"Speech"

'Wolf Speech'

~G~A~M~B~L~I~N~G~~W~I~T~H~~D~E~A~T~H~

Chapter 8 (28)

Sacredness in Tears

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." - Washington Irving

~G~A~M~B~L~I~N~G~~W~I~T~H~~D~E~A~T~H~

Miles away from Rohan, across plains, rivers and mountains in a citadel that was lit with a sickly green glow Tsukiyomi opened his eyes after a long delve into Amaterasu's mind. His sister's namesake was a valiant little thing. She had fought against him for days but the dark Mihashira was nothing if not persistent and his patience had finally paid off.
Tsukiyomi had managed to breach the barriers within the other Mihashira's mind and he had learned many things. He knew the most recent events in Middle Earth's history that he had missed during his very long slumber below the earth. Erebor had been reclaimed which meant Orochi was dead. This displeased the dark-haired man as he had planned on Orochi persuading any valuable allies to their side and Tsukiyomi had lost one of his most powerful servants.

Letting out a sigh Tsukiyomi rose from his bed and moved over to the window that looked out over the bridge to the citadel. Dol Guldur had been his home for the last few days and the Ringwraiths had avoided the Mihashira at all costs. Tsukiyomi glanced down to see a band of orcs leaving the citadel their grotesque forms lurching along the ground in a misshapen and repulsive group.

Maybe it was time to leave and meet with Saruman. The White Wizard apparently had a gift for the evil Mihashira and in return Tsukiyomi had some interesting information that he could use to his advantage in gaining more from the White Wizard. And if that didn't work then he could always threaten the wizard.

Turning the dark-haired man left his room and strode down the hallway and down staircases. Orcs dove out of his way and the two Ringwraiths that were in his path stood to the side and bowed to the Mihashira as he passed. There was only one being in the whole of Middle Earth who could withstand the evil aura that Tsukiyomi exuded and that was their Lord and Master Sauron. Tsukiyomi's soul was so tainted and blackened that even the Ringwraith's found it difficult to remain in his presence for very long.

Tsukiyomi grinned maliciously at the Ringwraiths before turning his attention to the long journey he had ahead of him. If he chose his form correctly he could reach Isengard within the next day and a half. The information he could give Saruman was rather important. Sighing he decided speed was more important than comfort. He stood in the courtyard of Dol Guldur and rolled his head on his neck his bones cracking loudly.
Taking a deep breath Tsukiyomi summoned his form. Black smoke rose and clouded the Mihashira from view as it pulsed and throbbed around his morphing form. Finally he finished his transformation and the smoke vanished leaving behind a sickly smell of rotting flesh and other foul things.

The pitch black dragon stood on two legs and roared. His hands were part of his wings, short little stubby things that he detested as it was less defensive. But, Tsukiyomi was grateful for one element of the dragon's form. This dragon's very presence could cause hallucinations and nightmares and many a foe had fallen asleep when they had met in battle and never woken up. The nightmares were so vivid and so real that they caused all who fell under them to die of fright. The pounding of their frantic hearts was always music to Tsukiyomi's ears. A fugue of the tormented and dying.

The dragon chuckled darkly before pushing off and blasting into the sky. The clouds above Dol Guldur were thick and heavy but no rain fell. The cloud bank extended to the shores of Osgiliath and the few men who loitered there were lucky enough to be far from Tsukiyomi's evil presence as he soared higher and higher in the sky until any who could see him would think him but a bird.

oOOo

The moment Ammy had stabbed Grima, Aragorn had felt his heart go cold. There was no way on earth that Ammy would kill another human being unless she wasn't herself. Silence fell upon the hall with only the harsh, wheezing pants from Ammy breaking the quiet. Slowly Aragorn walked forward one step after the other until he was but a few steps from her side. Despite her fragile state she must have still heard him as she scrabbled around on her hands and knees, backing away from him with glazed and fearful eyes. Blood dripped from her head and her white hair was quite literally dripping fat droplets that fell to the flagstones or onto her threadbare shirt.

"Easy. Easy." Aragorn crooned and crouched down. He placed his borrowed sword on the floor and pushed it away from him and Ammy the metal scratching the stone loudly. "I mean you no harm." He held his hands open and away from his chest in a surrendering fashion.

Ammy paused in her retreat and cocked her head to one side as she took in the man before her and Aragorn stayed perfectly still his eyes piercing hers. He knew if he moved she may bolt in fright. It was obvious to the Dunedain Ranger that she was barely holding back from fleeing her survival instinct was so strong and overwhelming. Honestly he was surprised she was still conscious. From the bruises and the bleeding it was clear she had been through fire and back and any man may have crumbled under such torture.

"Do you recognise me Amaterasu?" He said softly waiting for her to recognise him.

"No." She whimpered and then pressed a hand to her head. "But I feel that I should. When I look at you, you seem familiar and then my head hurts. Have we met? Was it a dream? Have I gone totally mad?" She grew frantic and rocked on her knees with both hands pressed to her temples. Small whines and whimpers fell from her lips and Aragorn could sense the anger and rage from both Gimli and Legolas at their dear friend's current state. Luckily they did not move and Aragorn hushed Ammy softly.

"Shh little one. It is alright. Can you tell me your name? I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. Although I am not who I was this morning I am Aneria. Or at least I think that is my name. The dust bunnies said I might be someone else. They speak to me you know. As do the children in the light." Aneira smiled sweetly at Aragorn before her face suddenly went blank. Aragorn gasped and leapt forward just in time to catch the woman before she hit the floor.

"Shh. You can tell me more later. First I must see to these wounds that you have and you must get some rest. Steady little one. All will be will." Aragorn swung Aneira up and cradled her small frame to his chest. His arm braced her back and his other held her legs up just above her knees. The softness of her skin was marred by dirt and blood and she hissed when his arms pressed into her bruises before falling silent and tucking her head into the crook of his neck.

"What do you need Aragorn?" Legolas's steady voice broke the otherwise silent hall and seemed to be a signal for everyone else to leap into action.

Edoras's soldiers began gathering up weapons, righting tables and benches that had been knocked over in the commotion and a couple of the more brave souls stepped past the remainder of the Fellowship to clear up Grima's body. They were not handling his body with too much care much to Gimli's pleasure but the quick-tempered Dwarf still felt rage swirling in his belly like a storm.

Eowyn was leading Theoden from the hall, her uncle's arm wrapped around her shoulder and she paused momentarily to speak to one of the women who had come to inspect the kerfuffle. The woman nodded and curtsied to Eowyn before scampering over to the Fellowship. Gandalf smiled politely and waited for her to speak. It took the young woman several seconds before she could force the words out she was so overwhelmed by the events and by the people she was standing before.

"Yes my dear?" Gandalf finally broke the silence and the woman blushed before mumbling.

"If you'd follow me this way my lords Lady Eowyn has instructed that you have a private room where you can treat your friend's wounds and she will be with you shortly. If you need anything, supplies, bandages, water, medicinal plants please tell me and I will fetch them for you." The woman led them down the corridor which Eowyn had passed through a few moments before until they were at the end of the long passage. She opened a door into a large chamber where there were several beds on fairly standard wooden frames. A roaring fire had been lit in the chamber and the windows had been flung open to let the fresh air in.

"This will do perfectly." Gandalf smiled and thanked the woman who promptly scurried away before Aragorn could even open his mouth.

"Legolas I need you to go and fetch water, we will need to clean the blood away so that I can examine the extent of Ammy's wounds." Legolas nodded and left the chamber quickly on his search. "Gimli, I will need my pack which is with Hasufel in the stables. I need everything in it not just a few items as I have a feeling all my herbs and thread will be needed to stop the bleeding."

"Right you are Aragorn. You just keep the lassie holding on." Gimli grunted out and then ran out the door his heavy dwarven boots thumping loudly on the stone.

Sighing Aragorn turned back to the woman who was still cradled in his arms. He could not be sure Ammy was asleep as she was mumbling to herself and her eyelids were flickering. Either way he knew he would have to put her down to begin healing her. He strode over to one of the beds that was positioned in the best light and carefully lowered the woman onto the bed, slipping his arms from beneath her. The moment his hands left her frame Ammy's eyes snapped open and she lunged for Aragorn's arm.

"Don't leave me alone!" She cried and tears ran down her face. Her pupils were dilated and her breath short and harsh and Aragorn eased himself down onto the bed beside her gently pushed her back down onto the mattress.

"I will not leave you little one. But I must tend to your wounds. I will be here all the time. And Gandalf is here also. Neither of us will leave you alone. In a few minutes you will meet our other companions; an Ereborean Dwarf Gimli son of Gloin and an Elf, Legolas Thranduilion. We will all protect you. You will not be alone again." Whilst he spoke Aragorn carded his fingers into Ammy's hair on the left side of her head and gently stroked her scalp. His thumb moved in gentle little circles on her forehead and soon Ammy's frantic state died away leaving her weary and soothed for a time.

"Do you promise Aragorn, son of Arathorn?" her frail voice whispered.

"I do." Aragorn replied steadily and felt his heart break slightly as Ammy closed her eyes and began to sing softly to herself. The song seemed to have no particular rhythm or melody but was merely the girl humming her own private little tune.

"Aragorn. Before you begin to examine her wounds might I take a look at that collar?" Gandalf's normally loud voice had lowered to a soft grumble and he was looking at the collar with some interest. The worried gleam in his eye caused Aragorn to look at the heavy metal ring also and he could see that it had rubbed on Ammy's shoulders and neck with the flesh below it looking red, sore and in a few places bleeding.

Aragorn nodded and shifted slightly to allow Gandalf better access to the collar but the Ranger refused to cease his comforting strokes on Ammy's head. The woman had tilted her head to the side and nuzzled into his palm and was still humming lightly but overall she seemed a lot calmer and steady than she had been.

Gandalf ran his hand over the gold collar and sucked air in between his teeth. The evil aura that emanated from the collar was powerful and malignant.

"This is no ordinary spell. It is a truth collar. The Dark Speech which we will find upon its reverse forces the wearer to be truthful in all things. From the very words they say to the actions they make. I suppose this is why Amaterasu is not in animal form. The collar would force the wearer into their natural form. Thus she is human and not Mihashira." Gandalf grumbled to himself and ran his fingers along the collar once more.

"I can remove it but I will wait until you have tended to her wounds. I have little experience with such things and cannot tell you whether Amaterasu will revert to animal form once it is removed or whether the effects will last longer. It does not seem to be causing her pain for the moment so we should be fine to leave it on."

Gandalf stood and picked up his staff from where he had left it by the door.

"I will return shortly. I must check on Theoden. If you have need of me sooner send one of the others to find me." Gandalf was positively cheerful despite all that had happened and Aragorn was slightly relieved. Whilst he knew the wizard could be frightening, terrifying and ruthless when necessary it was always comforting to know a situation wasn't too dire when the resident wizard wandered out whistling to himself.

No sooner had Gandalf left then Tangwen trotted into the room, still in fox form. Ayaka was curled up on her head fast asleep and Aragorn was pleased to see that the Tennyo looked much better. Her red light was pulsing softly and was no longer flickering weakly. The Ranger knew very little about the Tennyo but it seemed she was out of the woods.

"How is she?" Tangwen asked as she sat at Aragorn's feet. Her gold and blue eyes pierced Aragorn's sharply and Aragorn sighed.

"She could be better. I am waiting for my supplies to arrive and Legolas is bringing me water. As far as I can make out she has a wound to the right side of her head, a cut under her eye and to her lip. The wound she received in Moria has split open on her side and needs re-stitching and I believe she may have cracked ribs. Combine that with muscle spasms that are happening due to some form of repeated stress and the bruises which cover her… Oh, she is also completely devoid of her mind like she is mad and I have no idea why." Aragorn rubbed his face with his free hand.

"Mad you say?" Tangwen's eyes widened and she paused a moment before transforming into her human form. Aragorn recalled the form which Tangwen possessed but he was still surprised by the beauty and ethereal quality she possessed. It was different to the unearthly feel that Ammy had. Whilst Ammy felt as if she were part of the earth, an extension of it, Tangwen felt as if she could vanish at any moment. Aragorn shivered slightly as a chill wind seemed to course out from Tangwen.

"Aye, she's like a child and nothing she says makes sense. She has no idea who we are either and has even forgotten her own name." Aragorn said. Tangwen let out a moan and ran her pale hands through her hair.

"Foolish, brave child." She whimpered and closed her eyes. One tear fell from her eyes and Aragorn watched in astonishment as it froze and fell to the ground only to shatter into tiny pieces of ice.

"You know what ails her?" Aragorn said dragging his attention away from Tangwen's mysterious powers.

"I do. It is something that I have never seen. Our people had certain spells that could be used in times of great need. You know how we have aided heroes of the past because it is our duty?" Aragorn nodded. He remembered Ammy and Gandalf briefly discussing it many, many nights ago.

"Well, there is one spell which removes the memory, mind and character of a person. It is a last defence spell that does not even have a name as our people feared it so. It was for when all hope was lost and when there was no chance of salvation. If the Mihashira fell into the hands of the enemy then all that they knew would be safe and the hero that they were attempting to aid would be safer. I just do not understand how Ammy came to use the spell. It requires three participants. One who casts, one on whom it is cast (which would be Ammy) and the one who knows the words to break the spell."

"It can be broken?!" Aragorn looked up anxiously at Tangwen but the Mihashira just slowly shook her head. Ayaka who had remained asleep for the transformation and the following conversation finally woke when Tangwen shook her head.

The Tennyo glanced around sleepily before seeing Ammy. Letting out a high-pitched squeal that could even be heard by Aragorn the tiny creature dove down and landed on the pillow next to the slumbering Ammy's head. The Tennyo looked over Ammy's wounded form and her light dimmed in sorrow. Ayaka looked up at Aragorn before chirping and petting his finger with her tiny hand. The Dunedain let out a sad chuckle before turning back to Tangwen.

"It can be broken but there is a specific set of words that will break the spell. And there is only one person who will know those words. Unfortunately for us, we do not know whom Ammy would have trusted to save her. We have no clue who spent her last moments of sanity with her and the one person who might have been able to tell us was killed by Ammy mere minutes ago." Tangwen sank down onto the floor and linked her hands in her lap.

Legolas had been walking back with a bucket of water and a bundle of cloths that one of the kitchen maids had given him and almost dropped the bucket at Tangwen's words. Swallowing back fear and sorrow Legolas quickly walked over to Aragorn.

"The water is warm; the maids gave it to me from a cauldron over the fire. It is clean and the cloths are from the sickroom. Gimli is just coming with your pack." The elf prince said dully.

Gimli's lumbering footsteps could be heard coming down the corridor and Tangwen quickly rose to her feet out the way. The sooner Aragorn had his herbs and equipment the sooner he could heal Ammy. Once Ammy was no longer in danger from her wounds Tangwen would aid Gandalf in removing that hideous collar.

The malignant evil that seeped from the collar was trying to eat at Tangwen's soul. She could feel it clawing at her with sticky fingers. The faster it was removed, the sooner she could destroy it.

oOOo

It took a long time for Aragorn to finish healing Ammy's wounds. The head wound was not too serious and only took a few stitches to seal the cut. He placed athelas and yarrow on the small cuts and a large poultice of various herbs on the cut from Moria that had been forced open once again.

Whilst Aragorn was tending to Ammy's wounds Legolas made a small cauldron of tea. Hops and poppy seed to help her sleep. Chamomile for the headache that she had along with some spices to ease the flavour and coax it down her throat. Gimli left halfway through the treatment when Aragorn had to remove the ripped and torn shirt in order to treat Ammy's ribs and the cut from Moria. Gimli had grown even angrier at the vivid bruises on Ammy's ribs and torso and all the men and Tangwen knew what the small round bruises around her thighs and breasts were. There was no mistaking the signs of overeager fingers.

Gimli had left the room abruptly. Dwarfs were very protective of their women because there were so few of them. Dwarf children and women were far more valuable than any treasure and Gimli knew how despicable it was for a Dwarf male to lay a hand on an unwilling Dwarf woman. In any Dwarven city the Dwarf would face severe punishment and either death or exile. Despite the severe rules no decent Dwarf would even contemplate it so dear were their women. Men it seemed lacked the honour that ran in Dwarf blood.

Gimli grumbled quietly to himself as he walked back into the main hall. Gandalf was sitting by the fire in the centre of the hall smoking his pipe. Gimli walked over to the wizard and stood himself before Gandalf who merely raised a bushy eyebrow.

"What is troubling you Gimli?" The wizard finally said when it seemed the Dwarf needed coaxing.

"It's the wee lass. Aragorn's worried Wormtongue may have forced himself upon her. There were marks on her skin that were not from physical blows." Gimli spat out and turned to glare into the fire.

Gandalf sighed and put his pipe down.

"Let us hope that is not so. I do not think it is Gimli." Gandalf chuckled lightly. "Can you imagine Lady Amaterasu letting any man touch her or do anything to her she did not wish?"

"No." Gimli said. "But she didn't have her animal forms. She did not have her usual strength."

"Indeed. Lady Amaterasu however gave him much trouble as she could. I went to check that Grima did not have any surprises in either his room or upon his person. His bed was untouched and although there was blood I believe it was blood from a wound and nothing more. If you want further confirmation that Grima left this world… unfulfilled you only need to look at his corpse. Some of his fingers are bandaged with bite marks beneath them that have drawn blood as well as a very deep bite on his arm. Lady Ama must have been worrying at him like a terrier with a rat!"

Gandalf chuckled darkly. Gimli looked at the wizard and saw that the wizard truly believed Ammy had not been forced.

"I suppose the lass would not have so many bruises if she had given in."

"Indeed Gimli." Gandalf began to smoke his pipe again but stopped when Gimli nodded decisively and trotted off. "Where are you going Gimli?"

"I'm off to find Lady Eowyn. The poor lass needs her belongings which are probably in Wormtongue's room and she needs some clothes. She can't go wandering around in naught but her skin!"

Gandalf smiled softly as the kind-hearted Dwarf marched over to one of the women who was laying food out along the tables and began demanding to know where he might find the Lady Eowyn.

oOOo

Kiyiya and her siblings slowed as they reached the edge of Mirkwood. The forest had changed much in the years since she had first lain eyes upon its borders. No longer were the trees so sickly and twisted. Green leaves had returned and the forest floor now contained life with some of the more tenacious plants making a comeback. Animals had yet to return to the forest and Kiyiya watched as birds overhead flew over the trees their wings skimming the tops of the branches.

'Here we are again. On the very same path that we walked all those years ago.' Kiyiya sighed and began walking to the grove that she knew lay slightly within the forest. T

he statue of the elf maiden had long been removed and replaced by a new one, the mark of Sauron no longer holding sway over this area. It had been cleansed and returned to a safe place for travellers to wait for elves or to rest before beginning their trek through the trees.

'Please tell me we aren't going to ask for aid from the elves?' Menewa growled and nosed at Kiyiya's back. The Wolf Princess laughed and turned to face her brother.

The male wolf had a strong dislike of Thranduil and was not slow to demonstrate that dislike. The last time they had visited Mirkwood the wolf had stolen Thranduil's most elegant robes and thrown them in the river. Apparently they had washed up near Lake Town and were beyond salvation. Needless to say Kiyiya had been forced to apologise to Thranduil several times and her husband had paid the Elf-King back.

'Give up brother. We know we can make it through the forest without the elves but it will be faster if the tree-huggers help us.' Kajika yawned and sat unceremoniously down only to begin scratching furiously. Kiyiya hugged Menewa's snout and nuzzled into his fur.

'The quicker we get to the Elf-King's realm the sooner we can retrieve what we came for and go home.' Kiyiya kissed her brother and then stepped away from him. Taking in a deep breath she howled long and clear. The eerie sound echoed through the forest and the butterflies that still dwelt at the top of the trees fluttered up in a panic at the piercing cry. Menewa and Kajika joined their sibling in her howl and soon the cry could be heard in every corner of Mirkwood.

"Really. There is no need for such a racket." A female voice drawled and from out of the trees stepped an auburn haired elf.

"Tauriel!" Kiyiya said with joy and ran up to the elf and embraced her.

'Wonderful.' Menewa said sarcastically. 'Now we're going to have to stay for supper so that those two can catch up.' Kajika huffed and tackled her brother to the floor and soon both giant wolves were tussling and snapping at each other in mock fighting. Elf and Mihashira regarded them with raised eyebrows for a moment before turning back to their conversation.

"How are you my friend?" Tauriel asked with a smile and looked Kiyiya over. "I see you have not acquired any new scars or wounds since last we met. Are you sure you have been off adventuring? I see no evidence of such! Or maybe you have simply been relaxing back at the Full Moon Pack's territory?"

"Of course we have been adventuring. Although Tauriel it was far more exciting and sad than I expected. I have found one of my own, a Mihashira. But this one is the one we have been waiting for. The one who was prophesied. That is why I have come to Mirkwood. I am returning home but first I need to see King Thranduil. He is guarding something special for me and I think the time will soon arise when I need that item."

Tauriel's smile slowly slipped from her face as the conversation grew grave. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly when Kiyiya mentioned giving an item to King Thranduil and she worried at Kiyiya's visibly shaken state.

"Very well mellon. I shall personally escort you through the forest and I will accompany you back home. It seems there may be need of another alliance between the Dwarfs of Erebor and the Elves of Mirkwood." Tauriel bowed and then clasped the small woman on the shoulder. Kiyiya smiled weakly up at the elf that towered above her. She had not thought to become such good friends with the auburn-haired elf who was one of the master warriors in Thranduil's court but over the years their friendship had grown stronger and stronger. Tauriel was also one of the only elves who had not been shocked or intimidated by Kiyiya's form and by her siblings and so the elf-maiden-warrior was a dearly beloved friend.

'Mene, Kaji!' Kiyiya growled and the two wolves sprang apart with their tongues lolling out their mouths and a sheepish grin each. 'Time to move out.'

"I will run beside you for a while if you do not mind?" Tauriel said politely. She was in no hurry to ride a giant wolf ever again and even though she would be on foot there would be no issue of keeping pace. The pathway although returned to its former state was not large enough for two giant wolves to run abreast and so they would be moving single file through the entire trip.

"Of course not. If you wish to move faster however, I am sure Kajika would not mind lending you her back for a time." Kiyiya teased Tauriel and laughed brightly when the elf shuddered.

"Come my friend. Tell me of your adventures. We have time to spare." Tauriel set off at a trot with Kiyiya riding Menewa at her side. Kajika huffed and trotted along peacefully behind them. It was going to be a long trip with the only view to the front being her brother's rear end. Sometimes Kajika wished she had been born bigger than Menewa but then again she supposed she might have inherited is stupidity along with size and frankly she was quite happy being the smartest of the pair…

oOOo

The journey through Mirkwood took the wolves, Mihashira and elf-warrior several days. They had hoped to cover ground much quicker but the three wolves were much wearied from their journey from Minas Tirith and were forced to take longer rests, sleeping from sunset to sunrise as they re-gathered their strength.

Upon reaching Thranduil's Kingdom the wolves were taken to see Thranduil immediately. None of the elves dared defy Tauriel, Captain of the Kings Guard and that was even without the two giant wolves and spear-wielding Princess.

"My Lord." Tauriel went down on one knee before the throne and bowed her head. "I have returned with visitors my Lord who desperately need to speak with you."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow at Tauriel's fervent plea. Whilst the elf-maiden was quick to anger and prone to being passionate it was rare that she was so emphatic.

"Who has entered with you Tauriel?" He drawled. If it was Dwarfs they could wait.

"I did."

Thranduil rose to his feet and stared down at Kiyiya. It had been a while since the Wolf Princess had sought an audience with Thranduil. A long time since they had spoken quietly about a great treasure that needed guarding after a long battle. Kiyiya had said that she would never appear alone before Thranduil unless she required that item back and the Mihashira had been true to her word. Thranduil inclined his head to the Forest Child.

"Princess Kiyiya." He drawled.

"King Thranduil." She replied and bowed slightly before climbing the stairs to his throne and dropping herself rather unceremoniously and ungracefully into one of the chairs that were usually occupied by Legolas or by the incompetent advisors who sought to make Thranduil throw off his alliance with their neighbours. Thranduil took the time to inspect Kiyiya.

She looked tired. She was thinner than her last diplomatic visit and her hair seemed to lack the vivacity and vitality it usually possessed. Her eyes were also weary as if she had seen yet more pain and felt more sorrow. Despite these tiny details the Wolf Princess strode around and carried an air of confidence and was able to deceive most of the noble elves who were still twittering on.

"Leave us!" Thranduil's voice echoed loudly as he spoke. The nobles and advisors bowed before walking swiftly away. Soon the only remaining elves were Tauriel, two guards and Thranduil himself.

"Did your husband send you?" Thranduil asked even though he already knew the answer. He just hoped it wasn't so. He sank back into his throne and affected an air of dis-interest.

"You know I have not seen him in months." Kiyiya replied wearily and rubbed a hand over her face. "I have come alone because it is time. Or at least it will be. I have met her Thranduil."

Thranduil looked intently at the Wolf Princess. She nodded and smiled ruefully.

"She is the one. Galadriel prophesied her coming all those years ago and she has arrived. Her name is Amaterasu."

Thranduil leapt to his feet in anger.

"You lie!" He boomed and leaned in close to watch Kiyiya's every action.

"I speak true. I am sorry but it is not her. They are completely different people." Kiyiya's voice was sympathetic and it niggled Thranduil in his already emotional state.

"Come. We shall retire to my chambers." The Elf-King snapped and wheeled down the stairs and began to descend the many pathways in his kingdom until he reached his private rooms. Once there he went to a bookcase where he pulled out a thin leather packet. The leather was old but still in good condition. Words ran along the edge of the folder: Until we meet again may the sun shine upon you and the moon and stars smile upon us.

Carrying the package carefully over to a table Thranduil undid the leather strap and opened it to reveal page after page of drawings. Some were complete others less so but each was unique and had been drawn with care. Slowly the King leafed through the pages until he reached one particular illustration.

A woman's face looked out at him with a small nose, kind gold eyes, white hair and a small smile playing about her lips. Red markings also decorated her flesh and they rose up her nose and over her forehead and covered her eyes in sharp strong lines. Thranduil ran a trembling finger over the woman's face before turning to face Kiyiya and Tauriel who had finally caught up.

"My apologies Thranduil. We had to return briefly to my siblings. You know we do not like to be separated for too long." Kiyiya bowed and smiled softly at the King.

Thranduil said nothing and merely gestured for Kiyiya to take a seat at the table. Tauriel stood guard by the stairs her eyes and ears open and her posture strong. No one would dare interrupt them down here and anyone who did would receive a stern and possibly painful scolding from the elf-maiden.

"I promise you Thranduil. This is not your Amaterasu." Kiyiya spoke quietly and picked up the portrait of the woman. Many years ago when Kiyiya had first come to be in the Elf-King's kingdom her and Thranduil had struck up a strange friendship that seemed to be based on mutual respect and admiration. In that time Thranduil had told the much younger and heart-broken half Mihashira of an Ame-no-Mihashira he had once loved.

"I know it could not be her. I searched for years for her and know she was no longer in this world. My Amaterasu was so strong and beautiful that I would know if she had returned. The very earth she walked upon sang and it resonated throughout Middle Earth. I know it is not she but her name awakens memories and dreams I have long since buried." Thranduil sighed and then rose from the table.

The Elf-King walked to the mirror that hung near his bookcase and gently lifted the mirror from its hook, barely recognising his reflection. The elf that stared back was not the great Elf-King Thranduil who had fought the fire-drakes of the North but the young elf King who had seen an Ame-no-Mihashira and fallen hopelessly in love only to lose that love after only a few hundred years.

Behind the mirror lay a strange metal grating that shimmered and sparkled in the light.

"Is that?" Kiyiya asked in wonder as she craned her neck to look at the grating.

"Mithril." Thranduil replied. "It was driven down through the rock by Dwarfs eons ago, long before your Dwarfs ancestors were even a spark in their parent's minds."

The Elf-King drew a knife from his boot and pricked his finger, twisting the point of the blade until a large drop of blood welled up. Swiftly and smoothly he ran his bloodied fingertip along the edge of one of the bars and suddenly the mithril seemed to twist and writhe until it formed a door within a solid shield of mithril.

"That is strong magic." Kiyiya said her mouth agape. It was not often that blood was required for any elvish spell. Only the ancient spells required it as it was the strongest proof of life in this world and was thus very precious.

"I believe so." Thranduil drawled and turned to look at Kiyiya with a raised eyebrow.

"I will not speak of it!" She hastily said and swallowed nervously when the blond elf turned back to the door. Crouching swiftly Thranduil placed his hand on the surface of the mirror which he had removed from the wall and mumbled softly under his breath. Kiyiya didn't bother trying to hear what he was saying as it was clear that no one but Thranduil would ever be able to open this grating and she had no reason to betray the Elf-King anyway.

When he was finished the mirror seemed to ripple inwards to where his hand was placed and then suddenly ripple outwards again. Thranduil lifted his hand and twisted it upwards until Kiyiya could see a small blob of what looked like liquid silver writhing in his hand. It twisted and stretched and contorted until finally it resembled a key simple in design. Thranduil stood and pushed the key into the mithril door and the Kiyiya heard the tumblers click. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, clicks later and the latch finally gave. The Elf-King wasted no time opening the door and reaching inside. Item after item was drawn out. Square, cylindrical, the odd small chest and several pouches. The next to come through the tiny door were portraits and paintings including several of Legolas, one of an older Elf who strongly resembled Thranduil, a painting which Kiyiya knew was of Legolas's mother and several of Amaterasu.

"Exactly how large is the space behind that tiny door? And how are the portraits managing to fit through?" Kiyiya asked bewildered. It couldn't be that it was bigger on the inside what a ridiculous notion. Thranduil did not reply and merely reached further behind the door until his arm seemed swallowed up entirely. A moment's pause and then he withdrew a long package that had been wrapped in Mirkwood fabric and again in a leather wrap that was tied with red ribbon.

"This is what you have come for Kiyiya." Thranduil balanced the package on his hands and carried it over the table. Kiyiya quickly undid the ribbon and the fabrics that contained the item and finally looked upon the treasure.

"It is as I remember it." Tears welled up in her eyes and Kiyiya let out a small sob. "Thank you for taking such care of it Thranduil. You even fixed the damage to the end."

"Of course I did." Thranduil said softly and patted Kiyiya on the head. Sometimes he forgot how young Kiyiya was in comparison to Legolas or Tauriel. The Mihashira was barely over a hundred and would only live another century and a half if she was lucky. Her bloodline had been so diluted with Men that she was capable of but one form and had a much reduced life span. A brief feeling of sorrow spiked in Thranduil's heart and he knelt before the seated Mihashira and embraced her.

"Thank you my friend." Kiyiya choked out and embraced the Elvenking. It was not often that he let his guard down enough for them to embrace and so these moments were special to the Wolf Princess.

"Now, before you return to that fool of a husband of yours," Thranduil pulled away and began returning his beloved items to their secret home. "You shall stay and dine here. You can set out for home tomorrow morning with Tauriel. I wish to know more of the events that have passed beyond my borders. You will also tell me if my son is behaving. And, if you do not mind, I would like you to tell me all about this new Amaterasu."

Kiyiya smiled and re-wrapped the long packet carefully.

"I would be delighted Thranduil." She said. "I think you would like her. She is very spirited and strong-willed but she is also loyal and kind. In fact she rather reminds me of yo-"

Kiyiya was interrupted when someone came clattering down the steps to Thranduil's chambers. Tauriel drew her knives but before she could use them a large figure came barrelling through the doorway his nose sniffing wildly and his eyes glancing around.

Kiyiya rose to her feet and grabbed her spear and pointed it at the newcomer. Suddenly she seemed to recognise him and narrowed her eyes inspecting him.

"What are you doing here?" She cried in shock.

The tall man finally found Kiyiya and strode up to her sniffing at her as he came. A low growl rumbled in her throat and chest.

"Back off or I'll make you!" She snapped wolfishly and felt her incisors sharpen slightly.

"Backing off." The male rumbled and he stepped away from her. "Nice to see you again little wolf."

"Well the last time we met you did try to gore me with those antlers on top of your head! So forgive me if I'm wary!" Kiyiya snapped.

The dark-skinned male tipped his head back and laughed loudly. The antlers on top of his head were truly impressive. It appeared he had grown several more tines since their last encounter and if Kiyiya wasn't sure he was an adult she would have thought he had grown. Finally he stopped laughing and wiped tears away from his dark brown eyes.

"Little wolf you haven't changed at all." He said weakly.

"I'd say the same, but you seem to have mellowed out somewhat." Kiyiya lowered her spear and sat back down in the chair. She was too tired for all this nonsense. "Please tell me you can control all your forms now. I think it is time you came out of hiding."

His eyes glinted excitedly and he looked more closely at the weary Wolf Princess and then to Thranduil and Tauriel who were watching the pair of them with amusement.

"And why's that little wolf?"

"Because, our new leader has arrived. You are no longer the only full-blooded Mihashira in Middle Earth. And soon she will need our services. Think you would mind killing some orc, Rannoch?" Kiyiya watched carefully for his reaction. Any sign of loss of control and she wouldn't hesitate to drive her spear through him.

Rannoch shivered excitedly and Kiyiya saw him repress the transformation. Fur rippled over his exposed arms before fading back into his brown skin. He licked his lips and chuckled maliciously.

"It would be my pleasure."

~~G~A~M~B~L~I~N~G~~W~I~T~H~~D~E~A~T~H~~

A/N: First I want to say sorry for how long it's taken… I have genuine reasons why it has taken ages the main one being that I have been very ill. I've never been this ill before and I ended up in hospital twice because of it. Thankfully it's nothing serious and I'm on the mend. Hope this chapter didn't disappoint after so long a wait! So…. Bit of an exciting chapter? Ammy is mental. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas are pissed off. Gandalf is frustrated. Kiyiya is tired, there's a new male Ame-no-Mihashira on the scene and Thranduil used to be in love with Amaterasu the first of that name? I didn't see that one coming. I quite like it though. I know elves only have a 'One' and that it breaks their heart when their 'One' dies or sails but Thranduil met Amaterasu when she was very young, long before he met Legolas's mother and had to marry her in order to further his line. I'm not saying that he didn't love his wife, but you can have different love for different people. I really don't know why I felt I had to defend that so much…. Oh, there are also a couple of references to other books/movies/tv in the chapter and I'd be interested to see if anyone picks them up! Please R&R as I love receiving all of them even the ones that loathe the story as it makes me think about changes etc!

Thanks to:
DragonBlade1000, narisadar , Capofmyheart , Counting Sinful Stars- the little extra Grima torment was inspired by your review!, Noxy the Proxy, Kistelle , amy17pond, Kat Jan 22, Emzy2k11 , DragonOwl, Mistra Rose, Sliverfire Jan 28- as you may have noticed it's taken nearly half a year for another update so I can't really tell you when the next one will be. There isn't a schedule I'm afraid!, Mizu Jan 29, FaithForFate Jan 30 – thanks for the brilliant review!, Tintcalad , L1742 , Valkyrie Feb 13, Desi A Feb 24, Guest Feb 25- I have plans if it were to be an Aragorn/Ammy don't you fear!, Guest Mar 12, Needing-More Mar 17, UnaMinxStar Mar 24- I hope this chapter satisfied your desire for a male Ame-no-Mihashira, there are two in play now Tsukiyomi and Rannoch!, Idhrenniel Apr 30- thanks for the wonderful review with all the questions!, Ely-chan , InuBakaGirl, bdutton May 6, Elf Jun 8