Final pre A/N:

Incoming transmission…
Wotcher people and welcome to the final chapter of the storr "A Ranger in Wolf's Clothing!" A quick adress to the review

from chapter 6 is in order, and then let's get straight into it!
P.S. If you want some extra info about some topics, read the post A/N!

Plague Doctor: Thank you so much for those compliments mate, that really means a hell lot! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And yes indeed, every journey has an end, and here is this one's! Also, we must say it wasn't easy writing that chapter, but it was great! The reflection was quite a bit to reflect upon! (got it?)

I hope everyone will enjoy this ending that we went for, and I can't wait for you guys to leave your thoughts! Criticism, praise, we welcome it all with open arms!

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Chapter 7: Thanks to them

I got up and went towards the place where the wolves found me first in. Something… just told me to go there.

The walk there was almost like a dream. I realized I was there after a few minutes and I couldn't remember how I got there, I just did. I ignored that, and looked for a certain tree. The symbol I carved was still there… The White Tree of Gondor… The symbol on my tunic… the symbol of hope, of perseverance, of courage and of loyalty. The values we swore by when we became rangers… Hell, it's been only three years since that day, but it still felt like it had been forever…

"Do you swear to serve Ithilien and defend its people until the day you die?"
"Yes." we responded in unison.
"Do you swear to do abide all the four virtues: hope, perseverance, courage and loyalty, as long as you serve?"
"Yes."
"Hands on your hearts."
We obeyed. Upon each of our shoulders the captain put his blade and then rose it above his head.
"Upon thee, Altor, Fastred, Holdgel, Talion, Fendor, Herumer, and Rohrrin, I bestow the honor of joining the Rangers of Ithilien. May thou bring your country pride!"
We took our hands off our hearts, bowed, and we headed off to the armory to receive our gear.

I chuckled to myself while looking at my reflection in the water. Then, with half a grimace and half a smile, I then remembered what we used to do together. Protecting Ithilden… through bloodbaths.
Eh, how many camps and outposts we raided, how many merchants

and healers we've cut down… innocents… the whole lotta them.

Lilly and Garth said that it wasn't my choice… and I guess it wasn't. Orders were orders, and like Garth said, those are to be obeyed, not questioned. But still… I couldn't help but feel that I could've done more. Somehow, I couldn't escape the feeling that I could've done something. I could've been different.

I sighed.
But I couldn't escape yet another feeling: that they really cared. Which was something else that had been completely unknown to me. Lilly even shed tears over me… which was such a huge leap from not even getting a second glance… except the disgusted glares, of course.

I once more came to the conclusion I had come the day before. I didn't know what to do. I was lost. I didn't belong here… but from what I gathered from Lilly… I did belong with her. She even called me her own. Which I found just unbelievable. How could she get so

attached in such a short period of time?!

I glared at my reflection in the water angrily.

I wanted to believe I belong here, but I just couldn't. "A human doesn't belong among wolves! You know that!" I shouted mentally, as I punched the water. It murmured annoyedly, almost scolding me for disturbing its peaceful, slow course, as I just huffed frustratedly.

But did I event want to be this anymore? A ranger, a killer… a freak? That's what I always was. A freak. A rejection. We could've never fit in anywhere, and we knew it. That's why we always spent time in caps we set up, or the garrison in Ithilden. Never in taverns or villages.

I smirked as a memory flashed through my mind.

#####
"Hey! Cloaked ones! Who are y'all?! someone shouted angrily.

"We're just thirsty travelers, we assure you we mean no harm!" Altor responded calmly.

"An' wha'n da blazes are ye doin' ther'?!"

"We're just grabbing some water from the well, then we'll be on our way, good sir." Altor said, just as calmly as before, but he accidentally showed his vest while turning, so our crest was visible. He realized his mistake immediately as the man's eyes widened suddenly. We all sighed in unison, expecting what will come next.

"Thos' eyes of yers! Tis ye ranger freaks! Y'all'll poison our water!"
"Well spotted." chuckled Talion in his hollow voice. "Any other brilliant observations? Like that we have shapr swords and you've but a small mace?"
"Don't ye try to charm me anyhow, ye sons of bitches! Out of our village!" the man yelled again, not noticing the ranger's threat.
"I ain't the type to charm." Talion smiled uglily. "I'm more the type to get right to action." he said calmly but dangerously, stroking the hilt of his sword.

"No sense in starting any shit. Let's just leave." We whistled for our horses and mounted, as the villager guffawed stupidly.
"Yeah, run! We would've cut ye to pieces anyways, you freaks!"
Talion cursed under his breath, and in a flash and a smooth move, a crossbow bolt landed in the man's weak spot. He howled with pain, as he collapsed to the ground, moaning and screaming shrilly.

We galloped away, smirking broadly. Talion suddenly spoke in an innocent tone:
"You know, I wonder why people consider us violent."

We all burst out laughing.
#####

Hell… it feels like an eternity since then… thought it couldn't have been more than four months. I looked at my reflection in the water.
"You just don't have a place anymore here…" I whispered frowning at the ranger staring back at me.

"I came to look at my own reflection… and see something I don't like. I've always dreamt of being a strong warrior… and in a matter of days… that dream fell apart completely… Now I just wish for some peace and quiet"

I was just staring into the sparkling river, when I suddenly noticed a hazy shadow lurking behind my reflection. I turned around in a flash, but before I managed to touch my sword, something grabbed my forearm from behind and pulled me into the water. I couldn't do anything as I passed out abnormally fast, despite being able to hold my breath for quite a long time.

##########

As I felt I once more had control over my body, I jumped up and looked around me. I reached instinctually on my back, but I had no swords. I didn't even have my leggings on. I had a plain white robe.
I listened intently, but I could hear nothing around me. As I listened, I took in my surroundings.

It looked like the White City… before its fall, of couse. That tower can't be confused with anything else. I've seen it only in paintings like this before… and it was damn beautiful.
Then it hit me. "What the hell am I doing back in Middle-Earth? And in Minas Ithil of all places?"

I slowly walked by the white outlines of the houses, towards the tower. I've always wondered what's the view from up there…

I couldn't help but notice that my steps were feeling different… lighter. Like I was walking on something way softer then the cobble path I expected to feel.

To my surprise, the tower's entrance opened easily, not even creaking at all. I started going up towards the top. There seemed to be many stairs, but I was almost at the top before I even knew it.

As I climbed the last flight, I was shocked to see who was standing at the window, looking out distantly.
I gawked for a few more seconds, until finally Talion turned towards me, wearing his usual nonchalant smirk.
"Well, well, well, I was wondering when you'd finally think it was 'safe enough' to get your ass up here."

I didn't answer, still staring at my friend, lost. I approached him and I also sat down on the window sill, letting my eyes feast on the amazing sight before me. The gleaming White City, in all its glory… There was no sun, but it didn't need it. It shined as bright as diamonds. Word was that in all its glory, all the rangers in South Ithilien could see its light distantly. Shame all we got to see a distant form of a tower, engulfed by shadow…

"What happened, Rohrr? Wolf got your tongue?" he laughed.
I also smirked at the stupid joke, as I focused on the conversation once more. "What the hell are you doing here, though? You're… dead."
"Well, yes… and also no."
I raised a brow, waiting for him to continue.
"I kind of stand for the 'human' in you… if that makes any sense." he chuckled.
"Then… who's the other part in me?"
Talion laughed. "I thought it was rather obvious, but I'll just let ya see her for yourself. Let's get outta here, now that you've got to take in this sight." I nodded and followed him back down.
I kept trailing him, even though I didn't know where we were going. We finally stopped by a huge white tree. I almost couldn't believe my eyes.
"The White Tree of Gondor…"
"The very first one, even." finished Talion. "The one planted by Isildur himself."
"It can't be…"
My friend snickered. "Well, if you don't believe me, your problem." On the other side of the tree, I saw a familiar snow-white wolf. She turned and smiled at me.
"I…" I broke off, trying to figure out how to even start the conversation.
"Hello, Rohrrin." Lilly smiled brightly.
"H-how are y-you…?" I stuttered, but she shushed me lightly, nuzzling my chin. I knelt down to her level.
"Are you…?"
She giggled, as she nuzzled my face.
"Yeah, I'm the wolf part in you, silly. And your friend here is the human part in you." she flashed a grin at Talion, who was leaning nonchalantly against a tree.

"Alright…" I mumbled as I got back up. "But… why are we here…? The White City?"
"How the hell should we know?" chuckled Talion. "Maybe it was a dream of yours to be here or something."
He was partially right… I had always wanted to see it, but of course, I never had the chance before the city's fall.
I walked to the edge and looked over the edge of the terrace, as a stunning valley unfolded before my eyes. The bright light of the City emanated beautifully, leaving a misty white veil over its surroundings, while behind us, the huge mountains towered like guardians.

I heard Talion and Lilly each step to my side.
"Now… that we got to admire the view and see each other… we should probably cut to the chase."
I shrugged. "I'm listening."

"You must be wondering what the hell are you here for… Well, we saw you didn't exactly enjoy your gift from our favourite spectre wolf."
Lilly growled lowly. "I still can't believe she tried to kill you."
"She did warn me not to get in her way…" I mumbled.

"Yet you did. It was you being stubborn, like usual." smirked Talion. Lilly glared at him.
"What? It is true!" he laughed. "At least something good came out of it that time!"

I only looked vaguely into the distance.
"Alright. Now to the real point." began Talion, in a more sombre tone. "You said earlier something about not wanting to be yourself anymore."
"Yeah, well, you can't do anything about that -" I tried to interrupt, but he just finished.
"But, you didn't mention which you."
I turned to him, bewildered.
"What're you talking about?"
"Well, you aren't only a ranger, silly." Lilly giggled. "You are also a wolf."
"Hmph. More or less. I was always meant to be a killer, I guess."
"It's always 'meant to be', 'should be'..." repeated Lilly sadly. "And who said you must be like that, no matter what? That path was made for you, you didn't make it yourself! But this time, it can be different!"
I didn't answer.

"You can decide who you'll be!" she continued hotly. "You can forge your own path now, Rohrrin!"
"Starting is the hardest part, you know." added Talion. "Then it'll be like sailing down a river, you'll go where the current takes you."
I said nothing, but other flashes came through my memory.
"It's a kind of forge your own path kind of a thing." shrugged Garth.
"Whatever form you assume, I still love you, with all my heart!" Lilly's voice sounded in my head.
"You will be able to forge your own destiny." I heard a final echo.
I focused once more on the present.

"So… you're telling me you're giving me a choice…?" I asked, almost not even believing it.
"Righto." smiled Talion.

"But… what will happen to the other part of me?"
The ranger put a hand on my shoulder.
"We ain't going anywhere, believe me, you're not gonna get rid of us that easily." he smirked. "But you kind of… lock into one form, I guess? I have no idea how to put it." he laughed. "You can't just leave a form behind completely, you are both, remember?"
I nodded shortly.
"You can walk the human's path or wolf's path, but not both." he finished, as I turned towards the two.
"And how do I… choose?" I muttered.
They both chuckled.
"Well, you touch the one you want to stay as. But about the choice, it's yours and only yours to make, my friend." Talion answered.

"But… you didn't have this choice… you just died." I said angrily. "Why should I deserve it?"
My old friend raised his brows.
"Why? If one of the rangers were to deserve it the most, it'd be you, without doubt. Five of us had never known our family, they were either dead or didn't care, it was all the same. Hell, Altor even had a decent relationship with 'em! But you? You went through something we never went through." he explained.
Lilly nodded fiercely, tears slowly forming in her eyes.
"No pup should go through that! You deserve a second chance, Rohrrin! Someone to actually care!" she half-shouted.

"Trust me, if someone earned something like this, it was you mate." Talion assured me. I guess he had a point, but I still had inhibitions…
"But what if… it just doesn't work?" I whispered, gesturing vaguely.
"How will you ever know if you don't try?" the other ranger shrugged. "I mean, I'd take it, see what the hell can come out of it."
"Your friend is right… if you never try this life… you'll never know." she smiled slightly, her tail wagging slightly.
I didn't answer, only stared at the ground.
"Is this forging my own destiny? Is this chance real?" I thought wildly. "If I choose wrong here, it might be a waste, all of it. But is there a wrong choice? I wanted to be both, but … no. I didn't want to be both. One of them had no place here anymore, and that one had to go."
"I don't wanna be you anymore…" I heard my own voice in my head.
"Well, here goes nothing…" I said mentally, as I walked briskly forward and made my choice.

##########

I finally came back to my senses as I realized I was still in the water. I quickly managed to get to the surface, and swam to land, spluttering water and gasping madly for air.

After I caught my breath and steadied the rhythm once more, I took one last glance into the water. Then, I've done something I haven't done for a very long time. I smiled, broadly and happily. This is who I wanted to be.
I turned and started running towards Lilly and Garth's den.

##########

Some time later

Lilly's POV

I sighed as I rested my head on Garth's shoulder. We were both sitting outside the Leader's den, overlooking the valley. We both had finished our duties and we were just resting.

I looked happily as I saw most of the wolves playing with their pups and relaxing in the warm sun or the cool shade. The Pack recovered quite well from the blow of the Rogues. We lost wolves, but not as many as we could've. All thanks to Rohrrin, of course… we wouldn't have been here if not for him. We would have all fallen to the paws of the Rogues for sure otherwise.

I wish I could've done more for him though… My eyes welled up everytime he revealed more and more of his past, and I ached more and more. I wanted to help him so badly, but I didn't want to force him into anything either, I'd hate myself for it. The look he had on his face when I said that I consider him to be my pup swam in front of me constantly. Confusion, disbelief, but something else was there too, that I've never seen from him before: a small, barely noticeable fire of hope.

"I did kindle a little something in him at least…" I thought, the corner of my muzzle lifting slightly.

"Who knows, he might even choose to stay…" Garth whispered.

I hummed questioningly, while he chuckled lowly in response.

"I figured you were thinking about Rohrrin, Honey."
I blushed slightly, and said playfully: "Maybe I was."
My smirk faded though, as I whispered: "Do you really think he'll stay?"
"I don't know." shrugged Garth simply. "But who knows… after the last talk you had with him… he might."

"I don't want to force him into anything though…" I mumbled.
Garth nuzzled my neck affectionately. "Hey, I wasn't blaming anything on you. It's his choice, not anyone else's. I just said that he might stay… and that'd be… nice."

A faint smile crossed my muzzle again.
"It'd be… to finally have our own pup."
"The finest Alpha in the Pack." continued Garth dreamily. I nudged my mate playfully.
"Hey, you never said you're gonna make an Alpha out of him!" I smirked, faking hurt. "I thought healing would suit Rohrrin amazingly!"
He rolled his eyes playfully.
"Oh come on, with all that skills the pup already has? I don't think he'd like it."
"Did you ask?" I kept teasing, prodding him. He prodded me back gently.
"Did you?" he retorted.
We both burst out laughing at our own antics.

When our laughter died down, I pricked my ears up and heard paw shuffling behind me. I turned to see a black wolf pup turning and walking away slowly.

"Rohrrin?" I asked. He turned around abruptly, and his ears laid flat against his head.
"U-um, h-hi." he stuttered. "I-i didn't want to… uhm… interrupt anything, I'm sorry." he bowed his head slightly, and started to turn again, but I stopped him by continuing.
"Oh, sweetie, you aren't interrupting anything. What's wrong?" I asked carefully.
He shuffled his paws, looking at the ground. He was clearly very nervous.
"I-it's nothing… Don't worry about it." he said lowly. He fully turned and was about to start walking away, when my paw gently landed on his tail. He didn't turn, but I heard him huff exasparatedly, muttering something along the lines of "goddamn tail".
"A wolf's body language gives away their emotions pretty effectively." Garth chuckled.
"Laid back ears, tail between your legs, shuffling paws… That'd point to nervousness." Lilly giggled.
Rohrrin sighed. "Fine. Can I get up now?"
Lilly nodded and let him get up.

The pup shuffled a bit more, before finally taking a deep breath and started speaking slowly and carefully:
"I… wanted to… ask you… as Lilly did say that I could… perhaps… just maybe… if it doesn't bother you… for me to… stay…?"
Garth and I both smiled brightly, my insides already heating up with joy, but Rohrrin continued, with a bit more confidence.
"I also chose… I mean… decided… to stay as a wolf."
That made me jump for joy even more. But something also perplexed me.
"What do you mean, 'you chose'?" Garth practically took the words right out of my mouth.

"Well… through a kind of… vision?" Rohrrin tried to explain. "A human friend of mine was there… and you, Lilly. And we talked… and they told me that I could choose my form, to remain as one… because they sensed that being a shape shifter confused me… and it was true. That gift from Daria's mother was more of a short-timed blessing which turned into a curse, more or less. I was just confused… and then I…"
"Didn't wanna be yourself anymore." I finished for him sadly. He nodded shortly.
"So I chose…" he continued slowly. "And maybe… this time… it can be different." he finished confidently, as he did something I haven't seen him do before. He smiled. Not his usual ironic smirk, but a geniune smile. This time there was no doubt. Behind his eyes was true excitedness, and a flame of hope.

The grins returned to my mate's and I's faces. He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, I pulled him into a hug, tears forming in my eyes.

"Yes, yes, yes! Of course you can stay!" I practically screamed, as Garth joined in on the hug.

"Does this mean…?" Rohrrin began, hopeful but hesitant. "...Mother?"
When I heard him call me that, I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest. The pure happiness I felt was unmatched with anything else I had ever felt in my entire life.
"Yes, my little one…" I whispered, not being able to help but tear up. He leaned into my embrace, and for once, I felt the tension leave his body.

I could feel that he wasn't afraid someone would hurt him anymore, that someone would ruin this moment. He could finally feel… safe.
"Get used to this feeling, Rohrrin… because you can now finally feel safe… no more sleepless nights, no more being alone, no more being a cold, wayward Ranger." I thought lovingly.
I started nuzzling my pup affectionately.
"You are, and always will be my precious little wolf pup."

Final post A/N:

Incoming transmission…
Well, well, here comes this journey's end, good people! Thank you for being with us for this one, and lemme say, it's been great and hella fun!
I've got a little announcement to make, I'll start posting fiction stories on fictionpress too! If you feel like it, throw a glance on that too, I shall start uploading soon!
About fanfiction, because I also have high-school, I shall either be posting short stories, or I will only start posting chapters of a larger project once most of them are already written out, so I can publish weekly and have a nice rhythm for ya guys! The pressure of getting it out is sometimes annoying for me, so I figured this'd be a better solution. I will most likely also post stories on other fandoms then A&O, so that's also a thing.

Long story short, don't be surprised if you see long breaks between stories, and shorter stories coming out, and also check out my fictionpress if you feel like it.

I ain't dead yet, and I don't plan on quitting writing anytime soon, you ain't escapin' me that easily hah!

Wolfsaurus shall also be returning to his Guardian's Pup books, so make sure to stay tuned for those too, trust me, they're worth it!

That's pretty much it, we thank y'all again for sharing this voyage with us, and we'll be seeing you around!

L0RD3N & Wolf over and out! :D

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