Son of a Warg!

by CA Productions

Sauron is destroyed. However, one of the Nazgul manages to flee from the destruction. He is found by one of the istari, the Orange Wizard, Hyano. After taking him in, she doesn't yet realize that she set a series of happenings in motion, which will change both of their lives.

18. The Power of Nature

Avp: As promised, here is a second chapter for your reading pleasure. This time it is a little relaxing chapter before the plot picks up again.

Cubby: Yeah this is one of our cuter chapters and we will be getting a couple of those.

Ren: *Hisses and slinks away.*

Cubby: Aw. Does Ren not like the cuteness? How about this?! *Pulls out My Little Pony cannon and starts firing little pink bunnies at him.*

Ren: *Shrieks and takes off running.*

Cubby: Mwahahaha! Better then paint ball any day! *Runs after him.*

Avp: … How do I live with these guys?!

Hyano: *Watches while eating popcorn.* How have you not figured out you are the only one paying rent?

Avp: Wait… What?!

Hyano: Enjoy the show everyone! *Waves*

CA Productions

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Disclaimer: See first chapter.

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Chapter 18 - The Power of Nature

-a few days later-

Hyano opened her green eyes and groaned before looking around a little dazed, still under the effect of what inspired a while ago. What she could remember last was darkness and now here she was, under the clear blue sky, watching as the clouds passed by and the bird flew with the wind with ease, parting their wings to let the air currents carry them. The songs of creatures joined one another in harmony, creating the tune and gentle melody of Mother Nature.

The clouds were fluffy and small, few on the sky, almost appearing happy, smiling, carrying no ill feelings towards her past and her command from before. The sun's rays gently caressed her slightly pale but already tanning skin. Despite the brightness however, she still felt... weak? She blinked a few times at this, then closed her eyes, wishing to raise her hand and wipe her brow, feeling a drop of sweat wander down from her forehead. This was when she noticed she could not move her arms.

"What in Middle-Earth?" she said and looked down before seeing the glowing chains around her wrists and ankles. She had never seen such a thing before but she knew what it was and knew she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. She glared at her bindings before looking around. "Come out, Gandalf! I know you're here!" she yelled. She was angry. Angry at herself for not realizing the wizard's plan and the wizard for doing it in the first place.

"No need to shout." Came the voice of the White Wizard as he sat beside her bound form on a carriage. "I am right here." After their victory, they were quick to pull back, not wishing to draw out the battle when it was not necessary, it simply did not pay off to chase the dark creatures through the mines. The orcs themselves retreated back into the gates and closed it after themselves, making it to their self appointed prison. The elves reassured Gandalf that they will keep watch over Moria, not letting darkness slip outside. Not even for a moment. He also made sure to collect the furious but weak Nazgul and sent him off as soon as he could to Mordor. The wraith was basically dazed by the time the wizard finished with him, and had him bound as well, letting the humans take care of him. He received the news not long ago that Ren now passed the Black Gates and was bound with metal chains to two stone pillars. By the time they reached Mordor, the Ringwraith was already up and hissing, having not stopped his demands and rage even after they left him there on his own. His shrieks still apparently echo through the dark land. But there was no other choice for them. They needed to solve this, and lacking the means of destroying him, the best was to let him coexist and keep him away from the rest of the world. Then he also collected his lost wizard and bound her, blocking her magic, and now they are on their way back to Isengard.

"How do you feel, Hyano?" He asked, his blue eyes watching her carefully and kindly, not at all angry with her.

The orange wizard was taken aback by this. She had expected anger from him. She honestly didn't expect to even be alive. At his question she debated. She hadn't been asked a question like that in some time, mostly because no one in the mine cared nearly that much for her wellbeing to ask besides Ren and he only watched her to figure out the answer to that. It had been a while since she spoke in the tongue of man. It might take her a little while to fall back into it again. She looked around then turned her red and green eyes to his blue ones.

"I am fine… Where is Ren and how many of my orcs did you kill?" she asked him bluntly wanting to know what she had missed while she was asleep. She didn't even seem to care as to where she was being taken to at the moment favoring knowing where her mate was instead.

The wizard watched her carefully. Of course, he noticed the change on her eyes as well as the slightly blackened mark on her shoulder which should be glowing orange. He identified this as the effect of dark magic. So, she was either forced to use this magic or did so herself. He will get these answers later though. He also noted what anger she showed. He couldn't help but shake his head and watch her.

"Your friend is where he should be. On his way to Mordor where he can stay safe." He did not comment on the orcs though, neither did he give her the little detail about Ren having already found his new 'home'. Most of them were dead yes, but a few managed to escape. He won't disclose any more details though. There was still the possibility she escapes before he can correct her behavior right and will look for the orcs and the Nazgul.

"He is not my friend. He is my mate." she corrected with pride in the fact before leaning back. Hyano stayed quiet for the most part after that, calming down a little as she thought about Ren. Eventually, he would get out of Mordor and come for her... right? She shook her head. She would not question it. He would come. After some time of deep thinking, she finally raised her gaze to watch the back of Gandalf's head as he drove the carriage along the road. "... What are you going to do to me?" she finally asked him curious if she would be put on trial, killed or something else. There were quite a number of options considering what she was and her situation.

The word 'mate' made the wizard raise his eyebrows, then frown, not sure what to think of her claim. Her bond to this creature was even stronger and he couldn't help but think that the Nazgul has planned this all along. He behaved more tolerant towards her to gain her favor and establish a strong bond. He got what he wanted as it seemed. He wondered if he completely changed her views or not.

"You never answered my question about how you feel." The wizard said, not answering her question just yet, knowing that her previous answer was nothing but a lie. He didn't want to tell her what he planned either. She will know when the time comes. He hoped it will work, now that the dark creature ate himself so deep within her mind

Hyano raised a brow as he asked the question again. She had said she was fine but... maybe that is not quite what he wanted to hear or what he expected. She thought a moment then sighed.

"Annoyed... Sad. I miss Ren already... I feel safe." she looked at him. "I know you won't hurt me... you would have already if you were going to... I am glad... I really didn't want to fight you." she added being honest like she always had. "... I am happy to see you are still doing well... you haven't changed much at all." she commented on the wizard in looks and attitude.

The wizard hummed at her reply, already seeing the many emotions and thoughts conflicting, while some strengthened each other. Her behavior seemed confusing at the moment, which could be caused by her own original personality battling with the one she was changed into. He will cure her of the corruption made by the dark magic and free her mind from all the words the wraith fed her with.

"No, I am not going to hurt you, Hyano." He reassured her, although she already knew he won't. "I am going to help you." He continued before smiling at her, chuckling. "Indeed I did not change. But you did and quite much at that. You grew up. Which is surprising after six thousand years of being a child."

At the comment about her growing-up the orange wizard tapped her shoulder where her glowing life-giver was.

"I have a theory on that one. I believe while my mark kept me alive all these years, it also kept me young far longer than was really needed. When I started using dark magic, a part of it seeping into the mark, cracking the spell enough to allow my physical age to catch up. While I am sure you do not like the fact I took to the dark arts, it in many ways helped me in the end." she explained to him. She wasn't about to explain to him just how far into the dark arts she had gone. How it had affected her and how much she really knew. That would be telling too much. "How do you plan to help me exactly?"

While he looked like he did not take note of what she said, he made sure to remember it later. Her cleansing will depend on this information. He will get more out of her the way he always did.

"You will see. But don't worry. I will not harm you in any way." He decided to not disclose his strategy and ways. She won't even notice if he did it right. "So... the wraith is your mate then. I wonder how it came to this. I am surprised." This revelation was quite... surprising. He always saw them as sister-brother or father-daughter than anything else. They seemed to have these connections. But lovers? He blamed the dark magic for it and the corruption.

"I was as well. However wraiths mate to show who their second in command is. Not so much for mating." she said using terms that Ren knew because she had long realized saying 'sex' did not work and had dropped the terms altogether. "Ren and I have done that once but we have only been mates for a short time so that is no surprise." she said more saying this to see the wizard's reaction to the knowledge. Would he freak out or would he take it well? She was kind of teasing him in a way, seeing what she said was a lie but she wouldn't tell him that. That would take the fun out of it. In truth, she never could bring herself to ask for Ren's increased attention.

The wizard indeed raised an eyebrow at the revelation and stared at her rather surprised, turning around to meet her gaze.

"I didn't know wraiths could 'mate' as you say. Or that you would be so much attached to him to do this. But well..." he trailed off, looking around out of the carriage to see where they are at the moment. "... This doesn't matter anymore." He wanted to stay mysterious about how he wished to solve their problem. "The main thing is that I got you back. No istar shall be on the wrong side but should be answering to me instead of a Nazgul." He informed her and crossed his arms over his chest, sighing once. "This is where you belong, Hyano."

The young wizard couldn't help but scoff.

"Really now? I belong with you now?" she questioned him. "Exactly where were you during the majority of the 6000 years I was alive? I have been gone only a little over a year and Ren has spent more time with me than any of the istari combined. So please explain to me again how I belong and should answer to someone who isn't even there?" she pointed out to him anger lacing her voice again. Did he really think it was going to be that easy? That she would just change her loyalty back to him without as much as a second thought? After all she had been through? Yes, the wise wizard had another thing coming.

"This is where you belonged from the start, young wizard." The white wizard said, leaning back, taking on a more relaxed position. "You should know that we, istari, aren't as sociable and work on our own separately on our own projects. But we weren't created to join the dark side. We were created to balance it. And you unbalanced it by working for them." He informed her, meeting her gaze with his blue eyes. "I have been there for you from the start. Everyone is welcome to visit Isengard and meet our leader if you wish for company. But this isn't our way." He hummed and looked down, whispering. "And he can't feel, Hyano. He just used you." The girl probably had no idea that the wraith, who probably swayed her by promise of comfort and love, actually couldn't feel any emotions and simply used these tricks to lure her to his side and control her.

The young istar glared, then looked away.

"I know what he did, Gandalf... I know he can't feel... but I enjoyed his company... And believe it or not, he seemed to enjoy mine as well... In his own way." she said gripping her fists. She was no fool. She knew the Nazgul could not feel like a human but... he made her feel more accepted and at home than she had before. He made her feel like she wasn't alone, that she was useful and she loved that. They played, talked. He was honest with her about his thoughts and opinions of her. No human could be that way, at least not in her mind anyway.

Gandalf couldn't help but shake his head, watching the floor.

"He was just acting. Playing so you would join his cause. I see he dug himself quite deep within your mind." He commented, looking at her again, gripping his staff tighter. "But no matter. We will help that." He smiled in a reassuring way, as if he just told her he will cure her of a disease. Which it was in his opinion. The Nazgul ate his way to her heart and with his behavior he chained the young wizard to himself. But then again... With his fall and with her back in Isengard, he will be able to loosen this bond. He already knew what he will do.

Hyano didn't like the way he talked about it. She didn't feel sick or that anything was really wrong with her. She didn't like him thinking she was either.

"I don't need helped... I am fine the way I am." she said but didn't protest beyond that. She knew he wouldn't listen and she honestly didn't care. You can't convince someone you are fine when they believe with all their heart something is wrong with you. "How far to our destination?" she questioned him.

The wizard in return raised his gaze and peered at the landscape around them, recognizing the plains, the trees and the whisper of the wind.

"We are going to Isengard." He told her finally, turning back around to watch her. "I think you should rest a little. It might take a few more hours." While he knew she just woke up from a forced slumber by the lack of light, he knew this stress was exhausting her somewhat. In addition, time will fly much faster if one decides to rest or better yet, sleep.

The orange istar was quiet for a moment. In debate really. While she trusted the wizard... she did not trust those in Isengard. However, his idea for rest did sound nice. While she was no longer sleepy... she was very tired. She sighed then without thinking she rested her head on the much older man's shoulder.

"Yes, sir..." she said softly before closing her eyes. Even with all the time she spent with Ren it still felt nice to be around the carefree wizard again.

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Just as Gandalf said, the carriage stopped in front of the tower after a few hours of traveling. Through the years, it was nicely restored, the water wasn't flooding the ground anymore either. The trees started to grow, but the wizard preferred not to speed up the healing process. He wanted to see them grow day by day, be present when they sprout and through the years grow thick and sturdy. Becoming more durable than those trees, which were helped to grow by magic. He will let nature take its course.

The wizard didn't get up for a few minutes but stared at the sleeping girl, who he thought he lost forever. But now their Order is complete again. He smiled and slowly nudged the other istar gently before moving to stand, making sure she doesn't fall to the side.

"We are here." He said, climbing down. "When was the last time you visited Isengard again? I... can't even remember." He chuckled as he reached out, wishing to help her climb down.

Hyano woke up a little lazily before looking around. She then saw the tall tower of Isengard and looked it over for a moment.

"Not since Radagast..." she said looking over the structures hardly remembering any of it. She then stood up and took his hand before getting down. Thankfully the chains were made for binding her magic, not so much to bind her mobility. She could probably try to run if she really wanted to... but where would she go? Such chains can only come off by the person who put them on... In this case it can only be done by Gandalf. She wouldn't be able to do much of anything even if she got away. She let her eyes wander feeling like a child again as she saw all of these new things. "It looks... better than I remember." she finally stated.

Gandalf couldn't help but chuckle at her statement.

"I would say it looks worse." He said and walked towards the entrance, looking back once to make sure she follows behind him. "The war has left its traces even here." He gestured towards the spots here and there on the tower which was slightly broken, thanks to the fight here, and also turned her attention towards the still growing trees where the ancient ones should tower over them. "But we are nicely recovering." He smiled and opened the gates, letting her inside. "Come, if you want I will give you a small tour around the tower, just to refresh your knowledge about it. Or I can show you to the room where you will stay." He offered, turning towards her as they stopped.

Hyano looked around, feeling rather... unsure of herself. It had been some time since she had to make choices for herself that didn't involve making Ren happy in some way. She turned her eyes back to Gandalf.

"I... would like a tour." she said trying to hide how she was feeling at the moment. She didn't like it. She wasn't scared. She hadn't felt that way in a long time but unsure of herself was close. She mentally scolded herself for feeling such things, knowing Ren would do the same. He would scold her in anger, demanding a stricter and more determined behavior, pushing her to be the fearsome dark wizard he made her become.

The wizard did as she requested, slowly they made their way through the tower and up it, showing her the immerse library, the alchemy rooms, the upper tower which belonged to Saruman and now him, and the very top of the tower, where they were standing now, looking down at the recovering forests, the mountains standing tall in the not so far distance.

"It looked more pretty back then. But it will be even more beautiful when it all recovers." He told her as they wandered the top. "I wish to let it do so on its own. Not sped by magic. This way the nature will be more durable and will stand more firmly against the odds."

She looked around at the nature. It took her a moment to see things like she used to, having been in the mines for so long. There, all one could see of nature was moss, mushrooms, the occasional insects and fish within the underground ponds and streams. But she did enjoy every opportunity she had. She even had a small garden of tiny underground moss, grass and some brightly colored insects. She wondered what will happen to them now…

"I think they would agree... Trees and nature in general values its time." she said talking almost like she had before about nature. The one thing she had loved more than anything. Her eyes wandered over the green of the land and the few creatures her eyes could catch. "It will take a long time for the animals to trust this land enough to come back to it..." she said noticing a lack of wildlife.

Gandalf nodded.

"Indeed. Their fear is very much valid though..." he explained, stepping up to the edge where Saruman was standing before he died. "The last White Wizard has done enough crime against them to anger the trees, who came stomping, destroying what caused the destruction of the forests." He said, turning towards her with a sad smile. "They might be able to forgive... but never forget." He was glad she actually looked at nature the way she used to, which also meant not everything was lost just yet. Her recovery might not take as long as he thought it would. "You will stay here with me, and together we can work on that."

"Tree Herders..." she said more to herself. They remembered everything from the very details of the day they came to being, to the day they died. She knew more than a few of them -being a wizard of the forest- but like wizards they never stayed in one place for long, favoring movement that the trees they protected did not have. "Are you sure having me here is a good idea, Gandalf? I doubt they will want a wizard like myself anywhere near here after what happened. Even with you keeping me under your watchful gaze." she questioned. While she knew them, they were not ones to technically make friends. They based their judgment more on what they can feel of you at the time. Before, she felt innocent so the trees gave her that kind of treatment. However... she was not so now.

"This isn't about them." Gandalf corrected her, smiling, walking up to her and standing in front of her before taking his staff and poked her nose gently with it, making sure to not apply much pressure. "It is about you and your cleansing." He finally explained, walking past her and standing behind her. "Nature will help you clear your mind and soul, giving back what you lost, while you help it recover. Take care of the trees, the flowers... Healing animals." He knew that the more she would spend in the green nature; she will start forgetting about the darkness within her heart more. This alone of course won't be enough. He needed to use his own magic, and cleanse her mind completely, restoring her mental health to the original... making her forget about everything that had anything to do with the darkness.

Hyano blinked as he tapped her nose then looked over her shoulder at him. Was that really it? She starts healing and taking care of nature again and that was all there was to it? She was quiet for a moment before sighing.

"I have no choice in the matter so... lead the way, Gandalf..." she said to him, though, she still seemed rather reluctant. She still didn't believe that anything was really wrong with her. She stopped as her stomach rumbled, reminding her she had yet to eat in the past two days and considering she did not eat very much in the first place her body was not about to let her skip another meal without some form of protest. "... I wouldn't suppose your cooking has improved at all in the past year?" she asked him knowing full well that the wizard was very good at many things but cooking was not one of them.

He was about to suggest she stays around the tower and keeps resting for a little while but as he opened his mouth to speak, her stomach growled. He stared at her for a little while but eventually chuckled and laughed.

"Oh no...No, it did not, indeed. So, I suggest eating the few apples I have harvested not long ago." He gestured towards the tunnel that will lead them down the tower and towards the room where he took all the food to stay fresh. The room itself wasn't big, and seemed more natural than anything with the old wooden shelves and the earth that was left open, not hidden by rocks or stones. He reached up and took a little basket from a shelf, handing it to her. "This one is from a tree not far from here. It wants to help us rebuild the forest and gave me these fruits. Make sure to keep the seeds. We will plant them later."

The orange wizard took it and for a moment just stopped. She hadn't had anything but meat in a long time. She heard what Gandalf said about the seeds and nodded. She didn't even question it, seeing she had done that quite a bit before anyway, so the thought was almost secondary still. She then bit into it and her eyes widened at the taste like she had never had anything that good before. Well, she hadn't in quite some time now.

"...I... forgot what fruit tasted like..." she admitted before continuing to eat, not even gulping down the bites before taking another, feeling her taste buds tingling at the sweet aroma of the apple, which caused some tears to gather in the corner of her eyes. She may have forgotten what Gandalf had said altogether if she hadn't felt a seed in her mouth. She spat it out quickly into her hand before using her nails to start digging out the rest so she wouldn't have that problem again.

The White watched as she almost chocked on the food, she ate so hungrily. He wondered what she ate when she was with the Nazgul if not fruits and vegetables. Meat perhaps? But she was strictly vegetarian... Well, if she was forced to eat it to stay alive, she surely did so to not starve.

"Careful. It tastes better if you actually chew it." He chuckled, gesturing for her towards a table where they can sit down. "So... what happened to you through the year I didn't see you?" The wizard asked curiously, wanting to know what she did... or what the wraith made her do. It didn't matter anymore how many information he had though. The Nazgul surely is already in Mordor and chained up. The orcs are pushed back where they were. The fight ended. All information was needed to see her mental state.

The young wizard followed his instructions to sit, placing the seeds on the table with the apples on the opposite end so she could keep them neat and not make too much of a mess. Apples could get rather messy sometimes. She sat and thought for a moment as to what to tell the wizard about what all she had done. She looked over the apple on her hands as if it had the answer before replying.

"I fought a lot... got beat up more than once... Ate meat for the first time in my life... Got sick for weeks before I could finally keep down a meal..." she stopped as she thought. "I learned dark magic from one of Saruman's spell books. I learned every spell in the book. I trained constantly in one way or another... I think I learned more in one year then I did in the 6000 I spent in that stupid cabin." she said then took another bite of her apple. Because indeed, the book that the goblin general brought her was Saruman's work. He had been gathering knowledge of dark spells from both Sauron and the Witch-king to appease them and to show him his loyalty by learning them, corrupting his own self in return. She felt annoyed at this knowledge at first, but eventually coped with it, wishing to at least use what he learned to her own goal.

The wizard listened on to what she said and nodded here and there, humming. So, she did eat meat. What else one could eat among orcs anyway? They surely didn't do the job to gather fruits for a single member... He did expect that she fought. Dark creatures are always prone to aggression, no matter if they are provoked or not. However, what answered most of his questions was when she mentioned she learned dark magic. It must have corrupted her mind, so became the very core of her change. And also, the very base of her attacks in the battle. He could remember them well and will not let her practice them any longer.

"Oh..." He exclaimed, blinking. Istari were made to oppose dark magic, balancing it even. But of course it wasn't impossible to learn the other magic. Higher wizards could use minor ones. However even the easiest dark magic can kill them, and he wondered how she even survived learning all that was in the book... "So, dark magic." he started. "Didn't you have trouble with it?" he asked, not really wanting to go into detail into what it does to the body. "And stupid cabin?" He raised an eyebrow, staring at her in surprise at the way she described the home of the one wizard who raised her and took care of her… Who saved her life and granted her a chance that nature refused to give. "Since when did Radagast's shack become a 'stupid cabin'?"

"Radagast's shack was destroyed because the materials it was made of were weak. Drift wood is hardly a smart thing to build a home from. I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did." she said bluntly. "As for the effects of the magic... the very first spell I used I found out what dark magic could do to me... My hands were turned black as if someone had burned me and it felt like I had been burned... Yet I couldn't feel touch. I had to start small and even then I had the same effect. However with time as you get better at each spell the effects quickly wear off until you don't even notice them anymore. When my whole body turned though... it is like being lit on fire constantly. That is what changed my eye color and the spell on my shoulder. It has been that way since then anyway so I figure that is why." she answered him as she finished another apple adding another set of seeds to her little pile.

The white wizard nodded and blinked a few times, looking up to watch her, wondering if she knew why her body turned black. It was one of the reasons why no one tries dark magic. Unlike any other magic, it was... rather hostile to the caster.

"You had these effects because the magic tried to kill you, slowly. You can thank your mark that you stayed alive. Without that..." he didn't even want to finish. Dark magic generally attacked each caster when used, but the ones who were tainted and bred with dark blood simply were immune to its effects. Orcs, goblins, bred dark mages and witches with dark blood. And of course... the Nazgul. "In this case you will have trouble casting light magic... as the darkness within already made your body and mind its home. It won't react well..." he warned her firmly, not wanting her to get into shock once she realizes that her own magic hurts her. It will for a while, but he didn't plan to let her use any magic until he cleansed her.

Hyano blinked at this. She didn't even remember the last light magic based spell she used. Maybe one of Gandalf's firework spells? She shook her head. No that wasn't it. She brushed her thumbs over another apple thinking. Her mind went from magic to the white wizard next to her.

"Gandalf... why aren't you angry with me? I was sure you would at least be angry but... you don't seem mad at all." she inquired deciding she wanted to know about the wizard too. She figured she said more than enough about herself at this point. Might as well see what the white wizard had to offer in exchange.

The wizard in question just kept smiling, his kind blue gaze meeting Hyano's bright green and red ones, shaking his head a little and reached out to take an apple from the few that remained in the basket.

"I have no reason to be angry at you, Hyano." he told her as he cleaned the surface of the fruit with his sleeve, rubbing it. "But I am angry indeed. Angry at myself... For letting you suffer and not making the right decisions over and over again when I was contemplating the Nazgul's case." He said rather sadly, now taking a bite of the fruit, smiling and nodding at its fine taste. "I should have expressed more authority and taken him when I had the chance, no matter what you said. Because in the end... you were still a child." He sighed and continued eating, adding in between bites. "Of course don't take me wrong... I don't say this because I held you less able. But because of your undeveloped mind. Despite living for about six thousand years, your development wasn't finished, which caused your more carefree thinking and the unlimited caring nature. You didn't have experience. You couldn't see the evil within him. You didn't know what he truly was, but only saw what he showed you. I should have known better."

So, he blamed himself. While the orange istar should probably take it as a good thing she didn't really want him putting the blame on himself. She shook her head.

"No... I may have been a child but I made my choices like anyone. You trusted me because I asked you to... when you stopped trusting me I felt betrayed. I felt like the ground was taken out from under my feet and Ren offered me a way out. I made the choice... you shouldn't blame yourself for it." she told him firmly before biting into another apple. Despite all that had happened this showed she still cared about the people around her. Even Gandalf. Or perhaps… especially him.

Gandalf chuckled as he swallowed the last bite of the apple, having put out the seeds as well on the table.

"But you forget one detail, Hyano." he told her, wiping his mouth carefully in a cloth that was next to them, not wanting to get his white robe dirty. It was one thing to use his grey outfit as any rug, but once you have something white... well... One single mistake and you can switch clothes. "You are but an apprentice, not yet a true wizard of our Order. In this case I take all the burden. Whatever you do wrong, I take the blame as it is expected of me. But I am not saying this out of duty." he reassured her, not wanting to sound like he does everything because people would want him to. "I am a higher ranked wizard. I have been there and seen the problem. I should have known better than to trust you with this task. If I held firmly to my word, you would be already doing your final tests for entering our Order."

Hyano did not like this. She didn't like that he took the blame for her, that no matter what she did she wasn't at fault. A part of her felt like she should be. It was her choices that caused this, not Gandalf's. At least in her mind anyway. She lost interest in the apples for the moment, having eaten more than enough.

"Whatever makes you feel better, Gandalf..." she mumbled. "How long do you think it will take you to 'make me better'?" she asked him. She still wasn't convinced that there was anything really wrong with her but she felt it was easier to let the white wizard see it that way.

At her question, he raised an eyebrow and turned his head towards the rather large window, gazing out of it towards the distant mountains. He was in deep thought for a few seconds, watching the sky and nature, as if it held the answer to the question that was asked by the younger wizard.

"At first, I gave it a few months... But I didn't know you are so deeply affected by the darkness..." he explained, now turning his gaze back to her, still sporting a thoughtful gaze. "It might take long years until you can be yourself again." He told her, still unsure about the extent she is corrupted at. She might not realize it but her behavior is showing abnormalities. If nothing else, he will help her get back to her original self by removing her memories of everything concerning the Nazgul and all that was connected to it. However he won't tell her his method. She won't even notice but start forgetting things over the years. "If we are lucky... You will be cured by the time I have to leave..."

Hyano raised a brow.

"Leave?" she questioned. Sure, she knew he couldn't stay forever. He would go on another mission or something of that nature. However the way he said it... it suggested he was leaving... and not coming back. "Where are you going? For how long?.. Why?" she questioned him the thoughts and worries flying through her head. Why would he have to leave? He was the white wizard for crying out loud! He was supposed to always be there unless he was corrupted like Saruman and as far as she knew Gandalf was far from being corrupted in anyway shape or form.

The wizard smiled at her weakly. So, she still was concerned and could determine something was amiss. Her senses weren't exactly touched by the corruption, or just by being out and about so close to nature lessened the effects of the dark magic.

"Leave... Yes..." he started, shifting in his position, not sure how she will take the news. He didn't want to exactly say that, but now that it slipped out, he has to finish it. He also didn't want to keep secrets from her... He never did and never planned to do so. "I will go oversea with the elves and many more to leave this part of the world and with that take all the bad memories of the past wars with us. We are no more needed, and the magic of this world is waning. It cannot sustain so many of us at once." They noticed it and talked about this with Elrond himself. The elves are basically fleeing from this world in search of stable magic, which can be found elsewhere. They know the destination and know the date when to leave. All they need to do is clean up and settle problems.

Hyano blinked at this. So... he really was leaving for good. Him... The elves... Likely more. She looked down then scoffed.

"Heh... figures. You bring me back... fix me... then leave me permanently. Remind me what the incentive is to get fixed again?" she asked then got up. She was angry and most of all sad. She had missed the white wizard in the mines but now she knew he would leave and never return and that just made the pain all the more. She would not show it though. She was trained better than that. "I'm going to sleep." she said pushing away from the table and walking away planning to go to the room he had said would be hers during her time here.

The White wizard opted to go and tell her what will await her, but decided against it. He didn't move to stop her and didn't answer her question either. It doesn't matter anyway, he knew that. She won't know what they talked about now by the time he leaves. She will know her task of keeping their Order present through her, and watching the humans as they went on with their lives. In addition, she would be around if Sauron does return, helping humankind, aiding them with her power. She will have all the books and scrolls in Isengard to her disposal to learn. Every spell they knew, every potion they can make... It is all here. And she will know it. He chuckled and grabbed the last apple, cleaning it as well with his sleeve before biting into it, picking out the seeds. They will plant them tomorrow.

---

Hyano had got to sleep way before sun set so she ended up just sitting on her bed thinking for a number of hours. She knew Gandalf only wanted to help but that didn't make her any easier to work with him. She didn't want to be 'fixed'. She was happy the way she was, however if she wanted to get these cursed chains off anytime soon she would have to go along with whatever he said for now.

She ended up waking and the next morning and walking around until she came to the area where he had been keeping the food. She looked it over then noticed some mushrooms and couldn't help thinking of her old master. She then picked at a few of the different fruits and vegetables until she came to some nuts. She hadn't had these in some time either. She eventually gathered herself a small pile of berries and nuts and sat to the table, eating them, enjoying the silence for the moment.

After a while suddenly there were small and faint scratching sounds coming from below the table, which moved upwards the wooden leg, and stopped. There was a small silence, then all of a sudden the small head of a chipmunk peeked over the edge from the farthest end and blinked as it saw her. He chirped before giving small grunts, but eventually managed to climb up all the way. It hopped closer to her and squeaked, but stopped in a short distance, watching her before lowering its gaze to all the nuts and berries she got. After this he closed his eyes and started cleaning its muzzle and eyes with his tiny hands, trying to wake up from the slumber he had close to that box where she found these treats.

Hyano was taken aback by the appearance of the little creature. It took her a moment to process not only what but who she was looking at.

"Ship?" she questioned before a huge smile spread across her face. Before the little guy had a chance to react she scooped him up and pulled him into a soft hug. "Oh Ship, I have missed you so much! I'm so sorry we didn't come back for you." she said then kissed the top of his head. She had missed the little creature more than even she had realized. Even before Ren had come the little chipmunk had lived in her home from time to time, so not having him around had been very depressing. Not having any wildlife at all actually had been most depressing.

The little rodent squealed and squeaked, shutting his eyes a little, but eventually moved and wiggled out of her grasp quickly, before jumping down on the table and scurrying to the nuts the young wizard brought for herself. He quickly snatched one up and went back to the other end of the table, holding a little distance and staring at her, waggling his little tail to show her he was happy as well... however he was unsure...

She changed...

"I thought you might be happy to see your little friend again." Came the happy and gentle voice of the older wizard as he stepped into the room, making the poor young girl jump in surprise, holding his staff in one hand behind his back. "It took me a while but eventually found him in the forest at the tree house a few months ago after winter." he told her and stopped at the table, picking up a berry and ate it slowly, smiling. "I see he is as happy to see you again as well. He is more active and isn't going back to his little box already." he gestured towards the little animal as it still munched on the nut, wagging his tail almost as fast as one couldn't see it anymore.

Hyano watched him, pulling her hand back. She should have guessed he would be wary of her. Only to be expected. However it was still nice to see him all the same.

"... Thank you... I had been worried that something might have happened to him while we were gone. There was no way for us to come back and get him safely..." she smiled then picked up a nut and popped it in her mouth. She then looked to the wizard again. "He won't trust me for a while will he?" she asked, though, she already knew the answer.

Gandalf shifted his gaze to the little animal as it finished the nut but didn't feel as comfortable to get a new one, so reached out and picked up a berry, and tossed it to the chipmunk which caught it happily and started eating it.

"Well. He needs to get used to your... bigger frame. You have grown and look differently. He doesn't know what to think." He said and extended his hand, stroking the little animal's tiny head. "And he feels the darkness within you. This is what holds him back. But don't worry. We will take care of that and you can carry him on your shoulder like before you vanished." He smiled, trying to reassure her, before picking the rodent up and putting it on his shoulder, then extended his other and showed the younger wizard the apple seeds they saved up yesterday. "Let's go and plant these now. A little... 'nature' will do you good." He gestured towards the entrance and moved to it.

Hyano looked towards the small creature then to the seeds.

"I... I guess." she said remembering her reaction to the sunlight when she first moved out of the mines. She walked up to the entrance and stood there a moment before taking a step out and cringing a little, her eyes still not used to real sunlight. Her red one reacted the most, making her reach up and cover it with one hand. She was half tempted to try to block out the sun but remembered she couldn't do that with the chains on her. She would just have to get used to it again. "How far are we going?" she questioned him.

Gandalf did notice her reaction to the sun and knew why she did so. However he did not offer assistance in this matter. He simply couldn't. It was all needed for her cleansing. The more she spends in the light, the more the darkness will be pushed back and will eventually leave her completely. With time. This can take months.

"Come, we go to that little patch there." he pointed towards the slightly brown patch of land. Many tiny plants were already growing out of one part of it. They were all small 'newborn' trees, saplings which once grew more sturdy will be planted back to the forest. "The earth here is looser and lets the tiny plants grow with more nurturing. Once they start to grow their first layer of 'bark', they will be planted back to the forest." he stopped in front of it and crouched down, reaching out to caress the leaf of a smaller soon-to-be tree. "You could call it a kindergarten." he chuckled as he gave it a name and reached out to put some seeds into her hand as well, so she can help him. "Are you ready to restore once more?"

The orange wizard took the seeds and held them in her hand for a moment while looking at the plants already in the little... kindergarten, as he called it. She noticed them and searched her memory for what each one was. It took her a moment but she eventually nodded kneeling down.

"You shouldn't plant oaks too close to apple trees. They tend to get their roots tangled and it will make it harder to replant them." she said more to herself as she pulled her hand from her eye and pushed a finger into the dirt before dropping a seed into it. At first she seemed to hesitate, wondering if she put it in the right place but eventually she covered the little hole she had made making sure the earth stuck out a little so she knew where she had planted it so she could come back to it later. She continued this process getting more confident as she went along.

The wizard chuckled and shook his head at the lecture.

"I know that, and didn't plant any of them that close. Do not question my knowledge young one." he warned her, although playfully, not meaning it seriously and knelt down as well, planting the seeds that were in his hands. "After this we will go to the saplings that were already planted into the forest and see to their comfort and health." he informed her before he stood before moving to the side to inspect their handywork. "The ground is already wet because of the rain this morning and didn't dry at all. I doubt we will need to water them. Let us move to the saplings." He told her and gestured towards the forest which was already starting to grow back. The trees were still small; the oldest here barely was two times as high as the wizard, while the youngest was just reaching to his knee.

Hyano blinked then nodded, having been so into her work that she didn't even notice she ran out of seeds. She stood up and followed after him, looking at all the trees. It was a good thing the wildlife had yet to return to these lands. These trees were far too young to support them and would likely be damaged rather heavily by the creatures who would try to use them the same way they did any other tree. She noticed a few saplings had been pushed over, likely because of the winds last night and because the ground was made loose by the rain. The young ones just didn't have the roots yet to stay firmly planted. She walked up to one and started fixing it without thinking twice about it. She added a little extra dirt to try and help hold it down. Normally, one would use a stick and a string or rope to help prop up a young tree but the though just made Hyano cringe. Using a dead plant to prop up a newborn? That was kind of just wrong.

The white wizard walked behind her, smiling at the improvement she showed. She was beginning to be herself again, caring for nature as she used to, and helping those in need without needing to ask. Be it a man, animal or plant. He stopped and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to listen to the whispers of the young trees, smiling as they tried their first words, learning from the older ones that surrounded the mountains. They will soon start talking; luring in insects to help them reproduce and with that the birds will start appearing as well. Just a few more years... Maybe ten. It wasn't a fast process, but one that was slow. But at least they learn to survive unlike those trees which are helped to grow with magic. They face the odds unprepared. However these saplings won't befall victim to this. He will let them grow and learn at the same time. He also started to see to the newer and older trees, removing dried leaves or broken branches, caressing the bark of some, speaking to them gently, teaching them and reassuring them. It had been late afternoon when they finished with their task and pulled back to the tower, feeling that a storm was coming. This might scare the trees, but they will have to hold on and learn to stand against the harsh winds.

Hyano followed after the wizard but stopped when she noticed something. A weed. Weeds were odd among plants, not exactly hated but not welcomed either. They were plants that lived off of other plants. She looked it over for a moment then reached over and scooped it up making sure to get a good amount of the dirt under it along with its roots. She then walked inside and looked around until she saw something resembling a pot. She put the weed in it and added some dirt. She wasn't sure why exactly she wanted to keep the weed. Maybe it was because weeds were like the dark creatures of plants. It reminded her a little of Ren. Or maybe it was because she wasn't sure what else to do with it. But none the less she was keeping it. At least that was what she was planning to do, if Gandalf would let her was another story.

The wizard decided to pay her a visit before the sun goes down, and let her know about what they will do tomorrow. He knocked and stepped inside carefully, then frowned as he spotted the weed in the pot. He raised an eyebrow and slowly pointed at it.

"What is that? I can't remember this plant having any use to be kept in a pot. It doesn't exactly... look pretty like a flower or useful like a herb." he told her, going closer, watching the plant before shifting his gaze to the young wizard, awaiting her explanation. This was something she never did before. Every wizard acknowledges weed as a neutral plant. It is not to be used but not to be harmed and would always ignore it. However she seemed to give this patch attention. He wondered if this was because of her sudden exposure to nature and her caring attitude being overloaded.

The young wizard had been sitting on her bed cleaning her hands in the same manner Ren had used to clean his gauntlets, using the tips of her nails to clean and pick at the dirt. She blinked at the wizard's question then turned her eyes back to her hands.

"... I don't know. I just wanted it." she replied not sure what else to tell him. If she said it was because the plant was something of a dark creature he would surely get rid of it. However she wasn't even sure that was the reason so she wasn't technically lying. She just didn't even know the truth. "And who is to say it doesn't look pretty? That is a matter of opinion." she decided to point out to him.

"Well, alright then..." Gandalf finally said after a few seconds of thinking about it. "One step at a time, right?" he chuckled, now turning away from the weed in the pot and facing the young wizard, watching as she cleaned her hands. "There is water in the washroom. You can clean your nails and hand much better with it." he pointed out, although he knew she was aware of it, she just wasn't used to all this again. He will need to teach her and make her acquainted with the habits she used to have. He told her that because of the storm tonight, they will have to look through the trees again and take care of any trouble they might have. After this they might visit the river and see if the flower they waited for grows by now or not. This specific herb always grew just there, and always at a specific time. It is about that time and they might be able to harvest a few petals.

Hyano thought then nodded, ignoring his comment about how she was cleaning her hands. Even in the mines she didn't do this. It was more something she was doing because Ren used to do it. It made her feel better about him not being there, copying his little habits. She thought about the petals of the herb he was talking about. It was a wonderful plant. Very rare, much like the herbs she used to keep in her cellar before her house was burnt to the ground. Very hard to find and hard to keep alive. With the way the land was looking, though, and the weather she wasn't so sure they would get lucky tomorrow.

"What were you planning to do with the petals once you have them? You have to use them quickly or they will quickly die on you if you don't" she questioned him curiously. She decided not to point out that they might not even get the chance at all this year considering the situation. Dashing his hopes would likely not go well for her.

"I have my own little tricks, young wizard." he smiled at her, nodding before deciding to back out and leave her to her... little oddities for now. "Alright then. We have all the time tomorrow to talk again. You surely are exhausted. You can meet me in the garden after you had breakfast. Take your time. Good night." he told her before stepping out and closed the door behind him gently. After a second later however he had to open it as a certain little animal wanted in.

The chipmunk scurried inside the moment the door was opened and went for a patch of soft clothing in one of the corners. He buried himself into the fabric and chirped before falling silent. Only to move again. He continued trying to find the right position for ten more minutes before finally falling silent and rested.

Hyano hadn't expected the chipmunk to come in, much less the little display it made of trying to get comfortable. She couldn't help but laugh a little at it. The little guy was cute, always had been and always would be. She sometimes wondered what kind of human he would make. A puggy, high energy, child more than likely. She giggled at the thought before sighing and leaning back. Her eyes landed on the weed thinking on it a moment. Maybe she would make an experiment out of the plant she had collected. She thought on the herbs they would be collecting tomorrow. Maybe... she could see what comes of it. She had a little idea forming in her head and soon fell asleep thinking on how exactly to bring her plans to life.

---

In the next morning, just as the old wizard said, he did not wake her up but let her do this on her own, and have breakfast as she wished, while he ventured the in-progress forest, taking care of the damage done. He was surprised to see most of the tiny newborn saplings survived and the seeds they planned already started to grow green tiny leaves. Which meant that they survived the storm and will grown into very sturdy apple trees. He had to remove some broken branches, and to his dismay three saplings didn't make it. He had to remove them from the forest and let them stay above the ground near the smaller garden for the tiny newborns, so they can become fertile soil with time. The small mushrooms will do their work and pull the unfortunate saplings apart.

The little chipmunk also rose with the sun, chirping a few times as suddenly darkness greeted him. He squealed in fright at first, not remembering where he went last evening and desperately tried to find the way out. But he had no luck. Wherever he went, he was met with the fabric of the cloth. He started panicking.

Hyano awoke with the sun and stretched, cracking her neck. For a moment she herself forgot where she was and what had all happened. She had honestly expected to wake up back in the mines again. She shook her head and looked around for a moment. Not so lucky it seemed. She blinked when she noticed a frantic chirping noise, tilted her head then got up from the bed and followed it over to the pile of clothing where the chipmunk had curled up in. He must have snuggled himself too far into the pile and gotten himself tangled up in it. She giggled lightly then started moving the fabric until she found a little bulge stuck in a sleeve of one of her outfits. She carefully pushed him out and caught him as he popped out of the fabric.

"Maybe you should sleep on the bed from now on. Might be safer." she told him with a laugh.

The little rodent shook his pelt as he finally was freed and waggling his little tail he started cleaning his muzzle and eyes, trying to get rid of the dizziness that plagued him. He was seriously panicking. He stretched after and yawned, before looking up at her. As if he was suddenly aware of something, the chipmunk let out a chirp and suddenly jumped down from her hand onto the ground and hopped towards the door, where he stopped. Alright... It was closed. He stood on his backlegs and pushed against the much larger object, thinking he might be able to open it. having no luck, the little critter chirped once more before scurrying towards the window, and climbed down it to the below level where he knew from experience the nuts and berries will be. He hopped into the box and squeaked happily, pleased that the old wizard picked fresh food for him... Them... He is not alone anymore.

For a moment, Hyano felt like the rodent was alright being around her but she was quickly disappointed as he jumped away and tried to flee. She watched as he tried the main door before going to the window. The way he acted... she wondered for a moment if the rodent thought he was human. He tried to use doors, talked, spoke rather logically by animal standards. Besides his natural fear of her and how he acted about food and climbing around he really was an odd chipmunk. She sighed, shaking off her thoughts and displeasure and made her way to get herself some food. She went to get herself some nuts again but blinked as she felt the weight of the chipmunk inside. She decided better of it and put the container back before grabbing a pear and some grapes and sitting down to eat. She didn't want to scare the chipmunk anymore, so was instead trying to avoid him.

The little rodent chirped as he felt the box was lifted and peeked out to see what was going on when it was put down. He watched as the not so little wizard now walked out of the storage room, carrying some fruit. He chirped before grabbing two nuts. He threw one out, while he grabbed the other in his mouth, carrying it with his rodent teeth. Once he climbed out, he hopped to the nut he dropped and started thinking hard what to do now... he wanted to go to the table and sit there... Having breakfast with Hyano. Getting an idea, he went on all fours and started to roll the other nut with his head while he made his way to the table. Of course because of its uneven surface the nut always rolled from the direction he wanted to go, but eventually made it to the table. Now what to do... He climbed up its leg and sat the nut he had in his mouth on the surface before climbing down again for the other. Once both nuts were safely on the table, he started eating them, joining the wizard in her breakfast, although keeping distance, sitting at the other end.

The orange istar probably wouldn't have noticed the rodent, had it not been so hard for him to get the nut to the table. She sat there watching him roll the nut to the table then make his way up and down a few times before finally settling to eat. She had honestly wanted to help him but... she was afraid he might reject the food if she touched it. She looked across the table at him and couldn't help a little smile.

"...Will you at least... talk to me?" she asked him before popping a grape into her mouth. She was saving the pear for last. Pears were rather messy so she figured she might as well put that off for last so she wouldn't be sticky by the time she went to wash her hands.

The chipmunk was silent, though. He watched her as he ate, almost having finished the first nut. He did not know if he wanted to talk to her. She was so different... Not the same... And the cold? She emitted such cold. Her red eye was also enough to scare away the little animal. He did not talk. He didn't dare to, but he wanted to at least stay somewhat close to her. He did remember all the amazing days and months he spent with her, but she was simply not the same... After finishing the nuts, the chipmunk squeaked and jumped down from the table... Would have if his hand did not slip. The chipmunk tried to regain his grip but eventually fell down onto the hard floor, landing on his back.

Hyano sighed when he did not say anything and ate her food sadly. That was until she heard him squeak in a manner of saying 'I'm done' technically before...falling? Her eyes widened when she realized this. For a human that was just a simple jump. For someone of his size that was like falling from a two-story building. She quickly ran over and carefully picked him up.

"Ship? Are you alright?" she asked though she was sure he wasn't. She looked around frantically before seeing a rag and grabbing it. She quickly dampened it with some cold water and softly placed it on his back trying to keep it from swelling just in case he had really hurt himself. If she could use magic maybe she could heal him...Something… Anything. However seeing as she was in a place she hardly knew, with no magic at all what she could do was very limited.

The fall shocked the little rodent and was unable to move for a while, feeling as if he fell unconscious or sleeping for a few seconds before shaking his little head and was able to register what happened. This was when he was aware of the rather painful feeling in his back. He squeaked in protest as the wizard carried him around. While the pain wasn't as bad, his protest became scarce as the cold cloth was put on his back. It soothed what pain he felt somewhat, making it only a dull throb after a while. He did not move away from it either, but dealing with pain is better alone and wasn't used to company while he suffered. Now that he thought back at it, the fall wasn't all that bad; his shock was the worst of all the outcomes.

She held him carefully sitting against the wall and wasn't sure what to do. She had been a great healer once and now... she had no idea what to do. The young woman knew Gandalf was waiting on her but she feared leaving the rodent alone. She wasn't sure what had happened. Was he just bruised? She hoped but if anything was broken she couldn't fix it and it may only be made worse if he tried to move around. She gritted her teeth and cursed under her breath. She didn't like not knowing what to do, not knowing how to fix the situation... not knowing how to... help someone.

The old wizard had been waiting for her by now, having taken care of the new trees, he was standing about the newborn saplings, giving them one more glance before deciding the go and see where she was. He walked into the tower and moved to go towards her room, wanting to wake her if she decided to sleep in, however as he passed the dining room, he had to stop, having spotted something from the corner of his eye. He turned around and stepped back to the door, frowning as he saw her sat against the wall.

"What is wrong?" He asked as he stepped inside, tilting his head a little, spotting the cloth in her hand.

Hyano jumped a little and looked up at him, then turned her eyes back to the rodent in her hands.

"He... he fell... off of the table and onto his back... I don't have the magic to heal him so... I got a wet cloth and put it on his back to hold back the swelling... I'm... not sure what else I can do." she told him honestly. She honestly was at a loss. She wasn't sure how to help the rodent and that bothered her. During her time in the mines she had come up with many different ways of keeping him safe so the orcs wouldn't try to make a snack out of him. She really did care about the little animal.

"Oh..." Gandalf frowned and went closer, stepping next to her and crouching; he extended his hands to take the little animal. "Let me see..." He offered, before gently taking the chipmunk in his own hands. He turned the still squeaking animal onto its stomach and started looking for any damage with his thumb, moving it over its spine slowly, massaging it at the same time, humming a little. After a while, he handed the rodent back to Hyano, smiling gently. "There you go. Nothing is wrong; every bone is in the right place and intact. The fall just shocked him a little. But he is fine." He tried reassuring her and put the cold cloth on the chipmunk's back. "But the cold cloth should soothe the muscles and the pain. Good work." He praised her for her knowledge and care before standing up and nodding at her.

The young wizard relaxed quite a bit knowing he was going to be alright.

"... Thank you." she said softly then stood up with him in her hands, then put him on the counter and put the container of fruits and nuts next to him. She made sure it was tilted over so he wouldn't have to work to get to it. "... There... just... get some rest for a while before you go running around again." she instructed the little rodent before turning to Gandalf. "So... can we still collect that herb or are we too late?" she asked wondering if she had made the wizard wait too long.

The old wizard had to smile at the two, shaking his head a little at the display. Hyano seemed to go along recovery on her own and without his help, which brought some kind of relief to him. At least she isn't refusing the process, and isn't corrupted so deeply to not care. This was a large step, even if she doesn't realize that. At her question, Gandalf shifted his blue, old gaze to the window and watched the sky a little, before turning and stepping towards the door.

"No... We can still make it. There won't be much to collect anyway. But let us hurry. It might take a while to find any." He told her and walked outside, making sure she followed him, before walking towards the river Isen and its closest shore to gather the required petals.

Hyano looked back at the chipmunk one more time before following after Gandalf. When she came to the river, memories of the day she first took off with Ren and nearly drowned popped into her head. She shook the thoughts away, though, and started looking about for the needed herb. She honestly was not fully sure what she was looking for. She remembered the herb for the most part but even before she had left with Ren it had been some time since she had actually went and collected it. Normally, she would just get some as a gift after it had been collected and turned into a powder. This made the hunt for it all the more hard and she started to get frustrated rather quickly.

For the search, they have split up, so the white wizard couldn't see her frustration. While she was struggling, he managed to gather the blue petals of five flowers already. Of course he wasn't ungrateful for the plant. Knowing that the colorful petals are the only way to lure insects to them and help them create new plants, he always had a small brush with him to gather their pollen and brush it onto the yellow center of the flowers, this way doing the job of bees and other critters that might help the plant. He sighed as he stood, wondering how much the young wizard found, so made his way to her side of the shore where she was assigned to search.

"So?" He started as he came close enough and spotted Hyano slightly farther away. "How many did you find?" He asked, putting his satchel of petals in his robe.

The young wizard blinked out of her frustration when she heard Gandalf coming her way. She sighed and shook her head.

"... I don't remember what they look like." she admitted her frustration with the fact showing. "I am sure I have probably passed them up and just didn't know it." she added with an annoyed sigh as she stepped back from the river. "Maybe bringing me was a bad idea. You probably could have found more on your own." she stated her hands going to her pockets.

The wizard blinked at her, but instead frowning, he smiled at her.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Your mind has mostly forgotten about some things. An effect of the corruption you went through. I am not surprised." He said as he moved to the side, his eyes searching the ground. He used his staff to push away rocks and rocks, trying to find the flower. Most of them were already crushed and destroyed by the storm as they expected, but there were still survivors. He searched until he found one next to a fallen log. "Here is one. Look." He called to her, pointing his staff to the light blue colored flower. It only had very small leaves but the petals were quite large compared to the size of the entire plant. He also made sure to show her how to harvest and thank the flower for the petals. He picked the petals one by one, very careful to not harm the flower itself, before reaching into his robe and retrieving his brush. It was already yellow with pollen, but this was what made it useful. He started poking and brushing at the yellow center of the flower. "I am sure you know that the petals are the parts of the flower which lure the insects to it, and help carrying its pollen and rub other flowers' pollen to them. Without the petal, the flower has no chance, or very little to create seeds. You need to do the job of the insects after you pick the petal. This way, we can harvest again a year later." He smiled at her after he explained and stood up, putting away the brush.

Hyano watched him becoming fascinated with the work.

"... Can... Can I take one of these back home as well?" she asked pointing at the flower. She was actually asking the wizard for permission. Something she had not done in a very long time. It felt strange to ask but she really wanted the little flower. It was so small yet so pretty. It reminded her of many of the plants she used to keep in her home when they were weak before replanting them back where they belonged. It had been a hobby of hers. Her caring nature translating even to plants.

Gandalf turned to her and stared at her for a little while, unsure about this. Every flower counted when it came to this kind, and removing only one has an effect on the harvest next year. This storm surely will leave its traces in the next harvest as well. However, for her recovery, he didn't mind to sacrifice one. He didn't answer her but turned and started looking for a new one, looking next to logs and rocks, eventually finding one in the middle of a large grass patch. It survived the harsh weather thanks to the grass which protected it.

"There." He told her, pointing his staff at the little flower for her to see. "But it won't stay longer than a day or two, no matter where you plant it." He decided to warn her about it before she gets disappointed in the too soon death of the flower.

Hyano shrugged then scooped her hands under the flower making sure to get a good amount of dirt.

"I remember that much... I will try to keep it alive as long as I can, though." she said firm in her decision. She looked around for a moment before noticing another flower and tilting her head to it. "There's another one." she said starting to show some mild excitement. She was actually starting to see the plants, notice them among all the chaos caused by the storm. Before all this, she probably could have collected all the petals long ago.

Gandalf smiled and reached into his robe, retrieving his brush and extended it to her. He didn't say a word just gestured towards it. He wanted that she tried it as well, collecting petals and join in the gathering effectively. He made sure to hold her flower as long as she did this, wanting to watch her work and improve. He let her gather for a few more hours, following her, smiling. After he noticed it will be sundown soon, her walked up at her and nudged her with his staff gently.

"Now, I think I speak for you when I say it is time we head back now." He said as he gestured towards the setting sun, and started walking back towards the tower.

Hyano looked to the sun a little disappointed that she had to stop but decided that Gandalf was right. It would be a while until the moon was large enough to give her enough energy to work in the night, so for now she would have to stick to working by day. She sighed and nodded.

"Alright..." she said then handed him the petals she had collected before taking her flower back. She decided to hold onto the brush for now. She liked it. It smelled rather thickly of flowers, especially the ones they had collected today. She also thought it might become useful later with what she would be doing with her new flower. "... Did you want me to cook something hot to eat tonight?" she questioned him as they walked back.

As the wizard walked beside her, he turned his gaze briefly towards Hyano before looking forward again and sighed.

"As much as I miss cooked meals... well made ones of course..." he chuckled, remembering suddenly his own failed attempts to cook, which always ended up either thrown out or he ate it crying. "But... by the time we get back to the tower, I advise you go up to your room. The sun is setting soon." He informed her, although there was a small sign of disappointment in his tone, he tried to shield it. She won't have time to cook today, and he surely can't get used to it. He won't be tasting it for too long... Who knows how long his task will take and what awaits him across the sea. He glanced at the flower in her hand and smiled, feeling once more the hope that she wasn't lost completely.

Hyano heard his disappointment and felt her own growing as well but didn't argue with it.

"Good night, then, Gandalf..." she said once they were inside before bowing her head lightly then going up to her room. Again she looked everywhere for something similar to a pot and placed her new flower in it putting it next to the weed. She then sat in front of them and thought for a moment, then pulled out the brush and started brushing the pretty little flower before putting the pollen on the weed. Weeds were technically a type of flower. Many had pollen and places to take it as well. She was trying something. Her mind wondered if there was a way to make the little flowers stronger like the weeds. If there was maybe it wouldn't be so hard to collect them and they could make more use of the petals. By the time she finished the sun had already set and before she knew it she put her head down on the table where her flowers set and was out cold.

---

-One month later-

Hyano was up and rolling early today. The days were longer and the nights were shorter, meaning summer was fast approaching. This made her happy. That meant she wouldn't be forced to sleep nearly as much anymore. She currently stood in the kitchen, wearing a white shirt that came just above her tummy and a long white skirt. the day was hot so wearing her normal dark clothes was not very much of an option and she still lacked any other clothes or the magic to make them at the moment. This also meant that her scar from the rebellion was showing, one that she had on both her back and stomach. Even after so long it was still very severe and the major scarring showed just how bad it had been. She was currently standing over a cauldron working on making some vegetable soup. She knew that Gandalf told her not to worry about it but while she liked vegetables and all having a nice warm meal still sounded nice.

It had been a long day yesterday. The old wizard felt like a sack of stones when he crashed into his own room, falling asleep quite fast. He also woke up later than usual. At least so he thought. Normally, he was the first one to be up before the girl and even before the chipmunk and had time to gather some nuts and berries for breakfast before they awoke. However, this time he either was late or they are early. He heard the chipmunk's chirping, which awoke as she cooked, and could feel the sweet scent of cooked meal. His stomach instantly growled. He stepped out of his room rather quickly and followed it to the kitchen. Now standing in the doorway, he inspected as she moved about, working her magic in the kitchen, while the chipmunk seemed to squeal for no reason, possibly giving her instructions or ideas perhaps? He didn't know. While he understood, the little rodent tended to squeak too fast, which made it difficult to understand. There was something else he noticed. He never saw this before... There was a rather large scar on her back... then as she turned, he could see it again on her stomach... He frowned but decided to ask about it later for now.

"What are you doing?" He asked, stepping inside now, looking around. "I told you that it isn't necessary. You do need rest too, you know?" He asked with a chuckle, noting her change in clothes and how funny she looked in them. But he didn't want to make her feel embarrassed, so he held back a very funny comment... for now.

Hyano was having similar trouble understanding Ship and was trying over and over again to get the little animal to slow down. When the wizard spoke up she finally just gave up even trying. Her ability to understand the rodent was rather lacking. She used to be able to speak at the same pace if not faster but now she just couldn't keep up. She was used to the slow and loud voices of the orcs. The young wizard tilted her head at the older one then crossed her arms the large wooden spoon in one hand.

"Gandalf, we both know that after a month of having nothing but cold fruits and vegetables we both are very much wanting something warm to eat... besides..." she turned back to the pot. "When you leave all you will have is the elves for company... and they aren't the best of cooks either." she said her voice getting sad as she thought on the old wizard's departure.

The wizard frowned and put his hands on his own hips as well, giving her a playful glare.

"But they have such good bread. You can't deny they are excellent bakers." He told her, then not able to keep his glare, he dropped the act and smiled, laughing. Oh how right she was... He did desire cooked meal for so long, but then again, he was used to dry food all too well to make it a small ache than anything. He reached out and put a finger on the still squeaking chipmunk's head, silencing him instantly, and stroked his little head to calm him. "Whatever you want, chipmunk, we can't understand." He chuckled, then picked the small animal up and continued petting it in his hands to keep him from squeaking all the time. "But are you sure you know what you are doing? What will this be?" He never saw this... food before. Maybe this is a new recipe she found here?

The younger wizard raised a brow then nodded.

"Yes. It's nothing special really. Just a vegetable stew." she replied to his question. "It is good, I promise. I mean it at least can't be any worse than your cooking." she teased him then turned to continue stirring the large cauldron. "As for elven bread, the day they stop putting eggs and milk in their bread is the day I find out if their baking is as good as you say." she added sticking her tongue out at the very idea. Eating unborn baby birds? No, she was not about to do such a thing. Her memory of ever eating meat was slightly faded but at least she knew she never ate babies.

The White wizard couldn't help but laugh at her comment and shook his head, putting the now silent rodent back on the table, producing a nut for him to eat and keep silent. He walked over to the cauldron and sniffed the content. Delicious...

"You know... Everything is better than my cooking." He chuckled, then went out of her way, sitting down slowly at the table. "By the way..." he said slowly, his eyes again involuntarily finding the scars. "... Where did you get those... scars?" He asked, pointing a finger towards the one he saw on her back at the moment, making sure she knew what he meant. He tilted his head a little to the side, not quite sure if should believe these are in at position... Because if it is truly as he suspected, then she was ran through with something... Or was the placement of the scars just coincidence?

Hyano giggled at his comment and smiled at the rodent. He was far too easy to make happy it seemed. She stopped as he asked about her scars. She had been so used to them by now that she had honestly forgotten about them altogether. Scars among orcs were normal; it wasn't like battle scars you show off among dwarfs. Orcs died too fast for such things to matter. She looked at her stomach and touched the mark that covered her abdomen and thought.

"I... " She gripped the spoon. Why was she having so much trouble remembering? Scars so large had to come from something quite large... right? She had to think for quite some time not even realizing that time was passing before it finally came to her. "There was a rebellion... I... I ran to tell Ren... I got to my room... told him... then... I was stabbed... with a spear" she said holding her hand at her stomach as if the spear was still there.

"Rebellion? Orcs have rebellions too?" The wizard raised an eyebrow. He certainly had no idea they could turn against their masters... They always seemed so obedient, even if their leader was the only one among thousands of their kin. "And you survived. You are a tougher nut than thought, Hyano." He chuckled at this, still eyeing the mark. He was sure she was near death. Such a wound -even if no inner organs are harmed- tend to cause severe bleeding. He wondered how she managed to survive, but why would he need the information if she is going to forget it anyway? At least this is what he knew from the way she had trouble remembering. His magic is working. Only after a month of using it on her, he managed to fade her memory a little. But he wasn't as stupid to point this out. She surely doesn't like the fact that she is forgetting slowly.

Again, the orange wizard stopped to think on exactly why the rebellion had taken place. What had caused all that madness? She smiled a little at the wizard's compliment.

"I might not have survived had this orc not helped me... He burnt the wounds closed. I remember it hurt a lot. From there I had to heal myself. It was a very slow process." she said for some reason Tuhul's name escaping her completely. She didn't like that but she chose not to say anything about it. "... It... it was because Ren and I used to play... Some of the older orcs saw us and thought we were weak, so they tried to rebel. They were proven wrong in the end at least." she said then made two bowls of the stew for herself and the older wizard then a small cup of it for Ship. It wasn't so much because she thought he would actually eat it but because she wanted him to feel included. She then sat to the table.

Gandalf grimaced a little as she said she was burned. While he had many wounds well before, he did not need to burn any of them shut. Luckily. However, he did meet the hot licks of the flames as well, and knew it must have been less than pleasant. His thoughts were interrupted when she gave the reason of why the rebellion started.

"Played?" He raised both eyebrows in surprise, before nodding as she put the bowl in front of him, sniffing the content, finding it rather delicious. "What can you play with a Nazgul? Didn't he swat you away?" He for one never could imagine one of the Nine play tag with a child or play any of the games they knew... It was simply hard to believe. His questions however had another goal. He wanted to see how far his magic was and how much she is affected by the memory eraser spell now. It will bring light to the progress.

The chipmunk also joined them at the table, hopping up to the cup that was placed out for him. He stood on his hind legs and sniffed the stew, unsure if he truly liked it. Vegetables were never his favorite. He slowly tasted the liquid though, and couldn't help but drink a little. He was thirsty anyway, and seems like he doesn't need to go anywhere to find water.

Hyano nodded, eating a little of the stew first before replying. It seemed her memories of the Nazgul were holding on tightly compared to all the other ones.

"No. I don't think Ren ever pushed me away. He would tickle me, chase me around, we had a mud war more than once. Ren was a really big child. He would prank me in my sleep quite often and I would normally get him back before the day was out... Our favorite thing to do though... was this maze on the headboard of my bed... We would take turns trying to solve it with me sitting on his lap. Normally we would do it until one of us got frustrated or I fell asleep..." she seemed to get a little sad. "We never did finish that maze." she said softly as she continued to eat.

As she talked, the wizard ate, humming at the taste and quickly complimenting on it as he listened to her. He was surprised the memories to the wraith still didn't seem to fade at all. It was like she is subconsciously trying to cling to them. The Nazgul truly meant much for her and he kept her close, succeeding in turning her and leaving a huge impact in her mind. He knew the wraith surely didn't find as much amusement in the games, he just wanted to keep the young wizard close and corrupt her.

"A maze, huh?" He finally commented, raising an eyebrow and looking up at her. "Nazgul normally don't like mysteries like these. I can imagine he got very quickly angered by it." He chuckled, imagining how he sat down in front of the maze, followed a path, got frustrated then left it the next second... then he would go back again after a while. "But they are stubborn. However, not the best candidates for solving a puzzle like this." He barely finished what he wanted to say when he suddenly heard a sudden splash and a muffled squeal.

The chipmunk actually drank almost all the liquid, forcing it to lean more into the cup, in the end his hands slipped and fell right into it, drenching him. However getting out was another story... The smooth surface of the cup made it hard to grasp the edge...

Hyano blinked then giggled and reached over carefully plucking the little rodent out of the stew bath he had made for himself.

"You should really be more careful, Ship. Had that cup been any bigger you might have drowned yourself." she told the little rodent in her hand. She then walked over to a water bucket and got a wet cloth before sitting back down and starting to clean the little animal.

The chipmunk chirped and squeaked as he was lifted from the cup, feeling drenched and sticky. Good thing that the stew wasn't as hot anymore or he would have been cooked alive. It was still unpleasantly hot though, and felt his pelt stick together because of the ingredients that were put in it. He shook his pelt the moment he was put down, but welcomed the touch of the cold cloth, feeling his body cooling down, and the strands of his fur started to lose the sticky feeling as well. He squeaked happily and wagged his tiny tail. He surely had drank enough... now... where are his berries and nuts?

"Actually Ren and I sometimes spent a majority of a day on that maze." Hyano continued while she brushed the small fur of the small creature with the cloth. "It became something of a habit after a while. I think... without his connection to Sauron he was forced to really develop a personality. At some point all the connections Ren had to the Dark Lord were gone. I noticed because... for a while he became unsure of himself. Like he was always expecting the answer to come from somewhere. Then it was like he realized no one would answer him and he started working to answer all the questions for himself. It was interesting to see."

"But no matter how he lost his connection to the Dark Lord..." the White wizard said and took another sip from the stew before continuing. "... He was never rid of the darkness within him. As you could see... He aimed to destroy the world... and you wanted to help him with it." He pointed out, pointing his spoon at the younger wizard. "This should be a good reason to change your views of him. If he won... and if he ever succeeds taking over the world... All we have now would be lost." He told her firmly, nodding, before going back to his food. "No nature... no light... no birds... and no chipmunks." This of course made the little rodent tense up and quiet down, perking his ears.

"He didn't want to destroy the world, Gandalf. He wanted to own it. Ren is a collector. He used to collect anything he found interesting." Hyano finished cleaning the chipmunk then stroked his head softly. She wanted to continue defending Ren however she didn't feel it would help her case. If anything, it would only end in an argument and she didn't want to cause that. "Don't worry, Ship. You would have been safe. Ren actually liked you quite a bit." she reassured the worried chipmunk.

"Own it... then turn it to suit his own taste..." the older wizard told her and finished his meal, pushing the bowl a little farther away, and leaned back in his seat. It was a long time ago that he ate any warm cooked food. He felt full as well, which was a pleasant feeling. "I am sure you noticed he despises sunlight. He would have asked you to darken the sky and block the sunlight... which not only would have caused your death, but nature's as well." He pointed out, frowning at her, but he was sure she thought this far... or did she think he will bask in sunlight? "Without sunlight, there are no plants. Without plants... there are no animals." Then looked at the chipmunk, noticing its uncertainty in this subject. "And while he would have kept the chipmunk as a pet, he would have died of hunger before you knew it."

The orange wizard looked up at Gandalf as he spoke then turned her eyes back to the little rodent. They had talked about that a few times. Keeping enough sunlight to keep her alive was important to the wraith because he needed her. Considering she would have to be the one to darken the skies she herself would allow a certain amount of sunlight through so she could live. That also meant any plants that could live with low level lighting would still survive. Survival of the fittest she guessed. However she didn't voice these thoughts, instead she kept quiet not wanting to continue this conversation anymore.

The White noticed, and decided not to press the matter. In the past month he didn't talk about this too much, or made her listen to his words about this. Why should he force her to change her mind when it is so deeply etched into it and believes everything she thinks is the right one... Killing is right? Because that would happen. The orcs would have slaughtered everyone in Middle-Earth... Not all plants would survive with scarce light. Everything that grows some kind of edible food, they all require excessive sunlight. Some more than others. He knew it better as he had more experience and lived longer. Hyano simply doesn't understand the difference yet. No... he doesn't need to force his thoughts on her. She will slowly but surely forget everything. The wraith, the orcs, the dark magic... Everything. She will have her own thoughts way before she had when she didn't meet the Nazgul. He sighed and stood up, shifting his blue gaze to the empty bowl before he looked up at her again.

"Well... The stew was delicious... Now let's work down on the energy." He chuckled, then moved towards the entrance. "How about we look at the trees again and maintain them? They surely need some water and help to get rid of dry branches." Somehow working in nature seemed to make her forget about any bad mood she had, at least this is what he noticed. He didn't want her all grumpy and down for the rest of the day.

Hyano stayed quiet a moment before nodding.

"Alright, Gandalf." she said then stood up and picked up the dishes, putting them on a table so she could wash them later, then made sure to put out the fire and put a lid over the cauldron. She did not want to get in trouble for setting the tower on fire. When she was finished she looked at herself. "Do you think it is alright for me to go out like this? I mean I know there is no one for miles but still." she inquired not sure going out in what could be called her under clothes was really much of a good idea. The last time she tried that stunt... well... let's just say even without Ren's influence she still had nightmares. She had been able to keep herself from waking up screaming so far which was good but she was afraid of the day when she did do that and Gandalf realized just what the wraith put her through.

The wizard turned around and blinked, looking at her. Well... perhaps they should get her some other clothing before they move out... While they were alone indeed, who knows what guests might come without announcing beforehand.

"Hmm... Come." He said and gestured for her to follow him. Well, there were of course no clothes for female istari, but he was sure the male wizard robes should fit her just the same way anyway. But finding the right size was something he wasn't sure about. He walked along a few halls and came up to an empty room. It was abandoned actually, very old and here and there spider webs appeared. The old wizard walked up to one of the wardrobes there and opened it. There were a few rugs... hats... Oh... robes. These were in different colors. Some brown, blue, grey, white, even red and purple, violet and an orange one. He stepped back and gestured towards them. "There. I am not sure if any of them fit... But it can't be that we can't find you clothing in the whole tower." He chuckled, then stepped back even more, walking outside to let her try them on. Well, most of the problem might be with the length of the robes...

Hyano followed him and looked among the robes, her eyes instantly falling on the orange ones. They were very much like her old ones, though, much bigger. She walked up to it, brushing her hand over the materials. Gandalf must have planned on her changing her clothes sooner or later. These were even made of the natural materials her old robes used to be made of. She smiled at this before putting on the robe and then placing the matching cap on her head. It was obviously meant for a much taller wizard but then again so had her old robes and she had made do with them as well. It honestly made her feel like a child again, wearing these clothes. Once she was clothed, she walked out and smiled at Gandalf.

"Has anyone ever told you, you are the sneakiest of the wizards?" she asked with a giggle.

The old wizard turned and watched as she stepped out of the room, his eyes judging how she looked. Well... the robe most certainly looks... too big. But this was apparently the smallest one can get in this tower. He chuckled as she spoke, shaking his head and stepping back.

"I had that title a few times already. This makes it... I can't even remember the number..." he took on a thoughtful expression then simply waved it off. He was known to do the unexpected... and sometimes the impossible. Many people would say the case of Hyano was impossible and a waste of his time... But he is slowly succeeding. He stepped back once more and gestured for her to follow him. "Looks good. Now, let us continue." He said and lead the way from the tower. While they walked, the chipmunk joined them as well, crawling up to Gandalf's shoulder and sitting there, cleaning his face and eyes with his tiny hands.

Hyano nodded as she followed him her hands going to her pockets. She could feel the flowers in her hair trying to eat the cap with little success. Hopefully those would turn back to their original state before she lived in the caves. She saw the little rodent and smiled at him.

"Gandalf. Ship is a little... different than most chipmunks isn't he? Or am I just imagining things?" she questioned. She winced a little as they moved into the sunlight, though, it didn't bother her quite as much as it had before. Once her eye had relaxed she looked around then moved to the little mound of saplings, inspecting them closely.

The wizard stopped at the small patch of land where the small saplings were growing and turned his head towards Hyano, then shifted it to the chipmunk still cleaning his pelt on his shoulder. He shrugged.

"I guess he is just more daring than his kin. The other chipmunks are afraid of too much contact. However this one was living with you from the start. Of course he is tamer." He speculated then crouched down and extended a hand to inspect one of the tiny leaves that was now directed towards the sunlight, feeding off of it and nurturing the little soon-to-be tree. "But otherwise I can't see anything different. Or can you?" he asked, turning towards her briefly and raised an eyebrow before going back to examine each sapling.

Hyano shrugged, brushing her fingertips over a leaf.

"A little. He doesn't act so much tame as he acts almost... human sometimes. I guess my opinion doesn't really count, considering my human contact has been rather limited but it is what I think." she said then looked at the sky. "We should water them today. It isn't going to rain for another day or two at least." she suggested before turning her eyes back to Gandalf and the little rodent on his shoulder.

The wizard couldn't help but chuckle at her comment and shifted his gaze to the chipmunk who finally chirped and perked his ears, noticing the conversation was about him.

"He might have learned his behavior from you." he laughed, then stroked the little rodent's head with a finger, watching as he wagged his tiny tail before he climbed down off of his white robe and hopped up to the slightly bigger 'trees' and climbed on one, sniffing the leaves and searching in vain for fruits and nuts. "Why do you think he acts human?" Gandalf asked and stood up, brushing his robe clean and going towards the well which was close. While he did not use magic to grow the plants, in order to be done with watering all the saplings, he will need magic to handle them. He extended a hand and his staff to raise some water from the well and guided it to the small saplings, letting the water fall on some of them like rain, not dumping all at once.

"Hmmm... I don't know really. I've never really seen him spend any time with other chipmunks so maybe in a way he thinks he is a human." Hyano suggested as she followed him. She watched him use a spell on the water and smiled a little, remembering using similar spells herself to do the same thing. She also used such spells in the mines for... she stopped trying to remember. She shook her head eventually giving up. She knew she had used it but she couldn't for the life of her remember why. This bothered her greatly but she decided not to voice it. Better not to share such problems.

"He knows he is not. Otherwise he wouldn't be hopping on trees and eat nuts like the way he does." The older wizard explained. "Perhaps he simply sees that the other chipmunks are more afraid and thinks they aren't as much fun. Additionally, they are generally lone creatures." Finally, after pouring water on the last of the little saplings, he gestured for Hyano to help him with the bigger saplings and young trees. "Let us clean them now. The usual." Which meant mostly to remove dry branches and leaves, correct the stance of the young saplings, and water them. Gandalf also noticed a few mushrooms growing on the bark of a young tree. This can mean good or bad. Bad because the new creature is using the energy and life force of the tree to grow and live, otherwise it is good because it gives more variety and is a sign of life returning to this small and fragile forest. He tapped the mushrooms but let them be. They have as much right to exist if they found this young tree now.

The young orange wizard nodded both at his statement about the chipmunk and about doing the work. She walked around until she also noticed the mushrooms. She knelt down looking it over for a moment and began debating. Mushrooms were like weed. In small amounts they could be called harmless, however in large numbers they could easily kill off this poor tree. She thought a moment then started picking off the larger ones. She could easily make use of them and it also kept the tree safe. In her opinion the tree was of more value anyway so taking off a few mushrooms was nothing to really worry about.

Considering the large amount of trees, the old wizard was going slowly, especially after in past weeks they put out more and more young trees into this half of the newly forming forest. The deeper one went towards the older forest, the older and bigger the young trees were.

This was also why the elves who just arrived didn't find Gandalf. They walked about for a few minutes, watching the trees, while one of them looked through the tower. Not finding him, they were sure he was outside. They started approaching the young trees when the white wizard finally appeared among the saplings and noticed them. He frowned a little, unsure why these elves were here, and made his way towards them. The old man also looked around for Hyano, but not finding her, he decided to leave her for now to her own work while he consulted the elves. He walked up to them slowly, and after a short greeting, they were engulfed in their conversation.

Hyano had collected a number of things. Weed and such that could cause a problem if left unattended at this stage. Once the trees were old enough to grow without the weed being a problem then she would let them be but for now they at least needed moved. She sighed wiping her brow then started back, wondering where Gandalf went off to. She blinked as she heard voices. Good thing she decided to put on robes today. She then noticed the types of voices. Elves had a certain... elegance to the way they spoke. It was kind of annoying after a while but they made great singers for it. As she got closer she slowed down. She would try to hide if it wasn't for the fact the trees here were far too small to do such a thing, so instead she walked up to them but didn't say anything wanting to see how long it would take them to notice her.

The keen senses of the elves were quick to react and turned their head towards the steps they heard and well... her orange colored robe was quite bright compared to the natural color of the green tree leaves. However, they did not waste their time to concentrate on her, as their attention was back at the much older wizard who they were talking to.

"Do you truly know that this was a good idea to bring her back?" One of them asked, clearly not minding that the young wizard was listening. "I can feel the darkness within already from this distance. I know she can never be cleansed from it all." The elf pushed on, signaling his displeasure with Gandalf's choice. The old man of course wasn't defenseless.

"With all due respect, but I do think that it would be best if you worried about your land, and I worry about the Order? I am far older than any of you and know istar magic like the back of my hand. I know what I am doing." He shot right back, but he was rather calm, not letting the elves anger him needlessly. He understood them of course. They were just worried and wished all dark to vanish... But they still shouldn't question his decisions.

"Istar magic won't help you here." The same elf said, his gaze briefly turning to the female wizard, before returning to look at the white one. "You know exactly there is no way to change her or her views anymore. They are etched into her mind. The moment you leave her without anyone watching her, she will go off and search for her precious friend."

"I'm not nearly that stupid." she said rather bluntly. "I know exactly where my 'friend' is and going after him would be moronic." she corrected him. She had considered going after Ren when she first got caught but quickly realized that doing so would do nothing. Besides, she believed Ren would eventually come to her so there was no need. She then held up her hands. "Also what exactly am I going to do chained up like this?" she pointed out to him. "I may know how to beat upside the head with a staff but besides that I'm not getting very far anytime soon so you really don't have much to worry about." she added waving off his worries. While she was sure Gandalf would take the chains off sooner or later she did not know the timeline involved and was not about to say this to the elf.

The elf frowned at her and gritted his teeth.

"I did not speak to you. Besides... who knows what dark magic you can do to get away from your rightful punishment." The elf said, narrowing his eyes, then turned his attention back to the old wizard, intending to ignore the girl's words from now on. "So, what do you think? After all what she did... she worked for a Nazgul, she worked with orcs and goblins... Do you truly trust her? I for one do not believe a word she utters." He crossed his arms, showing his finality about this subject.

"If you do not believe in her words, then you do in mine still." Gandalf told them, his hand gripping his staff a little tighter, at seeing them handle the young wizard like this and question his decisions. "I am the head of the Order and have never disappointed anyone. If I say there will be no issue, then there will be none. I know what I am doing. However..." he trailed off, and stepped closer to the pure creatures. "... it won't happen from one day to the next. It is a very long process. You might have to wait for a few years..."

Hyano glared at the elf, her red eye making her glare all the more intense. She did not like being treated that way. She had worked very hard in the mines to not be treated that way and now that she was out she was not about to take it again. She let Gandalf speak first, though, listening to what he had to say. A few years. Were the elves willing to wait that long? For all the good things the elves offered they could be very impatient at times like these. Would Gandalf end up being left behind because he was helping her? Or would he end up having to leave her unfinished? She didn't want him to leave at all but... she knew he had to. She looked at the elf.

"If I could use any magic don't you think I would have? I can't even use a simple cleaning spell with these chains on, let alone dark magic. As for my cleansing... if you are so worried about it why don't you leave someone here to watch? If they get worried you can tell the elves and then we will see where it goes from there." she suggested.

"We cannot wait for more than five years, Gandalf." The elf replied, although not to the girl, but to the older wizard, completely dismissing her words as he intended, shifting his weight to another leg, leaning his body away from her slightly as if to signal his displeasure with her presence. "If we wait more, many elves will become weak, and maybe some will lose their magic..." he warned, watching him expectantly.

"It will be done. As I said, you worry about your land and people, I will worry about the Order." With this, the wizard considered this as the end of their conversation about this subject. "Tea, perhaps? We could discuss the ongoing project of rebuilding the forest." He switched to a much cheerful and relaxed tone, but the elves declined politely, wishing to leave, but they will come and control the situation every month.

Hyano was half tempted to toss one of the weeds in her rather large pockets at the elf but chose better of it. He was lucky Gandalf was there or else she might have tried to beat the Void out of the elf. "Tuhul was right." she whispered to herself remembering the large orc's words about how arrogant creatures like humans and elves were because they were accepted. "Orcs may be dark but at least they have more respect and honor than you ever will." she snapped then made her way to the tower, done being around people who wouldn't give her the time of day, let alone treat her with respect.

One of the elves cast the old wizard a knowing gaze, who in return only shook his head and stepped back from them, going back to the tower as well, following the young girl. He searched for her for a little while before deciding to look in her room... Why didn't he check there in the first place? He realized that he wasn't truly aiming to find her subconsciously. After all he knew how stubborn she was... She won't listen to him, no matter what he said. But what leader and mentor would he be if he didn't at least try? He stopped in front of her door and knocked lightly with his staff.

Hyano was sitting to the little table where her plants sat her head resting on her arms. She looked towards the door then sighed.

"Come in." she called and waited for the door to open. "I'm in trouble again, aren't I?" she half asked and half stated as she brushed her fingertips over the weed. The flower had died some time ago but she had yet to get rid of it. She didn't really want to, not until she was sure her little experiment had worked.

The old wizard stepped inside and closed the door behind him, gazing at the table she sat at before answering her question. He noticed the dead flower was still in the pot, just like the weed she picked. He had yet to understand her connection to these plants. Perhaps she wished to keep them because she associates herself with them? She thinks she is unwanted and useless? No... this can't be. He always made sure to involve her in his work, making sure she felt useful.

"No... I wouldn't say that." He finally answered her and stopped somewhere behind her, leaning on his staff for support. "But we have to talk about it. First... tell me your thoughts." He never liked to add his opinion before hearing hers or she might feel discouraged or feel she is obligated to share his views.

"... Did you know orcs have a culture?... I didn't really. Everyone I ever spoke to said orcs were nothing if not creatures of darkness with no real purpose. But there is a lot more... they think and feel. Dark as they are, they probably understand death better than anyone else in this world. They see it so often yet they aren't numb to it. They believe that even in death a body can be useful for things like food and so on. They believe that a life is not worth much if it is not useful... I had to work very hard to prove I was useful... but... even then... the orcs gave me a level of respect. I came to them as a creature of light and they treated me as such but they also didn't treat me like... that." Hyano said, waving towards the window meaning the elves. "I feel like not only was I bumped back to square one but somehow I was put even farther back than that... I feel like I have no chance here..."

The wizard raised an eyebrow and after a few seconds, simply extended his staff and hit her at the top of her head with it, of course not harshly, it was just a scolding hit.

"Where is that Hyano who doesn't care about others' opinions? Where is the Hyano who pushes on despite what others say? Where is the Hyano who stomps once to push down those who treat her like that with earth magic? Who is the Hyano who knows she is right when she is and believes in herself?" He asked in a scolding and demanding tone, putting his hands on his hips, facing her. "Do not let those elves get to your mind." He waved as well towards the window. "Let them worry if they want, let them have their own thoughts, while we have ours. We know better as we live through this together."

The orange istar gasped at the hit and blinked as he started going on a tirade about the old Hyano. She listened to him for a moment before not being able to help it as she started laughing.

"The old Hyano was standing outside debating on throwing a weed at an elf only a moment ago... The old Hyano is worried that anything she used to do... will only be seen as her being rebellious or her being dark. The old Hyano... doesn't want to embarrass you in front of anyone. Even big nosed elves." she told him honestly. All those things he just described were things she easily could have done moments ago but they would not have been seen by the elves as the old Hyano but as a sign that they were right. She hated to admit it but in order to not cause Gandalf more grief than needed, she had to bite her tongue and hold herself back as much as possible.

At her answer, Gandalf hit her yet again with his staff the same way, causing her to laugh.

"Then what was this thought of having no chance in is world after what you have been through?" He demanded playfully. "And why didn't you do all those things? I would have laughed, something I really needed now. I for one don't care about what they think when it comes to the Order. As long as we both don't destroy the world but rebuild it together, they can't have any say in our matter." He told her and walked about before his gaze finally fell back on the plants in the pots. He watched them for a few seconds before addressing the young wizard again. "What about these?"

Gandalf was a hard one to understand but that made him easier to be around.

"I didn't do it because I was worried about causing more trouble then was needed. I guess I should have known better." she said with a smile then blinked as he finally addressed the plants. She was about to answer but it seemed nature decided Gandalf had great timing. The bulb on the weed opened showing the seeds inside. Lucky for the younger wizard, there was no wind to carry them away. She carefully picked the whole bulb off the plant. "It's an experiment actually." she moved the flower in the pot so it was in the corner before she started planting the seeds in the pot. If this worked they would be small so more than enough room for a good number of them to grow in the pot. "Can I get another pot? The weed made more seeds than I thought it would." she admitted having forgotten weeds in general made a lot of seeds.

Gandalf frowned, then went to the side, rummaging through a wardrobe. He knew there was some still around here... Or was his memory playing tricks on him?

"What experiment? You failed to mention the important part." He told her as he sorted through the items he found, before giving a heavy sigh and going out, coming back a minute later with five pots and put them on her table. "There. I don't know where all the pots went from this room. I know there were more than these few."

Hyano smiled as he brought her more pots and made good use of the whole lot before sitting back. She then held out the now empty bulb.

"This is the result of the two plants mix breeding." she explained. "I was doing it the whole time the flower was still alive. Then I kind of had to wait and see if it would work. At first I thought it didn't but then this started to form. I'm hoping it is the results of my work. That or I just planted a whole bunch of weeds... We won't know for sure for a couple days." she explained to him sitting on the chair with her legs crossed looking at all her pots.

The White raised an eyebrow as he watched the plants and the newly planted pots. He sighed and shook his head, smiling at the little experimenting wizard. She does not understand mixing plants together does not work so easily. If it was, he would have done this a long time ago.

"What did you do exactly?" He asked, wishing to know how she mixed the two together, so he can either tell her what she did wrong or... who knows... maybe learn from her.

The orange wizard blinked then pulled out the brush she kept from him.

"Exactly what you showed me." she told him. "I took the pollen from the flower and gave it to the weed. I figure there is a 50/50 chance it could work. Even if it does there could be another problem. When lions and tigers breed they can have cubs but those cubs can't have cubs of their own. So while these might come out they might not be able to create another generation after." she explained to him. So far everything in her mind seemed logical, though, she was still waiting for the older wizard to tell her otherwise.

"If it was this easy..." he started, before taking the brush from her and held it in front of him. "...we would have long ago mixed many plants together to create the ultimate herb or tree." He told her. He didn't wish to cause her disappointment, but she will only learn if she was explained why her experiment cannot work, encouraging her to try harder. "We did try many methods, but trying to create a mixed plant simply by brushing the pollen of one plant to another won't work. It won't accept the pollen, no matter what you do. They won't create seeds together. The plant rejects it." While he did not think that Hyano wasn't smart, but such easy methods simply won't work. If nothing else, then it is obvious they already experimented in. "I value your curiosity, and that you are willing to experiment, but maybe you will have to approach this from a different angle." He used a reassuring and supporting tone, not wanting to sound harsh at all, as he did not mean to discourage her. He just wanted to point her in the right direction. "They are no examples of a lion and tiger, but the weed and flower are even more different. More think about... a dog and a cat."

"Hmmm..." The young woman seemed to think this over for a moment before deciding to be stubborn Hyano. "I think I will wait and see what these seeds make first before I give up and try something else." she told him with a smile. She then looked at one of the pots. "Besides... I have no choice... with everyone leaving and the magic in Middle-Earth shifting... magic-based plants like these are going to quickly die off and be replaced by the stronger non-magic ones. If you plan on leaving me behind... I'm going to have to figure out a way to do this with not only this flower but many more." she told him looking at the dead flower again.

"It is a process." He told her and stepped back from the table, walking towards the door. "It won't come suddenly. But slowly vanish. The elves feel it the most, their whole existence depends on magic. While we, istari only use a part of it, so you should be alright for thousands of years before feeling the effects." He sighed. "Of course we won't leave you to die here. There will be always a boat waiting for you to flee and come after us when you can't bear it anymore." He told her, reassuring her that they won't forget about her. He never wanted to, and never will. He wanted to know her safe, just like all his kin. He is the White wizard, the leader of the Order, so was responsible for their survival.

Hyano looked towards him then back to the pots.

"Gandalf... if I stay behind... I'm going to stay as long as I can... I might not ever follow you." she told him honestly. She wasn't sure how long her body could bear the shift in magic. She could guess how it would feel, like a constant pain that grows very slowly. While Istari were not of magic, like elves, they were very much bound to it. Like one cannot live without water, istari could not live without magic. Even now while Hyano could not use magic it still ran through her body like her very blood. "Humans will always need the istari. To guard and help them. You told me that... even if it is just me... I should probably stay as long as possible." she said. Her caring nature was starting to come out again.

"The race of Man is like a child." The White wizard said, turning back to gaze at the young wizard, smiling. "Yes, they need guidance; they need to be guarded and shown the right way... But every child once must face the world on its own, like a hatchling grows and tries its wings for the first time. How the bird's first flight goes, no one knows, and no one can predict. But the mother will not help it anymore, just watch, knowing it is time to let go. The young bird might fall towards the ground or fly to the sky. But not even the mother bird can predict its success. Just like how an istar guards the humans. Once it is time to let go and let them either fall... or fly. Our work is soon done. And we will be needed elsewhere... to raise a new clutch of hatchlings." He smiled again and left it at that, leaving the pondering to the young wizard and walked outside, closing the door behind him.

Hyano watched him leave then turned to her plants. It was either fly or die, huh... A sad thought, really. Either the humans flew on their own... or they die. It wouldn't be as swift as if a hatchling were to hit the ground, though. It would be slow. Humans killing humans and who knew what else. Humans had a nasty habit of becoming corrupted and not seeing it until it was too late. Kingdoms were taken down from the inside out. She looked towards the sky outside her window then sighed. She would just have to help this little hatchling as much as she could, then... let it drop. She pushed back from the table and went to her bed, then her thoughts turned to what he said about 'raising a new clutch'. She had never been anywhere but Middle-Earth. Were there other creatures she had yet to meet? She thought of all the creatures as she put her head down soon falling into a fast sleep, her imagination running wild until it couldn't run anymore...

And then the nightmares started again.

---

Hyano hated being connected to the sun for many reasons.

The biggest of them all being when she had a nightmare she couldn't wake up until the sun finally hit her.

Tears were streaming down her cheek from her green eye as she curled into a tight little ball. When finally the sun forced its way into her room her body sprung up and she let loose a scream that sounded like she had been speared yet again. Her eyes were huge in fear and her body was covered in a cold sweat. She pressed herself against the headboard of her bed as if on the other side of the room there was some monster she couldn't see.

---

As the scream sounded, Gandalf woke up with a start as well, jumping up quite quickly, sitting on his own bed and looking around still half asleep. He put a shaking hand on his chest, where his heart was, trying to calm it down. He either dreamed the scream or he heard it...

No... he couldn't have dreamed it. No way. He never does dream anything this bad and loud. He breathed heavily still in shock from it all and quickly stood up, grabbing his robe and staff, dressing quickly and running out of his room towards Hyano. Even if it was just a dream he can at least be sure that she was alright, and he was just a stupid old man who had a bad dream. He stopped at her door and knocked lightly with his staff first, before remembering that she more than likely is passed out... Oh no... The sun is already peeking over the horizon, so she must be awake. Not wasting time and frowning, the wizard opened the door and stepped inside, searching the room for the young girl, eventually finding her in the corner of her bed. His eyes instantly followed her gaze and looked at the other end of the room, ready to fight or cast a spell but he couldn't see anything strange in there. He frowned again, and turned towards the clearly shocked girl. His own heart was still beating harshly, and his breathing was heavy.

"What happened?" he asked, stepping closer to Hyano, with worry clear in his features.

The young istar was clutching her legs tightly, her finger tips almost piercing the skin. Her body was shaking and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't make it stop.

"Why... why... why WHY!" she screamed putting her head on her knees. "Why am I so scared? I've had these nightmares for a little less than a year why is it affecting me again!" she was practically scolding herself as if Ren was still there to tell her how weak she was for reacting this way yet again. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. She hadn't felt fear in some time and now that she was feeling it again she hated herself for it.

A nightmare then? The older wizard relaxed almost instantly, exhaling the air he didn't know he was holding. However, relaxing only lasted that long until concern took over his form again and slowly walked up to her. He extended a hand and touched her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze, making sure she knew he was there.

"It is over now... don't worry... Do you wish to talk about it?" He asked, now sitting on the edge of the bed. He for one never heard her having a nightmare. She has been around him for a few months now and never once did she wake up like this or told him about nightmares. This might have something to do with her cleansing? This might be the effect when the dark energy leaves, her body reacting to it, just like her mind? He did not know. Everyone is different and will react differently. Of course this doesn't make the nightmares more pleasant, even if it is a sign of her cleansing.

Hyano jumped when he touched her and held her legs all the tighter as she thought about if she should tell him or not. He was worried about her... but what would he think once he knew? She closed her eyes then sighed. Might as well. He would only get more worried if she didn't tell him. She told him of the horrible nightmares that the Nazgul put her through in order to rid her of her fear. She told him every detail and how even without the dark creature there her mind had continued to create the nightmares on its own and the worst part was no matter how hard she tried, there was no waking up. She had to go through it for the whole night unlike a normal person whose fear would wake them instantly.

This made them all the worse. All the longer.

Gandalf made sure to stroke her back and try to calm her as she talked, the frown on his face becoming deeper with every detail. So, the Nazgul thought foolishly that putting her through nightmares will harden her against fear? But fear is etched too deep within living beings. It helps them to survive. Their mind will never get rid of this. As Hyano is experiencing this now.

"He was foolish to think that his method would work. The fear was always there and always will be there. No amount of nightmare will destroy it." He sighed and caressed her hair gently, shaking his head. "You will see... The less darkness is within you, the less your nightmares will become. Once you are cleansed, they will end." He tried reassuring her, even giving her a smile.

By the time she had finished talking the younger istar had actually calmed down quite a bit. She rested her body against him, her head on his chest. The sound of the old wizard's words and his heartbeat calmed her greatly. However she still didn't like it.

"I was never scared before, Gandalf... At least not that I remember. I was smart and knew how to stay out of danger but... I was never scared... I hate this feeling." she said as she closed her eyes thinking about Ren. Part of her wish he was here as well, to hold her like he used to. When the nightmares had first started he had been the only comfort she had. He had made sure of that. She missed it to a point. However, even though she wouldn't admit it yet, she was starting to see just how wrong some of the things the Nazgul had done really were.

"Being scared is natural." The white wizard said as he kept trying to calm her down, talking in a whisper than in a normal tone. "It helps us survive, and know what is safe and what isn't. It helps us judge a situation. You had fear before as well, don't you remember? It never died out; you just tried drowning it out. It was always there though." he explained, patting her shoulder and caressing her hair, doing everything to try and soothe the young girl. He could see the fear, feel it, he felt her shaking slightly and her tone was also still wavering. "Do not hate this feeling, as it is a part of you, young wizard. Without fear you are not complete. Embrace it and use it accordingly. It is sometimes more useful than bravery."

Hyano had a hard time believing something this... horrible could be useful. Ren had taught her that the feeling of fear was useless and needed to be gotten rid of. She thought on it. If this was to continue, though, she would have to learn to feel and understand fear again... That alone scared her.

"Maybe..." she whispered and blinked as she realized that both her cheeks were wet. She put a hand to her face then looked up at Gandalf. "What color are my eyes?" she asked him. Ever since her one eye had turned red she had lost the ability to cry from it, yet now both her cheeks were wet...

The white wizard smiled, seeing she did not reject the idea of having fear as part of her life. He was glad she considered it at least, but then again... 'maybe' is an acceptance, no matter how he saw it. She doesn't have any other choice anyway. Fear is present and it will be through her long life. However, with his magic working, she will forget all this, that she feared fear itself or didn't accept it, this also means that she will lose her nightmares. They won't have any reason to stay if she forgot everything. He tilted his head a little to the side as she asked about her eyes, and reached out, cupping her cheek gently to turn her face completely towards him. He blinked.

"Now... they are both the same color, Hyano. It isn't red anymore." He couldn't help the smile the appeared on his face. Good. She is developing nicely. He wondered if more effects will be seen soon. "How do you feel? Do you feel any different than usual?" he asked, wanting to know if there are any other effects. Her nightmare must have triggered her cleaning process again.

The orange wizard smiled a little as she heard her eyes were both green again. Maybe this was because she had not used dark magic in quite some time. That had caused it in the first place. As he asked her about how she was feeling she thought a moment then smiled up at him.

"Hopeful... Scared still... but... happy." she replied honestly then leaned more into him. "And warm... I have felt so cold for so long... I finally feel warm again." she added as she closed her eyes. She felt like a child again almost despite her change in body. She had no idea what Gandalf was doing to her and may never know but at this point she didn't care.

Gandalf smiled, then patted her shoulder.

"That is good. If you feel better I am happy as well." While he was aged and had lived through many things, being social and giving comfort wasn't his greatest skill. He was still debating if he should tell her to continue their daily routine in nature, or perhaps stay here and let her indulge in her own warmth? He wasn't sure what to do, so simply let her choose. He did not say anything, nor did he move to stand, but let her relax as much as she wished. If she wanted to move, then he will let her and they will go on with today's activity.

Hyano just cuddled with him for a while before finally looking up at him.

"Can we go out and play today?" she inquired. It wasn't that she didn't want to work but she actually wanted to have fun. They had done nothing but work since she got there and while she was growing to love nature again she wanted to play in it. She could still take care of it while she did that but she just wanted to enjoy herself today. "Hey! Maybe we could play tag!" she suggested with a grin.

Gandalf couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her sudden request, but chuckled nonetheless.

"Of course." He replied, happy that she seemed to get back to her old self again. The old Hyano did like games, but of course got to do them rarely, seeing the lack of company. And such games are only possible if one isn't alone. "But... only if I can use some magic. I am not the youngest anymore." He chuckled again, although it was a lie since time and age is irrelevant to one such as him, but his 'old man' look did give an advantage. He didn't even know when was the last time when he actually just wanted to let go and play some games. Tag wasn't exactly a game grown wizards played. However he was sure that if he was just to run around, he won't last too long. Running was never his strongest trait. In addition, a little magic would make it more interesting.

The young wizard grinned and nodded.

"Of course, Gandalf. But I get a head start then." she said. Magic made things very interesting but if she was to just take off then he could easily just use a spell right then and the game would be over. She was sure this game would end with the older wizard being it most of the time. Hyano had a hard time seeing the old man running away. Honestly the idea itself made her laugh. Gandalf didn't run from anything. He didn't have to. He was far too strong a wizard for that kind of nonsense. She smiled then jumped off of the bed and quickly got ready. It only took her a moment to be ready and waiting on her older looking companion.

"Alright then..." The White wizard said and got off the bed as well, standing only a little to the side, adjusting his robe quickly. "Alright, you get a head start, but only... let's say... five seconds. You are still faster than me. You can't use magic, only me because I am older." He set up the rules quickly, chuckling at this himself. It was unusual to prepare for a game like this. He did find it rather childish, but hey... he wasn't exactly one of the most strict wizards anyway, and liked games overall, especially making fireworks. Fireworks are a kind of game as well. For him anyway. "And... the game takes place in the tower, excluding the basement, and the forest, excluding at the original old trees, and at the very young saplings. Ready?" He asked, gripping his staff tighter. Of course he knew he can't go right after her, but he still needed to prepare.

"Set... GO!" she said then was gone.

This also gave her a chance to explore the tower. While Gandalf had given her a basic one over she had yet to really explore it herself. She went down first, heading for the kitchen. This was for two reasons. First, because there were a number of things to duck behind and two, she hadn't eaten yet so she figured she might as well pick up some breakfast. She quickly grabbed some grapes then ducked behind a barrel. She had a huge grin on her face. She was already having far too much fun for her own good. She missed doing things like this, part of the reason she had loved it when Gandalf would visit is because he would play with her. Radagast would as well however... Saruman... No… not about to happen. That was like asking a tree herder to not care about a tree.

After counting exactly five seconds, the old wizard took off after her. That he did not follow her did not mean he did not see where she was going. She was going downstairs. Good. The wizard didn't waste time, but not taking any steps, he slid down the rails, hearing her footsteps still. Once they stopped, he jumped down as well, standing in the corridor he landed at and fell silent, listening to any sounds. His keen senses picked up some of the noises she made, but once she stopped, he couldn't quite know where she was hiding. But he knew exactly that she must be at that very floor he was at. He heard her footsteps stop here. His gaze fell on the storage room's door, then the kitchen's. Now which was it? The white wizard however wasn't as impatient like the children. He decided to be patient and wait her out. If she doesn't hear anything, she will peek, and try to run outside. Out there, he will have better chance as his vision won't be blocked by walls. And of course... the trees can help him out there. Taking silent steps, he went to the side, standing so he won't be seen from either door and waited; ready to bolt after her if she revealed herself.

Gandalf was right. Hyano was not very good at waiting. She could wait on things such as potions but you didn't have to be apart of waiting on those things. You could leave a potion and come back to it later. She poked her head out from behind the barrel. She had heard one noise on her level but nothing on the stairs which made it hard to tell where he was. She listened closely hoping to catch a sound but got nothing. She walked softly glad that one of the skills she still had was that she was still very light on her feet. She walked up to the door and pressed her ear against it listening for any sounds on the other side.

Gandalf was one of the most patient wizards, so waited. He knew she was around, just not where. A small noise came from the kitchen as she touched the door and his blue eyes shifted to it. But he did not move. If she opens the door, he will take off like a cheetah after her without hesitation. But he did not wish to give away his position just yet, so waited, his eyes fixed on the door, staying in one position, unmoving.

The younger wizard bit her lip then stepped back from the door. She bent down and mentally counted.

One... two... THREE!

She then bolted. She ran right through the door and for the exit. If ever she was going to be light on her feet this would be it. She just had to make it to the door out of here and then she would have more room to duck and dodge the wizard. She had to be careful though. He had the use of magic meaning he also could use the nature around them. That could become a very big problem very fast.

As soon as Gandalf saw the door burst open, he took off right after her, not wasting time. He boosted his speed with a good current of wind he formed behind him, letting it push him forward. He almost managed to snatch her but she was too fast. However the fact that she went outside brought his hopes up. If she goes outside, he can easily catch her with nature's help. The trees, grass and animals will all point him in the right direction if not help him catch her completely. He ran right after her, tight in her heels, just reaching the door when he managed to touch her with his extended staff.

"There we go." he said, she didn't need to know it was just his staff, all she knew it could have been his hand. But then again, his staff is a part of him, so it should count. He stopped instantly as he slid outside and started backing away.

Hyano stopped as well right at the entrance of the tower. She pouted slightly but it was quickly replaced by a smile as she turned to the wizard.

"Alright. My turn, Gandalf. Do you need a head start? Or do you think you can beat me without it?" she asked with a grin crossing her arms. This would be interesting. Gandalf was not slow. I mean he somehow kept up with a hobbit and those creatures move like no tomorrow. Try playing tag with a bunch of hobbit children and you are very likely to lose.

But as soon as she turned, the wizard was already gone, having taken off towards the young forest with the young trees. In nature and among trees he will have more chance and can ask the nature for help. He looked back once, making sure she was way behind him, before turning his gaze back forward and started running among the trees. He made sure to keep an eye on the young wizard, because if she came too close, he will use magic to boost his speed, or ask a few trees to lower their branches into her way, making her go around them instead, cutting her speed. And because they did not specify what magic he could use, he will use everything to tire her out. He was a sly old wizard, and he knew that. He was damn proud of it as well.

At first, Hyano tried just chasing the older wizard. However that quickly was proven not to work. Either a tree would get in her way or his wind would send him flying. She pouted for a moment then decided she needed to get sneaky. She waited until the wizard was out of sight again before jumping right into some mud quickly covering herself head to toe in the substance. She grinned then started to follow the wizard only this time she was doing what she could to stay out of sight and low to the ground hoping this would help her blend in to her surroundings. If she wanted to win this game she would have to catch the wizard by surprise.

However, she forgot that while she was stealthy and the old wizard didn't see her, the trees very much caught her movements and whispered with the wind, giving the help to Gandalf about her whereabouts, so he stayed out of her vicinity. He knew he had all the advantage one could think of, but she was the one who let him have it. Let's say that next time she will work on the rules more. He couldn't help but chuckle as another whisper reached his ears and grinned, chuckled then simply moved away from that position, maneuvering around the trees, he ran farther away from her.

Alright, so Hyano was at a heavy disadvantage. Too bad none of the trees were on her side. She was still having fun, though. The thrill of the chase alone was a lot of fun. The game continued like this for a little over an hour. Hyano had gotten so into her game that she did not notice a large thumping sound until it was right over her... literally. The ground shook and the trees swayed lazily in answer to the familiar sound. She blinked then yelped and jumped out of the way as an enormous foot stepped right past her.

"What in Middle-Earth?..." she said as she stared after the ancient creature, watching as it carefully made its way towards the tower of Isengard. She wasn't surprised by the tree herder as much as surprised to see him here. Seems he had yet to notice the two playing. No surprise there. Tree herders noticed plants more than living beings so it was no surprise when they overlooked them.

The large creature of course was extremely easy to notice, seeing the young trees were yet very short compared to their older ancestors farther back where the destruction didn't reach the old forest. At the approach of the being, the young trees swished excitedly and their whispers became more frequent, also warning the older wizard who by now could see the ancient tree herder very clearly. He stopped the game then and there, telling the trees to relax and do as they please, practice communication. This little game of tag was a nice practice as well, seeing sometimes the younger wizard was too far away for one tree to reach the white wizard, forcing the young ones to whisper among themselves and transfer the news. Perhaps they should do this more often.

Gandalf walked back towards the tower, seeing the ancient being was going there, he most certainly won't be able to catch him here. He hurried his steps a little to be able to reach the structure before the tree herder thinks he wasn't there and abandons the search for him.

He wondered what the being wanted...

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Hope you liked this chapter.

CA productions