Where We Are Now
You slipped back into your favourite crimson dress once more, wanting to compliment your king. You both packed your bags since you would not be returning to the inn now. Despite your suggestion that you would be close to your mother here, the king and queen were in need of a palace, a place to call your own. You had made peace, for the most part, with your brothers, and with the ties this inn had to your mother's dying day. Azrahin was right, this place was not her grave. Heading out of your chamber you stopped by to see how he was recovering. Thankfully his wound was already making much progress in healing, though you wanted to help it along however you could, grabbing some of your athelas from your sack and applying it to his leg. "I remember mother using this herb when we were children. I'm pleased to see you've continued her work."
"I don't remember all that much actually, but thankfully I remember this, as it has become of vital use as of late." you smiled at him. "Have you eaten? Would you be able to join us downstairs?"
"Târikun brought me up some food this morning. But I hear talk of a feast later today, is that so?"
"We've only just heard about it ourselves." spoke Halbrand. "Will you have strength enough to join us?"
"I wouldn't miss it." Azrahin nodded at your husband, as the two of you took your leave to let him rest. You were starving and could not wait for the afternoon to come, so you quickly downed some eggs, bacon, and potatoes, whilst Halbrand snacked on his own absentmindedly, his mind brimming with thought. "You know I cannot penetrate your mind, my love. Talk to me."
"I'm just reflecting on all that has happened, on where we are now, and how it is we got here. And to think… I never wanted to return to this land. Now I am it's king." He finished his words with a chuckle of disbelief, before swallowing the last of his meal. "Shall we go, my love?"
"Yes." you grinned at your husband, gulping down the water from your cup. As you both rose to your feet, the people in the inn around you did the same, and bowed as you walked past. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that." you whispered under your breath.
"Give it time." Halbrand responded, opening the inn's door for you.
Wandering through the streets gave you no choice but to try and become accustomed to your new life as monarch, for the people of Pelargir were not shy about showing their respect. Part of you still did not feel worthy of such honour, your humble background again shining through. Instead, you chose to look at Halbrand and take in how he reacted to his people fawning over him. His head was held high, his expression was one of pride, a small smile etched within it. He made eye contact with all you passed, even acknowledging some of them with greetings. This was a being who understood the position of power he was in. Who knew how to carry themselves. Halbrand had after all been a dark lord with beings at his beck and call for more than an age. He wasn't only accustomed to this way of living, it was a part of who he was.
After about twenty minutes of walking, the further out of the city proper you got, the number of people on the road began to dwindle. It seems this 'home' of yours Bronwyn had secured you was in a more secluded part of Pelargir, granting you some privacy. But such privacy would not last long once it became known where the king and queen were housed. You decided to enjoy the last moments of relative obscurity your lodgings would afford, accepting that your life would never be the same again.
The house you had come upon was modest, but not something you would consider to be unfit for you both. Made of grey stone, you appreciated the subtle elements of Númenórean design laden within the structure. There were two storeys, which you both explored thoroughly once across the threshold. The ground floor held within it a large open space for cooking and dining, with an impressive circular wooden table surrounded by chairs made with iron. Each held within it crimson coloured cushions that were smooth to the touch. Velvet, like your gown. Ascending the stone stairs, you came upon the washroom which held within it a single tub, large enough for two or three people to bathe in. Then there was your bed chamber next to it, containing a stunning golden vanity with two seats to match. The desk of it was covered in a rich red cloth, and you couldn't help but picture your crowns gleaming on top of it.
Against the rear wall was a large four poster bed, its drapes of the same fabric that covered the desk. The sheets were cream, though the sunlight coming through the window caused the intricate gold embroidery hidden within to glisten. You looked over at Halbrand then, who had one hand grasping one of the mahogany posts, leaning against it, having placed your bags on the mattress. His eyes were on the bed, surveying it. Sidling up to him, wrapping your arms around his waist, he turned to face you, eyes filled with desire. "Tonight will be the first of many nights in this bed… the things I am going to do to you… the ways I plan to use your body… it will be worth the wait." Your pulse quickened as each of his words affected your body the way he intended, and you couldn't help but crash your lips into his in response, seeking to return to the state you were both in this morning before your brother interrupted. Coming up for air, you questioned your king. "Must we go to this celebration?"
"Yes, you must." an unexpected voice entered the room, sending a chill through you. "I am here to ensure it." You felt your cheeks redden with the realisation that Galadriel had caught you both in an intimate moment. She was looking more like the she-elf you remembered now, wearing a deep turquoise dress that contained lovely silver accents scattered throughout, fitting her form so flatteringly, sleeves of shining lace falling down from her wrists to near the floor. Her face had softened since last you looked at her, but hints of her vendetta still remained in her gaze. Perhaps she had not yet been swayed.
Halbrand chuckled dryly. "Someone sent you to fetch us? Alone?"
"I came of my own accord. And if you weren't at the inn, then Bronwyn stated this is likely where you'd be." Galadriel stepped back out of the doorway, indicating for you both to leave. You took one step before Halbrand stopped you. "One thing first, before we are ready." Reaching into his sack, he pulled out the two symbols of your royalty. He placed the diadem gently on your head, then his crown upon his own. Turning back to Galadriel he spoke, walking towards her. "I must thank you again for this. For seeing in me what no one else could. Without you I would be a humble blacksmith, nothing more."
"Do not test me, Sauron. I am attempting to believe in the words and actions both of you displayed last night. Though I would happily see my sword still strike you." Galadriel snarled, not giving in to the fun Halbrand was trying to have with her.
"Please. Call me, Halbrand." he reminded her, his tone becoming serious. Your love passed her with you in tow, your eyes connecting with the she-elf's, who was fighting to hold back her frustration. The three of you made your way down the stairs and out into the street, yourself in the middle with Halbrand and Galadriel on either side. "I am surprised anyone let you out of their sight. Given what happened at the wedding." you wondered aloud.
"Not as surprised as the people will be when they see us together." Halbrand commented, causing Galadriel to scoff.
Ignoring your husband, you continued to talk with the she-elf. "I am grateful you seem to be giving us a chance, Galadriel."
"Despite what I said to you in the cell yester eve… our time together did not mean nothing. If there is a chance you can be redeemed, my friend, then it is a chance I am glad to take. And if you speak the truth about… Halbrand," She hesitated to call him by that name, a name that was filled with such pain and disgust as she uttered it. "Then I am hopeful that, somehow, I might come to see the same goodness in him that you claim to." You smiled softly at her words, and looked to Halbrand. He was grinning arrogantly from ear to ear. When he saw your eyes upon him, he picked up your hand and pressed it to his lips in a quick kiss.
No other words were spoken during the journey to the hall. You felt as if you were treading on egg shells, that perhaps if anything further was said between the three of you, then whatever fortune Galadriel was bestowing upon you both would run out. And you desperately wanted to hold on to the feeling of having her by your side once again. Halbrand had been right though, the closer to the hall you got, the amount of gasping and shocked individuals you passed only increased. Some folks even looked confused. But one thing remained the same amongst them all, they bowed and curtsied at the three of you as you went by.
You entered the hall with thunderous applause from your people, and the masses from the streets all filed in behind you, hundreds of people taking their seats. You walked up the aisle towards the dais where you were married, and the table you never got to sit at. On one side Arondir, Bronwyn, and Theo were stood waiting for you, and the young man's spark had begun to return to his eye, the colour to his cheek. Seeing Theo alive and well was of great relief for you, even if you noticed him staring at Galadriel and not you or Halbrand. On the other side of the table sat Azrahin with Târikun standing beside him. Your brothers were beaming at you proudly.
The three of you took your seats, again with Halbrand and Galadriel on either side of you, as you gazed out across the packed hall. The cheering subsided, and Halbrand stood up to speak. "My friends. It seems the beginning of our reign has been commemorated with a grave night. Though it was a night that saw us rise up in victory against our enemy." Clapping broke out again, though the king was far from done. "I must confess to you all. The claim the Lady Galadriel made is a truthful one. I was Sauron." Stunned sounds permeated the air, though thankfully they were few. "But my claim to lead you now, to ensure your safety and comfort… that is also true. I wish only to heal these lands, to put a stop to the ruin of the Southlands. There will be more battles to come, my friends, I can assure you of that. And if you keep me as your king… they will be battles we shall win."
The roar from the room was deafening. Everyone on their feet, showing their affections for their king. It was incredible to witness. People cheering for the dark lord Sauron. You glanced at Galadriel to gauge her reaction. Steadfast, her expression gave away nothing. Halbrand continued, holding aloft his goblet filled with ale. "Today we celebrate our people who live, and pay tribute to those we lost. Their sacrifice will mean more than their spirits will know. To Pelargir!"
"To Pelargir!" the crowd chanted in unison, before falling silent to drink from their cups. Tipping back your own silver goblet, the taste of red wine upon your tongue, its flavour was filled with notes of blackberry and pepper. As the people took their seats, the feast presented itself as dozens of cooks and kitchenhands brought forth probably the remainder of all the meat and vegetables Pelargir had to offer, considering this was the second big feast in as many days.
The afternoon began to slip into the evening as the light through the hall's windows dimmed and changed colour. Hours had passed since you had taken your seats, with you consuming the three courses the kitchen had prepared you, and having downed almost four full goblets of wine. Galadriel had wandered off to speak with your people, no doubt in an attempt to smooth over her introduction to them. Or perhaps, even possibly, to find more reasons to either side or fight with you. Halbrand had also done the same, after talking first with Theo for what felt like forever, and then again with your brothers whom he was bonding with very quickly. From your vantage point on the dais, you could spy his crowned head easily, watching as a group of men raised their cups to him once more.
Bronwyn and Arondir had remained mostly quiet, especially Bronwyn. It seemed she was still going through the motions after Theo's near demise last night. Though there was something about her demeanour you couldn't place. Seizing the opportunity presented by her excusing herself, you leaned over to Arondir, speaking low into his pointed ear. "Is Bronwyn alright? She doesn't seem herself."
The elf watched his love walk quietly away, and did not answer immediately, needing time to gather his words before you could hear them. "There are certain matters my lady does not wish me to discuss." he spoke diplomatically. "She is well enough, considering."
"I would be more than happy to speak with her directly. When she is able." you offered, wanting Arondir to know you cared. The elf only bowed his head in response, and rose to take his leave, moving gracefully in the direction of Bronwyn. As your eyes followed him leaving, they encountered a sight that knocked the wind right out of you. Your friends from the road, all seated, the kids flinging cold food at each other, and the adults looking worse for wear. Though nothing prepared you for Olwenna's face. She sat silently, an arm around Padrig who was sat beside her, staring into nothing. Her expression was empty.
Immediately you rose from your chair, deciding to do something about the nagging guilt that refused to leave you. Walking swiftly over to where they were seated, all of them stood to greet their queen, whether out of fear or respect you were not sure, all of them… except Olwenna. She only looked up at you now, the sight of you bringing tears to her eyes. "Garion…" His name was all she could muster to pass her lips. Moving towards her, Padrig stepped out of your way as you took Olwenna into your arms, letting her sob in her grief. Time stood still as you held her. Eventually, she released herself from you, pulling back to show her tear stained face, red circles around her eyes, and her usually refined auburn locks completely askew.
"I am profoundly sorry." you offered your condolences, praying your lies would remain secret.
Sniffling, she spoke slowly, her voice void of emotion. "He died… saving… you… they told me…" It seems the story Halbrand had concocted spread amongst your people. Perhaps told after you left with your brothers after the battle. Olwenna managed a small smile, but it did not reach her eyes. "At least… he gave his life… for a purpose."
Feeling your own tears forming, and your lip trembling, there was nothing you could say. For you feared the next words out of your mouth would be the truth. Halbrand killed Garion. I made it look like orcs. Garion tried to kill me… It was the last of those three statements you somehow knew would hurt Olwenna the most. You gulped, as if forcing back down those awful truths into the pit with your darkness where they belonged. Instead you chose to speak the truths she knew, the ones that were able to pass your lips.
"Garion was a noble man… I'd never met anyone as altruistic as him. And I doubt I will ever again…"
"You are monsters. You are not my friends." His words began to echo in your mind like a loud and lingering church bell. "…how could you lie to us? …filthy… Númenórean…" You could feel your darkness nipping at your light, stirring your insides as you heard every word of the dead man strike you once again. The rage within you building. Closing your eyes, you took in the deepest of breaths, hoping it would be enough to find your calm again. Though upon opening your lids once more, the sight of Garion's widow was now unbearable. Rising swiftly to your feet, you uttered two words before leaving Olwenna be. "Forgive me."