Avp: Sorry for slipping a month but... You know... we had a ba-...

Ren: Lies.

Avp: I didn't even fini-...

Ren: Nobody is interested in your petty excuses, mortal. They want more of me.

Avp: -sighs and shakes head- Anyway, here is the next chapter, folks. Hope you enjoy it!

CA Productions

Disclaimer: See first chapter.

Chapter 16 - A Small Outing

-Next morning-

It had been a while since they last saw her. Ragnarök wondered just how much the drink Gandalf gave her affected her. Was she really that energetic as he and Asteri described, or were they just overdoing it? He didn't know, and he won't find out anymore... The effects surely wore off by now. It must have been hilarious, though. That and the part where she ran off with her wraith companion on her heels.

He was wandering the forest for a while now, looking for the orange wizard to speak a little, since she expressed interest in his work the last time they talked... which was overclouded by Zhia's argument... But other than that, she seemed rather nice and a pleasant company. She looked young, just like him and Zhia. It was a nice change of scenery for him. Not to mention she was a female wizard, something he had never seen before or even considered possible by the nature of their work. Yet, here she was. The fact that she was the student of the previous successful Brown Wizard made her that much more interesting. Thanks to this, they might have more in common than he thought and they might have far more common topics to talk about too. He was soon joined by Gandalf, who was looking for her as well. He hadn't seen her since yesterday evening, when she ran off with the wraith.

His istar instincts told him it was wrong...

Their companionship, of course. That was a dark creature, after all... And she was of light... How can these two be friends was beyond him... He was not on Middle-Earth when the war between the light and darkness ensued and burned the entire world they knew. He only heard stories the other, more experienced wizards relayed to him. Nazgul were the dark and powerful lieutenants of the Dark Lord himself. They were murderers, spies, and capable fighters, who used both physical battle and mental abilities to fight their foes. They frightened the weak-minded humans with just their voice and even their presence. They destroyed and killed all who stood in their way, even if they did nothing against them. Innocents too...

The wraiths were the opposite of what a Brown Wizard stands for. The opposite of any wizard. Yet, the orange istar had one for a companion. She calls that monster a friend. Worse yet, he overheard Gandalf saying she calls herself his mate. This... this murderer, this destroyer...

Yet, he had to respect this choice of her, as the Order did as well. Perhaps... something changed about that Nazgul since its service to the Dark Lord. Maybe it has been tamed by Hyano. There was only one way to find out...

The White and Brown wizard were chatting and wandering for hours now when they saw a glimpse of colors sharply contrasting. Black against orange. They immediately met each other's gazes and walked over slowly, noting that both figures seemed to be still. The sight was... strange to say the least. The wraith, not yet being used to sleep and such low alert rate, didn't even seem to notice them yet.

Hyano was just starting to awaken, the sun asking for her attention as it always did, but thankfully the shade Ren put them in helped to ease her into it. However, the presence of the approaching figures grasped her senses much sooner than the wraith's, so her green eyes fluttered open and she groaned, then snuggled into Ren's cloak a bit before she slowly sat up, rubbing her tired eyes with a wide yawn.

"Ugh... I feel like a truck hit my head." She grumbled, the aftereffects of the sugar-high feeling much like a hangover. She was so used to doing this with Ren, that she really didn't see any problem with it, though if she was awake enough she might realize that they very well might have issues with it. However, she was still too tired to register that far ahead.

Gandalf raised an eyebrow at the phrase, not understanding what a 'truck' was, but shook it off rather quickly and stepped forward, smiling at her.

"Seems like you had an eventful evening. I think I should have warned you that elven drinks give energy quite quickly and you only need little of everything." He chuckled, thinking back how intentionally he held this little detail back yesterday. Then, heard the snickering coming from behind him, from the Brown wizard, who found the whole scene in front of him hilarious.

A Nazgul, darkest creature created in the world was holding an istar, peacefully sitting and possibly sleeping at the tree in nature. This was... priceless, of course. What he wouldn't give for something that stops time and takes this moment, letting him look at it when he had nothing else to do.

By this time Ren also awoke, although not as slowly as Hyano, but jerked awake by the voice of the old wizard, even though he did not register Hyano's voice, since he was used to that. He instantly tensed up at Gandalf's sight and gave a very loud and very sharp hiss of shock and warning, tightening his hold on his mate, causing the White wizard to raise his other eyebrow as well in amusement.

Hyano felt the tightness and put a hand over Ren's.

"Hey... Calm down." She whispered to him to relax him before looking and noting their additional company, her mind finally waking the rest of the way up. "Oh yes. I am hanging with Ragnarök today." She suddenly said, realization shining in her eyes about their plans for today. The orange wizard then tried to get up but gasped as she realized Ren still had a good grip on her. "Ren... I need to get up..." She demanded playfully with a light giggle and tried to get up again.

Ren wasn't having it. He kept on his tight hold on her, especially when he heard what she said. She is going to go with that wizard? Why? Did she do something? Is he going to go with them? How long would she be gone? He asked these questions in his mind, and simply tightened his grip on her protectively, having a hard time feeling safe around these istari, and couldn't help but think something was majorly off in this. His instincts were screaming at him, but the look the White gave him only made him far more cautious, seeing he didn't seem pleased by his protectiveness and stepped forward to try and help the orange wizard. Suddenly, an almost animalistic growl mixed with a hiss escaped his throat in response. A protective sound he has never made before. He felt in danger and was defending his property at all cost.

Hyano froze at the sound and put a hand up silently, telling the White to stop and back off, then looked at Ren.

"Ren, you need to relax. I am only going to explore this world with the Brown wizard over there. It is a good thing. I will be back later today." She assured him, looking into his hood. He was being a little... clingy, which for Ren was rather odd. "I will walk you back to the shack if that makes you feel any better." She offered, thinking that might help ease him if only by a little bit. Was he scared? She shook that thought away. That couldn't be it... Right?

The dark wraith felt slightly more relaxed when he noticed both wizards walk a little farther away to speak, putting him more at ease and slowly, he loosened his grip on her. His only answer was a nod, indeed wishing for her to go with him. Slowly but surely he let her get up, before standing up himself, dusting off his cloak a little, his gaze never leaving the two wizards. He never trusted them and never will. Yesterday's little games didn't change anything about his view. They were still out to destroy him, and he will have to avoid that. He lowered his invisible gaze to the ground to find his bouncy ball sitting still comfortably in the green grass, just waiting for him to pick it up. He must have dropped it when he fell in that very deep meditation they call 'sleep'. The wraith bent down and retrieved it, quickly stashing it away in one of the many pockets in the inside of his cloak.

Hyano relaxed and smiled. She seriously needed a bath today. She was overdue, if nothing else. The orange wizard giggled lightly at this thought, before waving for Ren to follow her and started back towards the cabin.

"So Ragnarök, are you taking me to anywhere specific or is it just going to be a random morning?" She asked curiously as they passed them and smiled when both Gandalf and the Brown wizard turned and walked with them. This should make things easier, even if she felt the tension coming from Ren, like an ocean torrent and felt him close much of the distance between them. She was not surprised by that, actually, so her thoughts turned back to their plans for today. She assumed at some point they would likely get something to eat. If for no other reason, then the fact she was very hungry at the moment. However, after that she had no idea what the plans were for today. She didn't know enough about this world to know what he might want to show her. To be honest, there was likely quite a lot that she would want to see. The creatures especially.

The wraith hissed silently beside Hyano, and wasn't sure what to think of this 'hanging out' he was overhearing... His mood was becoming fouler as the seconds ticked by.

"Well, I was thinking of showing you around near the city first. The vicinity is full with wonders you probably rarely saw on Middle-Earth. And some that you never saw indeed. Like... a part of the shore at the sea near the city is still under construction by the Valar. You can see them as they do their magic." The Brown wizard nodded with a smile, happy that she accepted his invitation, although he was told to do this by the White, he still was more than delighted to spend some time to their 'new' addition. She was much older than him, looked however at the same age, which in itself seemed to be strange... But no matter. "Then I will show you the whole world as we go. You will accompany me on my travels until you get your new task from the gods." He also made sure to share this information. He hoped she was as happy to hear it as he was. He was sure they have a lot in common and will have a happy next few hundred years of wandering.

Hyano blinked at the last bit of information. She looked towards Gandalf, having a feeling he had not told her this on purpose.

"Oh really?" She inquired, though she wasn't really asking a question. She decided to keep silent for now, afraid that Ren may have understood more of what was told her than she wanted. The wizards will need to discuss this, with no angry wraith ears to listen to them.

When they got to the shack, Hyano stopped at the front stoop and turned towards Ren, who has halted next to her and gave her -what she could sense- an expectant look. He still wasn't convinced...

"I will be back later. Try and get some rest. I will see about getting you something to add to your collection while I am out." She said, thinking if she was going to be out, she might as well look around for something Ren might like. Anything that shines would probably be good. Maybe a fire stone? Stones that quite literally held a spark of fire in them. They looked a lot like huge marbles, really. Maybe if she got lucky she would run across one today. This world should have those, right? Ren always did have an odd fascination with fire. A very big love-hate relationship. He seemed to be afraid of it but if the flames were harmless and small, she would find him stare at it for hours.

"I am rested." The wraith was quick to reply and turned towards Hyano, crossing his arms almost in defiance. Be back later? How much later? Where is she going? Why with that wizard? And why without him? There were many questions racing in his mind and he would be damned if he didn't make his displeasure with this clear. "When will you come back?" He asked... no, demanded after a while, wanting to make sure he knew when to expect her return. He was sure it will be just a few hours. Otherwise she would not trust the wizard for that long, right? She would take him along if it was more, right? He also wondered where she was going. He didn't understand a word of what the wizard said, so was at a loss on the destination.. so made sure to also voice this question. "And where... are you going?" He asked finally, showering her with questions like a parent would to a child, only that he considered himself her master and she was his servant, despite their mate status. He still considered himself superior to her.

"Only a few hours. Four at most, I would think. And we are just exploring areas around the city and getting something to eat." The orange wizard answered all his questions in a row, then before he could ask any more questions she started answering even more unspoken ones. She knew him that well by now and if she waited for every each one of his inquiries, she would never be able to go. "You aren't coming because this is me gathering information and if I bring you along the only thing he is going to want to talk about is you. So, I won't get to learn much. I am going with the Brown wizard because he is close to my age, so if I am going to become friends with anyone it is going to be him. When I get back we are likely going to leave again to start the portal test. Anything else?" She questioned, her hands on her hips, waiting for him to come up with any other questions she might have missed.

Gathering information was one thing... With whom she was gathering, he wasn't happy about. Ren didn't trust any wizard with her at all, and the last thing he wanted was them convincing her to abandon him or erase her memories again about him... He was extremely wary of that possibility and most certainly didn't want any disruptions this time. The wraith didn't want anyone separating them because this time it would mean his demise. Not hers, but his... And he wondered how serious she was taking all this. While he might have lighter magic coursing through him, he still was very much aware of the danger he was in, and aimed to survive...

"I am going too." He simply said with a hiss, just stating it, leaving no way to argue. He wanted to see what they are doing and where they were going. He wanted to try and understand their conversations, trying to dig through that tiny little understanding he had about human language. But he won't let the wizards go through their plans.

"Ren..." Hyano said and sighed. "I told you. You can't. Trust me. I will be fine. Believe me when I say the Brown wizard is probably the most harmless. He is a pacifist by nature. Kind of how I was when we first met. We are just going to explore, then we will be right back. I will be careful. If anything goes wrong I will come right back here to get you. I have to come back sooner or later anyway and they know that." She told him, trying to make him understand. Again she noted he was being clingy. She wondered what had gotten into him. He didn't usually... well... 'worry' this much, if one could call it that. No, the best term was, he was being possessive. She thought over their conversation last night and raised a brow. Maybe it got to him more than she thought it did.

Ren stared at her.

He didn't know what to think. Was she so naive, truly? Did his teachings do nothing to her caution? To her ways of thinking? In the end the wraith shook his head, before stepping up to her, closer, then leaned closer to whisper.

"This is what they want you to think." Then simply stood straight again and after a long stare simply turned around and walked inside the shack, closing the door after him maybe with a little more force than it would have been appropriate.

Hyano cringed as the door slammed, before sighing and turning and started to walk past the Brown wizard.

"Let's go." She said, her voice showing her emotions at the moment. She was both agitated and a little sad. Agitated, that she couldn't for the life of her understand why he was acting so... possessive. Normally, it was her clinging onto him. Now it seemed more like he was holding onto her and she wasn't used to it. She was also sad, though, because she felt like the wraith wasn't trusting her. While she was sure it was more the fact he didn't trust the wizards she kept company with, she still couldn't help feeling the pull. She shook it off and kept walking. She really needed to get something to eat and clear her head.

Ren stood in front of the door for a while, giving a hiss before his gaze moved along the -now organized- items, finding none to his entertainment for the moment, so instead walked over to his little corner and sat down there, starting to pick at the items he had in his cloak, deciding to sort through them again. Of course, he wasn't going to give up. His much clearer and emotionally neutral ways of thinking was able to point him to the true plan of the wizards with just today's actions...

But he won't make it that easy for them...

While Gandalf stayed behind to make sure the wraith stayed around and was watched properly, the two wizards, the orange and brown, made their way down a dirt road, walking leisurely, and enjoying the sun's strong rays. It truly was a wonderful day and it would have been a waste to stay in their respective homes.

Ragnarök first chatted about how he already received his instructions about the portal. They will be all needed for the opening and only need to hold it for a moment before releasing it, letting just a gust of air inside, letting the wraith taste the air for any darkness within it. They just hoped that he will not lie... That he will not make them unintentionally let in some kind of evil. The Brown wizard however shook it all off. This was but a thought of the future, and the time wasn't right for this.

While he talked and smiled at her, the Brown istar noticed her conflicted expression, so his own smile wavered slightly when he noticed IT, but did everything in his power to try and keep the smile, to try to cheer her up a bit if he could.

"I am sorry about that before but... He does need to understand you will have tasks here and you need to know the vicinity. And by the way, you will see it is worth it. Come on, I will show you some very tasty fruits!" He suddenly cheered and reached out to grasp her hand, pulling her along with a chuckle.

Hyano was obviously surprised and taken aback by the sudden contact. Honestly, usually it was her who did this, so she was caught off guard. Still, she put up no fight, instead let him lead her wherever he wanted to, giggling.

He was leading her through bushes, paths and even jumping over a small stream of a spring before stopping at a large bush, which contained some red and blue fruits. He didn't waste time but pulled one off carefully, giving it to her before getting one for himself. He showed her how to open it. He took his staff to knock over the fruit which at the hit split at the middle, revealing a thick layer of fruit flesh and a small seed, which he carefully took and put it into his pocket.

"I will plant the seeds. It is like a 'thank you' for the bush for giving it to us." He nodded, smiling and gesturing for her to eat before taking a bite himself. "Every plant that has fruits creates them for this reason. So creatures eat it and well... 'place' the seeds somewhere else, helping its kind to spread."

"You do realize you are talking to a nature istar, right?" The Orange wizard asked, raising a brow at him before knocking the fruit with the back of her hand to gain the same effect, then like he did, she removed the seeds before taking a bite in the fruit. "You remind me a lot of Radagast. He used to ramble on and on about things too. It didn't matter if you knew them already. I think it annoyed Saruman but Gandalf didn't seem to mind. I got used to it since I lived with him for so long." She said, smiling at the memory.

Ragnarök nodded at her, chewing on the fruit before gulping it down. He didn't even realize just how hungry he was. Oh well, now at least he could work on that.

"Oh, I know." He said between bites before the fruit was gone. "I was told about you and the previous Brown wizard when I was created. But..." He trailed off, frowning a little, unsure how he should put what he was about to say... "You... aren't the istar of nature. That is me. Really..." He trailed off again, his frown deepening. "... what kind of istar are you?" He asked confused about this little detail, and stepped a tiny little closer, then tilted his head slightly. He didn't hear any of that before... He was not told what istar she was, only that she was one... Every istari has their own tasks... there can be no istar of the same duty... Maybe they can of the same color, but that was rare, however even Pallando and Alatar have different tasks despite both being blue wizards.

Hyano blinked and raised a brow. He had noticed that? She was a little surprised. She thought over the statement, then raised both brows as he asked about what exactly she was. The only one to ask her about that was Gandalf and even then it wasn't so... upfront. She thought it over for a moment before sighing.

"To be honest... I don't know." She said and already knew the kind of statement she was going to get from the clearly shocked wizard, so she continued before he could even start. "I wasn't a made istar. Not like you and the others anyway. I was born. Radagast found me in the woods when I was a baby, half dead. I think... part of why the Valar did this was so one of us has to learn. Instead of having the know-how already, I am forced to learn like those we take care of... To know how they feel and so on. I guess... in a way my task is to understand. To understand the people and animals. I always did love taking care of both." She admitted with a giggle.

"I think..." The Brown istar trailed off, stopping and put his hand on his chin to rub it, like most wizards stroke their beards when trying to think. "... the reason why you don't yet know is... because you weren't yet a full member. They will tell you with time." He smiled at her, as if he didn't find her any different just because she wasn't made the same way. This didn't mean he wasn't shocked. An istar? Born? Not created? That was impossible... The Valar would never go through the risk of having their future istar learn along the way and possibly end up in the wrong company. Good thing was that Radagast was the one who found her... and not some evil band of thieves or murderers, who would have either killed her or taught her to do wrong to people. No matter if they would seek to understand beings as they learn... "Or perhaps an experiment..." He murmured, thinking deeply about this possibility to himself, catching Hyano off guard, only widening his eyes when he realized he said it out loud, then cleared his throat, giving her an awkward smile. "Nevermind. I can show you to the spring to drink before we move on." He smiled, then turned around and started walking in the direction of the water.

Hyano blinked, stopping for a moment, not seeming offended but pondered over what the Brown wizard just said. Was that really it? Maybe a test for the other istari? Or maybe just for the Valar themselves? Or maybe... for Ren? If the Valar already knew Ren's fate then maybe... it was a planned experiment to see if the effects could in fact be reversed? She shook her head. That would explain a few things but she didn't think so.

"Maybe..." she said to herself, then followed him to the water, letting her thoughts slip. "You shouldn't worry about offending me. I don't get offended easily." She told him with a light giggle, finding his flustered actions kind of funny, really. She was used to Radagast's antics and Gandalf's sneaky ways of handling things. But a wizard that felt disturbed and awkward? That was a first for her.

Ragnarök smiled, and nodded, although he didn't agree on that.

"That is something one has to find out with time. Although, I hope I won't find your limit." He chuckled, of course not setting it as his goal to try and see how much she could take until she snapped. That wasn't his way. He aimed to say only positive things, and if he found something negative... he didn't say it. There was no need to. If the person didn't see the wrong of their ways, then who was he to command them to do so? They won't become a better person. "Alright. here we are." He said and stopped, basically hopping up to the long branch that shielded their view from the water source and finally bent it away for her to go and see.

It was a neat sight, actually. The morning rays of the sun glistened and reflected from the present morning fog, giving the area an almost orange-ish glow. The water was crystal clear, although it flowed rapidly in this area, taking everything with it. Small fish as they wandered from one part of the rivers to the other, and the leaves of the trees, some fruits also floated around, travelling to touch ground somewhere else and develop into another plant later. Large butterflies flapped their wings as a little wind brushed above the green thick grass, letting the current take them along.

"The morning crowd." The Brown wizard chuckled, noting that they weren't the only ones at this part of the river. There was a herd of elven elk sipping water as well, along with a few forest wolves drinking on the other side. They were not hostile towards each other. After all, animals weren't as cruel as humans thought them to be. They respected one another and only hunted if they needed it. Otherwise they even greeted each other and drank peacefully next to one another without growls or snorts of distress.

Hyano smiled at the display. She had not seen such a thing in a long time. It enacted many good memories.

"... I used to spend my days when I was little looking for places like these. I used to drive Radagast crazy because I would take off early in the morning and he would have to spend half the day looking for me." She giggled lightly after a short pause, once she could tear her green gaze away from the peaceful scenery just enough to walk up to the shore and looked in, not taking a drink but just looking at the water life. "When he started leaving me to do his own tasks, I would still do that. The sun would wake me up right at sunrise and it wouldn't be too long after that I would be out exploring. Sometimes the sun would go down sooner than I was planning for and I would just pass out somewhere random... Would always be fun getting back home the next day." She said, then reached her hand in and let the fish study her fingertips.

Ragnarök gave a smile and walked to the shore shortly after, taking slow steps, knowing there was no reason to hurry. They had all day to wander around. Besides, it would do good for her to be around her own kind. A breath of fresh air from that dark creature she calls a friend.

"It must have been amazing to have a life outside of your duties..." He started, his tone more cheerful and full of wondering than sadness for not having had this opportunity. "Just wake up in the morning, judge the world as you learn it... See it from a carefree point of view. When no one puts thoughts in your mind... but... you get to experience it." He said, taking a deep breath through his nose, letting the scent of water, grass and the morning fog wash through his senses. "You don't know how lucky you are. Cherish this trait." He nodded, finding that her state was unlucky yet fortunate at the same time. He was 'born' with all the knowledge he needed, his ideals matched that of the Valar's, his thoughts and opinions weren't his either. He couldn't form another than with what he was told when created. However, on the other hand, there was always the danger she gets the bad idea and experiences the world in a false way... That she can be bent...

Hyano nodded. Even she knew this. She never tried to say it wasn't true, after all. She had been through quite a bit and these events had shaped her thoughts and feelings as with anyone.

"I am happy with my life... However, I am proof that istari are not meant to be parents. No offense." She said sheepishly as she stood up, letting her hands go to her pockets. "Even Radagast could not spend the proper time with me that is required with a child. I don't blame him for it or anything. It was just in his nature to be on the move like any istari. Normally being on the move also meant being alone... Istari are loners by nature and that just isn't something that works when a child involved. However, I wouldn't trade any of the events I went through because of it for the world. I am quite happy for them actually." She said with a smile.

Ragnarök nodded his head at this truth as well. Istari indeed had a lot of trouble having any personal relationships, like long lasting friends around. Normally by the time they return to a place they visited already, many hundred years can pass. And no one lives that long to see them again. Letters usually didn't find them either because they were always on their way. Rarely do istari choose a home to live at for a long time. Radagast was the only one in his memories who actually lived in the same shack for years. The part on the children was also quite a great truth.

"Indeed. This is why istari were created to not be able to have any." He said, as if it wasn't a great deal to live without children around him. Istari were to concentrate on their tasks, creation of an ecosystem and society, had no time to have their own family. To not be distracted, they couldn't have a family even if they tried. They were sterile by creation and many were already sent here with the command to take the form of an old man, thus were not as attractive to women. The only exception was Zhia and him. But they decided they will age according to that by the time true life was created.

"Speak for yourself." The orange wizard said and smirked, watching him expectantly for the reaction she knew he will give her for the statement.

Ragnarök raised an eyebrow at the statement, and turned his head towards her, crouching down in the end and used his hand to drink some water from the stream. It felt good after the sweet fruit. The water was cool and fresh. Just what one needs to satisfy one's thirst.

"Well, considering you will also get tasks and are just as an istar as we all are... I highly doubt you would be any different." He said, thinking despite the fact that she was born, not created the way they were, the Valar still took her fertility the moment they made her to one. Surely they wouldn't want her to take care of a child while she should be doing an important task on the other end of the world...

Hyano giggled.

"I would say 'want to bet' but there are a few issues with that and I would rather not deal with them." She replied. The istari 'men' were unable to have children. Likely an effect of them being made into existence. However, Hyano already knew she could have them. Science back in Middle-Earth had shown her this. At first, she had in fact thought she was infertile like any other istar, but when science finally advanced far enough she had been proven wrong. First by all the information that told her the health facts, then by a test that the humans developed. Besides this, she had been having a 'time of the month' since back in Moria. A rather horrible experience she was not a fan of but it was proof in itself that she could in fact have children if she really wanted to. But she decided to not say more than that... She was not about to let any of the other istari do an exam on her. Neither was she really planning on 'trying' to have children anytime soon. She hadn't even been with a man yet. And as far as she was aware... Ren was about as good as an istar when it came to that and even if he wasn't, she doubted he would ever do that with her anyway. She blushed at the thought and shook her head to rid herself of it. "But even so, you yourself said I could be an experiment. Who knows. Maybe that is part of it." She pointed out with a shrug.

The brown wizard had to raise an eyebrow at her blushing, but decided to not question that... For now. He suspected what she might have been thinking about in general, but didn't want to make the connection between them awkward after this. He stood up soon, averting his gaze to look at the clear water before walking backwards a little, deciding to start their little trip.

"Alright then. Whenever you are ready, I can show you the vicinity. I could take you to the magical garden, then to the waterfall... then I can show you how the Valar create a part of this world." He said, listing their destinations. He knew she just came out of that cave, so never had the chance to look at the city more closely, so will make sure to guide her through this, then the next time they will go farther away, until it won't pay off anymore to return, but will be on their way around Outer-Earth. Of course, the wish of the istari are that she should lose her bond to the wraith at that time, so they didn't have to take him along. And that will be time-consuming. It won't be until a year or two.

Hyano smiled, then nodded.

"Alright. I would like that a lot, actually. I was born after creation so I kind of missed that." She admitted with a little excitement in her voice at the idea of seeing so many new things. Seeing magical sites wasn't new to her but seeing those sites being created in their beginning, was. She couldn't wait. She finished her fruit quickly, then downed some water before grinning up at the brown wizard. "Lead the way." She said happily, her mood similar to that of when she was young. She didn't notice, really. She was too excited to care at this point.

-earlier that morning-

Oh no! He is going to be punished with extra laps today! Naril panted as he ran full speed towards the training ground, noting that the sun was much higher than the usual training would start at, which meant he was very much late. He blamed for this the fact that he wasn't feeling well the night before, and could fall asleep only late, and even in the morning he felt slightly weak, this was why he thought the time didn't yet come to get up. Only to realize he should have... He didn't even have breakfast -which his stomach strangely didn't seem to desire today... He shook it off though, thinking it was because he knew he was late. The closer he got to the training ground, the faster he ran and eventually slid to a stop in the middle, bending down, putting his hands on his knees to aid his breathing, taking deep breaths now to control it as he learned, then looked up and gave an awkward and apologetic smile to the father. Oh he was doomed...

At the moment, Cane had finished his warm up and was punching his father's hands. He stopped, though, when Naril skidded to a stop. He cringed, knowing all too well how bad this could be. The one upside to living with his father was that it was unlikely he could ever be late.

Will raised a brow at the boy, then crossed his arms before nodding to the track.

"Run... Until I say stop." He just said, not even bothering to say Naril was in the hot seat. It wasn't like Naril was just a little late. They were used to him coming a bit later than themselves but he was really late. He couldn't let that slide.

Of course... The elfling knew that. Giving a sigh, knowing fully well that saying sorry and begging wasn't going to move him, the elf boy decided to do as he said. Simply ran up to the track and started his laps. He also suspected he will run until his legs gave out... Which -according to his current condition- didn't seem to be that far away... he didn't know why, but starting the running was already more difficult than usual. His body seemed almost weak, screaming at him to not do this. He didn't understand this, but kept going. He was slower than usual too, as if his legs couldn't carry him the way they usually did. He shrugged though, and blamed that he didn't have breakfast unlike at most days. He had lower energy.

Both the herder men noticed this as well.

Cane looked at his friend becoming a bit worried while Will looked at him more closely. Something wasn't right. Will allowed the boy to go two laps before stepping in, catching the already worn out boy by the collar. He then knelt down and looked at him, taking his heated face into his large hands.

"Are you feeling alright?" Will inquired, his voice quite serious while his eyes took a closer once-over of the elf, inspecting him for anything that might tell him what was wrong. Naril was weak compared to them but not this weak. Maybe this was a new thing about elves he didn't know about?

Naril blinked at the question, unsure what he meant, having not noticed his slow pace and struggle just yet. However, before he could answer anything, suddenly his legs gave out, forcing him to sit down on the ground. His breathing became far more labored than it was, suddenly the whole struggle crashed down on him, his body suddenly felt weak, and felt the same way when he was first introduced to training, when so many laps made him go so weak. But he should take it now, right? He did before...

"I... I don't know..." He replied to the question finally, although it was answered when he sat down and his body paled. No... he wasn't alright.

The man's eyes widened slightly, then he picked up the boy.

"Cane! Run ahead and tell your mother!" He yelled, causing Cane to snap out of the initial shock and did as he was told. Will started back towards the house, careful not to jerk the boy too much. "Naril, whatever you do, try to stay awake." He demanded, not wanting the boy to fall asleep until they knew what exactly was going on. He had a feeling he knew what was going on but would rather not take the risk until they were sure.

The elfling blinked and gulped loudly, feeling his throat tighten all of a sudden, but nodded nonetheless, wordlessly promising he will do everything in his power to not close his eyes. He didn't feel all that sleepy either way, but he did feel his body relax, sometimes tense up a little. The only problem he had was the weakness and the harsh beating of his heart, the hard breathing. He tried to concentrate on one spot while he was carried, trying to keep his mind off of his state with more or less success. The poor boy didn't know what was going on... What was happening? He never had this before... He was afraid to ask, though... He was afraid to find out, since the eyes of the father told him he knew...

The father kicked the door to his home open and pushed it shut behind him, his gaze searching for his wife, who appeared not a moment later.

Holly ran up quickly, putting her forehead to the boy's and held his wrist with her finger over his pulse.

"He has a fever and his heart is beating far too fast. Lay him down." She ordered, waving to the spot already set up on the floor.

Lilly watched from a distance, scared and already crying. She watched as her father noticed this and after clearly mulling the situation over, he waved for her to join them. He believed at this point the boy needed the support.

Naril by this time wasn't really there anymore. He felt like the world was spinning around him, his eyes were half lidded, and his body started to sweat suddenly and rapidly.

Whatever was wrong with the boy, it was wreaking havoc in his system, attacking it without mercy... and there was nothing that would stop it at this time. His immune system wasn't prepared for this... aggressive attacker. Soon the reason for his weakness came to light when at first red blotches appeared on his skin, then they shrank, revealing the sickness they hoped he wouldn't get. But unlike Lilly or anyone in their family, he wasn't prepared for anything like this, his body never had to face anything this aggressive either. His state didn't get any better, though, despite the sickness showing now, but at least it didn't get any worse either.

Lilly sniffled seeing her friend so weak. She was scared to go near him now, since it was her who hurt him already by giving him her suffering.

"Lilly, it is alright... You can't make things any worse... and I think he would feel better faster with you near." Holly assured her.

Lilly sniffled before nodding and kneeling next to her friend. Before she knew it, she had her face buried in his chest, crying.

"Please be okay, Naril." She begged while her mother stroked her head.

Will watched the scene unfold in front of him, unable to help any of them. Once Lilly joined Naril, he nodded and walked out. He needed to inform Naril's parents. He made his way to Naril's house having been there a few times by now and knocked on the door. He hoped they were there. He didn't really have the time to track them down.

There was silence on the other end of the door, no one opening it for him. It seemed like they were indeed gone, probably to do their daily routines and do their tasks in the city to keep the right to have a home and get food. It simply went that way. Either one was lazy and didn't do anything, then they didn't get anything in return. If one worked and did their tasks, help the city, offer their skills for the people, then they got all the luxury each elf had. However, Will had luck.

"Good morning." Came the surprised but firm voice from behind him, the tall father of Naril standing there with his head tilted with curiosity, having not expected the tree herder man at his door this early. He did come to visit a few times, but not at this time... He usually held those trainings for the children. Training that Feoton was still very strongly thinking about. "Is... something wrong?" His face did start showing some worry, suddenly getting a dark foreboding, but didn't let it engulf his mind just yet. He might be here for something else, after all.

Will turned to look at the elf.

"I'm sorry sir but it seems your son is very sick. Before you ask, no you cannot see him." He said, making this point very clear. "Anything your son has been around in the past 24 hours should be cleaned or burned. You could very well get this as well and it seems... it could be very deadly. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask but make it quick. I don't have much time." He instructed, his voice showing just how serious he was. He wasn't one to dodge bad subjects. They needed to know one way or another.

All Feoton could do was stare at him. He didn't even know what to say or what to think, too many thoughts raced in his mind. He had trouble catching up on everything he said, but was stuck at the word 'very sick'. How? Why? What? He didn't understand. The ellon frowned, then shook his head, stepping closer to the man to stand in front of him.

"What do you mean? Sick? Very sick? How?" He asked, clearly confused and not understanding the situation. "When he left in the morning everything was fine. And deadly? What?" He started to panic at this word, his eyes desperately searching for answers for unspoken questions. "I have to see him. Now. I need to help him. I know I can." He pressed on, already turning to walk towards the direction where Naril surely was. He knew many plants, knew many herbs and their effects. Whatever was wrong with his son, he had to do something. Was it truly that serious? But how? Instead of logic, he simply followed his own parental instinct and wanted to be at his son's side.

The father saw this coming and caught the elven father's arm.

"No... I am sorry but there is nothing you can do. This will run its course one way or another and if you get sick, it will only be that much worse. It is more likely to kill you and your wife than him because you are older. Trust me. It is a disease those in Middle-Earth had to deal with a long time ago at this level. It exists to kill those who aren't strong enough to fight it. Now it is simply an annoyance our young go through. Your son is strong... I believe he will be alright. I can't say the same for you... trust me." He said, trying to be as gentle as possible. He had learned at least that much from working with Naril.

"Middle Earth?" The elf blinked, narrowing his eyes and looked back at him, with a single jerk pulling out his arm from his grip, turning back around to stare at him, to stare him down. "Do you want to tell me you brought in a sickness from your world that might actually kill my only child?" He asked... no... demanded to know. His eyes flashed with a warning, concern and the start of anger. Is this true then? His son was dying? And he couldn't do anything? It might also make him sick? What? He didn't understand. Well, maybe he did, he just didn't want to. "If you know this sickness, then do something against it! heal him!" He almost shouted, walking even closer, now standing only a few inches away from the father, his stance speaking of the promise of what he will do if something bad happened to his son. These people knew this sickness, then. So, should know how to treat it.

Will did not react to the obvious threat in the man's tone. He only kept his stance. He felt sympathy for the father, knowing how he himself would act and react to all this information.

"There is no curing it." He stated calmly. "I wish there was. But there isn't. I don't want to tell you this. In fact, I would give anything right now to tell you this is all some sick joke and your son is back training right now but I can't. Your son is at my home with my wife, who is doing what she can for him. However, there is little anyone can do. Naril is the only one who can save himself. I am sorry." He told Feoton, wishing he could give a better answer but... there wasn't one.

"Sorry?" The elven father repeated in disbelief at the man, raising an eyebrow, clearly not feeling like the man understood what was going on. He wasn't so good in determining what the tree herder man felt, since he showed so little emotion. This made him look stoic and emotionless. Someone, who didn't understand and didn't care, no matter what he said... "Sorry, you say? My son is dying and you say 'oh sorry we killed him with a sickness we decided to drag in and infect him with'. Do you even know the impact of this? Because I see you don't." He said, stepping away this time, seeing he couldn't make him understand, his racing mind didn't want to think otherwise. "I advise you do something and make sure he survives." He demanded, pointing at him, eyes narrowing, now anger taking over him. "And I don't think you can make us stay away from our own son. We have to make sure he is alright. You can't tell a mother and a father to not care and leave their child to the sickness, possibly dying of it. You can't."

Will looked at the finger, then back to the elf.

"... My daughter will likely die within the next year... If anyone understands, sir... it is going to be me." He said, then brushed the hand away. He just said something he never in his life wanted to admit... but he knew. "I did not decide for this to happen anymore than I decided for my own daughter to be in her situation. This would have happened either way. Eventually, my family will become sick because of the diseases your people carry as well. You did not decide this. Mother Earth did. There is nothing either of us can do to stop that." He said, then sighed. "And I know I would not want to be separated from my own children... but if it was for their own good, I would go to the other side of the world if I had to. If you get sick and die, your son will blame himself. Do you want to put that kind of emotion on his shoulders at such a young age?"

"It is your fault." Feoton finally said, having gone silent after Will spoke, and decided to not comment on the bit about his daughter. She wasn't dying of any sicknesses they have or because they came here, so far nothing bad happened to them, but they already caused enough trouble with this and more. "Perhaps this is the warning your family should have never stepped foot into this world. I will talk to the wizards to see to a solution about this sickness. I will not sit idle as you advise me to, and watch him die like that." He spat, his fury and deep concern for his son speaking for him, then turned around and decided to leave, talk to the white wizard about this and hopefully find something... anything that helped his child. He didn't want to tell his wife just yet... She would break...

Will sighed and allowed him to walk off before starting towards his own home. In the same situation he likely would act the same way. Say the same things and think the same way. Feoton needed someone to blame... and for now Will would allow him to put the anger on his shoulders. He sighed as he finally reached home and found his wife putting some of the dragon tongue mixture on Naril while Lilly slept next to him. The poor girl had obviously fallen asleep crying. He gripped his fists. He really wished there was something... anything he could do... but there wasn't. Rosa had apparently left a while ago to go search for a Istari. Any of them. They didn't care. She wasn't sure if they could help but... it was worth a try.

We know it is a bit of a... short chapter but we had to cut here.

Now I believe you begin to grasp what we need the tree herder family for. But this is only the beginning.

Stay tuned for the next chapter!

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