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Chapter 14 - Disease
As Hyano predicted, the White wizard actually neared the shack an hour after she parted ways with the brown wizard. He was mumbling to himself, his staff helping his steps as he walked, his long white beard blown a little by the wind. His blue eyes scanned the ground for a long time before deciding to look up when he came closer to his temporary home. He heard what happened with the elves and explained to them how the wraith could have pulled that stunt but decided to let this slide. Zhia's argument after the Council's meeting however was harsh... And in some points actually valid. In this case, no matter how he didn't want to but had to reconsider her current standing within the Order. He however wanted to hear her version, not judging just yet. He didn't demote her, neither did he give Zhia right. Just listened to him and now wanted to find the orange wizard to hear her side of the story. He wasn't mad, he wasn't disappointed. No. Simply was troubled is all. He walked up to the shack slowly and raised his staff slightly to knock on the wooden door. Perhaps she was here... Where else would she go to rest?
He obviously forgot how much she loved sleeping outside.
Hyano might not have noticed him if he hadn't knocked. She opened her eyes, then leaned forward and looked down. She was sitting on the roof but hadn't fallen asleep yet. She was just relaxing, smoking from a cigarette she had made from some of her spare tobacco and some paper. Crude but it did what she wanted. She took a drag, then blew it down, allowing the smoke to swoosh down and blow around the wizard before sucking it back up and blowing it again out of her nose.
"You know even for an istar it is still a little odd to be knocking on your own door." She teased with a smile. She hadn't been able to use such spells in a long time. It was a waste of magic back in Middle-Earth. "Ren fell asleep not long after Ragnarök left. I found it would be nice to sleep outside for a change. Sleeping in a hole for the past two weeks really hasn't done much for me." She admitted with a giggle before jumping down using a little magic to keep her landing light.
Gandalf raised an eyebrow when the smoke traveled around him, then followed its direction to see the young looking wizard gaze down upon him. He couldn't help a chuckle at her comment.
"It isn't only my home anymore. It is yours too. Basic politeness." He told her and watched as she landed not far from him, then turned towards her, gesturing towards the forest with his staff. "Let us take a walk on this fine day. The wind is light, the sun is shining and the clouds are scarce. This is a quite rare sight." He admitted, before starting to walk. He didn't want to jump right to the point. It wasn't his way. He also wanted to enjoy his day. The sun, the chirping of birds, the peace... He was an istar... of course he sought such places. Though, he found it odd that she said the wraith was sleeping. Since when do Nazgul sleep?
Hyano smiled and nodded, allowing him to lead the way. She could see the question in his eyes and thought she might as well answer.
"It is an effect of the change in him. I have a theory. I don't think the wraith ever stopped needing sleep. I think the ring just prevented it which contributed to their insanity, made the kings more rash and angry. I think this is one of the ways the Dark Lord mentally kept the kings under his thumb. You can't exactly rebel if you can't think straight." She explained. Ren had started thinking very clearly now. She had a feeling part of it was because his mind was able to rest. While the ring did force loyalty onto him, she had a feeling part of the way it did that was the irrationality it caused due to various different factors. While the ring did keep the wraith from physically needing the rest, it probably kept the mental need for this reason.
Gandalf hummed at her rather interesting theory. Though, lack of sleep would do even more than just insanity... It would straight out kill anyone from the inside. He was sure that the Nazgul wouldn't be an exception from that. However, having already heard that they do sometimes sit down and meditate, that might bring some relief and keep them alive for the time being.
"They do sleep in their own way, Hyano." He started, walking slowly, taking his time, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, letting nature seep into his every being. This place was truly a haven for every istari. "Meditation is a type of mental rest and a type of sleep. The difference is the concentration and the awareness. But otherwise it has the same effect. Complete lack of sleep would cause more than just insanity." He pointed out, thinking with this train of thoughts he might as well bring up some of the problems he saw with the creature. "And how is he faring so far in our new world? I heard he is... quite the bundle of energy." He chuckled, remembering the words of the elves and all that the wraith did to them. To him it sounded like a payback towards their kind for all that they did to his brethren.
The orange wizard shrugged. It was only a theory, after all. She raised a brow at his question before snickering.
"Yes. He is. He loves to pull pranks on anyone who isn't really suspecting it. It can get pretty bad sometimes." She admitted. "Since I used to sleep like a rock at night he used to place me in odd places while I slept. Under the bed, on a shelf, he even wrapped me up in a blanket so tight I couldn't get out until I used a spell to rip the thing open. I think he might enjoy it a little too much but it is fun to watch to be honest." She replied with a smile as she walked. She was sure under different circumstances Gandalf and Ren might actually get along. They both liked to mess with people, though, Gandalf was more mental and Ren was more physical.
"Maybe he enjoys this indeed too much..." Gandalf started, humming at his thoughts and what was said to him. The wraith was causing too much trouble and he was finding joy in this. This might be at least some relief that he at least did not kill anyone but doing such little pranks that actually escalate like the one with the elves... will cause others to keep away from him and make him feel not all that welcome. "While messing with people can be fun, I advise that you... try to explain to him when it is too much. When enough is enough. One has to realize the situation when pranks are appropriate and when they are only offending or cause great despair. Guards are never to be messed with but need to be respected." He explained and took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "The wraith also needs to learn manners and to behave if we truly want him to fit in. If he only causes trouble, people will never enjoy his company. If he truly wishes us to fit in... then I would like to see some kind of... effort from his part."
"Sadly that will be hard. Both are personality traits he kept from when he was human. He was just this bad before if not worse. The only difference now really is that he has fewer resources to play with. As for respect... besides the book stunt with Ragnarök he really hasn't tried talking or interacting with anyone besides me. Mostly because he can't understand anyone. The only reason he took the book from the brown wizard was because he believed it to be his. He has a hoarder's mentality. A bit of an issue... By the way I cleaned the shack twice and it still looks like the Void blew through it." She said the last part with a sheepish smile.
"Then it is time to change this." The White wizard told her, turning his head towards her briefly, meeting her gaze. "He cannot walk around and take things that aren't his. I am sure there are items missing from the shack as well... He has to learn to control this and learn some manners." He nodded, finding it must be possible to teach some sense into him and see how much effort he wants to put into trying to fit in. "Teach him some courtesy, politeness and to respect other's property. There is no such thing as impossible, this is taught to us from the very beginning. All it takes is effort to achieve it. If he doesn't wish to at least show some effort, then he cannot fit in... In this case indeed not many will view him welcome." He explained and shook his head, already able to picture him walking around in the street and people would quickly start going defensive around their properties." Or he won't even be welcome in the city itself."
"No offense, Gandalf, but at the rate things are going I don't know if we will even get that far." Hyano said, honestly. She knew part of why they were talking about this, so she found she might as well jump in to it. "The council does not want him to continue living, even if he does make a complete change. They have made that clear as day. Zhia specifically is against it and the opening of the portal... While I can do what I can to try and influence Ren... I am only one person and my pull with him only goes so far. If he sees nothing but threats around him, then there isn't going to be much change at all because he will never be able to relax." She explained, taking another drag of her cigarette.
The White wizard hummed at her comment and stayed silent for a few seconds, once again letting the sounds and the feeling of nature's closeness engulf his being, before replying.
"They are protective of this world, Hyano." He started, turning his head to look at her, meeting her green gaze with his blue one. "They are protective because they see him as a threat, for reasons you can see yourself. He doesn't exactly behave like someone who wants to fit in, neither does he seem to respect any laws connected to this world... He made a quite bad first impression..." He noted, nodding to this. He didn't yet look at his shack and he dreaded the moment when he would have to... He wondered briefly what he was missing from there. "If he showed effort... If he showed the desire to change... If he proved us that he is indeed no threat... They might change their mind." He pointed out and stopped next to the river which they approached, the clear water showing them all the fish that were happily swimming around among the water plants. "They simply need to start viewing him as something else than a dark wraith. But for this... He needs to contribute a lot. Change a lot... Do a lot. And you could convince him to prove himself... Then they might see him as you do and not the way he shows himself to be at the moment."
"Maybe... I will do what I can." The orange wizard said calmly, then sighed. "So, tell me... what exactly did Ragnarök tell you anyway? I'm curious." She inquired as she blew out some smoke and then let her gaze travel the world around her. She knew Ragnarök had spoken with him and was rather curious as to what all he had said and if anything was left out.
Gandalf nodded, having wondered when she will finally bring this up. He was waiting for the question for a while now. He wasn't planning to hide anything, neither did he want to make all the comments pretty with describing them differently.
"Well, he complained about your wraith, his lack of manners and the... destruction he caused in the shack and told me in detail what he found at the area when you returned. I must say the wraith knows how to prank." Gandalf chuckled, unable to help himself. Despite the situation, he was actually laughing when the brown wizard told him about it. Sneaky wraith is sneaky and very cunning when he wanted to be, one must give that to him. "However, as I said, we will have to work on that. I could help if he understood our language but right now righting his behavior will fall on your shoulder until the time comes when I can have a conversation with him." He nodded, shaking off the amusement he showed not a moment ago, knowing this situation was not truly funny for the elves and the guards. "He also told me about your... views and your lack of manners." He raised an eyebrow and looked at her expectantly, clearly wishing for an explanation.
Hyano sighed.
"I told him my thoughts on the wraith however he kept getting more and more worried. At one point I worried that he would attract Ren's attention. He was basically saying Ren needed to be killed according to the Order. I was worried Ren might catch what Ragnarök was saying and there would be a fight. So I wanted to hit him upside the head." She explained with a sigh and shook her head. "I thought working with Asteri he would be used to such a thing. That wizard hits people all the time. Or has that changed too?"
"Asteri..." Gandalf trailed off with a sigh, turning to walk, following the stream of the river on the shore. "He changed a lot... After his... dealing with his student, he was sent here to recover and take his mind off of it by the tasks. It did break him, as I am sure you could see it... Many of his habits changed. He became more silent... but is on his way to his old self. If not completely, then to something similar." He tried reassuring her, before going back to the topic at hand. "I see no reason for the wraith to attack because of such talk. This is something he surely expected when he made the decision to come here. He surely didn't expect people to welcome him with open arms, not after what his kind did on Middle-Earth..." He explained, pausing to stop again and face her with a thoughtful expression. "Their views will stay like this until your wraith doesn't wish to change his behavior and manners. Once he shows the desire to aid and fit in, their minds might be changed. But this is something only time will tell." He hummed, nodding to himself, unsure how this will end... "And... Ragnarök's opinion was the way it was because this was a rather... serious subject, where such... humor and playful knocks over the head are inappropriate. You will have to also learn about these situations. Not to mention your behavior on the meeting made me receive multiple complaints. You will have to learn when it is appropriate to speak to people like friends and when to keep everything official. I will handle this, though." He explained, deciding to scold her for the very trait Zhia was complaining about. Her manners. He will have to take that upon himself, however. "Your position in the Order doesn't change." The wizard reassured her with a smile after a small pause once he saw her expression.
Hyano sighed and nodded slowly, acknowledging his small scolding and thought this matter over for a moment.
"Thanks... To be honest, I wasn't sure how that would go. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be in the Order and all but..." She looked away, feeling a little bad for what she was about to say. "I have been on my own for quite some time now. It feels... kind of strange to be a part of a group again. Even when I was a child I was never really in the group. I spent most of the meetings under the table, taking naps and getting yelled at by Saruman for wasting everyone's time. It will take some getting used to, I guess." She said with a sigh. "... Does Ragnarök know I'm a born istar, not a made one like the rest of you?" She asked, wondering how much of her history was known in this world.
Gandalf chuckled, shaking his head at her worry, finding it irrelevant.
"That you are part of the Order, doesn't mean you will work in a group. You simply have more responsibility and are now a part of the creation process of this world. The Valar will give you tasks which you have to complete and serve their will. If it is with another istar at your side or alone, that doesn't matter. Mostly you will work alone. That time on Middle-Earth you could say serves as training. We, istari, rarely meet one another and rarely work as a team. We all have our own tasks." He explained thoroughly, showing her that her worry had no reason to bother her. "Being in the Order also means you may always return and seek out one of the wizards to aid you in anything you need. However, now as a fully fledged member, unlike when you were apprentice... your failures are your full responsibility and I or any other istari cannot take the blame any longer... We don't protect you anymore than we do each other." He added, making sure to note this as well before raising an eyebrow at her question and gave a sigh, then shook his head. "No. We usually don't share stories of our creation. What is important is that we are there and do our tasks. Guard, tend to the world's wounds, then leave it for a new one once it suits the needs of our creators. Because even if you were born... you were still created in the will of the Valar. You are just as a creation as we are. This doesn't change your status."
Hyano nodded, glad she did not have to deal with that among all the other things Zhia had against her. She thought over what the Valar might want of her and a soft smile played at her lips.
"I think I am meant to create life. I haven't been here long but I have noticed a lack in diversity in the life around here. I would like to help fix that. I can already see creatures in my head that would do wonderful things for this world. I'm kind of excited to start." She admitted with a grin.
Gandalf frowned at this, looking down at the ground in deep thought.
"Creating life is solely the task and ability of the Valar or more accurately... Eru Illuvatar is responsible for that. They send the creatures to the one who is supposed to take care of them... And it is rare that they point out two istari for the same task... Our brown wizard is the caretaker of the flora and fauna of this world." He explained to her, looking at her with the same frown. "Are you sure this is what they want you to do? How do you know?" He asked, unsure whether to believe her or not. She never received any tasks from the gods, so she might not know if what she thought was her task was actually just her own wish and desire...
Hyano looked to him, then shrugged.
"Maybe. Maybe not. It's what I believe I am meant to do. I've found I am actually good at it but I think if it isn't, I will be pushed in the right direction anyway, so it hardly matters." She replied, not seeming worried about, mostly because she had other things on her mind as well. She knew what she was meant to do... she just didn't want to do it yet. She blew out some smoke. "Thanks for the surprise by the way... I had not expected there to be a new brown... Let alone one who is so much like... well." She laughed lightly, thinking of how much Ragnarök really was like Radagast. She had seen him look around the plants, pet animals and listen to the birds singing while he walked around at the times she saw him after the Council. He sounded cheerful and talked to the animals like they understood him. And in a way they did. That was his job, after all. The only thing missing were the mushrooms. It had been a pleasant surprise and she had a feeling that is how Gandalf meant it to be.
"There is no Order without a cheerful and obsessed brown wizard." Gandalf smiled, then chuckled, caressing the bark of the tree a little more before pulling away and resuming their walk. "But then again, it was the Valar who sent him, so you will have to thank them. They are indeed alike, which means they are meant to behave the way they do. Many thought that your mentor abandoned his own duty as istar and used his powers for the flora and fauna in Middle-Earth. But of course some of us knew better. He did what the Valar told him to. What he was meant to do. To cherish the plants and animals more than his own life. He succeeded and now is resting in the Undying Land. A well deserved peace... Which might not last as long... I am not sure what their plans are with him." It was a known fact that some do come back from Valinor... And Radagast was the only istar so far to reside there. Saruman was not allowed entry after his death, however.
Hyano laughed lightly.
"To be honest, I thought it was expected of me to become the next brown. I am kind of glad to see otherwise. No offense but brown is not my color of choice." She said honestly as she walked beside him, her smile only growing. "I used to think he probably came back as an animal. A rabbit, really. I used to look at the new born bunnies when I was little and wonder which one was my mentor. Rabbits were his favorite but he would never say so out loud in fear he might offend one of the many creatures that inhabited the shack." She giggled at the memory. Childish as it was, it had been a thought.
"Oh yes. I will never forget that rabbit sled of his. Reincarnation in an animal is a great possibility but the Valar saw the destruction on Middle-Earth, so if he did or still is to be reborn, then it will be here. But then again... They might have other plans for him as he succeeded and stood loyal to his duties." Gandalf pointed out, then turned his head towards her, remembering her first sentence. "You were born an orange wizard. Normally, all wizards retain their colors... That until they do something that changes their tasks or are chosen to do so. Think of Saruman. He lost his white status, which in turn was given to me."
"... I think I will try to spend some time with Ragnarök tomorrow. He was saying I should try and spend a little less time with Ren, anyway, put some distance between us, I guess. I think it will be nice to be around a brown wizard again." Hyano said with a shrug, actually giving his suggestion a thought. At first, she did not really want to do this because she found it would be impossible to separate them with this but... why not have a little fun? A little wizard fun. Just to be a wizard again. if only just for a short time.
Gandalf hummed at her comment about the wraith and what Ragnarök advised she should do. He wasn't against the idea, of course. If anything, this might solve their problems in an easier manner. He knew what their brown wizard was up to with this comment and he didn't stand in his way but neither did he support him. It is up to them how this turns out.
"Indeed, get a little closer to your kin. You have been alone for too long and it is time you spend a little more time with us. It will do you more good than you might think." He smiled, then reached out and patted her shoulder gently.
The orange wizard giggled lightly and smiled. It was childish but she actually enjoyed being patted. The contact was quite nice, she guessed. She thought it all over for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright... while I enjoy our time together I need to get some rest. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while and tomorrow is going to be active, I'm sure. First, I have to find the brown wizard then I need to keep up with him." She said with a light laugh. She stopped, though, when she noticed a movement in the shadows. She raised a brow before seeing Asteri's form and smiling. She gave a wave and the star wizard waved as well and turned his eyes to Gandalf. It was obvious he wanted to talk.
The White wizard was about to complain and pout, tell her to stay with him just a little longer, however as soon as his blue eyes met that of the other istar, he simply let her leave instead.
"Alright, then." He chuckled, letting go of her. "That will be a task that might need you at the best of your abilities. Good luck." He smiled, saying his goodbye, and watching her until her form vanished from his view before turning towards the other wizard, taking a few steps to approach him, using his staff to help his walk.
"Good evening, istar of the stars. The clear sky says we will have good weather and many of the stars will be showing tonight. Am I right?" He asked with a smile, despite the expression the istar was showing. This will be a serious conversation but one can try to lift the mood.
The star gazer gave him a smile and nodded.
"Yes. It looks like fine weather for the next few days at least, however I predict a harsh winter in this area. It is best you advise Hyano to reinforce the shack or maybe find another place to live." He said, keeping things light for only a moment before turning his eyes towards where the young wizard had gone. His form turned pale and his eyes darkened until they were black.
He was not the istar he used to be. He could hardly be called a wizard anymore.
While he was no dark creature, he was hardly what he used to be, though, only Gandalf knew of this. Thanks to his previous student, he was technically not a member of the living anymore. More of a shade of his former self. All thanks to his old student. The prince of a land in Eriador, who after long years of being his faithful student... has abandoned him once darkness touched his heart. And him? Being so foolish and still loving him like a son... he did not give up on him... Only to return as what he was today. However, he continued to do what he always did. Look to the stars. How, even he wasn't sure but he was not one to question such things.
"I suggest you take her memory again. Along with the wraith's, then separate them and turn her connection back on the spell she already has on her. That should handle everything. The wraith will end up reduced to dust within a matter of days." He said his voice very serious.
Yes. Once again the taking of her memory is brought up. Gandalf knew he will advise this and thought of this himself. It was an easy way. Easy and harmless. However... there was something... There was a nagging feeling that held his hand from doing so.
"I am... not sure, my friend." He sighed, moving closer to his kin, trying to share the light that he carried and warm the other as best as he could, provide support in these days. "There might be... more than meets the eye with these two..." He paused, also turning his head and gaze towards the direction the orange wizard went off to. "Think about it. Two times have I taken her memories of him, yet here we are... She broke through the block two times... Now she possesses both her memories..." He trailed off, reaching up to stroke his long white beard in deep thought with a frown. "Maybe... there must be something the Valar want yet they refuse to tell us... Maybe... it is up to them and not us. Maybe we have no say in the matter. Not this time. What do you think?" He asked, his voice going curious and raised an eyebrow, gazing at his friend expectantly, awaiting his own views. "Do you think there is more to this? Or is this just... pure coincidence and luck that guides her?"
Asteri looked at him, thinking over his words, allowing the other to provide what little warmth he could... He could not really feel it but the gesture was a welcome one all the same.
"I believe even she does not know. The wraith and herself are in the same kind of confusion. I am sure even he wonders why he is not gone like the others. All the kings vanished and yet he survives. If he had gone away within a few years I might think it only a fluke but... like Hyano's memory, he manages to come back again and again..." He replied calmly. "If Middle-Earth is no more and he continues to survive... then we can be sure that he lives without his creator's power... without anyone really holding him back anymore besides Hyano... and that might actually make him even more of a threat. While I do not ever want to see Sauron's influence again... he created that beast... and he is likely the only one that can keep it in line... I do not know what Valar could possibly want with those two... and to be honest I am afraid to find out." He added, meeting the others blue gaze with his own dark one. He may use the stars and skies to predict some oncoming events and the weather but he was no fortune teller.
"Perhaps... He isn't truly gone..." The White wizard concluded, continuing to stroke his beard in deep thought, his gaze wandering to the river. "Perhaps as long as this creature lives... he will be there. Maybe... he found shelter within him... Maybe... they are all not truly gone. We cannot know it. All we know is that we had no sight of them since Mount Doom erupted. Only the Valar know what happened and they can show us to our fate. But they confuse me..." He said, almost in desperation to find the truth and the need to have this question answered was great within his mind. "I cannot imagine him to live without dark magic, which is held by Morgoth's influence in the materials and by Sauron's presence... His curse... his enchantment and necromancy is the one keeping the curse itself intact. Without it, he would be gone... I cannot see him live on without the Dark Lord..."
Asteri looked at him for a moment before placing a cold hand on his shoulder.
"You always did over-think things, my friend. Even though Saruman used to complain you didn't think at all." He said, trying to calm the White wizard. "There are many risks here. More than Hyano or even the other wizards know... If all we are dealing with is Ren and he is only being kept alive by what is left of the darkness in the old world, then the moment Middle-Earth finally falls and is wiped clean... he will be as good as dead anyway... and Hyano will soon follow." He said, his voice still calm but serious all at once. There was a threat to Hyano's life and she didn't even know it. He doubted even Ren knew of this. "However if your theory holds weight... then it is better to leave them connected. For if Ren does hold more in him than just himself... then we will need some means of controlling him and thus far only Hyano has been able to do so. If I remember correctly, you said she described him as her 'mate' when you took her from Moria."
"Oh yes... indeed. His mate." Gandalf whispered, his gaze falling to Asteri, watching him, knowing that they might need to make the decision themselves... Without the guidance of the Valar. The problem was... How do they know the right choice? "But which is the case, Asteri? We cannot risk Hyano's life... But we cannot risk the purity of this just building world either... We must choose which theory we believe in... Truly weaken their connection... and let the wraith die... Which in turn might free the Dark Lord if he truly is there... Or leave the connection intact..." He set up the two choices. It was easier than the decision itself... They cannot make the right one without knowing more... Without finding out more about the Nazgul and its existence. "I fear that we must be careful... Hyano might be the one who could hold control... But to me it seems this control goes two ways." He whispered, giving a frown. "Just as much as she thinks she controls him, so holds he an equal one. She almost turned to a dark wizard when I got to Moria. Fighting alongside the orcs... Having spawned them herself... As much as it pains me to say this, my friend..." He trailed off, heaving a sigh, shaking his head in despair. "... we cannot trust her control..."
"And you are wise not to." Asteri said honestly, then reaching into his sleeve and pulled out the forgotten book. After Ren had lost interest in the item it had been almost forgotten... almost. "I took some time to read through this... I think it might be best to keep this away from Zhia. As the wizard of knowledge he yearns to gain more... but this is likely what destroyed Saruman in the first place. So he is better off without it. However that is not the only reason... Gandalf Hyano created a number of spells in this book. She apparently started working on creating new ways to create those... monsters. Out of different elements and so on... and by what I saw... she got very good at it. If she was to turn... it wouldn't take her long to find out how to create an army, even in a world this pure." He warned, holding the book before flipping it open. "And there is more... Apparently, this really was a journal. Saruman wrote about himself. His travels... Did you know he had a lover?" Asteri questioned. Honestly, he always thought the White wizard was too high and mighty to ever take someone. No one was ever good enough he, assumed. Besides... wizards were not to be interested in such primal feelings. And yet here he was...
"Aren't we too old for lovers?" Galdalf couldn't help but ask this with a chuckle, unable to hold it in. Saruman? A lover? Even with the age, who would have been so submissive and crazy enough to be with him? Or did he force them? No... The Valar would have not let him do so... Well, before he turned against his own nature and was pushed away by their gods for his dark deeds. The knowledge that this book contained was worrisome... He didn't read it himself but he always thought that casting these magics was impossible in a world that contained no dark magic, thus he didn't think much about it... But this news about the writing from Hyano... This was something to consider... "Indeed we must keep it well hidden. But... we shouldn't destroy this. Just in case things happen in the future that involve darkness..." They could use this book and its knowledge to counter anything dark... An istar however has trouble casting dark magic as it was...
Asteri could not help a light chuckle.
"That never stopped you, now did it?" He countered, then looked at the book again. "I will take some more time to read this over. I only had enough time to really skim through it and catch some details. I will tell you if I find anything of interest. Maybe something Hyano knows that might come in handy later." He said as he placed the book back into his sleeve. Like Ren, he had a knack for making objects disappear but unlike the wraith they did not weigh him down. They just moved somewhere else. "For now, we will wait... Based on what Hyano said about the... 'bombs' they will need more than one to destroy Middle-Earth. That gives us time. For now... I will keep an eye on them as needed..." He said to assure Gandalf that he was watching over the two. If only to be sure they wouldn't try anything. And to silence Zhia...
The White wizard nodded at him, understanding and acknowledging the fact that he took this task upon himself. He himself had simply too many duties at a time to truly watch them, and well... They surely knew what he was looking for, so they would hide things from him all too easily. However... they were not counting on Asteri.
"Thank you, old friend. But say..." He trailed off, taking on a more cheerful tone, trying to switch topics now and reached out to grasp the other's shoulder and pulled him along. "... Why don't we go and check on my shack? I heard it was trashed and might not... find... everything at my place but I am more than sure that I have some more pipes in there with your favorite flavor. How about a competition? Who blows the fastest horse." He chuckled, knowing that despite being not his old self, a good smoke can always bring anyone to their best mood.
Besides... it is time to forget the worries.
They need to relax too, even if for a moment.
Cane walked with Naril with a hand over his stomach. Today was a core day, which meant their guts felt like someone had punched them repeatedly. It also made them all hungry as the Void.
"I hope mom made a lot of food today." The herder boy said with a grin. His father wasn't far behind him, walking in silence.
The elf smiled at Cane, walking beside him as best as he could. In the past weeks he learned and trained a lot and thanks to this he could take the training better but still had trouble taking it easy or walk at a fast pace after. His whole body felt like it weighed a ton.
Cane raised a brow as he saw his mother at the door. Usually, she was still preparing their lunch, singing a happy and comforting song as she worked or was helping Lilly with something. But not today.
Holly smiled as she saw them and took a step away from the door, meeting the boys a bit further from the house.
"Naril, I am sorry but today it might be better off if you go home for dinner. Lilly has gotten sick and we would hate for you to get sick too." She said and held out a lunch box for the boy, not wanting to let him go hungry.
Naril's smile vanished.
"What?" He asked, his voice full with concern. Not because of the food but because of the little girl. "What's wrong with her? Will she be alright, is she very sick?" He asked, walking up to the mother, not even taking notice of the lunchbox. His mind was elsewhere. If she was sick... then he should be at her side, right?
The mother smiled at his concern and knelt so she was at eye level with him.
"Yes, she will be fine. It is a disease all children back home get at her age. The problem is that we do not know how badly it will be if you or any of the other elven children get it. And since the disease weakens the immune system, we would rather Lilly not catching any other disease on top of the one she already has. That is all. I'm sorry." She tried to assure the boy, not wanting him to worry but at the same time she wanted him to understand the situation. While at the moment it wasn't all that serious... it could become serious very easily if not taken care of properly.
The elven child blinked as she told him about the disease and it sounded rather serious. There were indeed many diseases running around among the elves as well, despite them being highly hygienic, one cannot stop sicknesses from spreading. He nodded when she told him he cannot be close to her but not because he could get the sickness but because he could end up giving her some. He didn't want her to be more sick! Thinking once, he quickly ran to the side along the wall and came up to the window in her room. Giving Lord a greeting nod -who sat close to the window, persistently waiting for the little girl to come out- he walked over to the window and knocked on it, waiting for the little girl to answer, so they can still talk and he can wish her well. He wanted to make sure that she was alright.
Lilly had fallen asleep thanks to not having much else to do. That was until she heard a tap at her window. She gave a cute yawn and walked over to it, rubbing her eyes. This it turn reminded her skin of the unbearable itching and she instantly shuddered as she did everything she could not to scratch. She looked out the closed window, then smiled when she saw her best friend.
"Naril? I didn't think I would get to see you for like... two weeks!" She said as if two weeks were forever. Excitedly, she pulled herself up onto her windowsill and crossed her legs. She was currently only wearing shorts and a tank top because materials of any kind on her skin drove it crazy.
The moment she came into his view, Naril could see those strange bumps on her skin. He blinked and opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. It looked... nasty. But the good side of this was that she actually -despite all this- looked alright and content. Which at least eased the mind of the boy.
"Are you kidding me?" He shouted, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms as if he was offended by her words, although playfully. "As if I would leave you for two weeks. Not even for a day, miss." He exclaimed and chuckled, now leaning against the wall and crossing his arms on his side of the windowsill, putting his head on them, just to give some stretch to his stomach and some relief to his tired legs. "Aren't you bored in there? What did you do today?" He asked, tilting his head slightly in curiosity, trying to avert her attention from her state. He could tell she was suffering. If only a little.
Lilly's smile grew all the more but when he asked what she did all day, she groaned and sadly it wasn't even an exaggeration.
"I spent all day trying not to scratch these stupid things!" She complained, holding her arm out and pointing to the bumps on her skin. "They itch like you wouldn't believe and I cannot scratch them because it just makes it worse and if it I scratch too hard and they get cut it gets a LOT worse and if I cut it too badly they scar." She said all this in one breath, clearly upset about and tired of this disease. "It is horrible! I spent the majority of the day gripping my pillow so hard I think I tore it in several places." She said, looking towards her bed quite sure she was going to get in trouble for that later but at this point she could not care less. As if talking about it reminded her skin of the fact, she grabbed onto her legs and shivered, gritting her teeth to try and keep herself from scratching despite her body practically going crazy with the urge. It almost hurt it was so bad.
"Oh..." The elfling blinked, looking at the little strange bumps that looked like they would explode in any moment... And they were on her whole body as it seemed. "But... what if you don't scratch? I mean, just carefully run your finger over them? But not with the nails, just to relieve the itch?" He asked, remembering when he was stung by some kind of insect, his mother told him to not scratch it because it would start bleeding, she still told him he could relieve the itch in a different way. That was not truly scratching and it would not entirely make the itch go away but it could ease it. "Or the dragontongue? Making a mash of it would relieve any itch. Just need a little more than one flower..." He suggested, remembering the cream they would make of that for such use. "Flower, honey and milk, you mash it and bring it up your skin. That will help." He nodded, certain that this might solve her problem.
Lilly thought about this a moment, then used her palm to massage a bump on her arm. It provided a temporary relief... but the problem was they were all over and when one was relieved another would go crazy. She gritted her teeth as one on her back started. Not an easy place to get to. She tried to shake it off, though, and pay attention to what he was saying. "Dragon to... I can't really go get it for myself and I doubt my family would know what it looks like so they can't do it. Hyano said she would make me something but she won't be back until tomorrow." She said with a sigh before hugging her legs and rubbing the bumps there as well.
Naril tilted his head.
"Why? What is she doing so long?" He asked, unsure why would someone need so long to collect a flower and mix it with the ingredients. Or perhaps she had also other matters to attend to? But he didn't want to see his friend suffering like this! Not for that long! "I think we might have some at home... I can bring you some?" He asked, unsure if they actually still have some of it stashed away. He could swear he saw some in the basement... Might have been just honey though... "Or I could collect some and get my mother to make it for you. Or my father." He offered, pushing away from the window. He didn't like the look in her eyes... the silent suffering, as she wanted to hide it in vain. It hurt...
Lilly blinked at his offer and smiled a little. He was so nice to her. That's part of why he was her best friend after all. He could see what everyone else couldn't.
"If you don't mind... I mean... I know you're tired from training with dad today and it isn't like it's a short trip from here to your house." She said, not wanting him to wear himself out over her. That wasn't worth it. Ss bad as her itching was, if it was going to cause her friend trouble then she would rather not worry about it at all and just deal with it until tomorrow.
The boy chuckled and gave her a bright smile, reaching out to put his hand on the glass of her window.
"For my friend, anything. This is what friends are for, right? We stick together in good and bad." He tried reassuring her, before waving and pulling away, starting out towards his house, completely forgetting about the lunchbox.
Lilly put her hand where his had been and smiled. He really helped her calm down and relax. As bad as this was she knew she wasn't in it alone anymore. That helped a lot.
The moment the elfling was gone he was replaced by the elk at her window, which finally stood up and watched her, pushing his nose to the window and breathing out, causing steam to form on the glass for a moment. He wanted to feel their connection, get a caress or a reassurance that she was alright. He was maybe an animal but quite smart and sociable and knew something was wrong... She was his herd. A stag always protects his herd.
When the elk took his place, the little girl giggled and thought it over. Animals couldn't catch this, right? So it should be alright. She smiled, then got down from the windowsill just to open the window before jumping back up and hugging the large elk's muzzle.
"I'm sorry, Lord. I'm sick. That's why I can't play right now." She told him, not sure how much he could understand but thought he deserved an explanation anyway.
The elk gave a sound of joy as she pulled the window open and let her hug his muzzle. He perked his ears when she spoke, not understanding everything but still looked at her worried and confused, not sure why she was not coming out. He saw the spots on her skin but didn't think much of it at the moment. Instead, he pulled away a little, then reached down with his head and pulled the blanket they played with a few days ago into her view, holding out towards her to take.
Lilly smiled at him, then reached out to take the blanket. If he tried to play with her like they usually did, she would have to put a quick stop to it. Mommy wouldn't be happy if she went out to play while she was sick. But... well maybe she could play a little. That wouldn't be so bad, right? Besides, she would get so bored if she didn't do something other than sit in bed all day. She may not be able to play with Naril but maybe she could still play with elk. If only for a little bit.
Just as she expected, the elk didn't let go of the blanket of course but cast her a challenging glance, perking his ears, watching her carefully. This way he tried to convince her to play. Not because of him, he would be just content sitting around all day, seeing his age. No. He simply saw that something was wrong and tried to cheer her up. What other way could he achieve that than with a little game? He pulled on the blanket slightly, tilting his head a little.
Lilly let go of the blanket just to jump out the window anyway. She grinned, then took off after him, eager to play. She hadn't gotten to do anything all day and despite everything... she was still a very active child. She was sure as long as they weren't too loud her mother wouldn't notice and she would only play for a little while. Anything was better than sitting around with nothing to think about besides the insane itching.
It took a little while, seeing they indeed lacked the mash but Naril was walking down the path towards Lilly's home with a nice sized bowl in his hands, filled with the material that should help her itching. He smiled as he thought about how good it will do to the little girl and how happy she will be once her suffering was gone. His thoughts however stopped when he saw Lord curled up next to a tree with someone lying against him.
He frowned.
At first, he thought that Rosa might have come home earlier, however she surely was taller. He hummed at this before deciding to check it out. He walked up to the two and blinked when he spotted Lilly next to the elk, seemingly asleep. At first, it all didn't register but as soon as it did, the boy gasped and backed away. It wasn't that he was afraid from the disease she was carrying at the moment but that he could end up accidentally giving her some kind of sickness to it. Instantly he found himself at the door and knocked on it. Best was to speak to her mother about this.
The mother blinked in surprise, seeing she was not used to getting visitors that late before answering the door.
"Naril? Hey sweety. I thought you went home a long time ago?" She asked, a little confused and this was only added by the bowl in his arms. What was that? It looked... odd but the smell caught her attention.
The elf boy looked at her, his eyes gazing at hers the moment she opened the door, showing her his worry.
"Lilly is outside." He quickly said, hurry trembling in his voice and pointed towards the side where Lilly's window was, not far from there the two were lying, asleep. He was afraid that she might catch something and end up worse than this. Itch was easy to cure... but everything else needed more attention.
The mother looked worried for a moment before giving the boy a smile.
"Thank you, Naril. Chicken pox does not stop one from having a lot of energy. She probably was just eager to play." She said then put a hand on his head. "Calm down. Lilly would hate to know you are worrying this much about her. She doesn't like to make others worry, alright?" She said, trying to relax the boy if only a little before walking around him and heading over to her.
Holly looked at Lord, crossing her arms.
"Lord... no. Until these go away she stays inside, alright?" She said, pointing to the bumps on her daughter's arm and then inside. This was not a question but a statement. She did not want to find Lilly outside again. She knew the old elk had something to do with it. He had been at her window all day long with that blanket.
Lord gave out an almost whining sound when the mother scolded him. He couldn't understand much but he was sure she wanted Lilly to go back in. Trying to show the mother that the little girl was fine with him and he took care of her, he pulled the blanket into view and draped it on the little girl, then looked at the mother, tilting his head slightly as if asking if this was enough. He could protect her here outside just fine. He could see the desire to play in her eyes and couldn't deny it. She was his herd...
The mother looked at him a little annoyed before taking notice of Lilly. Lilly was asleep yes... but her breathing wasn't regular. She knelt down, making sure she still was breathing. Every now and again she would stop for a little, then keep going.
This was not part of the disease and she knew that...
It was a physical trait she thought they left back in Middle-Earth. Apparently not. She looked at Lord, then scooped up the little girl, jarring her awake a little but she soon fell asleep again on her mother's shoulder. "Lord, come on. You can sleep beside Lilly's bed if you would like." She said trying not to show as much worry as she had.
Lord tilted his head to the side and watched the mother. Try as she might, one cannot hide emotions before an animal who communicates with them without words. He perked his ears once she told him he can go into the house, he couldn't help but watch her confused. He was never allowed inside before... Only saw what he could from the window itself but that was it. He would always wait at the door for Lilly or -like right now- sit below her window and wait. After a moment, he eventually stood up and grasped the blanket between his teeth and slowly started following them, his brown eyes gazing up at the sleeping little girl.
Naril in the mean time already went inside and put the bowl down, then sat at the table, waiting for the mother to come back with Lilly. He didn't want to be in the way or accidentally give her some kind of elven disease... Who knows what he was carrying that could harm her...
The mother smiled at the little boy then put the little one in her bed. She left the door open along with the front door so the elk could go outside if he needed. While she knew Will would not like this... she thought they were safe enough in this new world that she could allow it.
The elk followed the two right to the front door and was about to enter after them but was met with a problem... He realized when he bumped against the door, that he... well... cannot truly enter. He made a sound of annoyance when he noticed that his antlers were too big and wide to pass through the door. He looked at the doorframe, then pulled his ears back, trying to pass through again but that wooden thing was persistent. Blinking, the elk sniffed the wooden part of the doorframe, then got an idea. He stepped back once, then tilted his head, so his antlers were sideways, then tried entering again.
-thud-
Nope... Even now his antlers were too big to make it through. He let out a sound of distress, dropping the blanket from his mouth as he repeatedly tried to get inside... But it seemed like he could not even pass through the front door. He let out a whining sound and looked at the mother with almost pleading eyes, tilting his head and perking his ears, as if a little puppy would do when begging.
The mother blinked as she heard a thud and looked at the elk. She gripped her fists behind her back to keep from laughing. She had children so she had to find some way to keep from laughing at the many crazy things they did and this way worked best for her. She did crack a smile, though. Holly walked over and put her hand on his head, giving him an apologetic look.
"Sorry, Lord. Just stay here, then. Not much else I can do. Maybe I will talk to Will about making the doors in the house bigger." She said, feeling bad for getting his hopes up but found there was no taking it back now. She took the blanket from him and put it over him at least trying to be that nice before she went inside for the night.
The elk pouted, watching the door, then stomped in annoyance. He snorted and reached behind to take the blanket in his mouth once again. He will not rest until he got inside! Giving one more snort, the elk again tilted his head and tried to enter but just as before he couldn't get his antlers past the doorframe. Giving a noise of annoyance, he tried again and again but in the end he ended up getting stuck... He whined when he realized this, then pulled a little stronger and got free, leaving -although small- scratch marks on the wood. He stayed still after that for a while, watching it, before nearing it again but instead turned his head to look to the side to his right, actually managing to get inside the house this way.
Lilly's mom looked at the elk and couldn't help a giggle as he forced his way in.
"Um... Lord there is another one." She pointed out, gesturing to Lilly's door. "Lilly is asleep, so be quiet, though." She said, putting a finger to her lips with a warning in her voice. If he woke up the little girl... she would have him kicked out so fast he wouldn't know what happened.
Lord snorted, accepting the challenge, before starting to walk up to the next door, being mindful of the items within the house, trying to not knock anything down with his antlers. He looked at the smaller door and did the same he did before, turning his head to the right and went in this way, stepping inside, then towards the bed of the little girl. He perked his ears as he watched her sleep, then looked down at the blanket he was still holding and with a quick move draped it over her current covers. After this, the elk slowly laid down himself beside the bed and put his head on the sheets, watching her as she slept.
The mother giggled as she watched him, then looked back at the boy.
"Well, I think that was enough excitement for one day. How about you?" She said jokingly before pointing at the bowl, thinking it was about time she got some answers about its contents. At this point, she wanted to allow the boy to finally go home and get some rest. She felt like he had been high-strung for long enough now.
The elf smiled at her and sighed, his shoulders slumping as he relaxed, relieved that the little girl was back in her room, safe from the dangers of other illnesses. His gaze turned towards the bowl as she pointed towards it, then picked it up and held it out to her.
"This is for Lilly. For the itch." He smiled, his mood lifting, knowing that at least he could help in something. "Dragon tongue with milk and honey. Just apply to the skin and it should soothe the itching." He figured this might be enough for a week or more... Well, if Lord will not end up licking it off... Elven elks love dragon tongue...
Holly smiled as she took the bowl, looking over the contents.
"I will rub it into her skin while she sleeps. I am sure it will help her sleep wonderfully tonight." She said, then leaned over and patted the boy's head. "Now you should go and I mean home this time. If you start to feel any signs of itching or feeling sick, come here right away. I will explain to your parents what is going on. Since they have never had chicken pox either they could also catch it... and the older you are... the more harmful it could be." She warned him. Although it does not infect anyone while the signs on the skin appear... There might be a danger that Naril did catch it while they spent time together days ago.
"Oh... alright. Do you think I caught it just by watching her from a distance? And would I have to stop training if I caught it?" The elf asked, tilting his head slightly, worried that this might put a stop to his daily activities for a while. He wasn't familiar of how long this all might last. He also dearly hoped he won't catch it... It doesn't look nice and he was sure as being an elf, he would take it worse than a species that was used to this...
"Maybe. I don't know for sure. I would have to ask Hyano but I think it might be airborne. So, yes, there is a risk you could have caught it just being here. As for your training... that is likely up to you. If things aren't too bad then we can just place some of this on you and you can go train with the boys still. They have all had it before and you can only catch it once, so it will be fine for you to be around them while you have it." She replied with a smile and stood up. "Come on, sweety. Time to go."
Naril smiled and nodded, then after saying his goodbye he ran off and back towards his home. After all this he actually forgot about the lunch box again but that wasn't on his mind anymore. He was just happy that Lilly could be helped, she was alright and will feel just fine without suffering from the itchy skin, thanks to the mash his parents made.
Aaaand cuuuuut!
Now, we have Asteri twice in the story by now and we are also sure our Readers don't quite know what to make of him. Who is he? What happened to him? Who was his student? Sooo many questions.
We did not forget to clear that up.
In the next weeks, we are planning to release a new side-story, in which you can get to know this particular wizard and his past.
So stay tuned!
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