The Blacksmith

It was Halbrand's tender touch that roused you. You could feel his fingertips lightly on your skin, followed by sweet kisses down your naked back that made you hum. It seems he had undressed you after you passed out, in an effort to make you comfortable as you slept. The suns bright light had filled your room, causing you to blink rapidly as your eyes adjusted. Halbrand's lips were everywhere, leaving no skin untouched, and you gasped a little. Aware of your consciousness, he pulled your shoulder down so you laid flat on the bed, his eyes now gazing longingly at you.

"Good morning." he spoke, running a hand through your hair.
"Good morning." you responded, voice raspy, smiling up at him. In that moment you became keenly aware of the after effects of too much ale, your head filled with a dull pain. "Why did I drink all of that ale... I hope I didn't make a fool of myself..."
Halbrand chuckled. "No, my love, never." He brought his lips down to meet yours, and you savoured the softness of them. "Your thoughts were my only concern. There was a lot of anguish in them."
You sighed, eyelids closing, and the frustrations of your siblings returned to your mind, your head beginning to ache even more. Staring again into Halbrand's hazel eyes, you found your calm within them. "My brothers... they've... changed..."

"How so?"
"I'm not sure. Who knows what I've missed in Númenor, what I've missed in their lives since I saw them last. They are not exactly who I recall them to be."
"I'm sure they feel the same way about you. You are all adults, free to make your own choices, carve your own paths."
"But the paths they are going down... I'm not sure I want to follow."
"Love... compared to the things you and I have done..."
"I know, I know. I am the last that should be casting judgment upon them. I honestly don't know if they would ever speak with me again if I told them... everything."
"All you can do is be a presence in their lives. Help them to see the right way. The rest will be up to fate." Halbrand encouraged, stroking your cheek. His words helped to relax you, but they did not fully erase the contempt for your brothers you were feeling. That would take a lot longer to subside. Sighing deeply, you decided to push them from your thoughts for now, for today was not to be about them. Today was about you and Halbrand, and your love.

"We're getting married today..." you spoke dreamily.
"Yes we are. I am finally going to make you a queen," Halbrand kissed you, speaking between the touches of your lips. "My wife... my soul mate... my love... for eternity." His words brought out your desire for him, and grabbing the back of his head, you kissed him furiously. You loved how he spoke of you being his, belonging to him. The power it gave you. It aroused you completely and in the best way, sensing your womanhood responding, readying yourself for his touch on you.

Your hand reached down and began to stroke his length which hardened quickly with your motions. Halbrand moaned into your mouth, the force of his kiss intensifying. His tongue soon found its way down to your neck, and you gasped deliciously at the familiar sensation. Your sounds quickly grew in volume though, as he let his fingers glide between your wet folds, sinking two of them into the depths of you, his thumb on your clit. Overwhelmed, you released his erection, and Halbrand took the opportunity to move down your form, sucking your nipples, licking your navel, all the while maintaining the movements of his hand upon you.

Soon he had adjusted himself in such a way that your legs were spread before him, his favourite part of you ready for the taking. Halbrand began to suck deliciously on your clit, adding a third finger to the friction you were relishing. His left hand wandered up your torso, groping your breasts before coming to rest on your neck. Giving it a squeeze he said, "I know how much you liked this... back in the tub... me... taking your breath away..." A moan couldn't help but escape you, his hot breath on your pussy, his grip on your neck tightening, his long fingers grazing your walls... the combination of ecstasy was pure insanity. His eyes penetrated you with each word he uttered, and you looked on as he returned to work his magic on you.

The harder he held your throat, the less you could breathe, and the pleasure began to rise within you like it never had before. It was a good thing you couldn't scream, for you were certain that the entire inn would hear exactly what your king was doing to you. The euphoria was blinding, and you became lightheaded, your eyes rolling back in your head. It was in that moment as Halbrand inserted a fourth finger inside of you that you finally came undone, your body trembling uncontrollably, hips bucking, clutching desperately onto the arm that was choking you.

Your love released his grip and air found its way back into your lungs, with you gasping and moaning the echoes of your orgasm. Halbrand swiftly rose up to crash your lips together, and you could taste yourself on his tongue. Taking charge, you rolled him onto his back, immediately straddling him, letting his erection replace his fingers. The two of you moaned simultaneously at the new sensation, and you proceeded to ride him quickly, biting your lip at the devastating effect it was having on your already sensitive body.

Halbrand watched you work with dark eyes, brushing his hair back out of his face, holding on to your forearm, digging his nails in. It wasn't long before he was rising his hips to meet your movements, desiring to go as deep into you as he could possibly go. He spoke your name, every syllable of it drenched in lust, in the ecstasy you were making him feel. Halbrand pulled you down to him, craving a kiss, before rolling you onto your back, and commencing the hardest of thrusts.

He was hitting your sweetest spot with every motion now, causing you to cry out. Not only would the inn hear you, but potentially all of Pelargir. Gazing up at Halbrand, you took in his sensual visage as his own pleasure started to rise. He was gasping with every thrust, breathing heavily, sweat starting to drip from his brow, torc rocking against his collar bone. This incredible view allowed you to climax once again, and Halbrand did the same, letting his mouth collide with your own as he did so, leaving the two of you howling into each other.

As you both came back down, your love wrapped his arms around you, enveloping you in a loving embrace. Noses grazing, you kissed each other tenderly, neither of you wanting your lips to part. The two of you remained in this state for as long as you possibly could, until the moment came, when the days events had to begin. Dressing quickly and heading downstairs hand in hand, you saw your brothers seated in the same table as the night before. Târikun was looking a little worse for wear. Serves him right. you thought to yourself. There were four bowls of porridge on said table, two of which were mostly eaten, leaving the other two for you and Halbrand.

"Thank you." you nodded at Azrahin. He didn't look too impressed, no doubt having heard the amorous commotion from above. You just rolled your eyes at him. "Oh like I never had to deal with you and your... women."
This made Târikun giggle. "Come now brother, this is silly sister's day. You can save your hostility for tomorrow."
Azrahin let his stern expression fall away, agreeing with his little brother. "Sorry. This has all just been a lot to take in."
"No apology necessary, Azrahin. I can tell you care deeply for your sister. Just as she cares for you." spoke Halbrand, handling the situation deftly. After taking a few quick spoonfuls from his bowl, your love rose to his feet. "I have something to take care of. Bronwyn will be here shortly to see to it you are ready for the ceremony. Men. My love." he nodded at your brothers and kissed your hand as he bid you farewell. Your eyes followed him until he passed through the exit.

"I think he will make you a fine husband." decided Azrahin. "You have chosen very well, sister."
"I didn't choose him. Destiny did." you spoke, smiling at your brothers as you tucked into your porridge. After a few minutes, Halbrand's words proved true and Bronwyn arrived, a sack over her shoulder. "I didn't get the chance to introduce myself yesterday." she stated to your brothers as they acquainted themselves. "It is fortunate you are here for this occasion."
"Right you are." acknowledged Târikun. "Well, I suppose we should leave the women to it Azrahin."
"We'll be in our room, knock when its time to leave." spoke your biggest brother, and the two men made for the stairs. Bronwyn and yourself were not too far behind them, and in a short moment, you were back in your chamber, the memories of the morning replaying themselves for you as you looked at the dishevelled sheets. Bronwyn placed the sack down on the floor, and rummaging through it, pulled out a dress. The crimson piece had nothing on what she had now revealed to you.

"I thought you might want to wear something that represented your homeland." mused Bronwyn. Your smile widened at her words, as you let the sight of the fabric before you sink in. The silk was a deep azure, and it reminded you not only of home, but of your mother. This colour was her favourite, why she was draped in it in your visions. The gown's sleeves flared out at the elbows, the colour morphing into pearl white. A slit in the skirt revealed more pearl coloured silk underneath the azure.

You pulled off your plum dress, ready to accept the one you would wed Halbrand in. Bronwyn let it fall over you, before turning you away to lace up the fabric. You wandered over to the mirror in the corner of the room, gasping at the sight of yourself. The neckline of the dress went down in a narrow V that stopped between your breasts, with delicate golden lace running along its hem. The gown was close fitting now that Bronwyn had finished at your back. Your eyes wandered down to the skirt, and you couldn't help but sway, letting the pearl and azure tresses flow like water around your legs. The exquisite piece ended in a small train about a metre behind you. You raised your hands to your forehead in disbelief at the garment you wore, and the occasion for which you wore it. This made you take notice of the fine details within the billowing pearl sleeves. There were intricate lines of gold mixed within. You did not feel worthy of such a dress.

"Bronwyn... I'm speechless."
She beamed at you humbly, bowing. "It shouldn't be anything less for my queen."
"Thank you."
"Of course, my lady. Ah, but let's not forget this." Reaching back down into her sack, she revealed to you a leather holster. "Lord Halbrand mentioned the dagger as your weapon of choice. I thought it might be of use, given what could befall us. May I?" You nodded at her, and she kneeled down, parting the slit of your dress, strapping the holster to your thigh. Bronwyn then grabbed your dagger from atop the nightstand and sheathed it in place. Rising to her feet she spoke, "Now, let me see if we can make something of that lovely hair of yours."

The two of you spent the next hour readying one another for the ceremony and getting to know each other better. Bronwyn told all about what occurred in Tir Harad and Ostirith, the encounters with the orcs and how they had been driven from their homes. Though, feeling understandably romantic, you wished to hear of how she met Arondir. Her eyes were aglow with love as she spoke of the hidden trysts that soon blossomed into a wonderful partnership between the two. "It was a long time before I felt the warm touch of his lips... but it was a feeling worth waiting for. The love came first, and it couldn't be stopped, despite the attitude towards our two races uniting in such a way. Arondir is the only good thing that has come from all of this sorrow."
"I'm glad you found each other." you spoke kindly, pleased for her.
"I think..." Bronwyn began, surveying you, "We might be done." She punctuated her words by adding the final touch to your hair: a simple yet detailed golden diadem. Tucking it into the braid that wrapped around your head, and fluffing out the hair she left down, she stepped back, smiling broadly at her work. "My queen." Bronwyn bowed her head. Queen. The reflection now before you was nothing but royal. You looked every bit the monarch you were destined to be.

"Shall we make our way?"
You sighed deeply, a permanent smile on your face. "We shall." Bronwyn opened the door for you, and you grabbed the attention of your brothers. "Time to go!" you announced, rapping on the wood. Târikun opened the door, his mouth now agape. "Sister..."
"Not so silly now, am I?" you jested him. He bellowed with joy and threw his arms around you. Returning the hug, you saw Azrahin over his shoulder surveying the scene before him. Releasing the embrace, you wandered over to your oldest brother, his eyes brimming with tears. "I wish... I wish mother was here to see you."
Feeling your own tears forming, you took him into your arms, holding him tightly. "She is, brother. She is." you assured him. Azrahin broke contact, and you wiped his cheeks with your thumbs. "I love you." he stated, speaking your name.
"And I you. I love both of you. You're my family. And always will be." It was so good to let them know how you felt, telling them that regardless of the circumstances, you would not abandon them. Halbrand would be proud.

The four of you exited the inn, making your way through the streets, noticing they were empty. However as you came closer to the hall Bronwyn was leading you towards, the people of Pelargir began to appear. Making way, they bowed in your direction, all of them taken by your presence. The crowd grew in number the nearer you were to the entrance, and as you passed the threshold the sight before you made you gasp. It seemed everyone in this small city was here.

The crowd parted best they could for you, the Southlanders in the room cheering with glee. Taking in your surroundings, the hall was grand, its high ceiling arching above you with candelabrum hung from the rafters, casting the faces of your people in golden glow. Your eyes followed the path now before you, about 100 paces away were stone steps, leading up to a dais that held upon it a long wooden table with seats only at the back of it, facing the crowd. However that all quickly faded away the second you caught the adoring face of your love. Halbrand was stood at the top of the steps, adorned handsomely in black leather trousers, a stunning burgundy tunic, and a brown belt with a sword sheathed at his left hip. The only item upon him that was familiar to you was the torc. Once again, he had managed to leave you breathless.

As you passed your people, they bowed and took their seats, the cheering subsiding. There had been so many of them gathered you did not realise there were tables and chairs situated through the hall. Moving towards Halbrand slowly, your eyes did not leave his. He was beaming at you, and you at him. You were filled with so much joy you feared you might burst, and in that moment you chose to run to him. The audience cheered again, with some clapping, as you shortened the distance between you and your king, your dress flowing serenely behind you. You did not want to delay him any longer. Halbrand had waited as long as time itself for you. You were finally here. Finally his. Forever.

Launching yourself up the steps, the two of you embraced to the rapturous sounds of the crowd. "You look... I don't think there is a word adequate enough to describe..." Halbrand spoke in your ear, his voice breaking. You pulled yourself back to take in his visage. Tears were escaping him. "Well I think, you look... every part a king. My king... at last." He took your hand, kissing it briefly as you started to cry yourself.

It was then your brothers and Bronwyn reached you, with Arondir appearing at her side. The elf called for quiet amongst the people, before beseeching Halbrand and yourself to make your vows to one another. The room was eerily silent. "Halbrand..." you began, your voice echoing off the walls. "I feel as if I have stepped into a dream. The time we have shared together... it has not been without struggle. In fact, I was once certain we would not survive. Your strength, your loyalty, your undying love... gives me meaning. You are my destiny. I will love you until my dying breath and beyond."

Halbrand let your name pass his lips, and it had never sounded better. "I did not imagine... I did not believe that this could be possible. That I of all creatures... could discover the sheer wonder of what it is like to love. That is the gift you have given me. And although I feel I do not deserve it... I receive it with grace, my heart... it is yours. You are my light. I will love you until my dying breath and beyond."

Azrahin approached you both, bringing up your arms, placing your hand upon that of your husband, blessing your union. He bowed, stepping back, allowing for Arondir to come forth, and you noticed the elf’s hands were fists. Opening them, he revealed two golden rings. "Where did these come from?" you asked Halbrand as he picked one up.
"I did say I had something to take care of." He winked, and you grinned at him as the band he made for you slid over your finger. Ever the blacksmith. As you placed his own ring of gold upon him, your mind flashed with an image that refused to stay buried no longer. Your love, the dark lord, wearing the one ring that threatened to spark fires, covering Middle-earth in its shadow, ruling all in perfect order. Your hand in his, aflame, consumed. His dark queen. You blinked furiously to rid the nightmare from your sight, and thankfully it vanished into memory. Though not before Halbrand noticed the sudden change in your demeanour.

"Are you alright?"
"Yes." you nodded frantically, your smile returning as you returned to reality. "Yes. I couldn't be more alright." Bronwyn wandered over to you both then, carrying a crown for the king of the Southlands. It was of a dark golden colour, simple in detail, with six spires no more than an inch each in height spread across its brim. "This is only symbolic, as we have no royal artifacts for the occasion." she apologised.
Halbrand's eyes lit up at the sight of the object. "It will do just fine. Thank you, Lady Bronwyn." he spoke, and lowering his head, she placed the crown upon him to thunderous applause.
"Beautiful." you mouthed at him. Halbrand smiled at you briefly, before your lips met for the first time as husband and wife.

With the clapping ended, Arondir concluded the proceedings. "May the light of Eru Ilúvatar shine upon you both." blessed the elf, though as the words entered into the hall, they seemed to clash with a commotion that was suddenly brewing outside. It did not sound pleasant. "Orcs." Bronwyn uttered, and she and Arondir readied their weapons without hesitation. Bronwyn wielding a sword that her dress had cleverly concealed, and Arondir raised his bow and arrow, his quiver never parted from his back. Halbrand then unsheathed his own sword, and you realised then that it was not the one he took from the orc days ago. It seemed he had been quite busy in the local smithy. Following suit, you retrieved your dagger from under your silken skirt. Looking ahead in the distance you could make out bodies being pushed aside, people falling over.

And suddenly, through the crowd that had been gathered at the entrance, there appeared the cause of the rumblings. It was not orcs.

It was Galadriel.