Family Reunion
Wandering the streets of the small city, it felt like you had stepped into a memory, back into the scenes that Sauron had shown you. It was an eerie sensation, one which you found difficult to shake. Hopefully with time, your unsettled nature would fade, and you could focus on being free, happy, and most importantly, queen of the southlands. A smile crept onto your face then, as you thought about the title you would soon officially wear. You were to be married. This was something that you had never considered, for you could live just fine without a wedding to Halbrand. You weren't ever one for pomp and circumstance, lavish ceremonies, or celebrations of any kind for yourself. A humble upbringing will have that effect on a person. Besides, you knew you loved Halbrand, and knew he loved you all the same. No event needed to prove that. You were doing this for him, and for your people. Although it was incredibly romantic, the way he proposed, in the packed healing house. He loved you like he had never loved anything. It was beautiful, you didn't think you'd ever stop smiling.
"Hello!" Târikun had called out your name, snapping you out of your dreamlike state. "Where did you go, silly sister?"
"Oh leave her be, Târikun! When have you ever seen her this happy?" spoke Azrahin, telling off his younger brother.
"Yes, can't you just let me have this one thing?” Your smile became a scowl. “You both have your wives, your jobs. For the first time in my life... I have a future."
"I wouldn't be playing my part right as your brother if I didn't make you suffer just a little bit." snickered Târikun. You had missed him, but not his mischievous behaviour. Even as a grown man it was something he wouldn't let go of. Part of you admired it actually, his unfailing ability to find humour in the darkest of places. Otherwise, the past that plagues him would consume him completely. "No... I suppose you wouldn't." you said, giving him a slight elbow to the gut, making him groan. Sighting the inn in the distance, you decided to have some fun at Târikun's expense. "Race you! Last one there buys supper!" you called out as you immediately sprinted off ahead.
"Oi!" your larrikin brother yelled, and soon you heard his hurried footsteps behind you. The smile returned to your face as you ran, relishing the adrenaline surging through your veins. The path you had to travel was filled with obstacles. People were crossing the road in all directions, carrying bowls, cartons, small wagons, and even leading horses. Luckily you were agile on your feet and able to dodge what blocked your way. The extra challenge made you giggle, not only because you were enjoying it, but because you were aware that Târikun likely would not have the same quick steps as yourself. He'd always been about stomping with his flat feet as he walked, and that did not change when he ran.
Avoiding calamity, you reached the entrance of the inn, your breath beginning to run out. It was then you heard a crash, and turned to see the sight you had expected. Târikun was laid out on the road, covered in milk, having collided with a now very irate merchant. The laughter that escaped you was boisterous and unstoppable. Compelled by the slight guilt you felt, you walked over to assist him, though you would offer him no apologies. This was very satisfying. Târikun took your hand as the merchant stormed off with his now empty cartons, cursing your brother under his breath. "Don't say anything." muttered your brother through gritted teeth.
"I wasn't planning to." you said, stifling a snicker, helping the drenched man to his feet.
"I see nothing has changed, sister." Azrahin had caught up with you, glad as always to have avoided the drama. "Good thing you have a change of clothes upstairs, Târikun." He patted his sibling's back, causing drops of milk to spray into the air.
"I'm going to have a bath. Here," Târikun handed you his pouch of coins. "Save me some food."
"Of course," you replied, "Thank you for being gracious in defeat. As always." Târikun rolled his eyes at your words, before wandering off ahead and through the entrance of the inn, with you and Azrahin laughing behind him.
Following your oldest brother to the bar, he ordered your meals and drinks, with you pulling out the necessary coins from Târikun's pouch. He then lead you to a nearby table which was tucked away next to a fireplace that was struggling to stay alight. The room was practically empty, save for the staff and a few travellers here and there. The scent of ale was strong. Azrahin held aloft his pint, his face glowing. "To my sister, may her marriage and her reign be eternal." Smiling broadly, you clinked his drink, the two of you taking big gulps.
"Mmm... is this Númenórean ale?" you asked, recognising the taste.
"Oh yes. Why do you think Târikun and I chose to lodge here?" spoke Azrahin with a laugh that shrank in size as he took in the change in your visage. "What troubles you?"
"You should know. I don't understand how you can be okay staying here."
"She's been dead for a long time now."
"You're missing the point."
"No, I'm not. I'm sorry you still mourn her. A part of me does too. But I refuse to live in my grief. This inn is not her grave, sister."
You sighed, holding back tears. Azrahin continued, "If this is how you still feel... why did you come to Pelargir?"
"I... I didn't expect to feel this way upon my arrival. There's a difference between thought and experience."
"You are right." Azrahin took another gulp of his ale, wiping his lips with his sleeve. He sighed deeply, before a smirk suddenly appeared upon him. "Now. Tell me. Halbrand. I must know everything about this no doubt incredible adventure you've had!"
Everything? you thought, no, not yet. "Maybe we should wait for Târikun? I'd only be repeating myself, and I'd rather him hear it from me than from you secondhand!" You emphasised the final word to hopefully remind your oldest brother about the time he got you into trouble with father for repeating the wrong information. "You're not going to let me forget that are you?" he spoke bashfully.
"Not a chance. The bruise didn't fade for two weeks, Azrahin! And you got off scot-free!"
"And I made it up to you remember? I introduced you to that boy you liked, what was his name... Keren? Keven?"
"Kemen!" you corrected him, laughing against your will.
"Yes, that's it, Kemen. Oh the ways you used to gush over him..." Azrahin joined in your laughter.
"Well, we all make mistakes in our youth."
"Oi go easy on the man, he's not that dreadful."
"But he is the son of Chancellor Pharazôn. Not exactly a man I'd be keen to call my father-in-law."
"What do you mean by that?" Azrahin's tone changed, suddenly the bemusement he was displaying was nowhere to be found. "Chancellor Pharazôn is a good man."
"I do not share his beliefs. Do not tell me you do?"
"He has done wonders for Númenor, and I have no doubt he will continue to do so."
You couldn't believe the words that were falling from his lips. How could Azrahin's ideals have changed? You knew how he loathed your father. Surely he had not cast aside the things that your father had done, the dark paths he exposed you to, all due to his hatred of elves. You thought he had come around like you now know you did after your mother passed. Though it seems that father still held a firm grip upon him, even in death. Had it really been that long since you had spoken with Azrahin?
Before you could question him further on the matter, a barmaid arrived at your table with your plates of supper. Thanking her, you watched as she turned around, almost taking out Târikun as she did so. Fumbling an apology, she made her way back to the bar quickly, her embarrassment clear. Târikun strolled over to your table, taking a seat, his shoulder length dark hair dripping profusely.
"Well that was good timing!"
"Didn't have time to dry off?" you asked, hoping to mask the irritation you were now feeling.
"I told you, I was starving! Hey! Where's my ale?" he questioned you, almost offended.
Throwing him back his pouch you simply said, "Get it yourself."
"I suppose I shall. Silly sister." Then you watched him move over to the bar, grabbing the attention of the poor barmaid, her cheeks still red. You were trying to avoid the intense gaze coming from Azrahin. He spoke your name low, almost under his breath. Continuing to ignore him, you witnessed Târikun openly flirting with the barmaid now, her cheeks reddening for a different reason. "I thought Târikun was happy in his marriage."
"He is. He's just... playful."
"It seems he is debaucherous more like." you stated, just as Târikun began to run his fingers along the poor woman's arm. She was enjoying the attention. "What happened to you two?" That was the only question you could fathom to ask, and thankfully Târikun missed it as he sat back down.
"So, silly sister, I am desperate to know about this Halbrand fellow. Please regale us with your tale!" he entreated dramatically, completely oblivious to the darkened mood at the table.
Azrahin sighed, his expression loosening. "Yes, I want to know what my sister has been up to."
"Alright. But then you are both telling me what you've been doing since I saw you last."
Between mouthfuls of delicious meat and vegetables, you revealed all you thought necessary to your brothers: How you and Halbrand met; Galadriel; your conversations with Míriel; Halbrand's near death and your time in Eregion. Although, you decided to be a lot less forthcoming with the events along your journey to Pelargir. There was not much more they needed to know beyond Halbrand having to return to his people. You couldn't help but notice the way their faces changed when you mentioned Galadriel and Eregion. Târikun was mostly shocked, but Azrahin had a harder time hiding his disdain.
You spoke nothing of the darkness within.
"My little sister... I honestly can't believe any of this. You've never done anything of the like." Târikun could not shirk his astonishment.
"She's never been in love." chimed Azrahin. "Not like this, anyway." Your eyes darted to him, searching his for understanding, and finally finding it. He smiled, "I'm truly happy for you. But I'm also very glad you're still alive, being so close to that kind of peril."
"Thank you, Azrahin. But I wasn't the one who nearly died."
"That would be me." Halbrand had rejoined you at last, a sight for sore eyes. Greeting the men, he wandered around to the fireplace, throwing on some kindling and grabbed the nearby poker, stoking it back to life. The memory of said tool wedged through his flesh tried to surface then, but you pushed it away as Halbrand took the empty chair between you and Azrahin, the fire at his back. He kissed the top of your head as he did so.
"What have I missed?"
"I had actually just finished telling my brothers about you, and the exploits we've had these past weeks."
"I hope you didn't bore them with the fine details, my love." Halbrand looked at you knowingly, concerned you might have said something you shouldn't have. You only smiled at him and said, "Of course not. They don't need to know everything. So is there a plan for the ceremony? What did Bronwyn have to say?" you asked, swiftly changing the subject.
"We wed tomorrow afternoon." he announced to the three of you, beaming. "There is a hall not far from here actually that will suit. We can stay here tonight."
"I'd rather not, Halbrand, if that's alright?" you spoke, giving him a serious look that matched your tone. "Shouldn't we be figuring out where we are going to live? Our 'palace'? Our home?"
"Bronwyn did make mention that there was housing arranged for us in case we ever made it down here. If you would prefer-"
"Yes. I would."
Halbrand knew better than to question your motivations. If this was what you wanted, there was a reason for it. He would know it would have something to do with your mother. Sensing the tension at the table, your love arose. "Next round's on me."
"I'll help you with that." Azrahin spoke up, joining Halbrand as he made his way to the bar.
Târikun turned to you. "What is going on?" He was still clueless.
"Oh Târi... why don't you go flirt with that maid some more." you sniped, finishing your ale, ready for the next one, which you sorely needed.
Rather than telling you what they had been up to, your brothers decided to get to know Halbrand better. Listening to him be vague, giving nothing away, it reminded you of the time before you learned the truth about him and who he really was. How he had to dance around the facts, speak in riddles and double meanings. You did want to tell your brothers everything, and you would. But just as Halbrand had taken his time, you were to do the same, finally understanding why he waited as long as he did, feeling the weight of your secret upon you.
More drinks kept coming as now it was Halbrand's turn to learn of your brothers, and by that of course, it meant you also. And the higher amount of ale in their stomachs meant the looser their tongues were about certain embarrassing stories you did not wish your love to know. Soon you were at a point where you were downing the ale to numb the humiliation. Halbrand was loving it though, laughing with your brothers, asking them many questions. It was as if he had found a part of you he did not know, the final piece of a puzzle he had long been assembling. He was fascinated.
"That's it!" you blurted out, swallowing the remainder of your sixth ale. "No more! You!" you pointed at your brothers. "You've sssaid too much! Allllready!" The words slurring past your lips. Standing up suddenly, your head started to spin, and you began to register just how much you had drunk. "Take meeee to our home! Halllllbrand!" You brothers were laughing at you, but they were also quite drunk themselves, Târikun almost lost his balance in his seat as it threatened to tip over. "Ohhh boy..." the spinning was not subsiding. Your eyes struggled to focus on Halbrand, who was now up next to you, keeping you from toppling over. Looking at him and laughing you said, "Nowwww there really are twooooo of you!" Azrahin eyed you curiously, though still chuckling heartily.
"I don't think we'll be going home tonight, my love. There's going to be a perfectly good room upstairs, right here. Azrahin, could you please do me a favour and fetch some water? And get a room for us?"
"Certainly, your majesty!" he acknowledged, still chuckling as he stumbled off. Halbrand put an arm around you, walking you slowly towards the stairs. "Târikun, our bags are with our horse outside, if you wouldn't mind-"
"Of course, my lorrrrrd!" He wasn't fairing much better than you it seemed.
"It's the black steed, about twenty paces from the door!" Halbrand called out to him, just to be certain you wouldn't end up with the belongings of strangers.
As you reached the stairs, Azrahin joined you, a jug of water in one hand, a key in the other. "It's for the room across the hall from us. I'm glad we're not sharing a wall, brother-in-law." You saw him glare drunkenly at Halbrand with all four of his eyes. Your biggest brother made his way up the stairs with you going slowly behind him. Târikun brought up the rear, now with your bags procured. As you reached the doors to your rooms, you quickly bid goodnight to your brothers and Halbrand thanked them before he closed the door. The moment your head connected with the soft pillow, you were unconscious.