A/N: The quote concerning evil spoken by Anayah in the infirmary was based on a quote from the movie, Van Helsing. This quote, in the case of "Lament," was very appropriate.
Through the red-litten windows see
Vast forms that move fantastically
To a discordant melody;
While, like a ghastly rapid river,
Through the pale door
A hideous throng rush out forever,
And laugh-but smile no more.
Edgar Allan Poe
Chapter 5
Crossover
As Anayah and Greyfell made their way through the vast labyrinth of passageways, they began to note a change in their environment, an increased pressure in their ears and what almost seemed to be a decrease in the breathable air. The walls started to feel like they were closing in on them, but though kept a close watch and even spoke of it to each other, they both concluded that their nerves were becoming frayed and as a result, their imaginations were beginning to work overtime.
The two began to hear soft rustlings and shifting and sensed furtive movements down the different hallways they passed although they never saw anyone and never really had the desire to check these things out. Upon occasion they would hear small, quiet whisperings and it seemed that the shadows themselves would move although they couldn't say for sure that this was absolutely so. They continued onward, attempting to ignore whoever or whatever they were passing.
Suddenly, a strong, foul wind rushed upon them from one of the side passageways and swept them to the other side of the hallway and up against the wall then held them there as easily as would an adult hold a child. As the two clung together trying to breathe and to keep from being swept off their feet, everything became silent, so silent that either of them could have sworn they could hear each other's heartbeat. Then they heard they heard something they were not expecting - a quiet voice with an exacting accent that seemed to come from all around them.
"What do you fear?"
Anayah and Greyfell looked at each other then attempted to ignore the voice and move on, but were prevented from doing so when once more the wind, smelling strongly of death and decay, blew them backwards, once more forcing them up against the wall and preventing them from leaving.
"What do you fear, female?"
There was a short pause then Anayah felt an ethereal presence enter her mind, probing and searching through her most private thoughts and feelings without even asking her permission. Closing her eyes and concentrating hard, she slammed the mental doors of her consciousness shut and when she did could almost sense the invisible speaker give a small gasp of surprise, for he had not been expecting such a degree of resistance from such a small being.
This could prove to be quite interesting - oh how I love a challenge. He thought to himself.
"Not fast enough, female, for now I know what it is that chills your soul and drains you of your will." There was a quiet chuckle. "You fear you will be abandoned because you are not good enough." He paused a moment as he savored the thought. "I assure you young female that that fear alone would be enough to feed my hungry children for an age. However, it is your second fear that intrigues me the most, for it is the unknown shadow in your mind, the one that you can neither purge nor avoid that eats at your spirit and causes you such delectable torment. Ah, yes - you fear you are going mad. Perhaps I can assist you down that particular path."
As the voice had been whispering, both Anayah and Greyfell had been peering into the passageways to either side of them but had seen nothing nor had there been any sound. Though the side passages now seemed devoid of any life or consciousness, the two began to sense a number of beings beginning to gather in front and behind them, and it now seemed that they were being surrounded.
Greyfell looked at Anayah and saw the despair in her eyes and put his arms around her.
"Don't listen to him, Anayah. He is just a fool who is afraid to show us his face."
Apparently the voice had been listening closely for it gave a quiet laugh.
"Yes, elf-man, do what you can to comfort your friend, for I don't even have to enter your mind to discover your greatest fear. You fear losing your first and truest friend and that you will not be there when she needs you the most. Tell me truly, what would you be willing to endure to save her?"
Greyfell did not have the time or inclination to answer that question, for he could sense the shadow creatures drawing closer to the two of them and knew the time was was fast approaching when they would be forced them to defend themselves.
"Our game, our lives, our very existence in this place and at this moment, is all about pleasure and pain, the pleasure of the hunt and the sweet taste of success at finding each other to be balanced by the pain of trying to stay alive while you attempt to find your way home. I am wondering, elf-man, just how much of each you would be willing to endure just to save your friend - to get her home alive? Would it cause you pain to see her die within reach of your goal? Would the pain you feel give you strength and resolve or would it take it away? Pain is a delicious concept, is it not? A concept that can make even the strongest person, male or female, human or not, weep and cry out in ecstasy. Will it be the same for you I wonder?"
Anayah's face had been buried on Greyfell's shoulder and even though her body trembled she still reached up and put an encouraging hand on the side of his face. In turn, he kissed her hand then held it to his heart, gaining strength from the touch, as he closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath.
"I don't even know who you are although I can pretty well guess that you have no honor or feelings for anyone but yourself, and I know that I may be stating the obvious to you, but I will go to whatever ends and endure whatever I must to see my friend safely home. And neither you nor your foul shadow-horde can keep me from doing that, so be gone with you and let us be on our way!"
"I think not elf-man, for once Lament has you there is no going … home, for the doorway to this place closed behind you and cannot be opened again until the price to do so has been paid in advance and it is the life of you and your friend that will pay what is due." He laughed. "Doesn't the irony of this cause such sweet torment?"
The voice as well all other noises in the hallway died away until all that was left was the proverbial calm before the storm - the eve of battle, in a sense.
As the shadow creatures crept ever closer to the two elves, Greyfell soothingly rubbed Anayah's back and whispered into her ear.
"Anayah, I know you are frightened because I am frightened as well. But we both need our wits about us ... neither of us can afford to heed the words of that madman for there is warrior work ahead of us and we must both be strong for each other. Can you be strong for me?"
Though she didn't answer, he felt her nod her head and after only a few moments more, she pushed herself away and backed up two steps, drawing Guruthos as she did. The sounds of many feet could now be plainly heard and when Greyfell saw her look to where the horde was coming toward them from the shadows then back at him, his heart fell. Her eyes were filled with both tragedy and finality and he knew at that moment, with certainty, that she no more thought that they would get through this than he did.
He also knew, though, that they would do honor to their houses and their family before death took either of them. He allowed himself a small smile because for the first time, he was realizing that in her heart, Anayah had adopted him. He sighed deeply, and vowed that he would honor that great deed, for it meant more to him than his own immortality.
The two elves stood back to back, waiting, and when the multitude finally emerged from the shadows, screaming and babbling incoherently, both elves were surprised, for the creatures were short, thin, waif-like creatures. But it was there that the similarity to any sentient life form ended, for the things had no eyes, no ears and no noses - only mouths, outlined with sharp, spiked teeth. Then the creatures were upon them, pulling and biting at them, raking them with their sharp, talon-tipped fingers.
Both elves swung their swords with lethal intent, but the more of the enemy they killed, more took their places, as they poured out of the shadows in what seemed like one continuous stream. Above the din of the battle, they could still hear the laughter of the one who still lurked in the shadows.
"Ah, yes ... the sweet, sweet smell of fear. I believe I will make this a little more interesting, for my children have not had such a good time in ... forever."
The last word was almost inaudible, but Greyfell still heard them in the back of his mind, although he was too busy keeping himself alive at that time to wonder at their meaning. What the man in the shadows meant by his last words was made painfully clear when the temperature began to drop dramatically and the rain began to fall.
Both elves were now able to see their breath turning to a frosty vapor in the air as they began to slip more often on the floor of the hallway that was fast becoming covered with a thin layer of ice. Their hands were slipping on the hilts of their swords and several times one or the other of them had almost dropped their weapons as stiff, half-frozen hands became almost unwilling to grasp what they ought.
Soon the two combatants found themselves battling the odd elements as well as the faceless beings. They could see their breaths in the air and even though they would normally not be affected by the change in weather, they were both fighting injured, Anayah had been wounded before he had even arrived and they had both been on edge from all the horrors they had witnessed in this place.
His heart could have stopped, and almost did, when he saw one of the creatures stab one of its talons into Anayah's chest. She dropped her sword, went to her knees, then quickly disappeared beneath a sea of bodies.
Greyfell lost it then, for the words of the shadow man were still echoing in his mind and heart. Yes, losing Anayah was his greatest fear but he would do whatever was necessary to save her, even though he knew not where they could go in this accursed place where the horde could not find them. He didn't even know if it was possible to elude them, although he did know with certainty that death would take them both before either of them surrendered. He didn't even know if Anayah still lived - all that he knew was that he needed to get to her.
His sword was mighty as it cut through the creatures, severing limbs and heads at its master's command. Greyfell gave no thought to the wounds he, himself was receiving as he slowly made his way through the horde to where he had last seen Anayah. Finally, he reached her then grabbed two of the creatures, pulled them away from her and tossed them aside. At first it seemed like a miracle when he saw her angry green eyes looking back at him but then he admitted the situation was entirely logical. There were so many of the creatures around her that they hindered their own efforts to destroy her. The icy rain that fell from no sky continued to wash over them, the resulting rivulets of water turning pink with their own blood as well as that dark, evil blood of those they had wounded and killed.
Then it happened - a white glow began to light up the hallway where they were fighting. It increased in intensity, driving the horde away from the two. Greyfell could have wept, for when he tried to find the source of the light, he saw the air shimmer, not more than ten feet away. Paying no attention to the disoriented shadow-creatures, he gathered a now unconscious Anayah's still body into his arms then while trying desperately to shield her from further hurts, made a run for the doorway and jumped through it. On the other side, he stumbled briefly - before falling headfirst down a flight of stairs.
As if from a great distance he heard a familiar voice talking to him. At first he couldn't understand the words at all as he desperately tried to hold on to Anayah, to protect her, not understanding that the two of them had finally made it home.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
"Captain Greyfell, you can let go of her now. Captain?"
Rahan knelt beside Lord Elrond.
"Let me try, my Lord."
Elrond nodded and moved aside, making room for the elf. Kneeling on the other side of the two, Súrion looked on worriedly. Rahan moved the hair off Greyfell's face then felt the icy skin with the back of his fingers, frowning as he did so.
"Your job is finished, Captain Greyfell, for you are once more home. You can stand down. Stand down, Captain."
Everyone standing around breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the Captain's eyes come open and look around while at the same time, he loosed his grip on Anayah. He tried to speak but was unable and a single tear made its way down his cheek as he finally realized that they had left the shadow realm behind them. Rahan smiled at him and as Lord Elrond lifted Anayah off the floor and started to carry her towards the infirmary, Greyfell tried to go with her but was prevented from doing so by the firm hands of both Rahan and Súrion for they both knew that if he rose right away that he would pass out.
Aragorn placed a warm blanket in Rahan's hands and after Súrion helped Greyfell to sit up, wrapped it around his shivering shoulders.
"Captain Rahan, if you would be so kind as to help Captain Greyfell to the infirmary, I would appreciate it - he is losing a lot of blood."
Elladan stepped back as the two Thurin Tirith helped the elf to his feet then he and his brothers followed as the three slowly made their way to the infirmary.
Thranduil, Glorfindel and Legolas were standing beside a scowling Gandalf.
"Gandalf? What is concerning you, my friend?" The Mirkwood King could tell that something serious was occupying the wizard's attention.
After some moments of silence, the Istar turned to face the elves.
"I am afraid that we have a problem. I will explain as we all move to the infirmary."
As the four followed the others, Gandalf tried to explain as best he could.
"I was hoping that this would not happen but since it has, we will have to deal with it. It seems that when I used the magic of my staff to drive back the horde that I accidentally jammed the doorway open."
Everyone stopped then turned and looked back at the shimmering spot at the top of the stairs. Gandalf took the arm of both Thranduil and Glorfindel and continued walking to the infirmary followed closely by Legolas.
"Apparently the intrusion of the two worlds combined with good meeting evil has prevented the door from closing. That means, my friends, that whatever is on the other side is now free to enter our world."
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
When the final group had reached the infirmary, Gandalf closed the door and enchanted it which, if all went well, would keep them all as safe as possible until they could figure out what they were going to do. As Gandalf took the elder elves to one side and filled them in on what was going on, the others listened to the house creak and groan and make other various and assorted strange sounds.
Elladan and Elrohir were seeing to the medical needs of Greyfell which consisted of almost too many stitches to count and Aragorn was filling in for his father with Anayah while Lord Elrond was in his impromptu council. While none of Anayah's various injuries were in any way life threatening, she was unconscious as well as in deep shock which could be as damaging physically as a mortal wound.
The four Thurin Tirith Guards were hovering and it was only various and assorted glares and raised eyebrows from Aragorn that kept them far enough back from the bed to give him adequate room to do his job. All four felt guilty about not being the ones who went after her when she was lost in the "other world," but it was Rahan who would probably take the most time to leave that guilt behind him. As Captain, Anayah's health and well-being was his responsibility and anything that happened to her, good or bad, was his responsibility as well, for such was the framework of command.
For a time, Elrond had entertained the thought that he was going to have to sedate Súrion, but strangely enough, it was the Silvan Guard's fellow wood elf, Legolas, who had managed to calm the Guard down. His efforts were just enough so that he would not only be functional but also so his constant pacing and worried looks didn't drive the rest of them mad as well.
Finally, Lord Elrond signaled for everyone's attention.
"Gandalf tells me that when he used his magic to drive back the horde that was attacking Greyfell and Anayah that it physically jammed the doorway between our two worlds open and the atrocities from that place could now very well be inside this house. Elladan, has the moon moved at all?"
The eldest twin moved to the infirmary's window and looked outside.
"It is now straight up in the sky, Ada. There has been some progress and that should be encouraging."
"Thank you, my son. That is encouraging but it also tells us that we have an unknown amount of time in which we must make diligent efforts to stay alive. While we have no guarantees that the phenomenon will not reach this room and after having discussed the matter at some length, King Thranduil, Lord Glorfindel, Gandalf and I have decided that we will take up an aggressive defense of this house."
Their attention was diverted for a time when Anayah started to wake and as was the case with most trauma victims, she woke in the same place where she had lost consciousness - in the middle of a battle. Aragorn was flung backwards and would have fallen to the floor if Legolas had not caught him. She clipped Súrion on the jaw with the palm of her hand and was half way out of bed before Rahan finally managed to wrap his big arms around her and gently confine her until she had regained consciousness the rest of the way and knew where she was.
Finally after a few moments, her eyes came fully open and began to look suspiciously around the room but when she saw where she was and who was standing around the two beds, she burst out in tears and hid her face on Rahan's shoulder. Aragorn fixed a sedative tea for her and even put a generous amount of honey in it, but she refused to drink it and nothing anyone said, even Rahan who usually had great influence with her, could get her to drink it.
Suddenly she sat upright and tried to push Rahan away from her and although he did loosen his hold on her a bit, did not release her altogether.
"Greyfell! Where is he? Is he all right? What aren't you telling me?"
Seeing that she was getting excited again, Elladan and Elrohir helped the Captain stand and walk the couple of feet to Anayah's bed. When she saw him standing there, she gave a sigh and finally relaxed in Rahan's arms although she still refused the tea.
Greyfell gently laid his hand on the side of her face.
"Be at peace, Anayah, for I am here and although there is some discomfort, I am feeling well enough to do it all over again ... in the next millennium."
Everyone smiled at his light humor.
Motioning for Greyfell to sit on the edge of her bed, Anayah arranged herself in a more dignified manner although everyone noticed that she was not letting loose of Rahan's arm. They could all easily understand that until she regained her emotional strength and focus, her confidence would be directly linked to the care and support of the Captain of her Guards.
"So ... are things back to normal now?"
"I'm afraid not, Anayah."
Gandalf walked to the side of the bed, sat down, and took her hand.
"I'm afraid that my magic has jammed the doorway between the two worlds open."
The grey wizard became concerned when he saw all the color leave Anayah's face.
"You broke it?" She said in a small quiet voice. "Can you fix it?"
Gandalf sighed and patted her hands.
"As a member in good standing of the Istari Order, it is doubly embarrassing for me to have to admit that I don't have the first idea how to repair what my magic broke."
"Well, it's not like you have much cause for honing such skills and knowledge, my friend." Elrond laid a comforting hand on the wizard's shoulder.
"Has anybody considered just asking It if It can help close the door?"
There was an immediate and total silence. Lord Elrond frowned.
"Would you care to explain what you mean, Anayah?"
Anayah sighed then after looking around the room and seeing Ethan standing on the fringe of the group, motioned the human to her side. She smiled at the nervous man.
"Be at ease, Master Ethan, for you have nothing to fear from this rag tag bunch."
There was a lot of mumbling and more than one wink from those in the room. Anayah took Ethan's hand.
"I would like for you to listen to what I am going to tell the others, Ethan, and if you disagree with something I say or would like to add something, then please feel free to do so. Are you agreeable to this?"
When the human nodded, she continued.
"In that place of horrors, was a book, written by someone called Lament and if my suspicions are correct and Lament is the name of that place, then the fact a book had been written and placed in that room suggests that this Lament does have a consciousness. When Greyfell and I were battling those small, faceless creatures, and just before I lost consciousness, I saw first a white light which I think was Gandalf's magic then a doorway. Lament took a great risk creating a doorway for us to move through so close to those creatures. This care giving aspect of Lament suggests not only consciousness but also a conscience and that could only lead to the conclusion that Lament is sentient.
I think, and again, correct me if you think I am wrong, Ethan, but I believe Lament is not totally evil and especially in this case, did make a conscious effort to do good. Lament may contain evil and evil may have touched It but evil does not rule It."
She frowned for a moment before continuing.
"I forgot where I heard that or who said it, but the words do bear merit."
Without warning, every light in the room went out then a soft wind swirled through the room and among the beings in it. There was the sound of a soft sigh then the quiet whisper of a voice, but though the voice was quiet, nobody had any trouble whatsoever hearing the words.
"It has been long since last we spoke. Many worlds, many suns and many stars have been born and have passed into oblivion since that time. You have need to speak with us?"
Rahan could feel Anayah trembling underneath his arms that were still wrapped around her. For her part, Anayah gathered her thoughts then spoke.
"Do you feel pain, Lament?"
There was a pause and though those in the room felt they could be imagining things, there was more than one who would say that "Lament" had been surprised by Anayah's question.
"Why would you care, young female?"
"Because you are sentient and those of us in this room wish to know if our actions have harmed you or have caused you pain."
"There is no damage that cannot be repaired." There was a slight pause before Lament again spoke. "Now, what question do you wish to ask of us?"
"We would like to know if you want us to fix the doorway that was accidentally jammed open."
There was another short pause.
"That damage has already been repaired. However, we must warn you that beings from this place crossed over into your world before the doorway was closed. One of these has shown a particular interest in you, in fact."
Though she tried hard to maintain the calm front she had adopted while speaking, her breath hitched and it was some moments before she could speak again.
"How can we return these residents to your world, Lament?"
"We do not wish for them to return." Was the short reply.
There was a stunned silence and everyone felt their stomachs tighten at the prospect of hosting some of the creatures Ethan had told them about. Anayah thought for a moment then got an idea.
"Lament, I understand what you are saying when you say that you do not wish for these beings to be returned but I have seen the pains you have taken to care for these beings, to provide a home for them and to contain them within your boundaries. I understand also that this is your function for, you are their keeper, are you not?"
The last sentence was more of a statement than a question.
"Your world ... the house ... you ... are passing through our own world, something that will probably never happen again. While I was within your boundaries, you cared for me as best you could and you even risked creating a doorway for my friend and I so we could come home. You have taken great care to try and do what was right for everyone that visited as well as lived in your world and you have also tried hard to put things back in their correct places when things have gone astray. Therefore, using those arguments, I know you might not want your residents back, but will you take them back if we can get them to you?"
"We are thinking."
Everyone waited patiently for the reply.
"We will take them back. If you can get them to where the last doorway was, we will see that they are put into the correct world."
Anayah nodded.
"We could ask no more of you."
Then the darkness was gone and the candles and glows once more lit the room.
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Anayah sagged in Rahan's arms and it was a few moments before she had regained enough strength to speak.
"Ethan, you know these creatures best. How do you suggest that we proceed?"
The human shifted uncomfortably where he was sitting.
"I believe that there are three constants when dealing with the horrors from that world. First, you must find your enemy, second, you must meet your enemy, and third, you must defeat your enemy." He blushed a deep shade of red. "I am sorry that I can be no more clear on the subject, but I must admit that my own survival in that place is more due to being able to outsmart and outrun the creatures than it was by fighting them. However, if someone could tell me what creatures have made their way into this world, I could tell you the best methods for fighting that particular creature. I have seen other beings through the years who had also become trapped and I observed the methods they employed that seemed to be the most effective."
Anayah looked at Rahan.
"Rahan? What do you think about sending Súrion and Saeros out to take a look? I think that as our stealth experts that they would have the best chance of finding where everybody is."
Rahan looked at the elder elves and at Gandalf and when he saw them nod, turned to his elves.
"Súrion and Saeros, you have a go. I know this is what you were trained to do but I also want you to be safe while you find out what we want to know. If the situation deteriorates too much, pull yourselves out and return to the infirmary. Semoro, you stay with me to provide military support for our wounded as well as the others."
He looked at Ethan.
"Ethan, would you please brief my elves on what they might have to expect?"
Ethan had turned and walked off a bit with the two elves when Lord Elrond got his attention and when he nodded his head toward Anayah and when he looked down, saw that she had fallen asleep. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was probably not a restful sleep, but at least it was something.
TBC