[IC] Middle-Earth: Bright Stars & Durin's Folk { Wolf & Angel }

[WolfLover]

Yavanna glanced over her shoulder; to see whom was approaching them at the same time Saeril let her go. Seeing the Dwarven members of the Blue Mountains, Yavanna gave them a warm smile. To show she meant them no harm.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril raised her hands halfway to show that both of them don’t mean them any harm; that they only come as temporary visitors. It’s been so long since she had last stepped on the grounds of the Blue Mountains. “We wish to speak with Dis. The Daughter of Durin?”, she asked aloud, hoping to know the whereabouts of the female dwarf. “Who calls?”, a soft female voice spoke, as the dwarf they’ve been seeking, walked through the crowd, who managed to part the royal’s path. The Dwarven woman looked like a female version of Kili: Long, dark hair and eyes, as well as fair, light skin. All the traits of a pure-blooded Durin. Her eyes widened a little, as she started to see a familiar face.

Once Dis managed to stop in front of them by a few feet, Saeril quickly took off her horned headdress, and kneeled before the Durin princess.

[WolfLover]

Yavanna could see the panic, fear and caution on the faces of the Dwarves. They were strangers in their lands. She bit her bottom lip slightly nervously; hoping that Saeril would have this under control but at the same time; that she wouldn't tell Dis the bad news, before Kili would get to speak to his mother first. When Yavanna saw a young female walk through the crowd; she could see where Kili got his resemblance from. It was clear, the youngest Durin was more like his mother.

Curtsying, to the Dwarf Princess. Yavanna spoke softly. "I've heard lovely things about you, it's lovely to meet you." she greeted her warmly.

[AngelBites15]

Knowing that they were not in a dangerous situation, Saeril allowed her hair to wave freely in the gentle wind. Figuring that her actions showed enough of her respect towards the Durin Princess, the winged she-elf stood back to her full height, but before she could, Dis already wrapped her arms around her neck. It surprised the she-elf for a moment, but she closed her eyes and returned the gesture, placing her hands on the Dwarven woman’s back. It has been so long, since they last talked or seen each other.

“Where have you been?”, Dis softly asked her. “In places, your majesty”, her friend answered, with a bit of solemn in her voice. “Please don’t call me that. It’s just ‘Dis’ and ‘Daughter of Durin’”, she corrected in such a patient and friendly manner. She pulled back from Saeril, allowing the said-she-elf to stand back to her full height. Hearing the other she-elf, who appeared to be a lot younger, Dis chuckled and smiled, while nodding her head in greeting. “And you must be...”

[WolfLover]

Yavanna watched the friendly exchange between Dis and Saeril. It was clear, the two women were always on good terms. It was a relief,that Dis was glad to see her old friend again. It made her feel bit more at ease, knowing if they were unwelcome here...things would have gone a lot more worse.

The warm chuckle from Dis, made Yavanna smile warmly. "Yavanna Undomiel, the youngest daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell." She introduced herself to Dis. "Friend of the Dwarven, Elven, Hobbit and Men folk alike." she said gently, showing she meant no harm to Dis and her kind. That she was a friend to all.

[AngelBites15]

Dis smiled warmly at the young she-elf, having to feel a positive vibe come the girl, and immediately knew that the young one didn’t mean an harm to their kind. “Milady?”, one of the male dwarves behind the female asked, kind of wary on who these people were. “Don’t worry!”, Dis responded back, turning to the Dwarven residents of Ered Luin. “They are friends. Guests!”, she told them with a friendly, confident smile. They turned to each other, muffling amongst each other.

“I’m sorry”, Dis turned to the two she-elves. “Some of them have been skeptical and cautious since the day of the fire-drake, especially to the Elven folk. I still hold a pity for them”, she explained. “But to me, Saeril is still my family”, that was when she remembered. “Where are my boys? How have they been?”

[WolfLover]

Yavanna felt relieved,that Dis could sense her warmth and friendship towards her kind. Seeing how cautious the man looked. Yavanna felt sorry for him. Knowing he still must have been weary of her kind; from decades ago...aswell as the tragedy with the Dragon that forced them out of their home.

"It's quiet alright, I understand. I do feel sorry for your kind, having to suffer like that." Yavanna told her honestly. She smiled, hearing Dis say Saeril was family. That feeling was mutual. Just like Kili, Fili and Thorin had been family to her also. As Dis asked about her boys...Yavanna felt her throat begin to constrict slightly; feeling nervous almost...and a little chocked up. She couldn't break her word to Kili. Knowing he wanted to be the one to tell Dis what had happened, and the loss of Fili and Thorin was still a lot for her to talk about.

As she opened her mouth, to say something. But luckily to her surprise and rescue; Kili had appeared behind her. As he had enough time for himself. He had made his way back to find, Yavanna and Saeril in the company of his people. "Mother, it's so good to see you." His arms wrapped around Dis. Kili had missed his mother dearly and embraced her in a warm hug. Yavanna almost sighed to herself in relief...hoping Kili would somehow handle this matter well. "I am glad to see, you have met my dear friend Yavanna...she's like a sister to me." His brotherly affection, was visible in the way he spoke about Yavanna. And also said something to his people. That Yavanna was not to be feared.

But having heard his mother's question; from a little way away. Reminded him off what had to be done. Kili sighed softly, the pain visible in his eyes again, as he thought of the devastating news he had to tell his mother. "There's some thing you should know..." he began his voice, filled with worry of how she might handle the news.

[AngelBites15]

Once Dis has asked that question, Saeril tried to hide the sorrow in her eyes, to the best of her ability. She looked at Yavanna next to her, before gently placing her hand on the girl’s upper-arm, as a sign of comfort. Remarkably, as if on cue, Kili appeared at just the right time before any of them could say anything to the Dwarven woman. Hearing her title from a very familiar voice, Dis turned her attention to see her youngest child approaching her, and wrap her in a hug. Not hesitating to return the gesture, Dis smiled, relieved yet happy. For him to be slightly taller than herself, she wrapped her arms around her son’s neck.

Pulling away, Dis briefly touched the sides of his face, internally thankful he came back, as he had promised. She continued to warmly smile. “She’s quite lovely, this one”, she said, complimenting the young elf. “Now, where’s your brother? Are you two knuckleheads still bringing trouble?”, however, his response was not what she expected, causing her to frown in concern. “What is it?”

[WolfLover]

It was a warm, loving gesture. Feeling his mother wrap her arms around his neck. Kili gave her waist a gentle squeeze. He only wished, that Fili and Uncle Thorin were by his side, that they could be a family...like they once used to be. Kili hated the thought of breaking his mother's heart, by giving her the bad news.

Her words about Yavanna, made him smile briefly. "I am sure, you'll love her even more when you get to know her better." Kili told his mother. As she asked about his elder brother...Kili felt his heart-ache. He knew, he had to do this; no matter how hard it was. "He's in a safe place." Kili said, sadly as she asked about his big brother. He knew, that Fili was safe in the after-life with his uncle Thorin. Kili had paused for a few moments, thinking of the best way to break the news to his mother. Taking a deep breath. "After we reclaimed our home-land; there was a massive battle. An old enemy, that had killed Grand-father, was still hunting us down. Saeril and Yavanna had always done their best to protect us from them....but during the battle....we couldn't stop them. They got to Fili and Uncle Thorin...." He felt himself getting choked up. "I am sorry, mother....I couldn't save either of them." Tears welled up in his eyes. "They both died, fighting for our people and home.."

Kili felt like he could have saved his older brother and uncle; if Saeril didn't try and get him to stay in hiding.

Yavanna felt Saeril's touch. It made her feel a little at ease. She was silent, smiling briefly at Dis' warm compliment towards her...but hearing Kili speak about Thorin and Fili, caused the tears to well up in her eyes again.

[AngelBites15]

Dis could only feel relieved that she was feeling the loving embrace of her flesh and blood. But her happiness slowly started to dissolve once Kili began to explain the whereabouts of Fili and Thorin. There was a glint of sadness appearing in her eyes, and feeling of pain went through her heart. What he was describing...was the events of their deaths. It came to the point of her getting choked up, but was holding it in a lot more than Kili was. Dis was known for her great inner strength, making her a capable Durin and queen, by heart. But as she said, she would much prefer laying low rather than take a throne. Besides, she had always found her older brother Thorin to be a potentially-great king. But the problem, was that he was dead, along with her firstborn offspring.

An old enemy from those many years ago, had officially caught up to them, and extinguished nearly their entire directly-royal line...with her and Kili as the only remaining direct descendants of Durin. The whole family, nearly extinct. Seeing her son’s already-forming tears, Dis eventually cracked, hugging him, and letting out the sadness that was bottled up when Kili explained the events of their deaths.

Saeril looked at the ground, when a single tear trailed down her face. She remembered what Fili’s last words were, and they only motivated her to do harder, and become a lot more strongly committed in her duties. Seeing Yavanna’s expression, once again, allowed her to lean on her shoulder and let her feelings out.

[WolfLover]

Kili hated to be the bearer of bad news; he knew how sad his mother was when his father had passed away. Kili and Fili too had been traumatised by that death; despite being the youngest one...not having as much memories like Fili. Now, he felt like he was breaking his mother's heart by telling her about Uncle Thorin and his big brother Fili. Kili had always felt incomplete without his big brother. The troublesome duo was broken.

He could see how his mother was trying to be strong; as she hugged him. Kili held her close to him, feeling the tears run down his cheeks freely. Hiding his face in her dark hair.

Yavanna couldn't help but feel sad, for Kili and his mother. Seeing the pain on Dis' face and how she was trying to be strong; despite such horrible news. It was heart-breaking. There wasn't a moment, where Yavanna didn't miss Fili. Or the banter and trouble; he and Kili got into over the time she had known them. Even though, he and Thorin had moved onto a better place; spiritually. It didn't make it any easier. The tears rolled down her cheeks heavily, as she sobbed.

[AngelBites15]

It felt like a second heartache had struck. It was such a shock that Dis could not even keep herself strong, like how she always is, upon hearing the bad news. Her tears fell from her eyes, as she almost tried to hide herself in Kili’s embrace. She adored her big brother and, as any good mother would, she mourned for the loss of her first child. She can’t blame Saeril and Yavanna for her loss; not at all. But all she needed to know was that her family had died, protecting their homeland, and that their deaths held meaning.

She tried to calm herself down, but to hear the sadness of her son and the younger she-elf, it was becoming hard. Even the dwarves behind them were slipping in sorrow, having to feel the grief in the air. In respect of loosing their deceased king, all of them kneeled, or got on their knees, in honor to the loss of Thorin, who briefly led the charge all those years ago.

[WolfLover]

It saddened Yavanna to see Kili's mother like this. It was bad enough dealing with Kili and Saeril's sadness when it all happened. But Yavanna could also feel Dis' pain; a mother's pain. A little sister's pain. Loosing the one's she had. Which made all those she had left, even more precious. Even though Azog and Bolg were gone; that wouldn't stop others from trying to kill Dis and Kili in order to finish that job off for them.

Kili held onto his mother; as they all seemed to be mourning. Kili, Yavanna and Saeril were in mourning again. He noticed many of his people kneel down to pay respect to the fallen sons of Durin.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril held Yavanna close, like how a mother would guard their child, as the poor girl released the emotions that have plagued her since that traumatizing day. It was a moment of grief that had surrounded them, once again, since the funeral. If there was a moment that they could turn back time, such a thing wasn’t at all possible. At this moment, the elder didn’t know what to say to make the situation any better, because she feared that if she tried, it would make it a whole lot worse. But she had to relieve the grey that surrounded them.

“They were the bravest that I’ve ever served. We will never forget them, but we can always know, that they will always be with us in troubled times”, the elder spoke softly, trailing her words to everyone in their presence. She looked down at Dis, who was still wrapped in Kili’s arms. “We’ll stay with you, my friend. For a few days”, she said. Hearing her long-time friend speak, the female Dwarf slowly broke her hold with Kili, wiping her tears. “You are more than welcome”.

[WolfLover]

Yavanna was never one to hold back her emotions; good or bad. She either said it, how it was. Or expressed herself emotionally...even grief or anger. But Anger was something she felt very little. But part of her did feel Angry; Angry that lives were taken away pre-maturely as Fili and Thorin had a great path craved in front of them and Thorin would have made his people proud, and so would Fili if he would ever take over the throne from his Uncle Thorin, if that day ever came. Since it was something, Kili did not want.

"I truly am sorry." Yavanna told Dis "They were like family to me." She said honestly. Letting Dis know of the love she held for her big brother and her eldest son. "They were two of the most bravest people I ever met and it's been a honer, knowing them both like I did." She spoke very truthfully.

Hearing Yavanna and Saeril say that to his mother, Kili felt some relief that his mother would know how much they both meant to Saeril and Yavanna. It wasn't long, before Kili began to help escort his mother back towards their home. Leading Saeril and Yavanna inside the halls. Halls that only Yavanna had not yet seen, out of all of them.

[AngelBites15]

Over the next few days, the feeling of mourning for the king and prince had fell over the ruins of Ered Luin in such short time. There was even a traditional day where the townspeople would honor them, as well as the deaths of those who died at the battle of the Lonely Mountain. Word traveled fast once they received news that Dain Ironfoot and the soldiers from the Iron Hills had taken part in the fight.

Like Dis had said, Saeril and Yavanna were welcomed as guests upon their land. Some were wary; some remained cautious, but nonetheless, they were accepted amongst them. The winged she-elf started to drift off in certain times, having to experience headaches on occasion, and whenever Kili, Yavanna, or Dis came to notice, Saeril insisted and reassured them that she was fine. But, since it wasn't Kili or Yavanna's first rodeo of witnessing such an event, they knew that it couldn't just be a simple headache. For Saeril, she entirely knew what was amongst them, and once she shared this with them, worry came across them. Of course, she didn't tell them the whole truth...as she was reluctant to.

When the day came for their departure, the Dwarves were kind enough to loan them some horses, food, as well as other resources for their travels. They needed to go back to Rivendell, and seek out some answers about the potential darkness that might be upon them. Dis was honestly reluctant to let Kili go; not after what happened to her first son and Thorin. Like any good mother, she wanted to keep her child safe. But he held faith, and wanted to look out for Saeril and Yavanna, who were also family. Dis stood in front of him, before giving him a hug; one that would allow her to pass her love. "Please. Please. Come back to me", she pleaded, as she embraced him.

[WolfLover]

As the days passed in Ered Luin; Yavanna seemed to be struggling. Everything seemed to remind her of Fili and Thorin; which pained her. The loss felt more fresh again, in the mountains that were their home for a long time before they took back the Lonely Mountain. A few times, young Yavanna had found herself in Fili's old room, grieving alone away from the eyes of Dis, Kili and Saeril. Almost needing that time alone to fully grieve.
Even though she found Kili's mother, a warm hearted woman. Yavanna at times felt at odds next to Dis. Not sure wether it was just the timing of things; but she wasn't sure what to say to her. As nothing could really make the situation better right now. So Yavanna struggled to find the words, any words to say to her. But at the same time, Yavanna did appreciate being welcomed in her home, as a friend.

Kili and Yavanna took note of how Saeril's condition was getting worse and worse; the head-aches seemed to be more intense than the first few that either of them witnessed. And it worried them both. Worrying, something else might be wrong. Something that Saeril was not admitting too just yet.

As they were saying goodbye. Yavanna had just finished fastening the horse-seat, adjusting it slightly. Everyone was thankful for the transport and things offered to them, by the Dwarves on their journey to her home. Yavanna had to admit, she did miss her people. Her father and beloved sister the most. Even though she had two older brothers; their relationship was ever so shaky, it made missing them all that harder given the lies they had told her all these years. Yavanna could see how reluctant Dis was to let Kili go with them; given all that happened. So she couldn't blame her for not wanting to let him go. But at the same time, Kili was stubborn and wanted to be the man he was, by protecting Saeril and Yavanna. And that meant going with them.

Kili embraced his mother in a loving hug; giving her a soft squeeze. "I will be back, always...I promise." he said looking at his mother. He knew it was going to be a hard promise to keep, given what was going on. But Kili had no intentions of dying, or giving up on life...even if that thought may have crossed his mind a few times; after the death of Fili. He knew his mother needed him, and to stay alive. For her, and for all those he loved. He would stay alive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the lovely foothills of the Shire; Bilbo had been writing a book about his adventures. Meanwhile, the ring to rule them all was corrupting Bilbo at a fast rate. The once young Hobbit had aged more quickly than expected. Prone to a few outbursts, if anyone dared mention the ring in a bad manner. Gandalf grew increasingly concerned about Bilbo's health. As Bilbo decided to finish off his book in Rivendell. Feeling, like he needed to get away from his home, and visit some good old friends. And so before his departure, he had entrusted the ring to his nephew Frodo. Knowing it would be in safe hands.

A task would soon await Aragorn; to protect the young Hobbit and his friends; Should something happen to Gandalf after Frodo receiving a mission to get the ring away from the Shire.

[AngelBites15]

Even though she didn’t seem to be aware of what Yavanna did for the past few days, Saeril could always see her pain, every time she had touched her. Mainly upon the shoulder. And, every time she had done so, a tear or two would fall from the elder’s eyes; but Saeril remained strong and, as fiercely loyal as she was, she made the vow to do better, and keep a much closer eye on the princess, as well as her godson. She was going to be lot more aware from now on.

She stood near the horses, having to think about this, while placing the last piece of food inside one of the bags, and secure it. Turning to see the young she-elf nearby, Saeril wondered whether if she was okay today, but, of course, she wouldn’t. But, she couldn’t assume. “Are you alright?”, she asked her softly, before turning to look at Kili with her friend. Dis was on the verge of tears again, mainly because she was afraid; afraid that Kili might meet his fate, and the promise would be broken. But she had to hold some faith...and hope. “I love you so much”, she whispered, her voice slightly cracking.

Pulling back, the female Dwarf looked behind him, towards the two she-elves. “Please, keep my baby safe. From any harm; from any danger”, she pleaded to Saeril and Yavanna. “I’d do anything to make sure that he is”, Saeril promised.

[WolfLover]

Yavanna had kept more quiet, than she had previously been. Or at times, got her frustration out at practising combat skills. It was one of the few ways to keep her mind off of things. Her star light was dim and her eyes were still the sad crystal blue; since the day she and Legolas had parted. She knew, Saeril was worried for her. So was Kili. But she didn't always voice her feelings, the last few days. Especially around Dis. It wasn't about her. Everyone else was suffering too.

The young elf, slightly shook her head. "No...but I'll be better." Was Yavanna's answer. An answer she had given a few times over the last while. Yavanna wasn't sure, when she would feel better. But it would take some time for her to recover and feel more happiness...like she once used to feel. She watched the exchange between Kili and his mother. That soft tender moment; made her miss her own mother. And grand-mother even. Whom had been one of the main female presences in her life, that she looked up to.

Kili smiled at his mother's sweet words. "I love you too, Ma." he said as he rubbed her back softly. Hearing her voice crack, he gently squeezed her.

As Dis pleaded with them both; Yavanna smiled at her kindly. "I'll help keep him safe, I promise. From anything." she woved to keep Kili safe and she would. He was her family too. And she didn't want to loose him, like they lost Fili and Thorin. And she'd help prevent anything bad happening to him. "Kili is strong, he might get into trouble sometimes, but he is brave and strong. He'll be fine." she tried to reassure Dis a little bit. As she knew what a capable fighter Kili was.

[AngelBites15]

While watching the scene before her, Saeril thought back to her memories, much to her own surprise. She had been so focused on her own pain, and her duties as a guardian, for so long, she had almost forgotten what it felt like to be in the arms of a mother. As much as she tries to be a mother-like figure to Yavanna, she had nearly forgotten about her own. Truth be told, it saddened her a little. She looked to the ground, having to feel almost empty inside, once the feeling of being the last Fangorian Elf came over her. It remained as a terrible memory: Having to be the last one of an ancient people during the First Age. How she missed being loved by her own flesh and blood.

Perhaps once they get back to Rivendell, just maybe, Yavanna may return to her old spirits. But to Saeril, it was doubtful, considering how quiet the younger she-elf had been. It was a motherly instinct for the elder to try and comfort her, but she knew she can’t do everything; the poor girl was in mourning. All she could do, was make sure that she was safe. It made Saeril feel a bit dissapointed in herself; that she couldn’t do much to help her.

“Thank you”, Dis responded, relieved to see the two she-elves commit to her request. Placing both of her hands at the sides of her son’s face, she gave him a loving kiss to his forehead. “Stay out of trouble and protect your family. Do you hear me?”, her voice became desperate. “Protect your family and come home!”