a satchel.
"We brought dinner," he said with a shrug of his shoulders. The women's laughter ring out just as Donavon came in the front door, soaking wet from an obvious romp in the creek.
I smiled knowingly at him and was amused at his crimson blush as Ana turned her attention his way as well.
Late Night
Ashk
"Mother misses you," Ana told me quietly as we stared up at the dark ceiling over us. The night was late now, but it didn't matter. Ana had crawled into my bed some hours ago, and I didn't mind at all. It was good to talk to a long known face again.
"Does she?" I managed to say. I added nothing more after that and Ana rolled onto her side to look at me.
"Papa misses you too," she whispered to me, stroking my hair aside. I looked at her in disbelief as tears immediately came to my eyes. "I think he feels badly about how he handled things."
"Did he say that?" I asked just as softly. She stared at me a moment before shaking her head.
"Not in words, but...He is sad without you."
I shook my head. "If he doesn't say something, don't assume. You know how he is. Does one thing, says another… Believes another."
Ana's lips formed a fine line and she took a gentle breath. "You remember that too, Ashk," she told me. "Those things he said - He was just angry. He didn't mean it. Just words of anger, they were."
I grunted as an attempt to laugh and I felt her brush a tear away from my face.
"Did he tell you what he said?" I asked.
"Mama did," Ana replied. "A little. It was Mauriel who told me the rest. She told me the details."
I nodded in reply. "How is she?" I asked, inquiring about our elder sister. I'd been afraid to ask about family in front of everyone else in fear that I may start to cry as I was now.
Ana smiled, wiping away more tears. "She's well. She will have another child in the winter," she told me.
My eyes lit up. "Really? Oh, that's wonderful." I smiled happily and peered at Ana. "And what about your little minion? How is he?"
Ana laughed. "Lyn is well, too. He's rowing so big. He is with his foremother closer to Edoras for now. She should teach him a thing or two." She sighed.
I frowned. "Ana, you told me he was with Ryn in Gondor…" I said softly. Sadness came to Ana's eyes, but there was pride there too. I kept silent as long as I could until I saw a tear slid down her face.
My heart skipped a few beats. "Ana?"
"There are some traditions that are not as glamorous as others," she told me softly. I frowned in confusion and she took a deep breath, tears clearing from her eyes. "Ryn was chosen for the Hunt two months ago."
"The what?"
"To the Gypsies, there is one month a year when their God of Death comes to life. The tribe chooses three people to run against him. If they survive, the next year will be blessed, if not…it will be cursed."
Appalled at this, I shifted. "What? That is mad!"
"It's tradition, Ashk," Ana told me softly. She'd obviously come to terms with this already. I knew her reaction would be more fiery than mine.
I stared agape at her for a long moment before finally managing to say, "What happened?"
"There is still hope for their return until autumn," she said and she suddenly looked so tired. "And I have been waiting for his return...but I still fear. This is the month of Reckoning...This is the month that decides if he comes home to me."
"Oh, Ana," I murmured. "I'm so sorry."
Her beautiful lips trembled and she closed her eyes, unwilling to let me see her moment without control. But, my arms slid around her and I knew it was the first time she let herself cry into another for this sharp turn in her life.
And as she wept into me, I could only pray Ryn was still alive.
- - -
So? Did you catch on to anything? Well, the cover to this fic is finally done, but I am having trouble getting it up on the net. However, it should be up by the next update which is projected for December 4th.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it!