Disclaimer: I own the universe, but not Tolkien's work. *grins* Oh, and the information about the land of Rhûn is mostly from my imagination.

A/N ~ This is the LAST chapter! *le gasp* I know...makes me sniffle too. But do not fear! There will be at least 2-3 chapters for Hervess a Iel to read and a new story started during this period, too! Enjoy!

Italic is dragon tongue or Alagos gift. On occasion it is also thoughts.

Dracon

Riiyaki = Thick-scale (a term used for affectionate teasing or mild insult)

Niya = Child (specifically female)

Mrer Honrin = My son

Mrer Astir = My father

Rhûnic

Al-Salyha = Scepter, Kingdom of the Scepter (Eastern Kingdom)

Ar-Hihn = Warrior, Kingdom of the Warrior (Northern Kingdom)

Ak-Jnab = Falcon, Kingdom of the Falcon (Southern Kingdom)

Ab-Gribyl = Guard, Kingdom of the Guard (Western Kingdom)

Bryn = Hot

Baya = Fiery

Gleritar = Singing Forest

Bik Grov o Dolo = Wild Trees of Shadow

Ceplina = Swift River

Rocnai = Family

Nahisya = Shy One, Special One

Elven

Orocarni = Red Mountains

No celin idh raid gîn a no adel chen i chwest. = May your paths be green and the breeze behind you.

Nan lû e-govaded vîn, Morroch. = Until next we meet, Morroch.

Heria ~ Begin

Alagos gave Gweltari a glance, truly debating with himself. Did he want to tell her? ...Yes. He did and he wasn't entirely sure as to why. She couldn't help him with this. She couldn't read Dracon, she didn't know the first thing to look for, she didn't even fully understand what he was trying to find, but Alagos knew that given enough time...she would. The bond was growing, whether he liked it or not and she was already showing great progress despite his reluctance to help in any way. The shape-shifter finally brought his eyes back to the book on the table, unaware that his eyes had glazed over in thought and Gweltari had been watching them quietly. He started reading.

"I, Writtenword, Clawnii of the knowledge dragons in the year 2980 of the Third Age will share with you now the knowledge I have gained on the land of Rhûn. My gifts seems to be very preoccupied with this land of men. Perhaps what I write here now will help in a cause I cannot yet see for I feel deeply that this information will aid the land to the East if it is ever allowed to reach them.

The land of Rhûn has existed since the First Age, but very little is known about its people or culture to those of the North and West. There is much I could tell you about Rhûn, but for now, I will simply relate some of the facts of its people. The East is made up of many different regions, each ruled by a Lord, but all these regions belong to one of the Four Kingdoms. There have been at most a total number of seven Kings ruling at the same time in Rhûn, but the Four Kingdoms never change. At times, a Kingdom may be split in two, each half ruled by a different King, but the land is still technically one Kingdom and has always been as such.

The Four Kingdoms are these: Al-Salyha, the Eastern Kingdom. Ar-Hihn, the Northern Kingdom. Ak-Jnab, the Southern Kingdom. Ab-Gribyl, the Western Kingdom." Here Alagos stopped and frowned, thinking. Gweltari had scooted closer as he read and now the tops of their heads were nearly touching. The woman looked up about the same time the shape-shifter did and smiled slightly in amusement at his startled look, their faces much too close for his comfort. Alagos jerked back, but didn't go much further then that, giving her a mild glare as her grin widened. "What's wrong?" She meant the book and the white shape-shifter knew that, though, he didn't really register how he knew it.

His amber eyes scanned the books behind her, glazing over in a way Gweltari was beginning to dislike immensely. Sure enough, here came the voices... "The History of Ak-Jnab is located on the fourth shelf, sixteenth book to the left."

"The History of Ar-Hihn is located on the six shelf, twenty-eighth book to the left."

"The History of Al-Salyha is located on the sixteenth shelf, third book to the right."

"The History of Ab-Gribyl is located on the second shelf, third book to the left."

The woman expected that to be the end of it. There were only Four Kingdoms so his gift should have stopped there. Her green-gray eyes narrowed as Alagos' body stiffened, every line of it tensed in pain that hit her in a sudden wave. The ranger woman yelped, biting her tongue against another sound as her good hand curled into a fist, her mind throbbing. She watched with wide eyes as the white-haired male gripped the table, his knees threatening to buckle. His amber eyes were closed now and his teeth gritted as if he were struggling to fight something and the woman knew what it was. The onslaught of voices sounded like undefined shrieking in her head, each sound threatening to break her, to shred into her until it had left her bare, empty. It was a terrifying feeling and one she suddenly knew Alagos lived with constantly. The thought brought a streak of white heat, anger. It was like a sword in her mind, a shield of protection and the voices started to dim, to vanish as if they were vapor. Snatches of information finally made sense, but Gweltari didn't care about them and batted the voices away.

She opened her eyes to see Alagos staring at her, his amber eyes clear, clearer then she had ever seen them. He was shaking, unable to help it, but the woman knew the pain was gone and so was the demand of his gift. The shape-shifter and the ranger woman locked eyes, both too scared to say anything, but feeling like they desperately needed a connection of some sort. The eye-contact was enough for the time being and Alagos, surprising Gweltari, was the first to speak, his voice raspy. "D..Do you remember the p..places the books were?"

Gweltari merely nodded and turned away to the shelves behind her, almost glad to break the eye-contact now. She was trembling too and she wanted to talk about what had just happened, but something held her in check, warned that it was not yet time for that. She wanted to understand, but patience was the surest way to wisdom and she could wait. A small smile graced her lips as she reached for the first book, unable to read the title, but still knowing it was the right one. Yes, as long as she could beat his gift back, help him...yes, she could wait. She handed the four books to the white-haired male and climbed back on the large table, sitting cross-legged as she cradled her broken arm and watched her shape-shifter once again.

"What does the rest of the book say?"

Alagos didn't look at her, but did start to read again, sounding more steady then he had five minutes ago. Gweltari wondered how much of that steadiness was true. Sometimes, even with the bond between them, if he wasn't feeling something strongly, it was hard to weigh his emotions. Still, he seemed to be all right, but it saddened and angered her to think that he might just be used to the pain, the overwhelming demand of his gift that he was able to recover quickly. It was wrong to her and she was not going to tolerate it much longer.

"Al-Salyha has always been the strongest of the Four Kingdoms. Located at the western base of the Orocarni, between the mountain twins Bryn and Baya and with the forest of Gleritar on its southern border it is rich in jewels, gold and many valuable types metal. It represented the might and strength of Rhûn at its height of glory, but soon started to also become the symbol of Rhûn's corruption. Contrary to many beliefs, the darkness of Morgoth and Sauron did not start with Al-Salyha, but with Ar-Hihn. The greatest of the Four Kingdoms, Al-Salyha stood its ground against the Dark Lords until most of the East had succumbed.

The Eastern Kingdom is the largest by far of the Four and has always produced many heirs and strong kings for Rhûn. Many of the greatest achievements of the East have come from Al-Salyha. It is a Kingdom to keep a very close eye on as Arda proceeds into the Fourth Age.

Ab-Gribyl is the weakest of the Four Kingdoms. It lies on the eastern border of the Sea of Rhûn and is constantly on the watch for an attack from the peoples of the West and North. The Western Kingdom is also weak and almost despised in the eyes of the rest of Rhûn by the questions concerning the Royal bloodline in Ab-Gribyl. It is suspected that that bloodline of Ab-Gribyl Kings has been diluted for some time - it is even said that an Eastern elf was accepted as a king in the Western Kingdom, marrying the daughter of the former king. Other rumors centralize around the unions of Northerners and the Al-Gribyl people, something worthy of scorn.

It is only Ab-Gribyl's protection against the Northern and Western lands that have kept the Kingdom from attack by the other three Kingdoms for its scandal." Alagos stopped again and looked like me might reach for the book containing the history of Ab-Gribyl, but Gweltari's sudden palm-slap to the book's cover made him jump and blink at her in confusion, an emotion that actually came to his eyes. The ranger woman raised a brow and shook her head. "No. Finish the other two Kingdoms. I want to know about them." Her eyes gained a stubborn expression as his own white brow went up, but the shape-shifter merely offered the smallest of amused smiles before going back to reading.

"Ar-Hihn is a Kingdom mostly ignored. It is neither small nor big and very little is remarkable about it. Located near the eastern side of Bik Grov o Dolo, a dark forest, the Kingdoms is seldom visited and keeps to itself. Morgoth's influence has never truly left this region of Rhûn and seems to affect it even now. Many a dark creature has been seen coming out of Bik Grov o Dolo and enter the cities of Ar-Hihn with welcome. The other Kingdoms keep clear of the Northern Kingdom, but in no way are they truly controlled by it.

Ak-Jnab is a Kingdom constantly in limbo. It ranges from the sands of Southern Rhûn, to the southern base of the Orocarni and the southern side of the river Ceplina. It is a Kingdom that fluctuations between two Royal Families, one of them being of Rhûnic blood and the other a combination of Rhûnic and Variags blood from the people of Khand. The Southern Kingdom is never truly stable and is suspicious of its neighbors, both Variags and Rhûnic. Ak-Jnab does not have a central city or even smaller cities, but is made up of nomadic tribes that answer to one larger one. It is within this larger tribe, called Rocnai, that the power struggle for the title of 'king' takes place.

The land of Rhûn has constantly been at war with itself, disregarded frequently made alliances, and at war with the rest of Arda. Both Morgoth and Sauron's influence has made this Eastern land a dark and formidable place, discouraging those with messages of light from entering. It is said, however, that if ever the Four Kingdoms were united by a common heir that peace would at last come to Rhûn. It is a hope, a promise that the people of the East hardly remember themselves, choosing either to forget or to forbid the dream of this ever coming about."

Alagos straightened, running a hand through his hair. His voice had started to contain a glimmer of excitement as he read the last few words and the male now fairly brimmed with it, his eyes bright as he reached for the book containing information on Ab-Gribyl. Gweltari bit back a giggle as his excitement -not exactly happiness, but not that far off from it - went through him and then through her. It was an emotion she had never felt from the shape-shifter before and the woman suddenly got a small glimpse of the person Alagos could be. It was only a glimmer of hope, but it was there and it was encouraging. She rested her chin in her hand, her green-gray eyes half-lidded as she watched him.

The shape-shifter for his part was absorbed in the information he was reading and without even looking, climbed on the table to sit cross-legged across from Gweltari, not near her, but not too far away either. He finally felt like he was getting some answers and this activity was distracting him not only from Gweltari, but also from his surroundings and his memories. He was willing to stay here, in this place of safety for a time.

Morroch looked up from the lake, water dripping from his black jaws as Skyfang approached him. Amr rode on the light blue dragon's back, smiling and looking around in in amazement, but quiet. The sixteen year old's ribcage and back had been treated for the whip-marks and then wrapped tightly. After sleeping the night and most of the day, the Haradrim was starting to feel better, but Skyfang was reluctant to let him walk around, much less climb over any rocks that might be easy for a dragon to step over, but would not be so easy for a human to scale. Now two sets of eyes, one gray and the other black focused on the shape-shifter and Morroch smiled.

"Migove, Skyfang, Amr"

The halfbreed dragon dipped his head and the Haradrim princes smiled, doing the same. "Migove, Tyshayn. Might I talk to you?" Skyfang could see the weary shades of gray that peppered his leader's light-colored aura and the light blue dragon was hesitant in his question. Morroch had been going from cavern to cavern, spreading the message that he needed every Rishten pair to come to the Great Cavern, only bringing their closest relatives with them or a Guardian if they did not have a blood-kin. The black shape-shifter still had to address those he had called. Morroch was planning on holding the meeting the next morning, but he was still tired.

Morroch resisted the urge to sigh, though, and nodded, sitting and curling his tail around his feet like a large cat. "What is on your mind, Skyfang?" He watched the other dragon's gray eyes look up at Amr and the Haradrim nodded, but didn't speak. Skyfang looked back at Morroch. "Amr would like you to accompany us to Harad. We are both unsure what you plan to do after everything is straightened out here, but he believes you to be the Voice of the Dragons and-"

The shape-shifter was chuckling and he spoke, cutting his friend off. "There is no need to explain. I am planning on departing for Harad as soon as the seven days are up. Arienel is in the South and it is time I went back to her. I would be happy to accompany you. It is good to know it will not be just myself and Freewalker on this journey."

"Of course it wouldn't. You are not going anywhere without me, Gold-eyes." The rough voice, more a growl then words, made Morroch look over to see Sharpmist approaching them. Her jagged wounds made by Seregon's claws were a livid red against her white scales. They were slowly healing but she refused to stay still as the Catiniis and Catinees instructed and so were not getting better as fast as they might have otherwise. The battle dragoness' red eyes gleamed with a type of wildness that the shape-shifter was used to and almost comfortable seeing, but there was also a hidden longing, a weariness and impatience that he could detect too as she came closer.

"Sharpmist, you might not be healed by that point."

The battle dragoness merely raised an eye-ridge before dunking her entire head into the lake, pulling it back out quickly and letting the cool water cascade down her long neck to soon drip on the rock-floor. "And?"

Morroch growled. "And I don't want you injuring yourself more then you already are, Riiyaki." Red eyes snapped to meet his, glaring dangerously at the mild insult and the white dragoness narrowed said eyes. "I am not letting you go to a strange land on your own. It seems that you can't keep yourself out of trouble when you aren't watched." She grinned, white teeth gleaming as Morroch's scales prickled hot and he opened his mouth to protest, only to have Skyfang nod as if in deep thought. "You know, she is right. You do seem to get into the most trouble when unwatched."

The shape-shifter looked between the two of them, but was stopped a second time from responding by Freewalker as she came up beside him, smiling with amusement. "They have a point." Morroch heaved a sigh and looked up at the cavern ceiling as if appealing for sanity before looking back at the three dragons and one human around him. His gold eyes met Sharpmist's red. "Fine, you may come, but not as a guard, Sharpmist. I will not have you dying on my account. And you have to rest the next six days if you want to come at all."

The battle dragoness nodded curtly, but her eyes spoke different, their message clear; You are my Tyshayn. It is my duty to protect you and I will, no matter what the cost. It is only out of respect for you that I pretend to agree at all. Morroch simply sighed. He knew he wouldn't be able to change her mind, so at this point, all he needed to do was not get into any trouble. The shape-shifter snorted inwardly in amusement. Who was he kidding? Him? Stay out of trouble, especially going to meet his rider? This wasn't going to end well...

Alagos blinked rapidly, his eyes blurring the words before him. It had been quite some time since he'd read a book. His eyes were not used to the total concentration of looking at one book for so long much less four. These four books were essential to read though as they dictated the line of kings in each Kingdom from the First Age to the Third. Fortunately for Alagos, he only had to look at the Kings from the Third age seeing as humans in the East didn't tend to live long for one reason or another and he only had to find the last heir born forty-two years ago. The shape-shifter moved his hand to a pen, ink-jar and piece of parchment, writing down yet another name. His gift was strangely silent, calm and was providing very little guidance, but the male was actually all right with that. After the fear of blacking out, of his gift gaining control for a few hours, he was more than grateful that it was now quiet. His mind started to wander down that small trail he'd just provided, the one that would make him think of Gweltari and Alagos growled under his breath, bringing his mind back to focus.

He didn't want to stay here any longer then he had to which meant the sooner he figured out this riddle, the better. The shape-shifter wrote another name down, flipped a page, scanned the content, flipped again, scanned and then wrote down another name. He finally sat back, looking at what he'd written, actually absorbing it and stilled. He set the paper down as his hand began to tremble and took a slow breath, eyes closed. It couldn't be...

He'd found him. The Prince of the Four Kings. He found him and he'd met him, a long time ago, when the Prince was no more then a very young child, no more then three. The memory made him start to shake again and Alagos didn't know how to stop it this time. It had been something he'd never wanted to remember, along with his time in Rhûn, but his past seemed determined to haunt him. How could this child be the one? The people of Rhûn were not going to accept someone like this Prince! The shape-shifter ran a trembling hand through his shaggy white hair, unaware once again that he smeared it with dust. His amber eyes finally looked up from the paper and settled on Gweltari. His trembling stilled, fading away as he looked at her.

At some point, Freewalker had come to the Knowledge Cavern with a blanket, having thought of the ranger woman and Gweltari was now wrapped in it loosely as she lay on her side, curled slightly, the warm fabric draping partially on one shoulder, leaving one arm - her broken one - exposed and part of her other hand. Stray and stubborn dark brown curls laid gently on her face and her breathing rose rhythmically in sleep. She had somehow moved closer to him without his knowledge, either in her sleep or before then, but the shape-shifter found himself not minding. At least, not when she was asleep and when she wasn't looking at him with her green-gray eyes, eyes that seemed to see right though him, seemed to know him in a way others did not.

Alagos studied her, closing the book on his lap gently and setting it on the table. His movements were smooth, but hesitant as she moved slightly in her sleep when he reached out, drawn by the bond that was even stronger then his fear of humans. He stopped before touching Gweltari's unbroken arm, now free of the blanket, unsure. He didn't withdraw his hand, though, instead watching the rise and fall of her chest, the expression on her face. He closed his amber eyes and could still see them...and suddenly could feel them, too. The contact was startling and his first instinct was to jerk away, but something held him in check. The Rishten had drawn him in this far and it didn't want to let go. The shape-shifter swallowed hard, but slowly relaxed a bit, curious.

The peace the flooded his body was overwhelming, but in a way he'd never felt before. It was both too much and yet not enough at the same time. It was hers and yet, it was now his, too. The feeling soon settled, seeping into his mind as if absorbed by a sponge and amber eyes opened slowly. His own ragged breathing was the first thing he noticed. The second was that his fingers were tracing gentle patterns on Gweltari's arm. The strangest fact was that it didn't bother him. With the intoxicating peace still heady in his system, it didn't fill him with fear and his hand rose to brush the curls off her face.

A name slipped out of his mouth and through his mind without thought, soft and filled with unmistakable affection. "Nahisya." It almost seemed to be a call because the woman's eyes fluttered open and met his amber ones. Alagos felt the peace inside shatter and jerked away as if struck, fear flooding his body. It alarmed the woman and she sat up, startling him further and into flight. Gweltari watched with worry and confusion as the shape-shifter flew away, the white falcon disappearing through the tunnel that led out. She didn't know what she'd done and a sudden and unexpected flood of tears filled her eyes.

The ranger woman sniffled and then turned her head sharply at a quiet voice, deep and soothing. "Do not blame yourself, niya. His mind has ruled for so long that it hesitates to allow and fears the presence of his heart. You are not at fault for what has occurred." The green and gray dragon smiled at her from where he lay on the cavern-floor and Edonar simply remained quiet, letting Wiseheart speak. He already knew what the Knowledge Ancient would say anyway. There had been such an understanding and simple acceptance between the Rohirrim and the knowledge dragon that mind communicating and thoughts came easily to them. It was something Edonar had beaten his sister at in terms of the quickest bonding process - not that he knew this of course.

Gweltari sniffed again and wiped her eyes, the tears ebbing and frustration growing in its place. "I do not understand. Does he or doesn't he want me around? He seems to do everything to avoid me and yet...and yet I know if I screamed right now...he'd come." She said the last bit slowly, the anger seeping away as the truth came into light. The confusion didn't leave, though, and Wiseheart warbled sympathetically. "For what it is worth, niya, he is just as confused as you are."

The woman nodded and sighed softly. "He called me. I was in a dream, but I heard him. He said a name I did not understand, but...it made me happy." It was a whisper and green-gray eyes looked at Wiseheart with hurt. "Why is he afraid of me? As soon as I looked at him, woke up...he ran." She licked her lips and looked down at her hands, resisting mightily the urge to cry again. She couldn't describe how much that rejection had hurt. To feel cared for, liked and then for him to run... She had felt it before, once before two years ago and didn't care to feel it again, but it seemed that each and every time she got around the shape-shifter it dredged up that painful memory. He didn't seem to truly feel her emotions like she did his, though, and so her sadness and hurt never seemed to hit him. At least not like his fear and rejection hit her.

Gweltari lost the battle against the tears and was startled when an arm came across her shoulders, comforting. She looked up to see Edonar, his expression friendly, but nothing more. It brought a small smile to her lips and the woman leaned her head against his shoulder like she would do with Thalbor or Taurnar had they been there. Then again, if the twins had been with her...Alagos would be in trouble right now. No, it was better that her two temper-happy siblings were not here right now. Edonar's voice was sympathetic when he spoke. "I do not think he is truly afraid you, just of what you represent."

The woman pulled away and looked at the man curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Alagos...has been hurt. He's never talked about it with me, but it's not hard to see that many things have happened in his past to make him this way. I do not think he fears you, but he does fear getting close to anyone. I think he fears being hurt again if he allows himself to care." Edonar watched as Gweltari thought over his words and nodded slowly. Her voice was much more composed when she spoke next, looking at Wiseheart.

"Can you tell me what Alagos' power is? What it does to him? Can you tell me anything about what he was like before he left the Clan?" She wanted to learn all she could about her shape-shifter and if he wasn't going to tell her, she would get the information elsewhere. Wiseheart simply shook his head, looking saddened and Gweltari sighed, disappointed. It looked like she was going to have to find another source elsewhere.

Time-skip to the next day (day two)...

Morroch entered the Great Cavern through the Flight Tunnel to see a sight that would have filled anyone else with amazement. Sixteen grown dragons, four dragonlings, five grown humans, six younger ones, one elder elf and four elflings were all gathered around each other and each head came to look at him as he appeared. It was not just the presence of these three races together that was amazing, but the fact that they were mingled, no one race of in their own group. The shape-shifter couldn't help but smile, seeing his rider's vision coming into being before his eyes. And this was only the start.

"I hope you haven't been waiting too long." His comment earned smiles and warbles of amusement as he took a place in the group, slightly apart from the others and to the front, near the lake. He was to be the leader, the spokesman of this gathering. It would only make sense that people should be able to easily see him. The shape-shifter looked at the gathering dragons, humans and elves and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.

"I am open to any question, concern or argument you have as long as it is delivered in a manner befitting a noble one of your race. Please remember that your children are listening to your words and that you are here because they are part of a Rishten with another child or older person. Take care that your desire to understand and protect your loved ones does not turn them against you." Morroch noticed that two humans, both very close in looks shifted uneasily, looking thoughtful and that Gweltari seemed to eye both of them with an amused look. Morroch suddenly searched the gathering for his brother and was relieved to see the white wolf lying not far from his side, looking bored.

The rest of the Clan was nodding at his words, some of them already having cooled tempers and it was Forestwalker, Leaf's father and Desert's uncle who spoke first as he looked down at the two dragonlings to his side, both being held lovingly by a two-leg. Sakalthor and Arasell both looked up at the large dragon and then Sakal at his father and Arasell at Glorfindel. They both were nervous and held their dragonlings tighter as Forestwalker's large voice rumbled above them.

"I think most of us here would like to know how we are to raise our children when they are bonded to a species that cannot live here with us? Where are we to go to keep our children together?"

There were many nodding heads and Morroch looked down, thinking. "Perhaps if we knew who had to leave and who did not it might be easier." He started listening to who had family to get back to, who didn't have anyone to go to, who wanted to leave for no reason but to merely leave and the shape-shifter held up his tail for silence. "It would seem there are three options at this point. The first is staying here, in the Clan. The Ancients and I have been in deep discussion about this matter most of the morning and we have reached an agreement concerning the villagers." He saw Dera's parents raise their brows, interested. They were the only villagers part of this meeting as Dera was the only village child to bond with the dragonling Smoke. Sunwing, Redfang and Emberwing were curious, too, seeing as how it was their son and brother who would be affected by these decisions, too.

"The Ancients have agreed to let the villagers live here with the Clan. There is a glaring absence of shape-shifters in the Shape-shifter Cavern and when Alagos and I depart, that will only leave Tigeki here to represent our race. The three of us have agreed that we have no problem with our home being used by the humans. It has been neglected for too long and in the past was always open to the two-legs. It will be once again." There. He had just solved Dera, Smoke, Redfang, Emberwing and Dera's parent's problem. His gold eyes now rested on Sunwing and Redaya. The fire dragoness wished to stay with her family for the time being and Redaya...well, she was an orphan. His eyes met the fifteen year old Haradrim's and she smiled. "Amr and I have already discussed this. I am staying here."

The shape-shifter nodded, relieved to have one whole family taken care of. He nodded a goodbye as the three dragons, one dragonling, three older humans and one younger one departed, heading to the Shape-shifter Cavern to deliver the news to the other villagers who waited. Morroch turned his attention to the people remaining. "I mentioned one the options available. Is anyone else interested in taking it?"

Both Firespirit and Malek nodded. The eleven year old boy from Rhûn was sitting on the fire dragon's head and Mirwind, next to her mate, poked him in the stomach with her tail. "These two are staying here. Firespirit and I have both talked with Amr and he agreed that Malek had nowhere else to go." Morroch smiled at the three of them. "Then what are you still doing here? Can you not see this process is hard enough already without having to see three extra people I don't need to worry about?" Both the fire and the sky dragon chuckled, but they did rise and disappear down the Shape-shifter Cavern tunnel.

"What are the other two options, Tyshayn?" The question came from Dashheart and the messenger dragon and the golden-haired twins on his back waited patiently for the answer. It was almost amazing to see Dashheart not in motion, but being with both Actreo and Acwyn seemed to have tempered his jumpiness a bit. He was still fast, still full of energy, but he seemed to have found some balance, knowing when to use that speed and when to calm.

"The last two options are these: Travel to Imladris or elsewhere."

Emeraldsong lifted her head from the ground and Tigeki yelped at the sudden movement, grabbing the treasure dragoness' nearest horn for balance. "Why Imladris? Will the elves accept us?"

It was not Morroch, but Glorfindel who spoke. His voice was steady, neither soft nor high, but it reached every ear and the dragons listened carefully. This was an elf out of legend. He had slain many of their evil ancestors in the battle of Gondolin, he had killed a Balrog and had been allowed both to the Undying Lands and been brought back to life by the Creator. He deserved their respect if nothing else. "Imladris is inhabited by very few elves anymore, Lady Dragon. Most of us have sailed, leaving Imladris bereft of laughter and warmth. Morroch has informed me of the vision Arienel, his rider, has had of the Last Homely House, however, so I know it is not meant to be empty forever. Your kin will be welcome."

"What Glorfindel speaks is true. You will be welcome in Imladris, but I would know who would journey there." Morroch's gold eyes scanned the crowd and his gaze landed on Sakalthor, Leaf and their parents. Dawnflower, Forestwalker and Abrazan looked at their offspring with mixed expressions. Abrazan had to get back to his wife, but would the two older dragons come to Rivendell? They had four more dragonlings besides Leaf... The Ranger's gray eyes met Forestwalker's brown and the two males seemed to share an understanding. The male earth dragon turned to his mate and spoke softly to her. Dawnflower looked like she might protest several times to whatever her mate was saying, but she would glance at her dragonling and grow silent again. The earth dragoness finally sighed and nodded, looking less then happy, but grudgingly accepting. Forestwalker raised his head and spoke to Morroch.

"I will go with Leaf to Imladris. I know that Abrazan must see his wife and Sakalthor his mother. My own mate will come after us when she is able along with our other children."

Morroch nodded slowly, knowing it wasn't the solution Dawnflower wanted, but it was the best they were going to be able to do. He watched as the two families left, Dawnflower going to the Earth Dragon Cavern. The man and the two children went to the Shape-shifter Cavern. Forestwalker stayed behind, having one more dragonling to take care of. Desert was an orphan in the Clan, but as her Uncle, he could speak on her behalf. The black shape-shifter looked over at his brother as Dawnflower disappeared from sight and Alagos brought his cloudy amber eyes to meet Morroch's gold. A brief nod signaled that everything would be fine and Morroch sighed, turning back to the slowly dwindling group. Both Emeraldsong and Tigeki seemed to have reached an agreement on their own and the treasure dragoness stood. "We will accompany Leaf, Sakal and their fathers to Imladris. Tigeki and I know we have nothing more to do here." She dipped her head to Morroch before leaving. Morroch looked thoughtful as they did so. Perhaps Emeraldsong would be the right dragon to ask...

"Actreo and I must go back to Lothlorien." The quiet voice belonged to Acwyn and Morroch brought his focus to her as she spoke again. "We do not have parents, but there is a Guardian who would not have left the woods without knowing we were safe. Dashheart has said he will take us there and then to Imladris." She fell silent and the messenger dragon she sat upon looked at his mother, Swiftflight, and his father, Quickscale. They both smiled, warbling in amusement. "Dashheart, you are old enough to make your own decisions. We are simply here to see what you would choose to do." The messenger Kinwa grinned sheepishly, but then looked at Glorfindel. None of the elflings had parents here and so the Balrog-slayer was acting as their Guardian at this point. Glorfindel studied both Actreo and Acwyn and nodded slowly. "As long as they go straight to the Golden Woods and then on to Imladris, I do not see the harm in it."

It wasn't long before Dashheart, his parents and the elven twins had left and Skyfang, Cloudwing - his sister - and Amr followed soon after, already knowing where they were headed. Morroch found himself looking at a much smaller group with some relief. Or maybe not...the two groups of families not counting Gweltari's still here consisted of Eryn Lasgalen elflings and there was no getting around the fact that they would have to go back to their families...and the dragons were more then likely not going to be welcomed with friendly arms. Both Arasell and Calenhir looked uncertain, staying close to Spark and Desert, their two dragonlings.

Flametooth, Scarlet-tongue, Forestwalker and Glorfindel all looked at each other, not sure where to start and Morroch finally spoke, hoping he could come up with a solution everyone could live with. He only got to open his mouth before a voice cut in, sounding bored, but almost smug. It could only be Alagos. "The solution here is to send the dragons with the elflings. Spark only has one sibling and two parents to carry each dragonling. Desert is a an orphan. It wouldn't be hard for them to travel and," He paused, sitting up and grinning as only a wolf could, eyes slightly cloudy. "I happen to know that Prince Legolas and Princess Haiawen of Eryn Lasgalen are planning on leading a group of elves to Ithilien in Gondor for rebuilding. King Thranduil will soon sail, leaving the elves who are not ready to in his son's hands."

Morroch's smile was instant as the facts snapped into place for him. "Arienel has seen dragons guarding over Minas Tirith, Gondor. Perhaps your children will be the beginning of that. I know Legolas. He will accept you as he has accepted me. He is the Eldanarë's brother."

The last bit of his sentence seemed to be the key and the dragons who had been looking unsure suddenly relaxed, looking at each other. The finally started to nod and Morroch relaxed, too, relieved. There. He watched as the dragons, dragonlings and elflings disappeared to the Shape-shifter Cavern. Glorfindel gave him an approving look and Morroch simply bared his teeth and the elf. Their bantering ways had not had a chance to be tested again, but the spark was still there and the elf glared at him before disappearing down the tunnel. Gold eyes turned to Gweltari and her family, a black eye-ridge raising in question. The curly-haired woman smiled, glancing at Alagos briefly before looking away.

"My family and I will be leaving in two days. The Rangers are anxious to be back with their families." Morroch nodded and saw his brother tense, apparently not having known this. The black shape-shifter merely shook his head as he left the Great Cavern. This was Alagos' problem. Perhaps it would teach his brother to be less stubborn. Maybe.

Maethin looked up from his the scroll he was studying, a large thing that was spread out over the great table before him. "Migove Dagoryn." Morroch offered a small smile before settling down on the warm rocks with a content sigh. Freewalker soon joined him, detaching herself from her sibling to lay at his side. "Well, how did it go?"

"Everyone knows where they are going and when. It is resolved, but there is a request I must make. Maethin." He watched the green-silver dragon look up in surprise, dark green eyes focusing after a moment. "Yes?"

Morroch didn't hesitant in his question, but there was a way in which he asked that alerted the halfbreed to the fact that the black shape-shifter was unsure he would accept that request. "I am leaving when the seven days are up and I am leaving many new things behind for the Clan to deal with. I was...I would be grateful if I could leave the responsibility of the villagers in the claw of a dragon I know I can trust to care for them as I do." Gold eyes met dark green and Maethin blinked, more surprised then he would admit.

"M..me?

Morroch chuckled at the stutter. Maethin had come a long way since they'd met, gained more confidence, but he still resorted to stuttering when unsure or nervous. It was Freewalker who answered, her smile sly as her black eyes twinkled with mirth. "Well, perhaps not just you. I am sure Sunwing might be open to helping as well if you asked her." Both she and Morroch couldn't help but laugh as the halfbreed's silver scales took on a reddish hue he was so embarrassed. It was hard to miss the chemistry that had sparked between those two dragons and Maethin was now constantly teased for it. He didn't mind all that much, though, because he knew it was true. He just wasn't sure how to approach the fire dragoness about it.

The green-silver halfbreed dragon cleared his throat and spoke rather quickly. "S..so you would t..trust me to do this? To care for the h..humans?"

Morroch simply nodded. "I would ask no one else. You are turning into a very wise dragon, Maethin and I know you will not let anyone take advantage of or hurt the humans who stay here. You will be a leader worthy of following."

Maethin looked at his Tyshayn with wide eyes. Him? A leader? The halfbreed nodded slowly. "I will not disappoint you, my prince." Morroch smiled. "I know you won't."

Time-skip to next day, afternoon (day three)...

"Dragon."

The word cut through him with a streak of unexpected pain -she had never called him that before - and the white-haired male turned to see Gweltari standing near the Flight Tunnel, the cold wind blowing her hair out behind her and to the side. She had her arms crossed in a weird way because of her broken one, but her displeasure was clear. He could literally feel it. The shape-shifter simply met her gaze, waiting for her to speak, but she did not. She only glared at him and Alagos felt her mind come up against his own. It was not exactly a request, but nor was it a demand. It simply was and the male's eyes went startling blank, his mind resisting hers.

Gweltari finally broke eye-contact, her lids sliding shut as her mind retreated. Her voice was soft, but hard. "I am not the only one who is going to have to make an effort, Dragon. I can't do it. Not anymore." Her green-gray eyes opened to meet his amber again, stubbornness in their depths. "I know you don't want me. You've made that clear. So stop caring about me. Stop giving me hope only to push me away again. If you truly do not want me then I will leave and you will never see me again. I will never call you."

Tears had started to trickle down the woman's face and he took a step forward before he stopped himself. Gweltari shook her head, her eyes sparking with anger behind the wetness. "You can't even tell me no. You can't even make up your mind! Your people call you the Talikan and yet you can't even listen to your own gift, your own heart. I have no special talent, no great gift and I can do that."

She had watched him as she spoke, watched as a hardness, an anger came to his body, his eyes. She'd watched as his amber gaze narrowed, cat-like slits taking shape. She'd watched subtle fangs grow in his mouth, a response to anger or fear. She watched and did not flinch back or recoil. The shape-shifter finally spoke, his voice more a growl then words. He wasn't sure which was stronger in him right now, fear or affection. Admiration or anger. She infuriated him. She terrified him. He wanted to push her away. He wanted to be close to her. A battle raged inside and he knew neither side was close to winning. Two hundred years of abuse could not be healed in five days.

"Be silent! Who are you to judge my actions! You know nothing about me!"

"Because you won't tell me! You push me away! You call me, you make me think that you...that you care and then you...Dammit!" She was crying again and the woman wiped at her face angrily. That was not what she'd wanted to do, but it seemed to have shut him up and maybe that was a good thing. Alagos was staring at her and the anger had faded from his expression, leaving only indecision and hurt. He was more lost then she was, but that fact, true as it was, did nothing to ease the pain in her own heart. The shape-shifter finally moved, taking a step forward and as Gweltari watched his shape changed into that of a wolf before he moved again. The canine stopped before her, his head coming to her chest and their eyes met. There was no real message there, but the woman reached her hand out and the wolf hesitated for a moment before touching it with his nose.

It was progress, but Gweltari could recognize it for the small amount of progress that it really was. He still didn't trust her. As an animal, as a wolf he could fight her, could hurt her more badly then she could hurt him in a a faster amount of time. He could flee faster then she could ever run. He was offering her very little at this point and the woman knew it. She sighed and shook her head. "My family is leaving tomorrow. I will not force you to choose your path, but know that if I do not see you tomorrow that I will not expect to ever see again." She turned and went back into the tunnel as quietly as she'd come and Alagos watched until she faded from his sight.

The wolf closed his eyes, feeling more torn then he could explain, could tolerate and the canine whirled, tail flashing as he ran toward the edge of the ledge, leaping straight off without fear. The winged-cat's wings snapped open a moment later and he flapped hard, creating distance between himself and the home he had never wanted to come back to. There was just too much to think about, too much to take in and he craved freedom. A freedom he hadn't felt in great while.

The winged-cat soon landed though, hitting the ground roughly as he broke through the trees, tumbling to a stop as his body shifted into his human form. The male lay there for a moment and then worked his way to his knees before the tears came. His body shook as the sobs wracked him, pain and confusion, hurt and hope all mingling together, making it hard to breathe as it came out at once.

He didn't know what to do! The Rishten pulled on him to care for Gweltari, to follow her, to bond with her. His own fear, born of two hundred years of hurt told him to turn away, flee and never look back. And he knew that wasn't possible. He KNEW what happened to dragons that rejected the Rishten, that rejected their bonded. Death almost seemed like it would bring relief, but his entire being recoiled from it. No. No matter how difficult or miserable his life got, he was not going to wish for it to end. When the Creator decided his time was up, then it would up, but until then...he would live.

Alagos breathed shakily as the tears slowed and closed his eyes. An image of Gweltari floated to the surface of his thoughts immediately and the shape-shifter didn't push it away, studying it. He slowly opened his amber eyes again and sighed, his body draining of tension as he made his decision.

Time-skip to the next morning (day four)...

Gweltari touched her palm to Morroch's nose in farewell and the black shape-shifter smiled. "No celin idh raid gîn a no adel chen i chwest." The woman nodded, catching the small emphases the black dragon put on 'breeze'. He was speaking of Alagos as they both knew that the white shape-shifter's name meant 'Storm of Wind', but Gweltari didn't want to think about the white-haired male. She had not seen the shape-shifter since yesterday and her heart was already hurting for his absence. The thought that he wouldn't come and that she'd have to forever deal with this ache was enough to make her want to burst into tears. She kept her voice steady with effort.

"Nan lû e-govaded vîn, Morroch."

The shape-shifter nodded, backing up to join his mate, Freewalker. Gweltari looked at her family, her two brothers and her father, and the other three Rangers, including Zainaben and Niluphel, making it eight people waiting at the edge of the woods for her and the woman took a steadying breath. She had already said her farewells to the friends she had made during her stay in the dungeons to the East and the dragons here. All that was left to do was leave and she was finding it difficult.

The first step was the hardest, but the others followed smoothly and the woman waved goodbye to the two dragons as she followed her kin into the forest. Gweltari didn't respond as Taurnar laid his hand on her shoulder, merely shaking her head and stepping ahead of him. Her brother's expression tightened. He and his twin were furious with the dragon that their sister had become attached to. He was not here and they knew that was what Gweltari was so hurt over. Taurnar caught his brother's gaze and Thalbor, clenched his jaw, understanding. They walked on in silence.

It was unfortunate that the twins were the first to see the flash of white. The two stopped and Thalos looked back at them. His sons used signals to tell that they were going to take up the rear guard and their father nodded his consent, giving them a hard look. He knew something was up, but Thalbor and Taurnar were young but grown men of twenty-seven years. They could use with some wisdom and patience, but they were old enough to make their own decisions. So Thalos let them fall back out of sight, suspicious, but knowing that wisdom often is gained through experience and mistakes more then listening to ones father. After all, at their age...he had listened to his father all that much either.

Both Thalbor and Taurnar saw the shape-shifter at the same time and the white wolf stilled, amber eyes meeting their gray. Alagos slowly let his form change until he was standing as a human. He wasn't entirely sure what had prompted him to do this, but perhaps it was the fact that he needed to prove something. Prove it to himself and to Gweltari. The shape-shifter started to wonder if he was insane, though, as both the twins approached him, clear anger in their faces. His body certainly thought it was as subtle trembles ran through him, but he didn't run.

Thalbor was the first to speak as he was the one who had suffered the most bruising of pride around Alagos. "What are you doing here, Dragon?" He stood to the front of the shape-shifter as his twin circled more to the side, trapping the shape-shifter between them and a large tree. Neither twin truly noticed the glaze of fear that came to the white-haired male's eyes. If they had, they would have stopped this tactic immediately. It would have surprised them seeing that emotion in the normally impassive face of the other male. It would have made them think in a different way. They were not cruel, nor did they like instilling fear, but they were young and when it came to their family, blind to anything but what they felt. They had fast tempers and it took them time to understand things that confused them. Unfortunately for Alagos, the shape-shifter both confused and angered them.

"She's given up on you. Why shouldn't she have?"

"You've hurt her and we are not going to allow that to happen again."

"Leave. Our sister doesn't need someone like you."

Both twins had moved closer by this time, their voices low and Alagos clenched his fists hard against a shudder of pure fear. The brothers saw it as something else, a form of aggression and Taurnar was the first to draw a dagger, placing it at the shape-shifter's throat from the side. "We will allow you to leave unharmed if you leave peacefully, Dragon." He didn't want to hurt anyone at all, but if Alagos threatened his brother he would make an exception.

Alagos had frozen, though, neither his mouth or his limbs able to function at this point. His amber eyes slid shut as dark memories surfaced, flashing before his mind's eye with a vengeance that made him shake uncontrollably and back up against the tree behind him. Taurnar started in surprise as his blade, laid delicately against the shape-shifter's throat, cutting into skin as the white-haired male started to tremble and moved. The blood that resulted looked redder then it should have against white skin and Taurnar removed the blade altogether at the strangled, panicked breathing that was coming from the shape-shifter. He looked over at Thalbor and saw that his brother looked just as worried. The anger was suddenly gone from both them and Thalbor reached out to touch Alagos' arm, thinking to try and jolt some sense of reality back into the other male.

His hand was stopped by a smaller one, the grip no less strong for its size. Thalbor's gray eyes met his sister's hard green-gray and he inwardly cringed. He had seen that look only twice before in his life and neither time had been pleasant. Both twins didn't hesitate to step away when she hissed at both of them. "Go." They did move back, but they didn't go far. She didn't appear to care as she stepped closer to the shape-shifter. He was still trembling and Gweltari's anger grew at her siblings when she saw the dampness on his cheeks, evidence of silent tears.

The woman spoke softly as her hand came up to palm his face gently, her thumb moving to wipe away the wetness. Just as her mind slowly seeped into his as much as he would allow, soothing, bringing a flow of peace and warmth. "You're not alone, Alagos. I'm right here." She watched as his body relaxed, the trembling slowly, though, it didn't completely leave. Amber eyes opened to meet her green-gray and she was struck by the simple beginning of trust she saw there before his eyes slid shut again. Alagos' voice was ragged, but it made her smile just as the fact that he hadn't' moved away from her touch made her heart sing.

"The next t..time you want me to follow you, k..keep your eyes open."

Time-skip of three days (day seven)...

Morroch looked over the dragons and humans he had come to care about. It was almost difficult to leave, but the Rishten was stronger - it always would be - and it was calling him to Arienel. It was a call he was eager to answer and it helped when the sadness came. His gold eyes scanned the faces of those before him. Maethin, his first real friend in the Clan. The green-silver dragon was now standing beside Sunwing, confidence and a smile on his face, so different from when they'd first met. Wiseheart, finally healed enough to fly the short distance out of his cavern. Edonar was by the Knowledge Ancient and Morroch was looking forward to telling Arienel about how her brother had bonded with the dragon Morroch had come to consider a father. Emeraldsong and Tigeki, the large dragoness so changed by the things that had happened to the Clan and the girl who knew no fear. Technically they were leaving, too, but they were all going to separate locations.

His gaze took in the many villagers and children he'd come to know and the shape-shifter had a soft spot in his heart for all of them. Gone completely were the days when he had practically loathed humans and wanted nothing to do with them. Now, at the lowest point in his life, they were they had been the hope that kept him going. Elves received a nod of respect from him and they returned the gesture. It was likely they would all see each other again as the fair beings were traveling to Imladris and both Elrohir and Arienel considered that place home.

Firespirit and Mirwind stood together with Malek and Morroch knew the little boy was going to thrive here with them. Redaya gave him a grin from where she stood next to Smoke, Dera and Sunwing. Dera noticed his eyes and waved. Dashheart, Acwyn and Actreo all did the same, waving with hands and tail. Morroch found both joy and sorrow welling in his heart. Too many. There were too many faces, too many friends and even dragons he disliked among them. He wanted to go, but at the same time, he wanted to go to each and every one of them once more, just to say goodbye one last time.

Freewalker's tail on his back stilled him before he could move and his mate's black eyes were kind and filled with understanding. She was saying goodbye to her parents and three siblings to come with him. Skyfang and Sharpmist were both leaving behind sisters. Each of them understood and the shape-shifter felt better knowing that. Amr gave him a smile from atop Skyfang's back, the child Maazin securely wrapped in his arms. They were the only two out of four children that were returning to Harad. Morroch took a steadying breath and smiled back, turning his head back to the Clan.

It was Wiseheart that approached him, limping slightly, but very much alive. The Knowledge Ancient smiled warmly, his voice soft, but firm. "You are always welcome here, mrer Honrin. You will always be an accepted child of the Clan and you will not be forgotten by the next generation or the next."

Morroch felt one dragon tear trickled down his scales and moved forward touch his head to the other dragon's, both a sign of respect and affection. "I will never forget you, mrer Astir. And I will come visit. I promise. Arienel will want to meet each of you."

The knowledge dragon only chuckled. "I am sure that is true. Now go. The Eldanarë needs you and your season here is ending. We will see one another again." Morroch could only nod and he turned away, waiting until Freewalker, Sharpmist and Skyfang had passed through the Flight Tunnel before looking back. Such emotion welled in his chest that he wasn't surprised when a roar erupted from his jaws and neither was the Clan. Their answering voices, a loud thunder followed him as he ran up the tunnel and burst on to the ledge, taking off. The three dragons waiting followed him.

Morroch felt the emotions within him settling and he smiled in surprise, but happiness when a familiar voice came to his ears, carried on the breeze, the wild wind that suddenly whipped around him in a friendly way. "I shall see you in Gondor, my brother. Try not to get into trouble." Morroch's laughter spilled out as the wind lifted him higher into the air and the dragons around him roared their happiness as they made their way toward the south and the sands.

PonyInsane ~

Thank you so much for your review! Though, I have to wonder if you meant to review Herves ar Iell since THIS story, while in the series, doesn't have Legolas in it at all. Confused me a little, but I appreciate your feedback all the same! I would be more than happy to email you, but your email did not show up in your review as does not put links or email addresses in reviews or chapters. You have to put spaces between your words, the 'at' icon and periods.

Thank you again for reviewing! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!

~ Kaisaan

Wow. *sniffles* It's done. *sighs* Well, I want to mainly thank both Archeress of Silverbow and Stabbythings for their constant and faithful encouragement! You guys are what keep me going. Thank you so much for your support!

Review one last time, please!