AngelBites15

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?”

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

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?”

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

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...”

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

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.

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

Saeril continued to hold the girl until her Elven ears picked up on distant footsteps behind them. Having to release Yavanna for a moment, the elder turned around to see a few Dwarven men and women approaching them, more in a very curious yet cautious manner. They appeared to never see such strange visitors, and yet, they were trying to wonder who the strangers were.

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

Saeril sighed, once she held Yavanna in her arms. Such an individual was to be guarded at all times, and the elder was going to make sure that particular goal is met. One bad hand would be severed if it ever lands on her. Their ends would be met swiftly, and painfully. Of course, she would surely involve Legolas in this, as Yavanna and the Elf Prince held a special connection with each other, and it’s also because Saeril knew she could trust the princess in his care...as he had proved several times. She could only be glad that the girl was happy.

As she thought about this, the winged she-elf had managed to see the Prince inside the girl’s mind, once again, knowing that Yavanna was missing him very badly, only wishing and hoping that she will see him again. He had promised for his return, and to cross paths again, some day. Saeril gave the girl a light kiss to the forehead, reassuring her that she will do everything in her power to grant that wish. Maybe after they do this task, they could seek out Lord Elrond for answers.

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

In regards to Saeril’s physical state, Yavanna was now having the acknowledgment of becoming aware. Kili had managed to see it for a brief amount of time, but the elder stayed quiet on what the real reason was behind it. These headaches of hers were becoming more apparent, so both the princess and Kili were now becoming suspicious. Saeril knew she would have to spill it to them soon, but couldn’t; not now. Hearing her words, she didn’t want to confirm on her fears, but there was no hiding it.

“Yes”, she softly said, solemnly, not wanting to share it, but knew it was true. She feared that the battle was just the beginning, and that the dark lord wants to destroy all that is good, including hope. The antagonistic hunt for Kili may be over, but Yavanna was now in more danger than ever. She remembered what the enemy said during the battle; he was on the hunt for the princess too.

Instinctively, the elder reached a hand to gently place it on the back of the younger’s head, and gently allow her to lean against her, and lay it upon her shoulder. The winged she-elf now had another duty, she was to guard Middle-Earth’s Brightest Star, as well, and she was willing to put her life on the line to keep her safe.

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

Saeril closed her eyes for a brief moment, and took a breath, having to mentally will the pain to go away in such quick time. She heard Yavanna’s words and, releasing that same breath, the elder slowly opened her eyes, having to look at the ground, as she mentally sorted through a choice of words that she could say. “I’m sensing...”, she began. “...something dark”, she didn’t want to cover up the whole truth, but for their behalf, it would be better if she told at least half of it.

She couldn’t tell them of her former alliance, because, well, she might expect fear and tremendous amounts of confusion. Even though they weren’t necessarily hers, she loved them both, as if they were her own children; a daughter and a son. The last thing Saeril wanted, was to see disbelief, if they ever found out what she was subjected to. “Something stirs”.