Cubby: Uuuuuuuuuugh.
Avp: Cubby?
Cubby: Uuuuuuuuuugh.
Avp: What the hell is wrong with her?
Hyano: She has been going to the gym every day for the past few weeks.
Avp: Ooooooh… *Sees something coming.* Gah! Ren don't do it!
Ren: *Runs in and drop kicks Cubby in the gut.*
Cubby: Oof! *Falls over.* Uuuuuuuuuuugh!
Avp: *Cringes* Enjoy the show everybody… Hyano! Get the med kit!
Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Chapter 9 – Changing Winds
-Few months later-
Hyano groaned waking up and feeling a heavy weight on her back. A few months ago she would be certain it is an animal which found its way into the tree house again… But through the time that passed she learned one thing…. There is only one true animal in this house. Highly un-trainable, disobedient, stubborn, and hell of a selfish bastard. Even her half asleep mind could tell what exactly is going on, having pulled this one in the past weeks repeatedly. Normally she would try to get up a few times until Ren felt she had been tortured enough for the morning and would hop off but today she wasn't feeling it. She mumbled into her pillow.
"Off Ren." she said in an oddly tired voice. Normally when she woke up she would be full of energy instantly, however today she knew that wouldn't be the case.
The wraith's gaze was directed down, towards the face of the dwarf as he so comfortably found his new favorite meditating spot on her back while she lay on her stomach. Well, it was slightly uncomfortable, but he was ready to sacrifice a few hours of sitting this way for revenge. It was simply too amusing to watch her wake up like this. Of course, sitting on her back was only one of the things he does every morning. He switches between different pranks each time. Once he drenches her in water, another time it would be sand again from the sandbox she implemented for him, then another time it would be stacking items on her sleeping form, so when she wakes up and gets up she either finds she cannot or all the items make a loud noise as they land on the floor... Or sometimes 'misplacing' her under her bed, on the table or once he even hauled her up a branch...
"No." he answered her curtly, doing like he was comfortable, and even shifted a bit in his position, letting her feel more of his weight, relaxing more. He still watched her though, amused and content with his work.
The small wizard grumbled a few curses into her pillow. She was sure by now that among the other words she had taught Ren there had to be some curses thrown in there. She thought a moment then smiled a bit.
"Alright. Guess I'm making fairy jam today." she said with a smirk. She knew he hated the smell of that dish. She had yet to see him eat a thing since he moved in with her so she was quite sure he had no taste but he seemed to have a rather keen sense of smell among other things. She had honestly planned on making something else today, as it was about the right time of year for pumpkins but he didn't have to know that.
The wraith hissed loudly at this, mostly of disgust and shook his head.
"Bad..." he said, hissing once more, but surprisingly not moving from his position."You make jam... Ren sit all day..." he threatened, piecing together a kind-of sentence from simple words he learned, meaning he will sit on her all day if she threatens him with making that disgusting substance. He still didn't know how she could even stand its stench, let alone consume it.
She knew he wasn't lying either. He had pulled this stunt more than once on her that had been a very long day. The first time she had been dumb enough to challenge if he would do it or not, after that it normally was just a thing of them both being rather stubborn. She laughed then tried to push him off.
"Fine. Fine. I won't make it. Just get off already. For a being with no body you're heavy as an orc." she joked and tried to push him off again though not as strongly as she usually would.
Months of living together or not... he still failed to understand half of what she said, at least when she talked this fast, but the part where she relented was clear, so after a hiss at her, he finally relieved her of his weight and stood.
"Good." He said, and went back to his 'chair' where he will spend most of his day. Not surprisingly, he already had a hoard of her staffs next to it. The wraith was always quick to notice if she made one and would snatch it away once it was ready for use. He did this still because of the way she behaved with him on the very first day they met. And it was amusing seeing her annoyed face. He also had some various items there now, aside of the staffs of course, which he found amusing, interesting or they simply met his taste. Mostly items that shined, reflected the light or had shapes he didn't see before. Not that she was happy with it of course, after all the more items he possessed the less she had. Among the items and very faint squeak could be heard as the little chipmunk told both to be more silent. It was the end of fall, which meant he was in a quite tired state, preparing for his long hibernation. He also gained even more weight, seeing he will need it while he slept.
"If you want quiet you should probably live in a hole." Hyano pointed out to the squeaky animal then sat up and stretched. Unlike Ship who grew fat, Hyano didn't seem to gain much weight at all. She however looked a lot paler. Less sun meant she wasn't tanning as much and it also was a sign for her that she wouldn't have as much energy even during the day. She shivered a little. She was not a fan of the cold. With a sigh the wizard got up, putting her wizard clothes on before lighting a proper fire by the caldron to help warm up the house. She knew Ren wasn't a fan of fire nor could he really feel the cold but she could and as long as he kept a distance she didn't see it as much of a problem.
"Ren. Go too?" she asked wondering if Ren wanted to go with her to pick out a pumpkin or two.
The Nazgul sat comfortably in his usual place and looked up at her, tilting his head to the side, not sure what she meant by her question.
"Where?" He asked, slightly unsure. He was still learning what most of these learned words exactly meant, and had the tendency of using them wrongly. While he watched her, waiting for an answer, the chipmunk chirped once, before crawling out of the pile of soft fabric that was laid into the corner. He shook his pelt and started rubbing his muzzle and head with his small hands, trying to wake up fully. He yawned, waggling his tiny tail, before crawling up to the box that still contained some nuts. He wouldn't truly be able to climb onto anyone's robes... He was simply too fat... Just enough for the winter.
The little girl thought of the right words to use. Since his grasp on words altogether was limited she had to pick and choose what he did know.
"Get food." she said. She didn't bother to say pumpkin since he had no idea what that meant. He would find out one way or another. "Please. Need help." she told him honestly. She knew this would take a lot longer if she did this alone, but maybe if he actually helped her for once she could get back before sun down.
"Tired." Was his curt reply. He had been up all night long, amusing himself with his items, the Shipmunk and the sand that was outside, gathered in one heap. He had a long ongoing 'project' for a week now. A perfect replica of Minas Morgul. However, it is going extremely slow. While he had a good memory of the stronghold, it was hard to recall each detail so perfectly. Each day he would rebuild parts of what was already standing, thinking he missed something or did it completely wrong. He sighed. He really wanted to meditate now to gather more information from the depths of his mind... not because he was tired. His most weak state was behind him, so now he didn't need meditation every day. Maybe every second day if he occupies himself with something energy-consuming, but otherwise if he just relaxes, he can go five days. And he did meditate two days ago, so didn't feel weak or tired... He simply didn't feel up to it. However... he knew she was as stubborn as he... And waited for what she will come up with to make him want to go.
The istar raised a brow at this answer. Tired huh? She knew it wasn't true. There was no way he was really tired. She thought for a moment on just how much she really wanted to pull this project alone. Once she decided it was worth the effort to try to pull this thing with her she started thinking on how. She got an idea.
"Huh. Weak." she said putting her hands behind her head.
The wraith's head snapped to her and stared at her for a little while, not doing anything or saying a word.
"Weak?" He asked in an almost offended tone, watching her. "Tired." He repeated what he said, not up for any adventures today. However, he didn't take kindly to be called weak. He was strong in every sense of the word, and was damn proud of his powers. If anyone else said this, they would have landed in the deepest grave by now, but he was more... tolerant when it came to her. She has proven herself to be a useful servant, and so far -aside from minor annoyances- she seems to know her place. "Sleep." he pressed on, raising his head slightly, showing his superiority to her.
Hyano shook her head. "Weak." she repeated, knowing she was getting his goat on this one. One of the things she found mildly funny about Ren is he had a pride that was bigger than he was. He believed he was the best, at least among them anyway. She wasn't sure if he was considered the strongest among his own kind, besides him she had never even seen a Wraith before. If they were like him, though, she had interactions with them fairly pinned down by now. "Can't do it anyway." she said waving him off like there was no way he could go on the trip even if he wanted to.
Ren sighed in annoyance and shook his head at her. "Tired. No weak." He said now with a slightly raised voice, wanting to point out to her that he felt tired -even if he wasn't-, which doesn't equal being weak. If he was to talk about weakness, he would bring up hers. Falling asleep so deeply that he can do whatever he wished with her. Like... bringing her outside and putting her on a branch. She doesn't wake up. He was the one standing guard each night.
She didn't seem convinced. "Prove it. Come. Sleep later." she replied simply. Anyone who was to listen to their conversations would likely get very lost since they didn't use many words to express a lot. Part of their understanding had gotten to be mostly through body language by now. Hyano knew he didn't sleep but that's the closest word they had for his meditation so that's what they called it. They had many things they did this for. She still had yet to fully explain why she slept like a rock every night. She wondered if he thought all creatures like her did that now, he would be sorely mistaken if ever tried the same stunts on someone like Gandalf or just a normal human. That night would be funny.
The wraith gave her a half hiss - half shriek as he found his abilities and power questioned again, annoyed and offended at the same time. His stubborn and prideful nature commanded him to truly prove his abilities for her and actually do as she said, go wherever she wanted to go, be over with whatever she wanted to do and come back. He sounded more hisses as he grabbed a staff of the many next to him and stood up, slowly walking up to her and stopping there. He tapped the ground loudly with the staff as he held it, and signaled for her that he was ready for whatever she wanted to do. He will prove her he wasn't weak... But he also will prove her that she was weak... Tonight. All he needed to do was find a new way to annoy her.
The child mentally laughed. This was getting far too easy. She smiled up at him before calling out. "Be back in a bit, Ship!" she called to the little rodent before walking out of the house and heading north. She remembered where the pumpkins grew; there was a patch that grew in the same area every year.
The day was rather clouded and there was a chill in the air. She had switched her usual wizard clothes for ones of the same style but far thicker. Far more suited for the cold weather coming their way. She had thought to do the same for Ren at one point but the fact he couldn't feel the cold around them just made the idea seem rather silly.
The Nazgul walked after her, following her wherever she wanted to go, silently wondering where they are going and what they will do. While he thought has as less intelligent than him, he still had to remember that she was the one who amused him with new things. Introducing him to new activities and showing him new items. And how they worked, what they were for. Of course, he won't tell her that, it would only boost her self-confidence, and this is what he wanted to avoid. She already has enough with him being this... soft. He noticed the direction they went and wondered why they were heading north. Mostly they would go to the south for those stinking herbs as he could detect their stench too well... or east to the river. They rarely went north. He couldn't even remember when they were going there before. He made sure to follow her silently, keeping his senses awake and alert. Just in case.
It was a little while later that they came to a clearing full of the large orange plants. Hyano smiled. They were perfect this year. The year before had been a bad one for pumpkin growing but the one good thing that came out of it was that all the pumpkins that went bad from the previous year had made for good plant food for the ones of this year. She walked up to a rather large one and patted it before putting her ear to it to check and see how good it really was. She grinned then looked up at him.
The -to him- bright color of the orange plants was clear from a distance away already and tilted his head to the side, not knowing what it could be. Coming closer, he wasn't all that much wiser. He never saw plants like that before... This was certainly new. He looked on with curiosity as she walked among them and watched as she patted one, and... listened for something, was it? He walked closer at that moment, and stood before the... thing and lowered his gaze to it, before raising it to her, then back at it, as if asking her what it was.
"Pumpkin." she told him, thinking he would want a name for the thing she was looking at. "Need three." she said putting up three fingers so even if he didn't know what three meant he would see the number of fingers and be able to understand.
"Pu-….. Po…. Poum… Nah." He threw up his hands, not having the ability and the pronunciation for this one just yet. And he hated it when she amused herself with his inexperience, so took on practicing words at night when she was asleep, but he still rarely gets them right even then. And such things always lead to his pride being bruised by her finding great liking to make him repeat the badly said words… Sometimes he wished he could just kill her… He backed up from the patch of plants a little and judged its weight by its size. He was a wraith... not a Mumak to carry huge weights...
Hyano on the other hand was concentrating on the pumpkin already. She whispered a spell to it and the vine that was attached to it seemed to just let go. She grinned then pushed the large round object onto its side and started to roll it so it was away from the other pumpkins then walked back over so she stood next to Ren.
"Ren turn." she said waving for him to go ahead and pick one as well. She needed three. One for food and two for decoration. She thought once Ren saw exactly what they were doing with these things he would find great entertainment in it. He had a rather artistic mind but so far she had only seen that in his work with the sand. She wondered if he would have as much fun doing it with the crust of a bright orange object.
If he could frown, he would have, but because it was impossible he just stared at her for a while, then lowered his gaze at the other orange plants. He tilted his head to the side and decided to try it. Well, picturing him rolling one of these around towards his territory was... awkward to say the least, but if he wanted to get this over with, and prove her he wasn't weak, he could give it a try... Only because of that. He walked over to a patch and picked a slightly larger one -he didn't want to bend down too much as it was- and because he lacked the magic she used, he instead ripped its vine with his gauntlets and made sure it was on its side.
She grinned and found one last one. This one was a bit on the small side but for what she needed it for it would be perfect. She picked this one up then walked over and pushed the other one.
"Thank you, Ren." she said pleased he had helped her out, even if he didn't see it that way and started rolling her pumpkin towards home. It was a rather strange-looking task and the little wizard had to stop to catch her breath and get the larger pumpkin balanced again but for the most part she had the mechanics of the whole deal down pat after a few moments.
He did feel a slight jab at his pride as he was to roll this plant like a child back to his home, but shrugged and followed her, rolling his own after her. Of course he had an easier time doing this task, considering he was much stronger and was well rested, but she started to get tired quite easily. He tilted his head to the side at the second stop they made to let her rest for a moment. He watched her, then looked up to see the sun starting to set. Not much time was left actually... Each day she would go to sleep sooner and sooner, and waking up later, leaving him bored all night and day. He wasn't happy about it, and will make sure to voice this... somehow. He was so engulfed in his own thoughts that he didn't pay attention at a hill they were supposed to descend on... and didn't hold his grip on the plant. It ended up slipping from his grip and rolling down the hill, right past the dwarf and continuing downward with a high speed. The wraith hissed at this and attempting to catch it, he ran right after it, shrieking at it as if it understood him and will stop at his command.
Hyano blinked as all of a sudden an orange then black blur rushed by her. It took her a moment to realize what just happened before she broke into a heavy laughter. Oh wow. He really was nothing more than a huge child. It was beyond hilarious some days.
The wraith was lucky! The plant landed in a rather well-cushioned grassy area, so it didn't break. Not that he knew it would break, but everything seems to have a limit. He walked up to it and was about to bend down and retrieve it when he saw another plant like that roll past him. He watched it go towards the treehouse. This was when he noticed they have visitors. He really needed to work on concentrating on more things at a time.
She grinned then saw their house and her smile vanished all too suddenly. Is that who I think it is? She thought as her eyes spotted someone… people at her home. She usually didn't get any visitors, especially after what happened with the village. But this one… This was not an ordinary person. She gasped and kicked her own pumpkin over the hill allowing the hill to do the work for her before running down the rest of the way and towards Ren.
The Nazgul was about to go and confront them when the child stood by his side
"Ren stay please." she instructed sure Ren could see what was going on from this distance.
The dark creature hissed at her request. She surely knows he wasn't one who just... lets people go up to his home like this. Where are their manners of announcing their visit? He watched her go and with new-found strength he marched right after her, not letting her tell him what to do, and of course he wanted to protect his territory. If someone was around, he needed to give a warning of his presence.
She walked up to her home her small pumpkin in her arms. "Gandalf... who are your friends?" she asked warily looking at the tall pale figures standing in front of her home. Elves. Tall and lean. All armed with bows and swords, and their gaze was less than inviting. If anything, they seemed to look at her with disbelief and distrust. The White wizard must have told them about her friend and they aren't happy about it. One could see that.
The White wizard turned around and tried to smile happily at the younger apprentice, but it was clouded by the knowledge of what will come.
"Hyano. Not even a hug?" He stood in front of her, then gestured at the elves around him. "These are good friends of mine, who will aid me on my next quest. Which... will involve the fact that winter is very near... young wizard..." He trailed off, gesturing with his expressions towards the wraith, whose dark aura was hard to miss. No doubt he was warning them, and reminding them of his power.
Hyano put her pumpkin down and looked at Ren, sighing as she realized just then that he didn't listen before walking up and hugging the far taller wizard. That quickly ended though the moment she heard him talk about winter. She jumped back and looked at him then the group. "Gandalf you are here for Ren aren't you?" she asked though she didn't wait for him to answer as she moved back to stand next to Ren. "Gandalf this is a bad idea. He is fine right where he is. He has given you no reason to worry." she pointed out to him though the stale looks of the elves standing around them said they hardly believed her words.
"Hyano..." Gandalf addressed her, taking a step forward towards them. "... You know exactly how weak you will become in that specific season. And without the sunlight he also will become stronger. Soon, his powers will be greater than yours... How will you keep him in line then?" He tried reasoning with her. If this won't work, he will try it from another approach. "He will sense the difference... and I don't want you to be left alone at that time. It is best you two part ways..." He tried, taking another step forward, his gaze alone telling her to think this through. While they talked, the elves started to surround them, just in case they need to handle it very quickly. They know their task, and the white wizard told them they will depart with the Nazgul... no matter what.
The sudden panic of the dwarf and the determined looks on the wizard's face, also the ever so enclosing elves gave Ren the idea what is going on. In addition, he heard them say his name. He gave a low and short hiss, making sure to back up just a little to have all elves standing around in his field of vision. He glanced from one opponent to the other, ready to defend his territory and himself. He made his decision a long time ago. He will not return to Mordor until he had an army and didn't free it from the reign of the humans and elves. He will not be caged in there like an animal. The slightly humiliating situation he is in now is the better choice for now.
Gandalf was right and she knew that but she couldn't help feeling this was a bad idea all the same. She was about to reply when she noticed the elves.
"Hey! You idiots! Get back! You will make him edgy doing that!" she yelled at them then looked at Gandalf. "He won't go, Gandalf and you are right. He is stronger but he has shown no signs that he even wants to hurt me or anyone else for that matter. If you try to take him now that is going to change fast. He will become dangerous and people are going to die." she warned him. She knew her friend well enough by now to know how this would likely play out. "Tell the elves to back up. Please." she said trying to plead with him to listen to her.
At her pleading, the older wizard raised a hand at his companions. He didn't want a fight. Not when it wasn't necessary.
"Stop where you stand. No further..." He told them, then looked back at the two. True, the Nazgul was getting more and more aggressive as his aura shows it, but the elves do need to be able to do their task and quickly immobilize the wraith. If needed, he will himself hold Hyano back. "I was trying to explain to you this a few times already, young one." He started, looking down at her now. "He knows survival. He will not be hostile as long as he knows you can be useful and his aggression would only bring him disadvantage... But once he gains the energy he needs, he won't need you anymore... This will be when he knows most can't stand against him... And will change attitudes very soon. He will be a danger either way to the world. It is best we forego most destruction and make sure he is safe. Just like Middle-Earth." He tried explaining it to her, watching as the Ringwraith still turned his head slightly to try and have an eye on each elf.
"It isn't just that Gandalf. You are at his home. He is protective of this place because he believes it is his. Me as well. You came without asking... if you were to say sorry and calm down... he will relax and this will be a lot easier." she explained to her elder. She understood that no matter what she said Gandalf was not going to let the Wraith stay there. However they were going about it all wrong. She wanted to avoid any bloodshed if she could get away with it. "... Where are you planning on taking him anyway?" she asked not sure if their plans were the same as they had been some months ago.
The White wizard sighed and closed his eyes at her request, shaking his head. "We did not have time to announce it beforehand, as we did not know we have to make this move now. The humans want to seal the black gates soon, just like the doors to Minas Morgul. We have to get him back to Mordor before this happens. Then, if we request they open it again, they will ask questions... and see him. Then, they will destroy him." He warned her with a stern gaze.
An elf did not see it that way. "Sir, we do not have time for this. It will be sun down soon and the creature will be at its strongest then. We should just finish and go." he said sternly. He didn't understand why they were listening to a child even if she was a wizard.
"We don't have much time. My elf companion is right. We cannot wait until tomorrow. Think about it what you wish. That he actually makes it to Mordor or gets destroyed on the way?" Gandalf never liked such decisions that decide life and death. It made him feel like he is playing a god, which he isn't, and never wanted to be.
She looked around a moment then back at Gandalf. If they did this either way she would never see Ren again. At least not likely. She didn't like this idea. Why did it have to come to a decision like that?
"Why does it have to be Mordor? Is there really no other option besides that place? With all the skills the elves have they really have no other way? Somewhere he could stay during the winter then come back in spring?" she inquired not believing it. She was quite sure the elves had other options; they just didn't want the dark creature under their own roof. Even if Ren was as weak as he used to be they wouldn't allow him near their borders simply on principle. They were too good and pure for such a thing.
Gandalf didn't want to start an argument about this, mainly because this entire problem fell on his shoulder. The kings of Middle-Earth expect top safety now that Sauron was defeated, and he wanted to grant it, for the sake of proving himself to them that he was just as a great leader as Saruman had been before his betrayal. All eyes are on him. He cannot afford to lose the respect and trust of the kings and people. The survival of the istari depends on this.
"There is no other option." He said, stepping closer once more, watching as the wraith stepped back, hissing a warning. "He has to return from where he came from. Mordor is his true home. And no matter what happened or what will happen... one day he would have had to be removed from Middle-Earth. Today is the day." The elves shifted in their stance, prepared themselves just in case it comes to fighting. "Try to make him understand then. Let us not use force. If it is possible, we want to bring him to Mordor willingly."
The little girl didn't like this, for more than one reason. A part of her felt like Gandalf was not doing this because he had to but because he knew it was what everyone else wanted of him. He had never been that way before. Half the time he was known for doing things everyone else didn't like because he knew it was right. She stepped back a little then looked at Ren.
"Fine... but I'm going too." she said not giving Gandalf a chance to argue the subject as she looked at Ren.
While the elves looked on curiously if she truly could communicate with the creature of darkness, Gandalf was concentrating on the new problem. He won't let her go, for the simple reason he said a while ago. Mordor isn't a place for one who is so much dependant on sunlight. And he just couldn't risk her life... and loyalty for such a creature.
"Ren and Hyano go Mordor. Not safe home." The young wizard told the dark being, trying to explain that home was not safe and they would be going to Mordor.
The Nazgul expected this question. He actually waited for it, and prepared to oppose. "No. Mordor no safe." He shook his head, taking a step back from her, then let his gaze wander to the elves who stared at them. He clenched his hands into fists, feeling more and more tense by each second.
The child istar noticed him tensing up and looked at the elves. "Either back off or leave." she snapped at them before looking back to the dark creature. She mouthed a 'I know' to his statement and thought a moment. She knew it wasn't safe in Mordor. It wasn't safe for her at all. However she wasn't seeing many options at the moment. "No home. No Mordor. Must go or die." she told him honestly. She knew he valued his safety above all. She hoped to work off of that.
"No..." The wraith said angrily, shaking his head again. "No Mordor. No die..." He then nodded towards the intruders. "They die." He added, before stepping once forward towards them. "Go!" He hissed, looking at each, watching as they tensed up at his sudden move. While he valued his safety, his possessive nature of his territory and belongings was greater, just like his pride. He wanted them gone. Everything was perfect until they showed up.
Hyano cursed under her breath then put a hand up asking the wraith to hold on while she looked at Gandalf.
"Please don't do this..." she said softly looking right at him. It was a plea that she was sure would go on deaf ears but she needed to at least try before things got ugly fast. Ren was not going to leave without beating the sin out of a few elves first and even then he would still be struggling the whole way. She also wasn't about to let this happen so easily. Everything had been fine. Why did they have to come and ruin it all?
The much older wizard couldn't do anything else than lower his gaze as he shook his head. "I wish I wouldn't need to. But if you have another idea, we will change our current plan. Otherwise, you would do well to show us that my trust in your abilities wasn't in vain, and you truly can control him as you promised you can." He told her, looking at her with an expectant gaze, making sure to keep the elves from attacking.
Other options... The orange istar stopped getting an idea. "You stay here as well. During the late fall and winter. Along with an elf or two if you like. If you are so worried about him becoming a problem then you should take charge and stay here to help me rather than pulling him out and risking lives. I don't just control him. He trusts me." she told him. "This option is safer. You can easily subdue him if he becomes a problem between now and spring though I doubt he will even try anything anyway. All you have to do is stay with us for a few months." she reasoned. "Ren won't go because this is his home Gandalf. He is like a child. You take him away he will react like a child only he has a lot more power than one." she added.
"You don't understand, Hyano." Gandalf sighed, watching both. "No matter what you do, if he is not under watch in Mordor, he will become a problem. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow or next year. But one day he will cause trouble. Hyano..." he started, sighing again, lowering his gaze from her to the ground. "... I won't be here always to watch over you and this creature... I have to take care of this while I still can. There are many tasks to be done. I cannot stay for too long at one place." He informed her, now looking up at her again. "So, any other plans?"
And this is why there were so few wizards and they all would make horrible parents. They didn't have the time. It was rather depressing. Gandalf acted like her uncle when he was around but in reality he could not even be that much.
"No matter what idea I give to you, Gandalf, I don't think it will matter... you had your mind set for you way before you got here." she said her eyes on his. She wasn't angry with the White wizard but was disappointed, which was a feeling she never expected to have with the older man.
"You have to understand that you are inexperienced when it comes to his kind..." He started, sighing. "He can never be changed to be neutral or side with the kings in Middle-Earth. He is and will always be a servant to the Dark Lord, will follow in his footsteps as soon as he gains the power. One with such dark magic cannot be swayed, or told otherwise. He is a danger to you, to this world, and no matter that Sauron isn't here right now. He could come back any minute. One less problem to take care of if this happens." he paused to smile at her sadly, trying to reassure her that his choice is the best one can think of. "You have to let go of your caring nature sometimes, Hyano, and see the world as it is. Especially when so much depends on one's decisions." He shifted his gaze to the wraith, then back at her. "So, what is your answer? I cannot find any other way to truly hold him at bay than bringing him back to Mordor. I cannot watch him every minute, let alone let him go to wander. I cannot leave you with him either. His powers will soon out-power yours, and you cannot hold him at bay longer. You won't be able to stop him if he wishes to do something dark."
"First off I'm going to point out that the lot of you are blind. He passed me in power a long time ago and he knows that I'm as good as dead when I sleep at night and I'm still here. Second, if I had no influence over him still why is it he hasn't started trying to kill you all yet?" Hyano pointed out before tilting her head towards the creature behind her who had yet to move since she put her hand up to ask for him to stop. "And none of you have been here the past few months so how in the world do you think you know what he is like? I know he is a dark creature but if you could simply see him... he is like a child Gandalf. Willing to learn and even play. Last time you were here he hardly knew a few words. Now he expresses himself rather well considering... I think there is a chance for him... and if you do this you will be taking his only chance away." she said honestly.
Gandalf closed his eyes and shook his head at her. "As I said, he knows survival, Hyano. He will not make a move until he has enough strength to survive on his own. Who knows what he plans. He might be curious about the world, but only because he knows he gains from the knowledge and it helps him to survive. I know his mind, young one. I know it better than you... So..." This was when the elf moved and he didn't get to finish his sentence, but was about to give the command to the elves to stay put for a little longer when Ren was startled by the sudden movements around him.
The Nazgul was concentrating hard just then on the elves behind him when the one in front of them moved, grasping for his bow and arrows, which caused the orange wizard to step back in a protective manner and in the same time bumped into the wraith. He let out a furious shriek and launched forward towards said elf, but did not attack and stopped, being this just a warning and an attempt to scare him off instead. He knew he still had to wait a bit longer... It wasn't too long until night... The sun will soon be setting.
The elf nearly fired the arrow which he knocked but held his bow and pointed it right at Ren's chest. Hyano watched all this then looked down her head slumping.
"... This isn't right..." she said though she realized she had little choice in the matter. She wasn't sure which was worse… The feeling that this wasn't right or that it wasn't fair. She had done everything Gandalf asked of her in the past few months and even though she did this she was still being treated like she didn't know anything. She gripped her fists. "How do you plan to take him?"
"Well..." He trailed off, looking at the elf then waved at him, gesturing to put down the bow. "My elven companions are here to help me with that. They will help making sure that he is no danger to the world until he arrives to Mordor and that no one is a danger to him either. If we are fast enough, he will survive and arrive in his land safely, if we are too late, the humans will question us and we will have to reveal him. This would be the worst situation." His eyes briefly flickered to the still hissing Nazgul as it stared at the elf, as if daring him to shoot. "There are two versions. You help us convincing him or we will have to force him. No other option as it seems."
The young wizard was quiet. She had been given her options but that didn't stop her mind from trying to find some other option with little success. She looked down then walked up and grabbed the Nazgul's arm.
"Ren... stop." she said and looked up at him. "Must go." she added gritting her teeth. She wanted to make this as easy as she could and obviously didn't want anyone hurt. That included Ren. "Please..." she whispered hoping that at least one person would listen to her. Even if it was a dark creature like Ren.
"No!" he replied immediately and backed up from her, shaking his head, yanking his arm from her grip. "My home. Here." He pointed at the treehouse he considered his for the past months now and refused to go anywhere else. He didn't want to be caged in like an animal without the ability to work on his own goals and the new purpose he gave himself. Because this is what it would be like if he went now... Overseen by humans... No freedom. "Why?" he asked suddenly, tilting his hooded head to the side, wanting to know the reason behind the need of his sudden departure.
Everything in her wanted to cry but she did all she could to hold the tears back. Hyano didn't want him to leave anymore then he wanted to go but there was no choice. However when he asked why she sighed knowing she did not have all the words yet to fully explain it to him. She remembered his sand replica of Minas Morgul. She pointed to the gates of the structure he had created before putting a spell over it and having them go from opened to close.
"Gates close." she tried to explain to him. "Go now, alright. Go later... die." she added then gritted her teeth, doing her best to keep the tears away from her eyes.
The Nazgul was taken aback by this. So, they will close the gates, so no one can go in or out? Sealing everything within the walls of the land? How dare they?! No one can keep their land restricted like that! Have they no respect for the Dark Lord for his power? Reducing his land to a mere prison... "Why?" He asked again, although in a more demanding, even offended manner, looking at the dwarf, unsure why they want to close it down. Not like there is anything in there now... While he was typically a loner, just like his kind, he still wasn't too comfortable with the thought of spending the rest of eternity on his own. So, no matter what... he won't go at all.
She looked up at Gandalf then at Ren. "Scared." she said simply. She wasn't about to hide it. They were all afraid of him and all those who were under the Dark Lord's power. There was no point to even try. "Ren no safe. So close dark gates." she added trying to explain how they didn't believe Ren was safe there so they wanted to take him and close him behind the gates. As much as the little girl tried though her eyes betrayed her. She could never have a fully stale expression because her eyes always showed what she was feeling. She was hurt, angry and most of all sad.
Now he understood. Just as they are supposed to, the living fear him, the mortal cover in terror from his power and aura. So, in order to make sure he doesn't do anything that doesn't count within the limits of... 'goodwill', they want to close him into the land of Mordor. This is of course something he wanted to avoid at all cost. His hooded head soon turned to the old man. He was well aware that the wizard can easily force him to go with his current power, and there will be no chance to escape. He needed to find a way to escape their grasp and hide. Why didn't he listen to his mind back then? Hiding would have been so easy while the wizard didn't find him and the dwarf was too occupied with her opponent. Just jump down the river and let it carry him... But no... Revenge had to be more important. This was actually the first time in his existence as wraith that he questioned his own decisions. And it felt strange... His gaze soon fell back to the girl he recognized as a dwarf. Her expression was 'melancholy' if he could read it right... He still had trouble reading her emotions, considering he couldn't express any, but was managing well. He could distinguish a few by now and sadness was one she showed rarely. So, she is opposed of his departure? Or was she sad because she knows she sides with it? Only one way to find out...
"You?... Think?" He asked for her thoughts about this first before doing anything.
Hyano blinked at the question then shook her head. She wasn't sure how to explain what she thought to him. He didn't know what a friend was, nor did he fully understand emotions. She thought then pulled out her sand. It had been a while since she had to use this. Their conversations had been simple at best but she still hadn't much reason for the sand in the past month or so. She then pulled up a figure of herself and Ren. His figure disappears and she is left all alone and sad.
"Will miss Ren..." she admitted looking down. "Ren no scare me. I... happy." she said then looked to the pumpkins and remembering how only a little bit ago she had been ready to laugh her guts out. "But... Ren go... no hurt... Ren no go... Ren hurt." she said gripping the sand in her fist not able to help it anymore as tears streamed down her cheeks.
An opportunity presents itself right then and there. The young wizard actually was in a way attached to him, just like they were to his Lord. He could never leave his side, just like this foolish girl doesn't wish to be left alone. This somehow made him think of his situation. With his master gone, he felt alone and without purpose, but eventually learned to cope with it and now he is his own master in a way, but would still bow to the Dark Lord at any moment of his arrival. He cannot let her do the same... He wanted her as a servant until eternity… and with time... He will be maybe able to sway her to his side completely... She could help him... Help him escape... Help him hide... And help him with his new quest... Assemble an army and reclaim Mordor in Lord Sauron's name. He looked left and right, eyeing each elf, noting not many had their weapons drawn, and then finally at the White wizard, whose light magic was so great it made him uneasy and agitated. He finally lowered his gaze to the dwarf and lowered his tone to whisper. "Help Ren go... No Mordor... Go..." He told her. He was willing to leave his territory for now for the sake of getting a bigger one. And that bigger one will be Mordor. One day.
The little girl blinked.
Is he serious?
She looked up at him for a moment before looking at Gandalf. He wasn't going to like this. Not one bit. But... she thought a moment before nodding. She cupped her hand so it was hard for anyone but him to see showing him a figure of him picking her up. She hoped he understood well enough before she put the sand away.
The Nazgul felt satisfied to know that she agreed and actually is ready to side with him in this. Later, he will make sure she sides with him in everything. He didn't nod, nor did move as she showed him what she want him to do, just to not let the others realize she was showing him her plan. Well, picking her up was logical. He can run much faster and longer than she with her short legs and limited stamina.
Well, here goes nothing. She snatched the staff from him then slammed it down knocking all the elves off of their feet then used a spell to bring tree vines up to hold back Gandalf. This was something that had to be done quickly or it would end very badly.
Once she did what she had to, the wraith snatched her up with one arm and started running off into the foliage, east towards the river. He planned to get there safely, then jump right in, letting the harsh currents take care of the rest.
The elves quickly jumped to their feet after they were knocked down and gave chase before the White wizard could do or say anything. Gandalf was surprised by the sudden appearance of the vines, but swung his own staff and parted it. His usually kind eyes narrowed, not wanting to believe his eyes.
"Hyano!" He shouted after her with a strict tone, hurt by her sudden betrayal. He also used his magic to go after them, boosting his speed with the help of winds.
"Sorry..." she said under her breath then climbed up onto Ren's shoulders -who almost tripped in the process due to the weight shifting- and started hitting trees. Each tree she touched seemed to lower its branches along with each tree it touched until the forest was thickened behind them making it rather hard to follow. "Fast!" she yelled knowing that it would slow the elves but Gandalf was a whole another story.
He heard her demand that he runs faster, but he was already running as fast as he could, almost slipping on that damned mud. "No fast!" He told her as he jumped over a fallen log, almost slipping as he landed. The sound of water moving with high speed became louder and louder...
Almost there!
The elves grit their teeth as no matter where they went, the trees seemed to go against them. Some of them knew magic, so used theirs to ask the trees to give them free passing, which the plants granted. Three of the elves were very tight on their heels, while Gandalf wasn't too far behind. With only one swing of his staff, and the trees creaked back into their original position.
Hyano blinked as she heard water before realizing where he was heading. That was where she found him before, or rather where he found her. So this was what he was up to that day. She was going to wake up in pain after this she just knew it. The moment she saw the water she took a deep breath and closed her eyes while still holding tightly to his head getting ready to hit water.
Gandalf's shout echoed through the forest as he spoke in the language of the wizards, swinging his staff to send a bolt of ice their way, intending to stop them, not to kill them of course, but his spell never hit. Ren made it to the strong currents and not thinking twice about it or stopping, he jumped, the ice spell passing them above their heads.
They both landed in the river with a heavy splash, and the current gripped both, taking them with it wherever it went. While they were in the water, Ren tried to position himself so Hyano was always towards the surface, which was hard, considering the river was fast, and stones, rocks littered its bottom. Of course, him being a wraith, so an immortal being, he didn't need air to survive, but if he truly wanted this dwarf to help him further, he had to do everything to keep her alive. What they didn't know was that the river was actually heading towards a rather large waterfall...
The orange istar gasped as her head hit the surface and coughed up a little water noting that the wraith for the most part was trying to make sure she was safe. That was kind enough but the water was far too cold, her body instantly breaking into a shiver. Her head continued to get splashed under water no matter how hard Ren tried and it didn't help that it grew both deeper and faster as they moved forward. This ended in her coughing and gasping for air quite often though she tried to stay quiet. A sound caught her ears and she instantly knew what was coming. She took a deep breath the moment she had a chance before ducking her head under water and curling up into the Nazgul like a child to a parent.
Of course, the wraith didn't know what was coming, as he lacked the experience required, and let loose a shocked and brief shriek as he felt himself fall. He held onto the dwarf the best as he could, making sure she was positioned on top, so he can take the damage. Of course this won't hurt him, and it will preserve his servant. The fall was deep and rather fast, thanks to the water. The landing was equally sudden. He met the rocks at the bottom with a sick sounding smack, and felt the dwarf slip from his grip in the next moment.
Though, Ren took the impact that didn't stop the suddenness of the impact from hitting the wizard. Her lungs soon were flooded with the offending water and she floated. Unlike Ren, she was far lighter though her clothes did soak in as much water as they could weighing her down slightly. This would likely become a problem later considering that would not help the poor little girl warm up anytime soon however the bigger problem at the moment was the fact she was unconscious and currently not breathing in the water.
The water soon carried the wraith away from the hard surface, letting him float for a moment before sinking slowly. His heavy gear was always an annoyance when it came to water. He struggled a little, but eventually got his bearings and started for the surface. Breaking it, he started looking for the dwarf.
He turned in the water, trying to find her, trying to see where she surfaces, but she didn't. He hissed as he started swimming-splashing around as much as he could, looking for her, not liking the situation one bit. He knew mortals needed to breathe, or else they are no more. Which would be a problem. While he kind-of-swam, he finally noticed her floating and quickly paddled up to her, and turned her around to make sure her face was above the surface. Quickly, he swam to the shore and put her down watching her a little while.
This was strange...
No sound of breathing...
He tilted his head to the side, and thought about what to do. His kind never learnt how to help anyone if such situations occur. The only time he apparently saved someone, was the Shipmunk, who they left behind. The dwarf explained to him that the snake would have eaten the rodent, and actually was kind of dead, but with the constant poking he woke it up and saved its life. This is why that squeaking animal didn't leave him alone anymore at night. So, why not try this as well here? So, he reached out, and started to poke her side continuously.
Thinking back on it she probably should have explained that size does change the effectiveness of helping someone breathe again. While poking helped the rodent, he was small. If Ren used the same pressure needed to help Hyano on Shipmunk he would have broken the little one's rib cage. Hyano was small but nowhere near small enough for that to work on her. She continued to lay there her body not responding to the poking in the slightest. She wasn't dead. Not yet anyway. But much longer and she would be.
By this time, the rodent was already awake when he poked him back then. He must be doing something wrong... He wasn't educated in this kind of matter, so didn't know the concept of drowning, nor how to help it. He stopped his attempt and watched her for a little while, his mind reeling. She was too useful for him to let her die like this... and he also had to hurry. The elves and the wizard surely don't let them get away this easily... He might need to leave her behind... The thought itself was wrong in every way. He cannot stay hidden in this world without some serious help... and her magical abilities would come handy at creating an army... This was so frustrating...
"Annoying..." He said, shaking his head. So close, yet so far... So much for escaping... He felt anger rise within him at the weakness of this mortal, how easy it is to kill them even if one doesn't want them to die. They are too weak, too petty and in the eyes of the Valar, they are too insignificant to aid them with more durability. But he wanted this one to live! In a burst of fury he clenched his hands into fists and raised one, slamming it down into her chest in frustration, angry with her as if to punish her for her weakness.
Anymore pressure and he might have killed her on the spot. However this was exactly what she needed. Water burst out of her lungs and she started coughing and gasping for air her chest feeling like it was on fire from the lack of air for so long.
At the sudden sound and movement, the wraith hissed and backed up; falling backwards, but luckily caught himself before he hit the ground. His anger started to subside at the sight before him, seeing her sit again, and look at him...
Once her chest stopped heaving she panted and opened her eyes slowly. Her head was dazed and she wasn't fully sure what was going on. She looked around until she saw the Nazgul and relaxed a little.
"R-ren?.. What?" she said not fully sure what just happened. Just that she felt like she ran into a tree at full speed. Then it hit her what happened. Well, if the fact that the last thing she remembered was falling, she was wet and only came to right now is anything to go by. The little girl wanted to thank Ren for saving her life again but they didn't have time. Instead she reached up and grabbed onto him. "Go." she said tiredly. It wasn't a command as much as stating that they still needed to keep going.
Good. Maybe she was weak, but at least alive. They can take care of the rest later. He nodded at her and quickly stood, successfully slipping once on the mud that enclosed the shore –that damned substance again-, then finally managed a good enough footing, scooping her up onto his shoulder. This was when he was at a loss, but still made sure to run into the forest to be hidden by the foliage. "Where?" He asked, turning his head just a little, asking her where they are headed. Because frankly... he wasn't all that familiar with Middle-Earth.
Hyano leaned against him resting her head on top of his head. She had an idea actually. A place she had never been but heard of often. She pointed in a direction.
"Moria..." she said simply not sure if he knew of the place but assumed he would go none the less. The trip would take some time considering they were not very close as of now but at the moment it was the safest place they could head for. It was either that or stay in the out lands between any real areas but that would require staying in areas with virtually no cover. She would probably have to stay near the door to Moria but at least for the most part they would be safe.
Ren looked up as he heard her speak. "Moria?" He asked, not sure if he heard right. Really? So far? While he can run for a day or so without tiring, he will need to stop and meditate, refreshing his mind every now and then. He took off into the right direction, yet again almost slipping. He was reminded that he hated this... fluid dirt with a passion. He always ends up slipping or falling, and can never run right. And right now, the ground was full with mud, seeing it rained the previous night. Aside of a few curses in black speech, he didn't utter a word, but kept going...
Stay tuned for the next chapter.
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