Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Chapter 14 – From Snowflake to Avalanche
- 6 months later-
It had been almost six months.
Hyano had spawning down to the letter and could speak in the black tongue almost perfectly by now, though, none of the orcs outside her door knew that since no one besides Ren had talked to her in the past six months. She had made little attempt to leave her room since besides when she was spawning. However, now she was completely out of spells to learn and things to do when she wasn't making more creatures for Ren.
So in a nutshell, she was getting very bored very fast. She had tried to busy herself with the maze but she had come to the mental conclusion that it had no answer. That didn't stop her from trying but she still had decided it had no answer. She had also realized she was still getting taller. Instead of looking like a little girl, the little wizard now looked more like she was about ten or eleven. She was still on the short side even for that age but she had matured accordingly.
The girl sighed then looked around. She couldn't take it anymore. She needed to do something. Anything, besides stay in this little room all day.
The dark creature wasn't better off than her. Because the orcs and trolls did everything for him, he didn't have many duties. Instead, he took on exploring the deeper parts of the mines once more, sometimes vanishing for days, only to come back like nothing happened. He also had a secret little chamber where he sometimes retreated to, of which no one knew.
Not even Hyano.
This little chamber was full with items he found in the mines and city, things he liked or were interesting. Mostly it contained gold, gems, armor parts, glass, some weapons and other random things he collected, living up to his old habit of hoarding items. There were also some skulls and bone parts he found interesting. He sometimes went there to admire his 'treasures', but did not want anyone else to find it. He also noticed in the past months that some orcs and goblins seemed to have a harder time doing as he told them... A few even took the habit to backtalk and refuse his orders. Which of course ended up in harsh punishments. Once he even killed an orc when he outright refused the command that was given. He didn't know what was wrong, he always made sure to show off his power and remind them of his authority.
"Ren. Can I please go out? Maybe I can help the orcs out there with the mines." she suggested looking to the dark corner.
"What would you help them with?" He asked, pleased by her progress in black speech. No more struggling for words and pointing with hands and feet. Which was a relief. "Will you mine or forge gear?"
Hyano thought on that for a moment putting her hands on her hips.
"Both probably. Until I figure out what I am best at... my... what's the word?.. Trade. That's it." she asked. Even though she could speak the black speech rather well there were some words that she could not learn from the book and always ended up forgetting. She was quick to remember. She figured, she would probably end up forging, helping with the fires and water more than likely. "I will probably start mining. I haven't been out there in six months. Many of the orcs probably think I'm dead if they don't help in the spawning pits. If any of them do remember they won't want to work with me so I am better off working alone until they trust me enough to cooperate." she added. "I should be fine on my own. If anyone gives me trouble I can handle it. If I can't handle it by now then something is seriously wrong." she joked not thinking she needed Ren to follow her around as her babysitter anymore.
Ren couldn't help but shake his head.
"Do you think you can truly keep up with them at mining? You lack the muscle for that." He said as he pointed at her arms, tilting his head to the side. And goblins simply didn't tolerate it if people used magic around them to get a better result in something. So, using her abilities is out of question if she didn't want to get into trouble. "And you lack the skill to forge armor and weapons yourself." He pointed out, tilting his head to the other side. However she was right on one thing. He can't keep her locked into her room -even if he didn't tell her she can't get out- and she has to start moving about. Word surely spread about her spawning the new orcs and trolls, making her useful in their eyes as well. There should be less glares and arguments. With a defeated sigh, he waved at her. "But fine, get out. Check on the miners for me. Less work on my part." He told her finally, getting comfortable in his position. In the past months one could think he got lazy, not really budging from his resting places for days sometimes. The truth was that he simply had nothing to do other than walk among the creatures to make sure they don't forget about him being there with them.
Hyano grinned and hugged the still taller creature of darkness.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she said happily before running out excitedly. She was still one of the easiest people to make happy.
She ran out so fast she almost ran into the wall but instead kicked off it and ran down the hall but eventually stopped running and started walking trying to act as her mentor did. She did want to show the same power he did as much as look as mature and in control like he did. She noticed that besides the orcs she had created none of them seemed to remember her for the most part. It seemed she was easily ignored. When she came across a warg rider she reached a hand out stroking its side as she passed.
It growled lightly but besides that didn't seem to have any problem with her. The wargs were basically her pets. While anyone else would be scared of them she seemed to love and adore them with every inch of her body spoiling them with affection and since they were created by her they did not attack but that didn't make them used to it always growling at her touches.
The wizard continued walking, her hands behind her back, then stopped when she came to a rather busy area and let her eyes wander around curiously making sure to stay out of everyone's way. They had done a lot in the past six months. She was surprised.
They had done much indeed.
The underground city was completely reconstructed now, including all the bridges in the deeper parts of the mines above the gorge. With the wizard strengthening the ceilings, they could now start to mine at the other side of the caves, beyond the bridges. There were also more guards needed because of the increased number of workers and creatures running about, so some of the goblins were pointed out as guards as well, riding on their wargs which they raised from puphood. This didn't make them less dangerous, but listened to them more and did not attack them without reason.
Soon however they will reach the desired numbers to try and get onto the surface and claim some part of the mountains from above as well. Their army already kicked the count of two thousand including the still newborn orcs, and those which are still being created in the spawn pit. Of course with the increased numbers there is more need for weapons and armor, the smiths worked day and night to supply the army with the desired items, creating spare ones as well to replace damaged ones if they get into a fight above.
While some of the workers and guards did recognize her and knew about her usefulness, not knowing how to behave with one that is not like them caused them to stay silent and not utter a word, just keep working or walk past her.
Without growling...
Which was a huge change compared to all the glares she got before. Unknown to most, some of the orcs and goblins exchanged disgusted and offended looks as she passed and her back was turned to them, and once they thought she was out of earshot, they started talking about her badly, accusing her of being the cause of their master's current state and his much softer behavior.
The girl perked up when she heard them speak about Ren, but did not show any signs of her having understood their speech. They still seem to assume she knows as much about Black speech as Ren knows about the language of Man.
Soft?
Was that what they said?
Ren?
Not even close. She wondered where in the world they got such an idea. She would have to tell Ren what they were thinking later. While her creations seemed loyal, the older ones seemed a little... less so. That worried her a little. She shook off the thought and blinked when she heard a familiar voice yelling out orders. She smirked then ran until she ran around a corner and saw a familiar orc.
"Tuhul!" she said then ran up to him grateful to see he seemed to be doing well. Was he a general now? She wouldn't be surprised. With the expansion of both the caves and the number of soldiers they needed more generals and it was easier to make guards into generals then appoint new guards instead of appointing new generals no one knew.
The orc was actually slapping another as he almost refused his order to grab the excess rocks -which weren't as heavy- and dump them into the gorge. The other orc however wasn't having any of that and still talked back, which made the newly appointed general even more mad, and caused him to reach towards his back and pull his warhammer into sight, angrily doing like he charged at the disrespectful orc who eventually submitted, not keen to be crushed, so did as he was told. In the ruckus Tuhul didn't hear the wizard calling his name but huffed and held his head higher in dominance and triumph, putting his weapon back where it belonged in the holder on his back. He turned to continue on his way and see how the guards are doing in the lower levels when he was forced to a stop by the sudden appearance of Hyano.
He stared at her for a few seconds before narrowing his eyes. Despite her slightly higher rank and actual use among them, he still found her an annoying brat, nothing more.
"What do you want now?" He asked in an irritated tone, crossing his arms as he towered over her, the shadow of his bulky and tall form easily engulfed her smaller one. He did notice she grew, but out of pride he didn't want to make a comment on it.
Hyano raised a brow at his question and couldn't help a slight smile. Some things never change. As much as she wanted to start a yelling match with him she had a more pressing problem to worry about.
"How long has that been going on and how often?" she inquired answering his question with one of her own her voice very serious. After a while of hanging around only Ren she finally learned when to be serious and when to be angry and shout. While she still showed a good temper at times she had gotten it under control for the most part which surprised even her.
The orc couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, not exactly understanding her question. He didn't think she was smart and intelligent enough to ask about the problem with the orcs and goblins who seemed to sometimes have thoughts of their own and refused to do as they are told. Her stance and voice however told him she was quite serious about this particular matter, and was mildly surprised to find she did not give him a smart remark or a giggle or no angering comment. Nor did she try a spell on him, which was in a way a... pleasant change. But he would never voice it. Not even at his dying breath.
"There is no problem I can't solve. Now go and worry about the spawning pit. I heard the goblins have a few holes ready." he told her outright, not wanting to have his own skills and effectiveness questioned. He got things going on his own, with no help at that. And as long as he can manage that, he will not speak of this as a 'problem', but as a mild irritation.
"Based on your display a moment ago, I believe you. However that's not why I'm asking. If that kind of action has become rather common... mixed with what I have heard since I left my room… I think it warrants me speaking with Ren. There shouldn't be nearly this much... off-behavior." she said the last sentence in black speech crossing her arms. This also let a few of the orcs around them know she in fact did understand them even as they whispered in a tongue they believed she didn't know. She believed Tuhul could handle an orc or two rebelling and causing trouble with little trouble to himself. However from the whispers she heard it wasn't just a few. There was an increased number of them among the troops she had passed and while she wanted to believe Tuhul could handle his own, that was more than one should ask of one orc.
He raised an eyebrow at her last sentence as she spoke in his tongue. Now this was another surprise he had to note. Which also meant that he can't go and insult her in black speech anymore, or she will go and tell her master... Despite everything, he still thought she was nothing more than their Lord's little pet. He doubted anything would change this view of his. Even if she creates a thousand orcs herself or conquers the world in the name of Ren, he wouldn't change this.
She is a pet, end of story.
But because she actually wishes to deliver this concern of hers to their leader, he should as well tell her what he knew, just to satisfy his lord.
"It started a few months ago. About five actually." he started, snorting at this. "There was just one or two a week at that time, talks about the 'Nazgul behaving strange' started but died down very quickly. At least I didn't hear about this since a few months. In the past month however these little annoyances started to happen, questioning not just my orders but the others' as well. We keep them in line though, so no problems there." He finished, making sure to keep an eye on the workers and that they do as they were told. None of them seemed to go against his commands right now, but kept working as they are supposed to do.
Hyano raised a brow.
Five months ago...
Hmm…
She couldn't even remember very much from then. Most her of her days blurred together thanks to the fact she was stuck in a room all day. There was no way she could realize that Ren and her playing around in her room was the cause of all this. As far as she was concerned a Nazgul was an odd creature, of course he would act strange. She wondered what got under their skin.
"Thanks." she said and turned to go but didn't get more than a step before a set of three orcs stepped in her path. She blinked and stepped back. The middle orc was a guard. Newly appointed at that.
He glared at the pet. He had heard what she said and felt that they couldn't have her going on warning her master about what was going on.
"Kill her." he growled and before one of the other orcs pulled out his hammer and tried to slam it down on her.
She quickly put her hands up for a shield to block the hammer altogether.
Tuhul narrowed his eyes as one of the guards wanted her killed and stepped in very quickly, knowing his sword won't do much here, he reached behind and took his war hammer, charging forward. Without saying anything, he slammed the head of the weapon against the skull of the orc which attacked, cracking its skull wide open, and stood in front of the wizard, holding the weapon at his side, glaring at him.
"As far as I know none of the generals nor our Lord gave the command to kill the brat. So get back to your posts or suffer the consequences, rats!" he roared, flexing his muscles in anger. He didn't want to lose his position as general now that he got it. He never gave this order so expected the guards and orcs to do as he said and never oppose him.
The guard growled.
"You didn't. He did." he said pointed to a general who was watching arms crossed. Before anything more could be said the general let out a mighty roar that echoed through the caves telling everyone enough was enough. It was time to relieve their unworthy lord of his duties.
Hyano's eyes went huge as she heard a battle cry sound throughout the caves in response to his roar.
"Tuhul... I think this is one problem you can't fix on your own." she said honestly as another set of orcs walked up behind them. She turned towards them and glared before clenching her fists her hands starting to radiate a black aura. "Think you can get me back to my room?" she asked as she got ready to fight. She needed to get to Ren and fast.
However from the looks of it these beasts were not about to make such a feat easy.
Not letting himself become intimidated, Tuhul's eyes didn't even flicker away from the traitor general, but glared right back at him, flexing his muscles and holding his war hammer at the ready. Not wasting time, he raised his head and sounded his own angry roar, calling the ones loyal to their Lord to arms and stand against these worms. There were many more roars answering his as workers and guards alike grabbed their weapons and stood face to face with the rebels, and to the dismay of that general, there were many deep roars of trolls as they marched into the tunnels, holding clubs and spears in their big hands, making the ground tremble at times with their steps. Warg riders threatened the rebels as well, letting their mounts snarl and snap at them. There was of course great confusion as well as to why this is happening. While there was talk about the tunnels, most didn't take this as seriously.
Seeing his quite obvious advantage, Tuhul didn't waste time to smirk at the other orc, swinging his weapon a little as if testing the arch he should smash his head in with.
"I advise you to back off, or taste death as it slowly claims you... by my hammer. I will squash you like the little worm you are. And once I am done with you, your little pets will follow you one by one." he tried intimidating him and lowering his confidence. Of course this also would be secretly the perfect distraction for the wizard to get away and warn the Nazgul. Once he is about, he surely can make order again.
Just one furious shriek and everyone would go to their knees in pain and fear.
The traitor general growled and pulled his own spiked club out. Yes, he knew they were outnumbered but he was in far too deep to back down now. However he was right. The general's focused was so fixed on Tuhul that he didn't notice when the wizard bolted until she was gone. When he did notice he hissed then roared.
"Kill the little wretch and anyone who gets in your way!" he roared before charging and slamming his club down at Tuhul. Everyone who followed him was soon doing much the same fighting against all those still loyal to their lord.
Tuhul sounded his own angry roar. "Defend the honor of our Lord and spill the blood of these worms! All of them! No mercy!" He shouted angrily, getting roars back. He held his war hammer's handle at either side and let the club slam down on it, blocking the hit, before kicking out and at the stomach of the other orc, pushing him away. He used this momentum to step forward and swing his heavy weapon, trying to bring it down on the body of his opponent. He knew if he missed he would be easy target, but prepared to go with the swing if he missed and deliver another kick before he faced him again, ready to defend against another hit.
The general blocked the attack but did not have time to block the kick sending him back slightly.
"Our lord is weak! He is undeserving of our loyalty! Him and that little brat of his! You of all orcs should agree!" he growled before swinging his club for Tuhul's side. He could not fully understand why Tuhul had not joined them. He of all the orcs hated the little brat of a wizard more than anyone. It seemed only right that he would want her out of the picture along with their poor excuse for a leader.
Tuhul dodged the swing of the weapon, although barely as he wasn't created for speed, and used this momentum to twirl once and swing his hammer at the other general.
"He is not weak! Look what we achieved with his guidance! Without him we would be still tearing each other apart for a scrap of meat!" He roared and charged forward, baring his teeth at the other orc. He did not comment on the wizard. He had nothing to comment on it. Yes, she was annoying, yes she was irritating and nothing more than a pet of their Lord, but she was the one who brought the Nazgul to them and is spawning new brothers for their group. "They made us strong again! They made us a proud species again! You of all orcs should agree! You can swing that club only because it was forged at the command of our Lord!" He swung his weapon again to clash with him. "He can kill a troll with just one swing. Is he truly weak?" He demanded, knowing he made a point and will not listen to any lies or petty excuses. This orc will die, no matter what he does or says now.
The traitor general put Tuhul's weapon with his own pressing back against him.
"He is weak! Treating that little pet of his like his little playtoy! He acts no better than a human!"
While the two generals fought, the orcs and goblins tore at each other as well. The workers used their pickaxes and hammers to smash at their enemies who they called brothers not long ago, while the guards easily kicked the enemy goblin workers away, making short process of them because of their better gear and armor. The trolls decided to pick out the ones who were against them as well. Which was one advantage. No troll stood on the rebels' side but all followed their true master and slammed their clubs at the enemy where they were in one group or picked them up from a fighting bundle of creatures and crushed them on their own. The warg riders let their mounts do the job as the canines snarled and bit, crashing into orcs and goblins they are allowed to kill, licking their foaming mouths as they tasted the fresh blood.
Hyano jumped and dodged everyone, friend or foe. When an orc made a go at smashing her, she rolled between his legs making sure to deliver a swift kick to his precious parts before jumping up with a smirk and continuing on her way down the halls. Even though she was much taller, she was still very small compared to everyone there.
The goblin general saw her coming and blocked an attack on her before slicing the orc's head clean off. "Filthy ingrate." he growled at the body before hissing at the next challenge that came his way.
One of the warg riders saw the wizard as she fled towards her room, no doubt wanting to get to their Lord. But with this speed and without support, she might be too late. He kicked his mount once and pulled on the reins, pushing the female canine towards the wizard and let her run towards the girl. When they almost passed her, the goblin reached out and grabbed her, roaring at the warg and kicking her side to get her running faster, dodging attacks and jumping over orcs, using the rocks scattered around in tunnels. The warg of course wasn't happy about missing out on the fight.
Hyano held onto the fur of the warg. This would work a lot better. The moment the tunnel she needed to take came into view she got ready to jump. The warg jumped over a body and at that moment she jumped off rolling on the ground before running full speed down the tunnel to her room.
She quickly slammed the door open.
"Ren! The orcs are rebelling!" she yelled then froze in place, feeling a searing pain shoot through her back and stomach. She stepped forward before losing her balance altogether and falling to her knees. The orc behind her smiled in triumph, holding a spear bathed in crimson blood.
He may not have been able to stop her from warning Ren but this was just as good if not better.
Ren did hear some kind of struggling not far from him and looked up, hearing the clashing of weapons and bashing of shields. Instantly, he found himself on his feet, wanting to check this out as fast as possible when the door was slammed open. He watched as Hyano entered and told him the news.
Rebellion?
Here?
Why in the Dark Lord would the orcs rebel?
What against?
However, he never got to ask the question when she was ran through by a spear.
The Nazgul stared at the scene for a moment, before feeling his quick reflexes return. The moment she landed on her knees, the orc had his own chest impaled by the dark blade of the wraith's sword. Ren quickly kicked the offending orc away and pulled out the spear from the wizard's stomach before looking at her. Slowly but surely there was anger rising within him, becoming furious. How dare they hurt someone who works for him! How dare those little worms rebel against his power? How dare those pigs speak against him? Their heads will roll on the dirty floor along the halls if he can help it.
However, there was not much he could do for Hyano... He wasn't a mage, and no one knew magic... All he can do is right now is sorting out the trouble out there... There, he can be of use at the moment. Slowly, without a word, he picked her up and laid her down on the bed carefully, before storming out of the room, holding his sword at the ready to spill more blood...
Hyano cringed as she was lifted onto the bed and put a hand over her wound. Her hand started to glow again with a dark aura as she started to try to heal herself. She knew she couldn't fully fix the problem or take away the pain but she could at least try to save her own life. She groaned and gritted her teeth.
This is not how she had hoped her first day out in six months would have turned out.
If Ren thought she was spawning anyone after all this today he had another thing coming because she doubted she would stay conscious much longer. At least she was sure considering the pool of blood under her at the moment.
The traitor general growled before a shiver ran up his spine at the feeling of the pending dark aura that was flowing through the caves like water. "If he is as strong as you say then have him prove it!" he said then a smirk before pulling back and slamming his club over Tuhul's hammer with as much force as he had before turning around and pulling at his sword and throwing it at the tunnel from where their Dark Leader's shadow appeared.
Ren's dark aura swept through the tunnels way before he arrived and the furious loud, deafening and long shriek filled the ears of every creature within the mines.
At the shriek of the wraith, mostly all orcs and goblins screamed, putting their hands on their ears, kneeling or just staggering, trying to get away from the sharp noise, which felt like it almost split their skulls apart. While in most cases the shrieks usually wouldn't bother them, this one was aimed at them and was sounded just in the right frequency to bother them this greatly. The fight instantly ended in the bigger tunnel where most fought as he finally came into view and his shriek sounded the loudest, echoing through the halls, mercilessly eating away on the fear of the creatures, using it to his own advantage.
Ren did not notice as the general threw the sword at him, but turned his gaze towards it as it came into view, the glinting of the blade flashed with the fire reflecting on it. But he did not stop it from reaching him. The moment the weapon made contact with his spectral body it shattered into tiny pieces, sending splinters everywhere, but lucky for the orc, he did not hold the handle so was not infected with the black breath that would have followed. The wraith hissed sharply as he regained his balance after the impact, looking around surveying the now mostly quiet room with his invisible gaze before it landed on the orc still standing.
Even Tuhul was now kneeling, smirking up at the other.
"Here is your proof. Want more? Get that club of yours and prove your own word." he chuckled and inched away slightly, not wanting to be in the way if the Nazgul decided to toy with his prey before killing him.
The traitor orc gritted his teeth and glared at Tuhul before turning back to their Lord.
No.
One way or another he would die today but he would not die a coward. He stepped up gripping his club ready to give it all he had while he had it.
"I will not bow down to a weak lord!" he roared then charged and swung at the wraith. He knew his case was without a good end but he would not back down without a fight.
And there is the culprit. Right there, charging at him with his weapon raised. The dark being did not say anything in return to his words. That filthy orc did not deserve it nor did it have the right to hear his voice other than his shriek. Thus, he offended the orc by not even caring to respond to the challenge but let him come closer. Here, Ren contemplated if he should just let that worm strike him and suffer from the black breath until he died a very slow and painful death or just dodge it and slice his throat, ending it quickly. He did not know which would be better and more enjoyable. Not even letting him defend himself but killing him or not even bothering engaging him in a fight but let him kill himself by hitting him.
The latter seemed to be the best option.
It would show every orc, goblin and troll his true power at killing someone by not even touching them. He already showed off his fighting skills at the mad troll when he came here, time to show them that he is indeed indestructible.
So, even sheathing his sword, the wraith waited for the orc to deliver the blow, offending him further by not taking him serious as an opponent to even draw a weapon.
The charging orc growled, thrown into the rage by the straight insult to him. This only caused him to move without thinking and swung his club at the wraith.
It instantly shattered leaving him dumbfounded. The wraith knew no spells as far as he knew.
He then felt a dark chill fill his body which slowly but surely increased until it filled his mind like a sickness. He cried out and fell to his knees gripping his head. He felt real fear for the first time in his life and he did not like it one bit. The worst part was it was quickly increasing his body darkening in effect from it.
"Grah!" he cried out then without thinking anymore he ran and jumped off the edge of the mines into the deep darkness with a mighty cry.
This was quick.
Quicker than he would have liked but had the desired effect.
The wraith then stepped forward with another sharp hiss, looking at each orc as if challenging them for a fight for leadership if they wished, not even touching his sword though. He started walking among them, hissing constantly, repeating his challenge over and over, daring them to fight and go against his word.
But none would budge.
They saw what he could do, and it was enough to put them off from anymore fights. After seeing no challengers, the wraith resorted to the black speech now.
"Stand. Those who defy me, kneel!" He commanded, seeing as the ones who stood at his side at the fight stood, and the ones who fought against his will were forced to stay kneeling, staring at him. The wraith counted them silently. He cannot trust them with weapons anymore. There was a good portion of guards in there as well...
But he cannot trust them anymore.
However their numbers are too great to get rid of them... He cannot kill them or he will lose one third of his army.
"You who kneel, you become workers. All guards are degraded to mine. Inside the gorge." he said after a few minutes of silence, walking among the kneeling creatures. Because yes, there is metal in the walls of the gorge as well, which the dwarves mined by dangling down on ropes. These will be pointed out to do it as well.
The goblin general looked among them, crossing his arms and remembering faces knowing a few by name. He would keep track of these orcs without much trouble. He was smart and knew to stay on the winning side, however he also had a loyalty about him he would never admit to anyone. Ren had proven his worth the day he watched him kill the troll. That was more than enough for him. He looked at Tuhul and smirked. Good. They needed their strongest muscle. Ren had proven himself without fail. That was good. A part of him had been worried about Tuhul considering his track record with the wizard but it seemed that did not matter in his eyes. He turned and blinked when he saw Hyano slumped against the wall at the entrance of the tunnel...
The little girl had been so determined to check on Ren she forced herself out of bed and down the hall.
While Ren's attention was on the rebels and was busy sorting everything out he had neither time nor the capacity to care for the wizard, but also didn't notice her. The blood of the slain orcs was too heavy in the air and drowned the scent of hers out.
The goblin general noticed that while she wasn't bleeding as heavily anymore she still was and it had soaked in rather well into her clothes.
"Tuhul! Get this girl back to her room and have some guards make sure she stays there." he said. It wasn't so much an order as he knew that the wizard was more likely to actually listen to Tuhul or Ren than himself.
Tuhul looked at the other general and glared at him for giving orders -because the way he said it still sounded as one-, but did as he was told, turning his attention to the little brat. What he did not expect was to see her wounded. Very much so it seemed. He tilted his head to the side then gritted his teeth and hurried up to her, putting the warhammer back into place while on his way.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, narrowing his sharp yellow eyes at her as he picked her up, not listening to any protests if she had any and made his way back towards her room. "If you really want to die, then go ahead and punch me. I will rip your head clean off for that."
Hyano yelped as she was picked up and gritted her teeth and held on tightly as she was taken back to her room.
"I just wanted to make sure everyone was alright." she said honestly expecting to get scolded for doubting their dark lord or something. To them he was their all-powerful dark lord but to her, he was her friend. "I was a healer first before I got here. I just wanted to help." she added and let her head rest on his chest plate as she panted a little. Her body felt like she had run all day long nonstop. While there was a chance she could heal a few orcs, she would likely pass out before she got very far. She was just too stubborn for her own good it seemed. This trait she had that was only made worse when she met Ren.
"If you kill yourself by moving about, bleeding, do you think you can be of any help to them?" he asked, clearly annoyed as he opened her door and went inside, putting her down on the bed, not really caring about how gently he did, before standing up and crossing his arms, looking her over. "Then if you are a healer then heal yourself or else you will die. There isn't much one can do with a damage like this here." He told her strictly, kind of believing that she can heal herself without problems. For a brief moment he wondered what weapon could cause this wound or how bad it is, but the dead orc at the entrance was more than a clue that a spear must have pierced her. And considering the blood on her clothes and bed... it must have gone through her. He didn't know about many who survived such an attack.
"I can't..." she said with a cringe as she leaned her back against the head-board. "Healing magic doesn't work very well on the person using it... It's like taking a cup of water and trying to refill it with the water already in it. You can refill another cup then put water in from another source but you can't use the same water to refill the cup." she tried to explain to him with a sigh as she leaned her head back.
The orc rolled his eyes.
"It is possible to refill the cup if there is something leading it back." he said matter-of-factly. "Like what sometimes we use in the mines for transporting that little wood we have here. There is a canal which comes from a pool. The water does the transporting and is led back to the pool." he smirked in triumph for being able to outsmart her. They use it to get the logs from one end of the mines to the other. Maybe the transport is slow but they get a big amount there at once. Still faster than using the trolls which are already needed elsewhere.
"This is about as good as I can possibly heal myself at this point... my body is just going to have to do the rest on its own... You can help me a bit though... I need someone to burn the wounds shut..." she said cringing at the idea but at this rate she was going to pass out from blood loss long before her body could fix itself.
Tuhul raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure about that? I don't think it will solve what is in there." he pointed at her wound, which surely went deeper than the surface.
"It does. You will need to burn my stomach and back. That will stop the outer bleeding. I can heal myself a little but not nearly enough especially if I keep losing blood like this." Hyano pointed her hand at the table and blasted it the table quickly lighting up in flames, making the orc flinch. "Just heat the metal tip of the spear until it turns red, then just do it." she said and worked on pulling off her blood stained robes and hissed as the cold air met her wound. Well that wasn't going to make this feel any better. Though having your flesh burned shut on both sides wasn't going to feel good one way or another, so she would just have to tolerate it and live with it. She didn't think Tuhul would really mind. This finally gave him a chance to cause her pain like he has always wanted.
Win-win.
Naturally his kind didn't like fire but it was a must to use it if they truly want to create and destroy. Tuhul watched the flames for a little while, slightly stunned but once she spoke, he bared his teeth at her and grunted, moving to the dead guard. He bent down and picked up the spear slowly, moving towards the table. Once he thought he was close enough he extended the spear and let the metal heat up, rolling it in the fire to make sure it gets hot evenly. After he could see the orange-ish glow, he pulled the spear out and inspected it. Yep it is pretty much heated up now. He took the wooden handle and snapped it in half, making sure he had a better and more secure grip when he burns her skin together. He went up to her finally and turned the metal of the spear towards her stomach and grasped her skin a little, pushing them together. Without saying a word or telling her to prepare, he pushed the spear down and let the hot metal do its work.
The moment the metal touched her skin, the little girl let out a scream that could break glass if there was any in the mines. You have your flesh melted and see how you react! Her back arched and she gripped so hard on the head-board to keep herself from moving away like instinct was begging her so that her nails were digging in. It wasn't like the orc would let her anyway considering how he had a good grip on her.
When he finally finished it was a surprise she hadn't passed out she was panting so heavily. She gritted her teeth then forced herself onto her stomach, shoving her face into her pillow to muffle the scream as her newly burnt skin met the bed.
"Just do it! Just do it!" she yelled between gasps for air.
The orc general wanted to say 'gladly', but decided that she wouldn't hear it anyway. He did burn himself a few times as well and it wasn't pleasant but of course it wasn't this bad either. He quickly looked at the metal and noticed it was still at the right temperature, still glowing hot and still ready to do its task given now. The orc moved to her again and grasped her skin the same way he did before and shoved the metal against it, burning them together as well. Of course she can tell that he was enjoying this little task, and it was the only one he will ever do for her. Hearing her scream and seeing her struggles because he is hurting her was his wish for a long time now. He is quite entertained now.
Hyano couldn't help the second scream that forced its way out of her as she clawed at the pillow she screamed into.
When it was finally over her mind felt hazy if not completely gone.
"You know... you are... the biggest bastard... I've ever met." she panted out her eyes closing. He was also a large help surprisingly despite the fact he just enjoyed every second of that torture session.
The orc looked at the spear before carelessly throwing it to the side and crossing his arms, raising an eyebrow at her pitiful 'insult'. He couldn't help but return it.
"And you are the biggest rat I have ever seen." He retorted before deciding to leave her and go back to his duties, and overseeing the repairs and the new workers as they descended into the gorge to mine the metal there. Plus she seemed to have gone quiet, which means she won't provide him with much entertainment and won't need him now anymore, so after a snort, he left the room, kicking the door shut.
"Thank you..." she whispered softly as she could feel her body start to grow limp. She didn't have enough energy to stay awake anymore. Her body was demanding rest and her mind did not have the strength or the will to argue the fact.
-next day-
By the time a new day was counted, Ren dealt with mostly everything.
There were a few more creatures who wished to join their rebellious leader, so gladly let them fall into the gorge. He commanded the repair of everything that was damaged and the cleaning of the tunnels from the dead orcs and goblins. They will be used as food supply he was sure. He walked about to ensure his army of his strong presence and decided to patrol and walk among them more frequently. He also wanted to get to the end of the reason why this rebellion started in the first place.
After a few more hours, he decided to return to Hyano and see what can be done with her. He got to know about her current state of health from the goblin general and Tuhul as he met them. He walked back towards her room in a leisured pace and slid inside the room, closing the door behind him silently, stopping at the door.
The orange wizard had slept hard, her body basically forcing it on her and her mind rejecting the idea of waking up to pain. The dark magic inside her system tried to heal what it could, not wanting its host to be in any way damaged, however dark magic has a similar limit as good magic. It could not fully heal her.
It took her a little while even after Ren walked in to finally wake up. When she did she opened her eyes and looked around hazily. They instantly traveled to the dark corner where her friend normally stayed.
"Ren?" she called out before trying to sit up and cringing as both her front, back, and everything in between felt like they were set on fire, which to some degree could be said as true.
However, the Nazgul wasn't there, instead still was standing at the door, watching as she awoke slowly, noticing her pain. While he did not know what pain was, even if he felt it a while ago when she shot him with the light magic at the tree house, he was still slightly able to grasp its meaning, knowing it is something uncomfortable and annoying. Something that weakens people. And this weakens her now. However it shouldn't last long. Or yes?
His attention was back at her the moment she uttered his name, seeing her gaze turned to the corner where he usually sat, calling him. The wraith didn't reply though just walked over to her slowly, taking his time. He wasn't hurrying anywhere after all. Once arriving he let his invisible gaze wander down to her hurt form and stared at her before deciding to speak up.
"Everything is taken care of as it should be. You have a wound. Does it hurt?" he asked, tilting his head to the side. At these times he was pleased that she learned his language. It made communication so much better.
The child istar relaxed as she finally saw him though he wasn't where she expected. He must have just gotten back from his rounds in the mines. She was surprised it took so long. She leaned against the head-board.
"Yes it hurts... but it is nothing I won't live through. I am just going to have to limit my magic use and try to heal myself as much as I can for a while. The wounds themselves are burned shut so at least I'm not losing anymore blood. I'm not going to be strong enough to get around on my own though. At least not today." she replied, figuring she could at least make a few orcs today. Maybe just make one troll and get it over with. However that would be it for the next couple of days. It obviously annoyed her showing in her eyes.
Despite the quick solution at the fight they still had a great loss compared to anything they had before, and her inability to produce more creatures is a major setback in his plan. He gave voice to his displeasure with a hiss but otherwise did not comment on her state of health. If she is strong she will pull through, if not then not... She has to learn to cope with this or else what will happen in the battlefield? She will surely get injured in the future and she will have to learn how to live with it and heal herself more or find a way to be more effective in defense.
"Why did this happen? Were you able to find out?" she inquired wanting to know as much as he did.
The Nazgul tilted his head to the side a little. Honestly, he didn't get to know much...
"No. Apparently the ones who started it are now dead. The others were just talked into it; this is why they surrendered so quickly." The one who could answer him would be the general who committed suicide or his closest followers who continued opposing him and ended up dead by the blade of the guards and generals...
Hyano gave an annoyed groan sitting her head back.
"Damn..." she mumbled. Without an answer to the why there was no real way of making sure it never happened again. However the majority of the orcs were now those created by her so that would at least be of some help. She forced herself up so she was sitting up completely. "Oh well. At least it happened before it spread though a majority of the ranks. It would have been worse if we lost more than half instead of the third. However if this happens every time I go out and about I might want to start wearing armor of some kind. I got very lucky with that spear. Most would have died on impact but I got lucky enough that it didn't hit anything major." she said half jokingly. She did need to look into armor. She would have to talk to the smiths as soon as she could about maybe having some chainmail made for her among other things.
"It wasn't about you." he said, crossing his arms. "It was me. They questioned my power and superiority because of something that I did. At least what the generals and guards told me indicate towards this. You just triggered the happenings by wanting to inform me about it." He started pacing; something he never did before in any circumstances. Not even then when they lost quite many at the collapse of a tunnel.
What could he have done that put his might in the eyes of some of the orcs so much down that they questioned his obvious power over them?
He had been thinking about this while he patrolled and while he dealt with the rebels. He didn't want this to happen again. However, the more are created by Hyano the less will think of opposing him. They won't know any other life than what they have under his reign, and they mostly side with their creator if not with the leader. Which also means that it is essential for him to keep the wizard under his flag. He will have to become closer and turn more attention towards her well-being...
More than he did before.
"I know but I still feel I should protect myself. Magic is limited to my senses. That spear was able to get me because I didn't sense it coming so couldn't protect myself from it. With at least some armor of some kind I can at least try to keep such things from happening again... I don't like being put out of work like this." she said watching as her friend paced from one side of the room to the other.
Ren stopped pacing as she mentioned armor be made for her.
It wasn't a bad idea...
He stroked his 'chin', bringing a hand to his seemingly empty hood. Even if she was useful if she stays this vulnerable she can be killed by the simplest attacks. Arrows and flying weapons will be an ordinary annoyance at battles and if she is not protected, she will end up dying in just one minute into a fight. While her size and physical strength told him all she could wear was a chainmail, he had to remember that the metal they are mining and using here is no other than mithril. Strong and light at the same time. She might be able to wear more complex gear... Even under her robes.
As her eyes followed Ren it landed on the door which had somehow gotten slightly open. She raised a brow. Ren always made sure to shut the door when coming and going from her room. Her eyes widened as she was hit with an explanation. Not one she liked though. "Have a lock put on my door..." she said as she pointed to the door. She didn't like the fact that someone had looked in on them and they hadn't known it until now.
This was confirmed as the door quickly shut.
Finally, the wraith turned to her and nodded, agreeing with her on the armor. "I will have a smith take your measures. You will get a..." he wasn't able to finish as she mentioned the door and her request for a lock. While the Nazgul's senses did strangely not pick up the sound of the door opening, they alerted him when it closed rather quickly. His gaze snapped to the side and without even saying another word, the wraith quickly bolted for the door. He wanted to catch the one who peeked red-handed and running away, or ask a guard around them if they saw anyone around. However, seeing he was quick in opening the door shortly it was closed, he was sure he will catch a glimpse of the one who did it, or will know it was one of the guards if he can't see anyone running.
Like the Nazgul wanted he caught the culprit trying to bolt. He was an orc. One of the older ones at that. He did not stop running even when he knew he was caught. He was not nearly that stupid.
Hyano glared at the door. "You would think with all the skill the dwarves had, they would have been able to build door locks." she grumbled but sat back to wait and see if Ren would let the intruder go or kill them. She was not sure which she wanted more. All she knew was she did not want such intrusions ever again. This would make it rather difficult for Tuhul to just barge in like he always did but she didn't care. It would be nice to see the big mouth have to knock for once anyway.
The Nazgul wasn't one who forgave such disrespect. Since when do orcs or any other creature peek on their own master if they have no news to give or don't ask if he needed anything? This was the only reason why he would let anyone come in. Even without knocking. He didn't hide anything, so didn't need a lock really... But well... Hyano is a mortal. She might think otherwise.
Ren bolted right after the orc and used his superior speed to catch up to him, digging in the sharp edges of his boots into the ground, speeding up his movements. He also didn't tire, which only added to his advantage. It didn't take him long to catch him. Of course other guards stepped in as well when they saw their Lord chase the orc, and stood in his way, but they never got to block him as the gauntlets of the Nazgul grasped the fleeing creature's shoulder firmly and pulled him back, causing it to fall but he managed to step over him and stop himself from trampling him. Or killing him. Grabbing the orc, he decided to not kill him just yet, but see what he knows. He didn't quite remember this one... Might be a face that didn't appear at the attack of the rebellion. He didn't say anything but hissed at him sharply before hauling him back towards Hyano's room.
He will ask him a few questions...
The orc allowed himself to be dragged not that he had much choice in the matter.
Once he was in the room Hyano glared at him dead in the eyes. She was far from pleased.
"Why were you spying on us?" she asked rather bluntly.
The orc glared back at her though considering he was going to die anyway he felt little reason to hide what he knew.
"I... was waiting to see an example of the lord's weakness that I kept hearing about." he said.
Hyano raised a brow. "Weakness? What weakness?" she inquired.
"... I keep hearing of Lord Ren...playing. Like a human child. With his pet." he said tilting his head to Hyano.
The girl twitched. Again with the pet thing. And playing? Seriously?! This all was because they had been playing?!
"I want a lock... I want a lock and I swear the next one of these damned orcs that tries spying into my room again is being turned into a woman!" she yelled beyond angry at this point.
The wraith couldn't help but tilt his head to the side as he listened on their conversation, making sure to keep a firm hold on the orc who finally explained why the rebellion started and why his power was questioned.
Seriously...?
He was considered weak for entertaining himself with his servant? It was the most irritating answer he ever heard to any question. Maybe he is entertaining her as well while he did various things but it also amused him which was his main goal. Plus with keeping her happy around him it only strengthened her loyalty to him, stabilizing their bond, making sure she stays on his side and will support him. Of course he won't go and say it out loud, seeing he wanted to keep her thinking that he does this because he was also 'bonded' to her. It was essential and he will not let them question him because of this.
"Fool." Was all he said before he unsheathed the sword from his robe and thrust it forward, letting it run through the orc before stepping back and letting the orc die on its own now. "No one questions my superiority. No matter what I do... No matter where I go... No matter what I say... If anyone questions me again, I will rip their spines right out." he hissed in the end to let his frustration out before stepping over the orc and turning his attention towards Hyano. "Do you think it might prevent another rebellion? If they don't accept our special bond the way it is, we have a problem. And I have to solve it." He didn't like the fact that he wouldn't be able to physically praise her in front of anyone or hide their 'games' from prying eyes. He never wanted to hide their... special ways of expressing their loyalty top each other. It was amusing in itself to see the puzzles faces.
The wizard didn't want to hide it anymore than he did but unless they were planning on killing all the old orcs they had no choice. This sort of moronic behavior was both annoying and deadly. Not only had they lost a portion of their force because they betrayed them but some who were loyal also died.
"What else can we do? Orcs, goblins... they don't understand such things so they take it as a weakness, unless you think you are able to teach them how to play and bond the way we do I think it might be the only way at this point." she said honestly.
Hmm... Yes, a good question indeed.
Ren lowered his invisible gaze to stare at the dead orc before sighing, stroking his 'chin' again in deep thought.
"No... I won't teach them to bond. Such creatures are the best at battle. While they have the basic bond of helping each other... they aren't foolish like humans and let their emotions take over when there is nothing they can do to save one another and go to help them no matter if they die... They actually know to flee and won't stay back to aid those who cannot be helped." he said thoughtfully as he stepped up to the dead orc and kicked its head slightly to see it not react, not shutting its eyes either, just laying there limply bathed in its own dark blood.
"Besides that I don't like the idea of anyone being able to look into my room whenever they please. So far the only one who knows I can't wake without sunlight here is you. I would rather keep it that way." she added.
"I think a lock might not be bad. As it seems I can't trust the guards either..." For now... He will have to make sure that everyone accepts him again and won't go against his word, or question his power because of such minor things. If he wanted to 'play' with his pet then he will play and no one can tell him he shouldn't. It is his decision. Playing won't make him weaker but is essential to keep her at his side.
Hyano nodded then forced herself onto her feet groaning as she dropped onto the floor.
"You talk to the smiths... I at least need to spawn once before the day is out today." she said forcing herself to stand and continue walking heading for the door. She would not be held down completely today. Not if she had anything to say about it. Then again she was as stubborn as ever, especially after all this madness. She wouldn't be forced to show weakness because of this... this horrible day.
The Nazgul however wasn't having any of that.
Not caring about any injuries, he snatched her up in whatever grip he could and walked back towards her bed, setting her down, no matter what sounds or squirming she did. Honestly, if she could get up and thought she can go that long way with such an injury, it meant she felt better and can be carried that way. Well, if not, then she isn't as strong as she thinks herself to be at the moment. If she is stubborn then Ren was extremely so and won't let one of his useful servants kill themselves by misjudging their own abilities. He needed her and that's it.
"I will get one of the smiths here now." He said, not commenting on any show of pain or groan and walked outside, leaving her to look for a smith. Hopefully one that also had knowledge about human armor which surely is thinner and differently shaped than that of orcs...
The young wizard cringed then glared after him as he left.
It was all she could really do. Sometimes she wished she was full-grown so Ren couldn't treat her... like such a child. It was sometimes maddening more than she would like to admit. She sighed and crossed her legs then looked to the mirror. Unlike what Ren had thought one of her eyes was still red as ever. At some point she had learned to accept that it was a permanent thing. It was a sign of her new powers and the effect they had on her. She also looked over her skin and body. Pale skin tone caused by lack of sunlight, taller, the flowers in her hair now had a full set of plant-like teeth...
She hardly looked like the same girl like she was when she first came here.
She shook her head to stop herself from thinking about it before getting an idea. She grinned then jumped off the bed yet again only this time without Ren to stop her she walked to the door and opened it looking to the guard.
"Oi!" she snapped her fingers. "Have a lot of water brought to the room there. I mean a lot." she told him and didn't wait for a reply before going to the room that was across from her own. She had an idea. The room wasn't being used so it was easy to make use of it herself.
That was a weird request indeed...
The orc guard raised an eyebrow but as there was no time given for him to question it, he shrugged and went to do as he was told, of course not before setting another guard to watch the door. The orc soon returned with a bucket of water, guessing she will need more, but this was as much as he was willing to bring at once from such a distance. The canal was quite far away from here... He opened the door and walked in, staring at the wizard, not sure what she wanted to do with the water.
By the time the guard had gotten there the little wizard had created a rather large hole in the floor and was working on smoothing and squaring it off. She was quite literally making her own bath tub although it was looking big enough to be a swimming pool. She looked up when he got there panting heavily.
"You might want to ask for some help." she told him honestly. She wasn't sure how Ren would react to her turning a room into a bath house and at the moment wasn't really thinking about it. All she knew was it was going to feel SO good to get an actual bath for once. If anything he would give her a 'you are stupid' look, if he could even do that, before letting her do her own thing.
The orc raised both eyebrows at this then frowned, opening his mouth to say something before just shaking his head and closed it, knowing full well that she will still want to do this despite what he said. So, shrugging, the guard poured the not-so-clear water from the bucket into the hole before backing away.
"Everyone has their own duties. You need the other guard who is standing by the door. I will just get two buckets..." He murmured as he turned around and walked out. Minutes later he returned with two buckets this time full with water and poured both in. By the time he was bringing the last two buckets he was panting and sweating very badly, his tongue was sticking out, struggling with the two buckets in his hands, walking at a much slower pace. Just to his luck, he also met Ren, who was finally walking back towards Hyano's room with a bulky quite dirty orc following him, who was surely a smith. He slowed down and opted to not deliver the water now...
At least not as long she was done explaining this to the wraith...
Hyano walked out after purifying the water and wondering what was taking the guard so long. She blinked when she saw the wraith and the orc behind him.
"Making a bath. It will help me get better faster." she explained to him simply. She still hadn't gotten dressed really walking around in her under clothes of a white tang top that stopped above her stomach and a skirt. Both were covered in dust and dirt. She had no shoes on having long stopped wearing them when she wasn't walking about the mines. She looked at the orc guard before turning to Ren again. "I like him. He is very loyal." she said showing pride in the guard's effort.
The Ringwraith stopped in his tracks, not expecting a huge hole in the ground filled with water all of a sudden.
He wasn't that long gone, or was he?
He tilted his head to the side as she explained why this... thing is in the room and wondered how water will help her heal, but decided it must be a 'mortal thing' as he used to call those actions she did which he didn't understand. He shook his head in the end, deciding to get this whole thing over with for now. He didn't like standing in the lightest parts of the room, so drew back quickly to the darker corner where he sat down, shielding himself from the sun's rays.
The smith cleared his throat and stepped up closer to her, holding out something like a tape measure.
"I need to take the measures to make your armor." He said matter-of-factly, not going into details about the styles.
Hyano raised a brow then nodded. She turned back to the guard.
"One last run then you can be done for now. I will handle the rest." she said then looked at the smith, and stood with her arms stretched. "Watch my stomach and back please. It hasn't fully healed yet and I don't feel like bleeding everywhere today." she said rather calmly. She was rather tired at this point but she could deal with this. It was like when she had her first robe made for her, it had ended in her having an over sized set of clothes but she still remembered it. "So how long will it take you to make the armor?" she inquired curiously.
The smith went up to the wizard and started taking her measures, stopping every now and then to note them down on a scrap of paper before continuing. While he started at her legs, he heard her question and grimaced slightly, not sure truly about the time either.
"Depends." Honestly, this was all he wanted to say, but feeling the sensation of their Lord's invisible gaze on him, he decided to extend his reply. "If I don't have many requests for today I will be done by tomorrow." He informed her as he finished with it, now moving to measure her stomach area... Now came the difficult part... He knelt down and bent down, trying to take the size carefully. But touching the skin was always inevitable.
The girl took it as best she could, hardening her gaze and looking straight ahead, then ended up landing her gaze on the Nazgul. She sometimes would think of what his face might look like and in her mind was looking at where she believed his eyes might be. Possibly red like the one she had... or black and empty like the darkness he came from. This helped.
"Don't rush it... if you need to take a couple of days. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." she told him. She didn't want subpar armor because he felt he had to meet some deadline. Also, if there were other orders that needed finished they came first. The orcs, especially the guards and generals needed the armor more than she did, seeing they were constantly in battle situations. It was only wise to make sure they got their armor first.
The orc smith chuckled; finally finishing taking the measures he needed and made some last notes on his paper.
"Don't underestimate my abilities. I can work fast and good, this is why I am one of the best smiths here in the mines." He told her, which wasn't a lie. He was kind of famous among his kin for his precise yet fast work. There is only one more who rivals his skill but no one surpassed him yet. Without saying another word the orc stood and left, grumbling something under his breath as he made the calculations already, leaving the room.
The small wizard smiled finding she liked the smith. Unlike most orcs he seemed rather nice, likely because his life didn't revolve so much around fighting as much as the making of the weapons and armor for fighting.
While the two still were occupied, Ren took the time to observe the hole filled with water from afar. One couldn't really see too much from his point of view, but he could tell it wasn't as deep. He also kept wondering how water can help with anyone's healing... It wasn't good for anything in his mind. Possibly to wash out dirt? But her wound isn't open anymore.
She noticed Ren's gaze was on the bath. He likely didn't understand its use, so decided to show him. She first added to the water already in the small pool by pulling water out of the air and putting it in. after that she touched it purifying it, then used fire to heat up the water for a few moments.
Now came the... fun part. If you could call it that.
While baths were very comfortable this was about to hurt quite a bit before it got relaxing. She sighed then eased herself in hissing the moment the water met her wounds. She didn't stop though until she was shoulder-deep then sighed. It was painful but it helped to get rid of the dead skin caused by the burning done to her flesh the previous day. So all and all there was a reason... well besides the fact she really needed a bath.
Despite what she did, Ren still couldn't grasp its use. If he saw well she heated up the water, seeing the steam rising from its surface, also it seemed to not help but worsen her situation, hearing her hiss of pain. Normally, orcs used hot water to cook partly some meat they wanted... And at the treehouse she used hot water to cook her own disgusting food which she consumed. Somehow. He still shuddered when he thought of its stench.
Sighing once, he decided to let her do as she wished for now and relax, possibly watch her and keep her company so she can entertain him. He was bored and needed something to do.
The child looked up, noting he still looked confused as ever but seemed to have given up trying to figure it out. She sighed then patted the spot not far from the pool.
"It's called a bath. You don't need one because you lack a body anymore and orcs and trolls don't because they are made of the earth. However human-like creatures like myself do." she replied simply. "First reason is basic. A clean body makes it easier to move. Dirt makes the body slow and stink. Not very good for combat or running. Second, it gets rid of infections and dead skin like from the burns I received yesterday for my wounds. The dead skin can easily become a problem if not treated right. Third, it feels good and is calming. Kind of like when you meditate. You are awake but your body isn't." she explained trying to keep it all in terms she knew he could understand.
Now the Nazgul officially declared mortals weird and messy.
Since when does dirt slow one down?
All he knew was that he doesn't stink, no matter if he didn't bath and neither does he mind dirt. And mortals have dead skin on their body? But isn't that a good thing since it doesn't have a scent so could be a way to hide from enemies? And calming? She is basically cooked in there... What is so calming in it? He tilted his head to the other side but decided to not voice this. He wasn't in the mood right now to start an argument. Instead, he shifted in his position and got more comfortable, letting his gaze travel first to the headboard of her bed, watching the maze before lowering it to his hands in his lap, before deciding to move and relocate to the bed, perhaps he could resume that difficult and horribly frustrating puzzle…
Hyano shook her head seeing he was still confused. Oh well. There was only so much you could explain to someone who didn't even sweat let alone needed a bath. She just let her body soak for a while before dunking her head and swimming about. When she finally finished, she climbed out and used a spell to dry herself off. It felt good to finally be clean for once; it had been a long time since she had last had a bath. She got her clothes on carefully over her wound before walking over to him and climbed onto the bed as well.
"Much better." she sighed happily looking at her friend. "It's too bad you can't enjoy such things. I'm sure you would like it as well."
The Nazgul just barely moved his hooded head as she talked and shrugged as a reply, tolerating her closeness once more as best as he could. In the past months the dark creature got used to her touch and tolerated her extreme closeness without saying a word. While he didn't understand their importance he wished to satisfy her needs of company and reassurance of his presence, just so she stays at his side. If he neglected her, she surely would find no problem in splitting from him and making her own army against his. In their current bond however he was more than sure that she won't do this. She was too attached to him now to go against him or think of claiming leadership from him.
"I find this is to my advantage. I don't need such basic activities to keep a comfortable state of mind." He explained in his own way. He found it very pleasant that he could use his own way of speech now and didn't need to resort to talking by saying simple words. He never truly wanted to learn the language, this is why he was going that slowly with it, but she did want to learn black speech so in return her mind registered it quicker. Better for him and more comfortable. "Now go and rest." he practically ordered her. "You need to regenerate quickly to keep our plans going." He never shielded his plan to take over the surface of the mountain and seep back into Mordor to free it. However in order to accomplish it, he needed a bigger army...
Hyano sighed and nodded, laying her head down on his leg. Her mind was still very awake despite her body being so tired. She found his dark aura surprisingly calming though which was why she did this so often.
"I wouldn't mind being a little more like you... but I like being able to feel... it may hurt often but it can also feel very good as well." she said, sure that even the orcs could understand that. Even though much of their lives revolved mostly around pain she was sure they understood what pleasure was as well. Maybe she should look into making woman as well. "How come there are no records of female orcs of any kind?" she inquired curiously.
Ren looked at her and if he could he would have surely raised an eyebrow. Maybe his more simple life is desired by many mortals, he didn't think she would do the same. Yes, having no emotions and no understanding of basic needs gives him a great advantage over mortals. He can look past emotions others wouldn't be able to, and can kill someone who worked with him for years because of uselessness without a second thought. However this also made his life a little... dull and boring. If he had nothing else to do a day it was hard to find entertainment with his different thinking and ignorance towards simple emotions... This is also why he can't laugh at jokes... because he can't understand them. He would have raised yet another eyebrow as she asked about... female orcs. Why in the name of the Dark Lord would he need female orcs?
"Why would I need two kinds of orcs?" he asked, tilting his head to the side, watching her.
"Breeding. Like we do with the wargs." she pointed out. "Spawning brings more orcs but if we could also have them breeding then it would be two ways of having them technically increasing their numbers." she pointed out to him simply. While she did create more wargs herself every now and again for the most part they did it on their own. She shuddered as she remembered the day she walked in on... ugh… that. Her mind had been completely blown and she had looked at the Nazgul straight in the hood and asked him what happened.
To say the least it was one of their stranger conversations.
Funny. But strange.
Breeding? Breeding orcs like this? The Nazgul instantly shook his head at the mention of this.
"That would be too slow. They would need to grow for years until they can be trained. Spawning them this way they can be put to work in a matter of few days. The small orcs would be useless for a very long time." He explained, not even wanting to hear about it. That and because he didn't want the orcs to be distracted from their duties. If there are female orcs they wouldn't be as efficient and would want to mate instead of working. He wanted their minds clearly on their goal and on nothing else. If such a thing would be born he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate it. It would even cause fights among their ranks over the females, possibly ending in deaths. He wouldn't want fewer orcs just because of their primal instincts.
The orange istar shrugged. Oh well. It was an idea anyway.
"Whatever. Better of it anyway. At least I don't have to worry about orcs being overgrown perverts." she said with a light giggle then yawned and curled up as much as her body would allow. "Wake me if anything of interest happens..." she mumbled as her mind finally calmed down enough to allow her to sleep. Sleeping when one's mind was very active was rather hard for her unless the sun was down. In that case she had no choice in the matter. She seemed to be able to go a lot longer without the needed sunlight now though which was working out well for the little wizard.
The Nazgul actually expected that she removes her head from his leg but she seemed like she had another idea. And wake her up when something happens? Doesn't she plan to wake up for the next few days? Oh well, he can stay here for a little while...
After staring at her for a little while he sighed in defeat and carefully grabbed her and shifted her, eventually setting her in his lap to sleep there. He had been thinking about increasing her comfort around him. After this rebellion he better be more careful as such annoyances can happen for the smallest of things, which also meant that she might rebel for the smallest of discomfort. At least this is what his unguided mind concluded, so wanted to make sure she felt comfortable around him and feels his support.
He wanted to reassure his power and superiority among all.
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