Chapter 34: A new path ahead

*Author's note*

And here is the final chapter for the Hobbit Celestial story, like I said I'll try to post up what I've done of the sequel sometime this weekend (work's gonna be busy after today and I'll be too tired to post anything up) so enjoy my dears and thanks for reading the story.

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I was in deep meditation up along the waterfalls high up in the mountains. Not only was I meditating, I was also conversing and training with Mandos. Some days when I wasn't training my physicality, I would go off on my own to the mountains and seek council with them.

And there they would help me to better understand my true power and what I can give to the folks of Middle Earth once I was ready to make my return.

I opened my eyes as I took a soft but deep breath in before exhaling.

"I take that your training with Mandos and Nienna is coming along well?" Cain's voice spoke up. I turned my head towards him and softly smiled.

"Aye. Never did I think I could learn so much from them. Much less ever speak to them."

"Even when she doubted herself, Ajak would seek council with the Kings and Queens of the Valar. For just as they created us along with the all life on Middle Earth, they are there willing to seek council with us." He said as he came up to me extending his hand to me. I took it and he helped me stand up. "You've really come a long way since you first arrived."

"Five years but there's still so much for me to learn."

"I agree. Don't mistaken my praise for me wanting to be rid of you so fast. I'm merely stating the facts."

"And here I thought you were starting to grow tired of me."

"And cast out my dear, sweet baby sister? I wouldn't dream of it." Cain cooed as he brought me into his arms before playfully locking me in a headlock and ruffling my hair (much like Ikaris always did). I whined but couldn't help but laugh as I tried to free myself from his grip. "Hope you don't plan on leaving too soon."

"Not a chance Brother."

"Good. Now come along, you've been up here since before dawn and it's now almost lunchtime." He released me from his headlock before wrapping his arm carefully over my back and gesturing for me to come back to the cabin. It was at that moment my stomach let out a loud growl to which Cain softly chuckled, "I don't need to hear your heartbeat to tell that you're not hungry."

"Guess I wanted an early start on my training with Mandos and Nienna."

"Well let's fill that stomach of yours up with some proper food. After that you deserve a bit of a break. Remember what I said, work the mind too much—"

"And the body will succumb. I know, I know." I repeated his statement as we both made the climb down the mountain and back to the cabin.

After getting some lunch I went out back to relax under the sun for a few hours on the hammock I had built. It was after all a gorgeous Spring day. Not too hot, but not too cold for that after winter chill. The flowers were all in bloom and the birds were out and about singing their heads off.

My thoughts would go to my friends whenever I wasn't training. Wondering what they were doing, how they were doing, if all was well in their life. I tried my best to not think of the rising darkness I knew Middle Earth was facing with Sauron's return, for that would only increase my anxiety which in turn makes Cain fret over me like Cersei times 100.

I had to have faith that Gandalf, Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel and the mortal kings and chiefs I've made friends with were able to hold their own until I felt ready to come back.

As the afternoon trudged on, it seemed to be about midday so I decided to head in and get some afternoon tea (I'd imagine that by now Bilbo is having his afternoon tea by now). Just as I took a sip of my tea, Cain had returned from—somewhere (he didn't tell me where he was going after lunch).

"And just where did you have to go that was so secret that you couldn't tell me?" I asked him.

"If I told you it wouldn't be surprise, now would it?" He said coming over to pour himself some tea. I took the kettle away from him and argued.

"If you tell me, I'll still act surprise."

"You are a cheeky minx aren't you?" he teased with a smirk pressing his forehead to mine.

"Come now brother won't you please tell me?"

"After I have my tea, I'll take you there."

"Where are we going?" he didn't say a word but just held out his teacup. I poured him some tea and he took a small sip of it. "You better not drink it agonizingly slow just to delay whatever or wherever it is you're taking me to."

"Now why would I do a thing like that sister Hela?" he playfully mocked placing his hand over his heart in mock hurt. I set the kettle down and raised my brow at him as I placed a hand to my hip.

"Must I bring up last winter when you were training me to walk on water? First you showed off your fancy footwork then left me to practically fall in each time while you drank your tea. Which happens to be the exact brand I'm making now."

"What can I say? While teaching you and loving you, I can't help but enjoy hearing you struggle. Isn't that what brothers are for?" he ruffled my hair once again and turned away to drink his tea.

"The one thing I didn't miss about having brothers." I muttered softly.

"I heard that." He spoke up. I groaned before returning to my tea and finishing it up.

When we cleaned up our glasses and put the tea aside for later, Cain and I left the cabin once more and headed back into the jungle however this time we headed North.

In the Northern part of the jungle, that's where the large training ground he had built for us was. Basically it was a wide open field with boulders of various sizes for balancing techniques and leaps as well as strength, a patch of dirt that encircled the outside of the meadow as a track, and close to it a fairly large lake that looked deeper than it appears.

"The Northern training fields? Why did you bring me here Cain?"

"I want to test you on something in regards to Druig's powers." He said as he walked forward. I followed close behind him until we reached the Dark Lake (as what I've called it). "It is said by some of our Elemental brothers and sisters, that water holds memory. Memories that sometimes even we forget, or what we wish to see."

"Yes. Cersei used to tell me, Makkari and Sprite that all the time when we were young." He nodded softly. "But what does this have to do with Druig's powers?"

"Touch the water." I looked at him puzzled. He turned his head towards me, his glowing white eyes staring at me. "Reach out with Druig's power and give the water a single touch." I looked down at the water and did as he said.

My index finger touching the water with the lightest of pressure as the ripples formed out and grew bigger and bigger.

"Now look hard and tell me what you see." I leaned closer to the water as the ripples continued to extend outward, even after a good minute and a half from when I first touched the water. Soon an image before to replace my reflection in the water. A man's face soon appeared, my hair was soon replaced with long black, unruly hair, a tache with a slight beard at his chin. And deep brown eyes.

"Bard." I softly whispered his name. I pulled myself back up and fully turned my body towards Cain.

"Close your eyes." I tilted my head but he gave me a firm nod. I obeyed and closed them. "Along with how Druig could one day view the world had he gotten the chance to do so, this is how I see Middle Earth. Reach out with both your mind and your spirit to put yourself before Bard. Hone in on his heartbeat, see yourself where he's at. Like a Watcher from the White Towers of Gondor, allow yourself to see him from here."

"Cain I—I don't know if I......"

"I know you can. You just need to believe you can. The only thing stopping you is yourself. Focus and reach out to him." I did as he told me. However this was something far beyond anything I've ever been able to do, he even said that not even Druig has gotten the chance to use this technique.

I tried to see if I could reach out to Bard but all I was doing was giving myself a headache. I let out a couple of pants before trying again. However no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do it.

"I can't.....Cain I can't." I panted softly as I rubbed my temples trying to ease my headache. I felt him reach out to take my hands and I looked up to him. A soft smile was across his face and even though his eyes were as blank as snow, they held a gentleness to them.

"You're force yourself to see him, let your mind flow. And let it guide you to him." He took my hands down and rested them between us, his thumbs stroking my knuckles as he took a deep breath in and I copied him. We both exhaled deeply at the same time and I closed my eyes.

I kept taking a few deep breaths and focused on Druig's gem once more. I imagined Bard and the city of Dale (from what I remembered it looking like before). Suddenly I felt this warmth overcome me and my eyes shot wide open and a flash of bright light came at me.

*Cain's POV*

I may not have been able to truly see it, but I could tell that Hela's eyes had glowed the pure gold that is known to happen when we Celestials use the full extent of our powers. Ajak called it Mahd Wy'ry. I reached up and touched her temples and I allowed myself to see through her eyes.

*My POV*

When the light died down I found myself standing before Dale but it was just like it was back in its glory days. Wait did I—did I accidentally travel back in time? Oh Valar I really screwed up now, wait hold on a moment.

I walked ahead and took notice of some of the people that were in the city. These were the survivors of Laketown and their families, plus new children that had been born here since last I was here. Over there, there was Hanna and her son Caleb who was growing up into a fine young man with his blonde hair and blue eyes.

He did it. Bard actually did it. He restored Dale to its full glory once again!

"Come now Caleb we must get to the palace at once. We can't be late for the Coronation." Hanna told her son as she grabbed his hand. Coronation, wait they don't mean—

"I knew all along he could do it. First the dragon, then the battle for the Mountain, then reforging this city and now King. Oh Bard you have done us all proud laddie." Hilda Blanca spoke as she came in wearing a much cleaner and finer dress and pushing a cart with the finest silks that I've only seen at Gondor or Rivendell.

"Surprised?" Cain's voice soon came beside me. I turned over to him and said.

"This is Bard's Coronation as King, isn't it?"

"Aye." He replied with a soft nod and a warm smile. "Ever since you told me about this man, I've been keeping tabs on him. I can see now why you've stuck around him and his ancestor Girion. They are both honorable men. Thinking of others before themselves."

"That's what also made them great friends. Even when most of the mortals would bow before me like some God, I didn't wish for that all the time. It wasn't until Girion that he came to respect me for me, and not just for my creation. Same with Bard."

"Come. We best get to the castle if you wish to see your friend be crowned King." He took my hand then much like how I've seen the world pass by when I would use Makkari's speed, we were suddenly at the Great Hall.

From the ceiling to the floors everything was decorated for the ceremony. A large banquet was prepared and dozens upon dozens of barrels filled with ale and wine were being brought out. We walked out of the banquet hall and soon stood before the throne room.

Already hundreds of people were starting to gather around waiting for the arrival of their new King. Cain and I took a spot at the very corner of where the throne stood on top of three stairs, and at its side two grand staircases.

"I—I can't even.....this is—"

"I know. It's a lot to take in. I know it was the first time I ever did it, although for me I can only sense the aurora and heartbeats of everyone."

"No. Well I mean yes this ability in itself is hard to put into words. What I meant was—my friend Bard. A man whom I've known to be born and bred a Bargeman, a descendent from a King. A king of this very city no less, is reclaiming his family's rightful place on the throne of Dale. I'd never thought I'd live to see this day. Thank you brother."

"I knew how special he is to you little sister. Even if you couldn't be there in person to see him crowned, I felt it's only fair that you at least get to see it with your own eyes, even if it's through spiritual means." Soon the horns began to sound off. Everyone soon quietened down as they turned towards the two grand staircases that stood on either side of the throne.

Coming down the other staircase furthest away from us I looked up and smiled warmly, for coming down the steps arm and arm of each other were Bard's children. Bain, Sigrid and Tilda who were now much older and taller when last I saw them.

Sigrid looked every bit like her mother as she now held a mature woman's face. Her hair done up in an elegant wave and she wore a floor length light grey dress. Bain looked to be just as tall (maybe even taller) than his father now. His hair longer and he was starting to grow out some facial hair. His face now showing the signs of a boy coming into manhood and he wore a royal green tailcoat with some gold embroidery of leaf circlets along the front of the vest, white trousers, and underneath the green vest he wore a blue Jodhpur suit and a stunning blue cravat tied around his neck along with some black boots.

And Tilda. Sweet little—well I guess I shouldn't call her little anymore. She was starting to become a young lady now standing right up to Sigrid's height now. She wore a dark navy blue floor length dress and her hair so curled up that it bounced to the tips of her shoulders.

"The three young royal heirs! Princess Sigrid, Prince Bain, and Princess Tilda." An announcer proclaimed loud and proud as Bard's children continued to walk down the stairs with grace, poise and elegance.

They stood before the crowd and either bowed or did a deep curtsey and everyone did the same thing back to the young heirs, giving forth their faith and respect for the future rulers of Dale. The children soon stood on either side of the throne and soon the doors in the back opened up.

The sound of drums playing as the royal guard soon came marching in rows of two. The young Captain of the Guard counting off each step with a loud and proud exclamation as they marched further into the Great Hall between the audience. The captain soon called out 'Halt!' and the royal guard stopped.

"About face!" the two rows of guards turned towards the soldier in the other row. Their stances tall and stiff and their faces stoic and firm. The horns soon sounded off again as the royal band now began to play and everyone directed their attention upwards towards the other staircase.

Soon coming out dressed in full regal red and black, his hair now slightly shorter and well-groomed back. His face clear of the dirt and grim he'd had to endure from Laketown but his eyes held the wisdom of a man that had seen a lot, endured and persevered. It was my dear friend Bard.

He turned towards all of us and with pride in his step, he slowly descended from the staircase. My heart soared with joy and proudness for my beloved Bargeman. I know that he'll be a great King as will his son, and the rest of his descendants to come (like I know it would've been had Smaug not lay waste to the city and killed Girion).

Bard finally reached the bottom of the staircase and the people of Laketown bowed before their new king while his children gave their father a proud and happy smile. Bard acknowledged each and every one of his people as well as his children as he was guided to the throne by none other than Percy.

Bard first had his back towards his people as he approached the throne then finally turned to face everyone as he slowly sat down. Percy then gave to Bard the refurbished (probably thanks to my Dwarf friends of Erebor) the Staff of the King and the Sovereign's Orb. Bard took each of these in the respect hand and then being brought out by Gale was the crown.

A beautiful golden crown with a 3 pointed oak leaf on each tip of the crown. A bright shaped star at the bottom center of the crown with a single ruby placed at its center, and intricate spines going along the crown in the Infinity symbol, symbolizing the crown bearer's eternal reign in History, no matter how much time has passed.

Percy took the crown from the velvet pillow Gale had it on and showed it before us all as he came over to Bard and placed it on top of his head. All the while, Hilda soon came up and spoke to Bard before the audience.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of Dale according to the statures of your Council and Advisors and the respected members of your kingdom? Will you in your power cause law and justice in mercy. To be executed in all judgements?" Percy stepped down as Bard turned towards each of his children who gave him a nod.

"I solemnly promise so to do." Bard replied. He soon stood up from his throne, the Staff and Orb still in his hand as the band began playing another song and from the upper balcony, the choir soon sang the royal coronation song of the King of Dale.

"Present arms!" the Captain cried out as the soldiers withdrew their swords and held them outward. Bard then walked between the row of soldiers. I left Cain's side and walked through the crowd keeping my eyes on Bard until both he and I reached the end of the row as the song came to an end.

I walked around and stood before him, my eyes brimming with pride as well as tears just as three loud bangs were heard from a staff. It was then the same royal announcer proclaimed to the audience.

"Presenting; his Majesty. Bard descendant of Girion, King of Dale!" a solemn smile came at the corner of Bard's lips as he closed his eyes and took it all in. There was no going back now, but when his eyes opened and I saw that fierce and determined look in his eyes, I knew he was ready.

He no longer needed me to guide him anymore but I would still keep my tabs on him.

I bowed down to my very knees before him and I whispered to him.

"I knew you could do it my dear bargeman. Become the Great King I know you'll be." As I looked up at him, the vision began to fade and the bright light consumed me once more.

I let out a gasp and panted heavily and Cain's voice and touch brought me back to earth.

"Deep breaths, deep breaths. It's alright, it's alright." I looked up at Cain and immediately embraced him.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for allowing me to see him crowned on his big day." Cain embraced me back.

"I had hoped you would reclaim some control of Druig's power before that time. All you needed was just a bit of help to see how I view the world."

"I—again I don't know how to thank you. If I were ready to go back, there's no doubt I'd be there in person to see him crowned."

"I know. And I know he knows that too, but he understood why you had to leave. And there's no doubt in my mind that you'll see your friend Bard again in the near future."

"You think so?"

"I know my sister all too well. You have such a kind heart, and unlike the rest of our kin you've always formed a true connection with every race of Middle Earth." He cupped the side of my face, gently wiping away a tear.

"I know he'll do great things. Just like Girion."

"As do I sister, as do I."

Years and years went by after Cain's surprise. Every day I was growing stronger in my Celestial magic, not just with my sibling's magic but my own as well. With my own powers I've finally accepted my role as the Celestial of Death and had a better understanding of my powers and didn't need to feel afraid to use it.

Cain and I also continued to grow closer with each other. Like I had said before, whilst I was here training and doing my own healing, I noticed how Cain was starting to accept his grief too. Whenever he went out to Harad to do his good deeds, he wasn't as rageful as before but he still made his threats very clear to anyone who did the innocent harm.

There was no longer a festering bubble of regret, rage, sorrow or guilt anymore within him. He felt at peace with himself (I'll also admit that I allowed his beloved Yvaine's spirit to speak through me as well as his children). That day especially seemed to allow Cain to forgive himself for what happened on that Mountain during the Fall of Gondolin.

Now there was a different feeling festering inside of me. I stood on top of the Mountain cliffs that overlooked the entire jungle and I knew that it was time.

"You've been feeling it for a while, haven't you?" Cain said as he walked up to me and stood by my side at the edge of the cliff.

"I can never hide anything from you."

"Even without my enhanced senses I could probably tell just from the structure of your facial muscles."

"I didn't know how to break it to you gently without hurting your feelings." Cain touched my shoulder and I turned to face him.

"It's been a total of 20 years since you've came to me. 20 years that we've gotten to finally know one another. There is nothing you could do that could hurt me. It is time."

"For the Celestial of Death to make her return to Middle Earth." A determined smirk came across Cain's face as the winds began to shift. My destiny awaiting and the winds changing in my favor.

We were back at the cabin and I was packing away a few things for my trip until I would reach the next town or kingdom I would come across. Cain also gave me a silver ring with a black gem at the center.

He told me that this ring would conceal my true power from Sauron until the time was right. And that I alone would decide when I would show the world my true strength. As I packed up the last of the food in my pack I turned to Cain and said.

"Can I be honest though brother?" he nodded. "I—honestly have no idea where to go first." He softly chuckled and said.

"If I may make a suggestion; head to Rohan. King Thengel is its current ruler. Ask to join among his ranks. But there is also a young soldier there that you should meet." I tilted my head in interest. A soldier? "You were once well acquainted with his father Arathorn. And I know you saw him to be a good man much like you did Bard, now it is time the son met you and saw you as a friend and ally."

I smiled at the mention of Arathorn's name. I knew he had bared a son but I was never told of his child's name.

"What is his name?" I asked.

"He's serving under the name of Thorongil in King Thengel's army. In the Wild, he's known as Strider. His true name—you must earn that knowledge for yourself." I nodded as I hung the pack over my shoulder.

"Thank you Cain." I said sincerely. "For everything." My chin wobbled before I raced over and embraced him tightly. He held onto my with just as much strength as I was holding him, burying his face into my neck.

"Remember this Sister Hela; should you ever need me. Look to the moon. And know that I will always be watching over you in your travels." I nuzzled my face into his chest before we looked at each other once more. His hands mapping out my entire face one last time as tears ran down both our faces until he pressed his forehead and nose against mine.

I closed my eyes and drew in his strength as well as his scent trying to remember this moment with my brother. Who knows when I'll be able to see him again. His hand cupped the back of my head as he pressed a lingering and loving kiss on my forehead.

"May the Valar and the spirits of our kin protect you." He said in Celeste.

"My heart will weep till we meet again brother Cain." I replied back to him. He smiled solemnly before giving me another kiss to my forehead and pressing his forehead against mine once again.

After what felt like an eternity of bidding each other farewell with kisses and affectionate Celestial gestures, I separated from him and walked away from him. I didn't even bother using Makkari's speed until I was well out of the jungle (hoping for more time to remember all the good memories I had here these past 20 years with my brother). Then once I was in the clearing, I took off with such speed, I swear I might've done a sonic boom.

*Cain's POV*

It took every ounce of my will power to not keep Hela here at my side. I knew she was strong—no stronger than any Celestial before her (she might even be stronger than Ajak herself). I knew not to worry for her safety but—as a brother you can't help but worry for your younger siblings.

I heard her take off using Makkari's Celestial speed and I knew then that she was gone to fulfill the duties of us Celestials. I bowed my head solemnly taking a sharp breath in through my nose as a tear slid down my face.

I then turned back and headed back inside my cabin and praying to my beloved Yvaine to help me watch over my little sister in her travels and to keep her safe.