I personally congratulate myself on this one. I was laughing so hard just rereading it I had to pause for a few seconds. Tell me if this made you giggle! Thanks for all of the reviews, follows, faves etc... They are all appreciated more than you know!
Pip the Dark Lord Of All: yes. XD
FandomFangirl100: Maeglin is too creepy. Maglor... Hmmm... Maybe maybe not... And good point.
Evangeline Pond: exaaaactly. Do you want me to make it happen? ;) Sils is awesome! Your sarcasm amazes me. XD
WoodElfJedi: I may have been deprived when I wrote it... XP Dan and Ro are not related to Amrod and Amras. Yes, Dooku started TCW. It's in the movies. Unfortunately I haven't seen either the CW or SWR... And don't apologize, I LOVE rambling comments very much. ;)
Chapter 14
It was so cold. Something passed by me in the darkness, and I shivered from fear. What it was I could not tell, but I was slowly growing more and more afraid. I was truly panicking by the time something brushed my arm. Curling up, I shook.
"You cannot escape from the pain. It will hurt, you know. Being a Maia. You were never meant to be one." To my horror, it was my own voice. But it sounded more cold, and not at all like something I would say.
"But I am you." Came the voice, sneering at me. "You cannot escape me!" And maniacal laughter reached my ears.
I bolted up, shaking and crying, frantically flailing. Then someone pulled me into their arms. I let out a strangled scream and began to thrash, but they only tightened.
"Hush child, you are frightening Mairon. It's alright, it will be fine, it was only a dream." A soothing voice reached my ears. I knew that voice. I clutched the robes in front of me and broke down, weeping.
"Drink." Something cool was lifted to my lips. I obeyed without hesitation, the cool liquid flowing down my throat soothingly. Slowly, I calmed down.
"That's it. Good. Be calm." And I was gently rocked. A few more tears escaped, but otherwise I just sniffled, something in my chest relaxing. "Your feä is relaxing. Be still." Nàmo instructed. I stilled, and slowly felt calmer. Then I looked up at his face, which was inscrutable in the dark room.
"Are you better, tithen pen?" He asked gently. I nodded and wiped away my tears.
"What- what was that?" I asked, voice raspy from screaming. He sighed.
"It was your human side, I'm afraid. Maia do not usually have dreams, little one, and in time as you grow accustomed to being one, they will fade away in time and you will find that sleep does not become as necessary as it is now." He answered.
"But now, it is time to sleep. No more dreams will plague you tonight, so do not fear, Celine. Sleep." He murmured, placing a gently kiss on my brow. I nodded drowsily and began to drift off, but then his first sentence hit me.
"Pl-please, Atto, can I see him?" I whispered pleadingly. I felt him nod, and someone launched themselves into my arms.
"Are you okay, Celine?" Mairon asked in a small voice. I nodded and hugged him like a child would a teddy bear.
"Yeah. I'm gonna be okay." I replied sleepily. I heard Nàmo chuckle, I think, but I was too far gone to do anything but fall asleep to darkness.
...
I woke up to hear someone. "AWWW. They're so cute!" With a groan, I looked up into the face of Lark.
"Lark?" I asked, voice raw. She smiled and hugged me.
"You okay? I had a bad dream too. Atto Irmo is really good at comforting." She said with a smile. I smiled back, waking up.
"Yeah. I'm okay." I answered, and then looked down to see Maiorn snuggled into my arms, and smiled wanly. "I just wish he didn't have to see me in embarrassing hysterics. I'm telling you I was no better then an elfling." I grumbled.
There was a laugh from someone and I looked up to see Estë smiling at me. I attempted to stand, but she waved her hand. "Sit, child. And elfling is how we see you." She added. I nodded sheepishly.
"No need to be ashamed, children. We love to care for our children." She said gently. Lark and I nodded.
"Now, get dressed and come to Nàmo's room." And with that she disappeared, leaving both Lark and I to wonder but obey. Dragging myself out of the bed, I stood and made my way to the closet.
Lark was dressed in a strange robe that I stared at for a moment, confusion on my face. It was light blue and white, with loose but elbow-length sleeves and the shirt tucked into the trousers that came to her ankles, with a type of skirt-like device on it that parted in the front. An Obi with the device of Irmo on it cinched it at her waist.
"You woke rather late actually. I had to go through a ceremony and this shows my status. You'll have to go through one too. Hurry up!" She said impatiently. I rolled my eyes and turned to the wardrobe.
I chose a simple grey tabard with leggings and a robe to go over it, tying my sash at my waist. With a sigh, I kissed the top of the still-sleeping Mairon's head and started for the door. Lark followed.
When we arrived at the room, I immediately fell to my knees at the sight of the fourteen Valar and several Maiar there was well. Lark did the same, I could feel it.
"Stand, children! Come." Manwë spoke, extending his hands to us. Lark and I were gathered into his arms and hugged gently. With a smile, he pulled back to look at us.
"Now, you may begin, Nàmo." He said. Nàmo came in front of me and led me to the middle of the room and made me kneel.
"Celine, best beloved, do you willingly come into my service?" He asked, voice making me tremble slightly at the mingled power and gentleness in it. Words came to my mouth from outside of me and I opened my mouth.
"I, Celine, Maia creation of Eru Ilùvatàr the high father of all, do now give my fealty to lord Nàmo, my master and lord Vala. I give my life and my powers to his service and will obey him in all things." I said, voice shaking. I meant every word.
"Then I, Nàmo, accept your fealty and oath of devotion. You are my child, and I am your guardian. As you give me your life, so do I give you my protection and love." He answered solemnly.
And then he pressed a kiss to my forehead. And all of a sudden, emotion overcame me. I could feel it. I was drowning in the love of Eru, his love for me and his care. It transcended every bliss I had ever felt in my entire life. I could vaguely hear myself screaming in pure joy, but felt nothing but the primal, raw love of the father. Then it faded and I was left on the floor, panting and shaking.
My throat raw, I vaguely saw the Maia looking at me with wonder and Lark giving me a knowing and joyful look. It may have been blissful, but it was also almost deadly in its strength. Nàmo was hugging me gently on the floor.
"And with this I give you a new name, Celine. You shall be henceforward Míleth, meaning loving and affectionate, as is your nature." He finished, and then had me stand. I felt so clean, like I was forgiven of every sin I had ever committed, washed away in the love of Ilùvatàr.
"And this shall be sign of your status as Maia of my house and my apprentice." He said with a smile that suddenly made me feel apprehensive. Apprentice? He handed me an outfit that was the same as Lark's, only dark grey and cream colored, with the Obi bearing Nàmo's emblem of the Sun-in-eclipse. I bowed and took it.
"Thank you, master." I whispered, voice raw and raspy. Then suddenly black ringed my vision and everything went dark.
...
"Don't you think you might have overdone it a little, Nàmo?" An amused voice filtered into my ears as I slowly woke up from my faint.
"No, I don't believe so, but her feä did almost leave her hroä for a moment." Nàmo replied easily.
"Ah, she's awake." The voice said. I opened my eyes and groaned.
"Drink." I did. The water was sweet and cool and refreshing, and I sat up slowly, feeling better.
"You okay now, Míleth? I did the same thing." Lark's voice said to me. I nodded and looked to her, then noticed with chagrin that someone had dressed me in the new clothes.
"There is no need to be ashamed, child." Nàmo's amused voice brought me to. I nodded, too overwhelmed to say anything.
"What does being an apprentice mean?" I suddenly asked. "And Lark is one too?"
"Her name is now Elíl, dream female. She is my apprentice, young one. And to be an apprentice is to learn under the personal guidance of Nàmo." Was the amused reply from Irmo. I nodded dumbly. Elíl grinned at me.
"I started blabbering about this point." She said with a grin. I cracked a wry smile.
"Yes, it was tempting to put her to sleep to get away from it all." Irmo drawled, making me outright laugh as Elíl pouted playfully. Nàmo was smiling benevolently in the chair he sat in by my bedside. Mairon was not there.
*he is in the nursery, Míleth.* his voice in my head made me start and then nod.
"So, what's my first lesson, master?" I asked expectantly, looking up at Nàmo. He sighed as Irmo began to laugh.
"Unfortunately, child, I lost a bet on you to my sister- therefore we will both go and pay my dues." He answered, albiet with good humor.
"Lost a bet?" I asked, bewildered, while Lark- erm, Elíl grinned wildly.
"He rarely ever does, but when he does... He bet that you wouldn't faint, but Nienna said you would." She answered my question.
My baffled and completely bewildered, "oh." Only made Nàmo laugh harder at me. I scowled.
"Oh so I get Qui-Gon, maverick Jedi Master and bane of the council who drags his innocent Padawan into everything, do I?" I mock-growled. Elíl was howling.
"Cheeky little brat." But Nàmo's voice was humorously fond. A Maia suddenly materialized at the door and Nàmo nodded in his direction. He bowed and disappeared again.
"Sooo... When are we leaving again?" I asked.
Sigh. Chuckle. "She's perfect for you, Nàmo. She will teach you patience as you will her." Irmo said. Nàmo surveyed me with a loving and yet mildly exasperated look.
"She has much to learn." He replied.
"Should I be worried at how much like Qui-Gon and Yoda that sounds?" I asked no one in particular.
Elíl decided that that was worth falling off her chair over, while I got a smack to the back of my head by my master.
"Owww." I whined.
"Stop whining, you're as bad as Glorfindel was." Nàmo replied with mock severity.
"I never whine." I retorted imperiously. That set both the Feänturi brothers off again while I decided to sulk at the indignancy of it all.
...
Nienna's mansion, I decided as Nàmo, Irmo, Elíl and I entered, made one want to cry with relief at such peace that blanketed the house. I felt a little conflicted, however, for a part of me wanted to weep and the other part felt confused as to why I would want to display such needless emotion.
Nàmo, sensing this, spoke in my mind. *do not fear your emotions, child. Your transition to Maia is the cause of your struggling feelings. Relax, and let your feä work it out on its own.* he said softly.
I nodded just as Elíl clutched my arm and took a steadying breath. I patted her hand comfortingly, knowing that she was going through the same thing that I was. "It's so- peaceful." She commented, relaxation suffusing her voice.
"Why, thank you, child! That is what my house if for. To find joy in peace." A voice called out to us as another Vala swept towards us with a small smile.
She had on a simple blue and cream dress, with a sea-blue turban from which white-streaked charcoal locks fell loose around purple-blue eyes. A necklace made of deep blue turquoise, blue bracelets, one white and one blue ring, and finally a small circlet with her emblem of a teardrop-shaped aquamarine in a field of triangles and stars completed her look.
Elíl and I bowed respectfully to Nienna, and she gathered us up and hugged us. "I see that both of you have recovered well. Good. Now, come along, both Míleth-" she addressed me- "and Nàmo will do your duties while Elíl and Irmo will go to the library." So she hustled us off.
Nàmo led me calmly, if not a tinge amused, to a storage room of sorts and handed me a tabard to wear. Obediently, I went into the small changing room and changed accordingly, and came out to see that Nàmo already had his own on.
The tabard was simple and had just the device of Nienna on it, while a rough pair of leggings went with it as well. Practical and economical- though I wouldn't say that there is any need for that.
*probably not* Nàmo said, sounding highly amused. I shot him a look.
"I would appreciate it, master, if I can have the privacy of my thoughts. Everything else you may know." I said dryly. He chuckled, not displeased.
"As you wish. Does everything else include eating, sleeping, drinking and even baths?" He teased. I stared at the last one.
"Well you're the Valar, what does it matter if you do? You've already dressed me before. As an Atto of sorts it kinda gives you right, doesn't it?" I asked, baffled. He laughed and placed a hand around my shoulders as he led me away.
"Yes, I like you very much, Míleth. Very spirited indeed." He chuckled. I wonder what fun Elíl is having without me.
*worry about yourself, child, not her*
"Master!"
"Oh don't whine. It's not my fault that you are my Maia and therefore have the ability to project your thoughts to me."
"Well then there!" And here I threw up mental shields- "and I never whine!"
A few Maia in the hall decided to join lord Nàmo in his laughter while I sighed irritatedly. I never knew Maia could get headaches. Or maybe that was my human side.
*it is.*
"MASTER! SO HELP ME I WILL-"
"I wouldn't continue with that, fiery little one, for everything you say as an oath, or calling upon the Valar, is written down in Eonwë's book of Oaths, recorded for the Valar to remember and see judged or carried out."
"Oh whatever, Eonwë can just go and sit on his book for all I care." And so saying I huffed as we continued to walk.
"Would you really like me to do that?" Eonwë's voice- for I had met him that day at the, party of sorts- asked amusedly from next to me.
"If I were still fully human, Eonwë, I would dare you to, but as it is, I will not. Be grateful that I'm not human." I replied dryly. He chuckled as did Nàmo.
"Where ever did you find her, Nàmo?" He asked my master. I was a little startled by the disuse of any title.
*because of my bet. I have to become a servant for a day and so do you* he answered, highly amused.
"Oh thank you for dragging me down with you, dear master mine." I retorted sourly.
"You're welcome." He went on without missing a beat, to my annoyance. "I found her on earth reading the Silmarillion, as it is called, and crying over the lack of Glorfindel and Ecthelion and laughing over the death of Feänor and the loss of the Silmarils." He answered Eonwë wryly.
"At least you have me." I said, a sly smile on my face.
Eonwë laughed. "Quite a one, she is, as is Elíl." He gave me a smile. "Quite a mystery."
Nàmo gave me a fond look, which, though it didn't want to admit it, made me feel happy. "Yes, quite a mystery. One that I am very fond of." He chuckled.
There was a satisfied pause. "Eh, so the fluff was very nice, sweet, whatever, thank you, but what do we do first master?"
Nàmo gave me a long-suffering sigh as Eonwë burst into hearty laughter.
Me: "What did I say?"
Eonwë: "Stop whining!"
Me: "OH FOR ERU'S SAKE, I DONT WHINE!"
Eonwë: "Right."
Me: "Hush up, Eonwë, I'm reconsidering that dare."
Eonwë: "Yes, little sister."
Nàmo: "Stuff it, you two, before you kill me with your banter."
Me: "High-five, Eonwë, it isn't even noon and we made Nàmo have a headache!"
Nàmo: "Apprentice mine, if you do not cease I will have to give you punishment, and that will be to allow two of my other Maia to tackle you."
Me: "Really? Good! That way I can learn how to fight!"
Eonwë: "How much did you attempt to learn about this one, Nàmo, before you took her as your own?"
Nàmo: Sigh. "I thought I already had her down... apparently not."
Me: "I'm still here, you know."
Eonwë: "It's hard to miss you, little sister."
Me: "Oh right, I forgot that fact."
Eonwë: "Sarcasm gets you nowhere with me. I am the master of it."
Me: "...You just admitted a fault, you know."
Eonwë: "Absolutely not. It was a mere fact because my job depends upon it."
Me: "Only to keep you sane from the politics."
Eonwë: "Hush."
Me: "You're the one Nàmo told to zip it."
Nàmo: "I told you both to be quiet, now shall I have Eonwë join us in the gardens, or shall he leave?"
Eonwë: "And see you pull out the flowers instead of the weeds again? I'll join, Nàmo!"
Me: "He did?"
Nàmo: "I'll have you not spread such rubbish to my apprentice, Eonwë."
Eonwë: "How can it be rubbish if it's true?"
Me: "It is?"
"What are you three doing bickering in the hallways! Get to it, Nàmo! Eonwë, shoo!" Nienna bustled along the hall.
"Yes mistress." Nàmo hustled me off as I laughed and Eonwë disappeared promptly.
"Did you really-"
"If you say another word I WILL see to it that you spend a whole day with Eonwë."
That effectually hushed me up.