The Blacksmith

Despite your sullenness, the next few days were actually pleasant ones, days that made you forget who you really were. For you and Halbrand had remained true to your desire to be false with your new companions. At least for the moment. It was inevitable that they would discover the truth about the two of you once you reached Pelargir, as the Southlanders, perhaps Bronwyn and Arondir, would hopefully rejoice at the return of their king. You were deceiving them more for the normality it provided, the lack of tension, and perhaps sparing yourselves of the less favourable treatment that being completely honest would bring.

Garion was a very talkative fellow though, asking questions about where you hailed from, and what your background was. 'Hal' answered for the both of you, stating you were Númenóreans, heading back to Pelargir to make the journey home. When Garion pressed about the reasons for your trip to Middle-earth, you simply said, "Our business is our own." to which Halbrand deftly added, "What my love means to say, is that we were here visiting some of her family that left Númenor when she was a child. It was more emotional than she had anticipated. Some were lost."

Garion's face turned sorrowful and he offered his condolences. This put a stop to any further questions about your purpose in Middle-earth, a fact you were grateful to Halbrand for, as you did not wish to lie to these people any further. One afternoon, seated in the wagon, you looked on back as Halbrand was attempting to teach one of the children, a girl named Arianwen, how to ride your horse. You couldn't take your eyes off them as they slowly walked then trotted along on your steed. Olwenna caught you staring. "I used to looked at Garion like that, when I first met him."
"Like what?"
The lady laughed at you. "You know very well what like. Unless...”
You smiled at her, blushing. "I have never felt this way about anyone I've ever met."
"How long has it been now?"

Your brow furrowed a moment whilst you considered her question. All the days and nights had bled together, the passing of time was something you had not been keeping track of. Not since Halbrand had come into your life. "Maybe a month, close to two... I'm honestly not sure."
"That's when you know it's been good. Days only need marking when something bad befalls us. So we don't forget our past, and we can learn from it." Olwenna spoke sagely. There had been some dark days of late, scattered amongst the bliss. Yet despite standing out in your memory more than the joyful occasions, they still fused together with them, your time loving Halbrand had been all encompassing, the good and the bad. The image of Halbrand before you, encouraging this young girl, smiling, looking proud as ever, it was a complete contrast to the image of him from only days before, covered in blood, cackling with devilish glee, destroying all life around him. They seemed to be two different people, yet they were one and the same. He was both king and dark lord. And you could not deny you loved it all, regardless of whether or not you should.

As luck would have it, your party came upon an inn on the side of the road, just as the sun was preparing to fall beneath the horizon. It was modest in appearance, the wood that formed it perhaps not constructed by experts, yet it didn't look like it would collapse either. The double storey building came across as both daring and impressive. It seemed a place welcoming of all kinds of people, no matter your standing or what deeds you might have committed before you crossed it's threshold. A bath... a bed... Your eyes gleamed at the thought of these comforts you had not had for quite some time. You prayed they had space enough for you all. Coming to a stop, Garion and Padrig made sure to secure the wagon and horses, before leading the way through the doors of the inn. Halbrand and yourself hung back, happy to let Garion do all the talking, preferring to hopefully go unnoticed amongst your companions, lest anyone recognise you.

"Evening, squire!" his affable voice boomed at the fellow stood behind the bar. "Would you happen to have room enough for us? Just for the night." You watched over Garion's shoulder as the barman counted your group, nervously clinging to your love. Making his assessment, he then made his offer. "I've got two rooms that should fit you alright, though it might be a little crowded."
"Perfect, we'll take 'em. Thank you." Garion placed his payment at the hands of the barman, who proceeded to guide you up the stairs to your accommodation. "Once you're settled, you’re welcome to come downstairs for food, my cook is about to serve supper. Oh and there is a washroom down the hall should you need to take a bath." The barman smiled before wandering back down to his post, leaving you all to figure out the sleeping arrangements. The rooms were small, comprising of two beds in each, and a small wardrobe to store your property. This inn was modest inside and out.

"It seems the only way to do this is down the middle, five in each room. The kids have one bed, then Gisal and Owin in the other. Which leaves Padrig, our new friends, and Olwenna and myself. I'll take the floor, Padrig you can have the bed."
"Uncle, I can sleep on the floor, I don't mind."
"You're young, boy! I don't want your body achin' before it has to. Now, does that suit everyone?" There were smiles and nods all around, especially from the kids. It seems you were all grateful to have some respite from the wagon, only if for a night. Halbrand took your bag, placing it beside his in the wardrobe. The others headed down the stairs to feast, yet as you turned to follow, you felt Halbrand's touch hold you in place. Pulling you flush against him, he wrapped himself around you, kissing your cheek, your neck, before resting his head on your shoulder. You sighed, happy for the embrace.

"At last... a moment of isolation." he spoke, his voice low. "Oh how I've missed this feeling... just you and me... alone... your body against mine..." Halbrand's hands were wandering to places you ached for him to touch, his lips on your neck again.
"My love..."
"Yes?" he replied, barely interested in what you had to say. His mind was focusing on... more important matters at hand.
"The door... it's open... oh..." you told him, gasping as his hand found where your womanhood lay beneath the layer of your dress.
"And...?" he questioned, biting your ear lobe. You shuddered with delight and turned around to have his mouth collide with your own. It had been days since you had been able to lose yourself to him like this, and you missed it as much as he did.

The clearing of a throat entered the room, forcing the two of you apart, making you jump. "The children want to know if you'll be joining us for supper?" asked Olwenna, the biggest smirk on her face, trying not to laugh. "Sorry."
Feeling your cheeks redden, your eyes averted her gaze as you answered her. "Of course. We'll be down in a moment."
"Wonderful." She practically clicked her heels as she exited the room.
"Oh goodness..." you exclaimed, Halbrand laughing at your embarrassment. You gave him a playful tap with the back of your hand, and he kissed you again, not wanting the moment to end. "Come on," you spoke between touches of lips, "Let's not keep your admirers waiting." Locking your fingers with his, the two of you made your way down to join the others.

This supper was the best food you had eaten since your feast with Elrond and Galadriel back in Eregion. Juicy meats filled with flavour, freshly baked soft bread, and boiled vegetables drenched in butter which included, of course, potatoes. It seemed one of the advantages of an inn situated on a road such as this meant that there was a constant flow of food and supplies passing through, and the people carrying these were more than happy to trade some of what they had for a warm bed to rest in.

The atmosphere was a cheerful and lively one, the tavern area filled to bursting with the occupants of the other rooms. A boisterous group of men were consistently clinking their cups of ale, laughing at the stories they were telling each other. You didn't catch every word of it, but it seemed they had been on some uproarious adventures. Across from them were a pair of women seated with two young boys, whose interactions you watched with fascination. The boys, clearly siblings, carried on with playful fuss that ceased the moment one of them started throwing peas at the other. Chastised by the woman that could only be his mother, you looked on as the other woman put her arm around her, which was acknowledged with a loving kiss to the top of her hand. They were a family. You couldn't help but smile at them.

Halbrand followed your eyes to what was holding their gaze. "Is there something else about you I do not know, my love?" he spoke cheekily, sipping his ale. "Have you known the love of a woman?"
Blushing, you moved your smile to him, unsure of what words might pass your lips. "No... I haven't. But-"
"But?"
"I cannot deny I have desired it. There's just something..." you glanced back over at the women as you spoke, "There's a different beauty within them... a warmth, a tenderness, an elegance..." Your voice trailed off, your mind lost in thought. Catching yourself, you turned the discussion back on your love. "And what about you? You can't tell me you've existed as long as you have without laying with another man?"
Halbrand chuckled, taking another swig of his ale. He admitted nothing, but he didn't need to, for the look on his face spoke volumes. You smirked at him, sipping your own ale, very satisfied with the exchange that had just taken place.

There were rumblings amongst the children for some kind of dessert, to which Garion adamantly replied, "We cannot take advantage of their hospitality. We should be grateful enough for this feast and not let greed become us."
"Pleeeeeeeeease! Please please pleeeeeeease! Please!" Their voices in unison, a shrill cry to their leader that was clearly unwavering. Olwenna leaned over to her love, interjecting, "Perhaps you could at least inquire with the barman? It couldn't hurt, let them have a little treat, Garion, they've been through too much."

"Well I can't say no to you, can I?" Garion sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll ask." The kids cheered and you and Halbrand laughed at their joyfulness. It had been quite sobering to be around these innocent little creatures for the past few days. Almost as if they were a shield of light keeping the darkness at bay. A shield that grew stronger the further down the road you travelled, the further away from the shadow you were. Garion waltzed back over to your table, looking deflated. "I'm sorry children..." The collective 'awww's' from the young ones were not pleasant, but it seemed Garion was not done speaking. "They've only got blackberry pie!" The children cheered as the barman brought out three plates that held the sweet treat, and all of you were laughing at Garion's heartwarming deception.

"Anyone else?" offered the barman. A few of you rose your hands, and he counted again like before, taking his leave to quickly return with more servings. "None for you, Hal?" quizzed Garion.
"No, I am quite full after that feast." spoke 'Hal', rising from his seat. "In fact I might take a bath before retiring for the evening." he announced, glancing at you, hinting. There was some unfinished business after all. Halbrand gulped the last of his ale, politely bowing his head to your companions before wandering over to the stairs. Olwenna caught your gaze then, as she was trying to make subtle facial gestures to encourage you to follow him. You stood rather abruptly, declaring to your companions, "Yes, I think I might do the same as well. Goodnight." you nodded, Olwenna unable to stifle a snicker at just how unsubtle you were. Hastily making your exit, you swore you could hear Garion mumble, "She could've just said she was going upstairs to-"
"Shhh Uncle!" Padrig cut him off, groaning. "You don't need to say it!"

You couldn't help but giggle as you caught up with Halbrand on the stairs, and taking your hand, he lead you straight to the washroom, locking the door behind you.