Part 1: Ursa of War
Chapter One: The Hero's Memory and the New Creed
"A ranger should must be silent as a fox, as deadly as a serpent, and with eyes like an eagle. Fail at any one of these, and your prey may escape to see another day. This must not be so. Should you fail to slay the goblins that lurk beyond the Black Gate, innocent people will surely die. Remember, the only good Orc is a dead Orc." – Duilin, Captain of the Black Gate, training his men
The young ranger stood at the foot of the hill with a stack of houses behind him. Before him, he saw a golden beam of light that lit the path to Gondor. Although the Black Gate stood in front of him, it had remained sealed, only opening occasionally for small Orc parties. Even so, it was now under Gondor's complete control. The Dark Lord had been defeated three millennia ago and now his leaderless underlings were all that remained. It was a place of dread, and yet for this ranger, it was a chance at a new life.
Talion looked upon the silver gleam of his sword and saw the reflection of his brown eyes. The eyes of a Northman, not of the blue and green of Minas Tirith's royalty. He wondered if it was his bloodline or his sin that had condemned him here. Yet, he did not despise it as much as he was ashamed. The ranger slid his sword into its scabbard and took a deep breath.
Suddenly, white arms slid around his throat. He felt the cheek of a woman he knew press against his own. His eyes turned to the side to look upon her. Here was Ioreth, dressed in her finest red and white robes.
"Good morning my love," she said, "Were you planning to head off before saying farewell?"
"It is only the first day," said Talion, "You need not be here. I am sure the Captain will only send me off for training. There will be no battle here. At least… that is what I hope."
"Talion" she said. Her voice pierced through the vines that wrapped around his heart, just as they always did. He felt air enter his lungs once again.
Ioreth said, "Do not let such things weigh down your heart. I am not ashamed."
"Always, you can read my mind," he said with a sour smile "But how can I not be ashamed? To take you away from the beauty of Minis Tirith, to the Black Gate itself... What life is this for you and Dirhael?"
"It will be a good life," said his wife, "I know it. Talion… as long as we are all together, it does not matter if we are without coin or roof. I would happily endure it."
He kissed his wife upon the lips. She smiled boldly at him, making him wish he had her strength.
Talion said, "Then I will be off. Today I must prove my worth."
Ioreth said, "You will make a fine ranger my love."
"Do you really think so?" asked Talion. In that moment, he felt the vines constrict around his heart again. Old memories weighed him down and stole the life from him.
He said, "I am a murderer by law, am I fit to be seen as a protector of the realm?"
Ioreth said, "You saved me from a wicked man. No matter what some judge may decree, I know that to be true. Just as you protected me, so will you protect the people of this land. I believe you are fit to be a captain. Yes, I am certain that one day you will be captain of the guard."
"Me…. A captain?"
"Yes. You will be a hero of Gondor. A guardian of Middle Earth."
"A hero…" he repeated.
Yes, if he could protect Gondor for just a little, he might know what redemption felt like. He might be able to see himself in his reflection and not know shame. The day might come where he saw a gallant ranger in his stead. So, he would protect them. He would protect all of them from the darkness. Until the very end, he would be a hero.
"It is time Talion"
The cold words of the Wraith that he could no longer ignore.
Talion's tired eyes turned to look upon the illuminated form of the phantom that possessed him, that gave him life. The Wraith's eyes were stern as always, but the ranger had come to see there was some warmth left in them.
"I know," he said, "It is time we make the ring."
I had hoped to stay with Inga a little longer. It seems I must leave such to my wife. Yes, she will guard these lands and raise our daughter in my absence.
They had waited here in peace for months. The Wraith had taken time to mourn the memory of his family while Ursa and Talion watched over their child as it grew from womb to infant. Talion could not spare any more time. The enemy was moving. If they failed to obtain a new source of power and to expand their army, Núrn would see itself invaded from all sides. Delay had nearly cost them the war before when the Tower took Núrn for himself. They could not delay the journey any longer.
"Ursa is strong," said Celebrimbor, "She will tend to Núrn. With her sorcery and leadership, it will endure until our return. Come, let us say our farewells. The road to Mount Doom is long."
Talion nodded silently. He did not want to think of being separated from her again for so long. A father should be with his wife and child. Instead, he was about to set off for a journey of many months. It was no short stretch from the bottom of Mordor to its greatest peak.
Talion rode briskly up the cobblestone path that led to the Witch Queen's grand fortress. It was the largest fortress along the coast of Núrn and once home to a fearsome Orc Warchief. Now it was controlled by the half-Orc. She had kept much of its intimidating decorations such as the blades and bones of Caragor and Graug. However, she had cut down the skeletons of goblins and men. Once Fort Morn had been a place of slavery, dungeons of torture, and death. Now it was the capital of the rebellion against Sauron. Here the men and women of the tribes were free. If only the same could be said of the Orc.
All around Talion were branded Uruk. They were unaware of the change, but each now served the Bright Lord. They would die if Talion or the Wraith ordered it. And they would think nothing of it. These Uruk were essential for Celebrimbor's army. Talion did not often think about it, but he knew Ursa did not feel the same. For her, it was a necessary evil, one she had begrudgingly accepted.
Talion did not wait for the gatekeepers to let him in. He proudly pushed apart the great doors. The huge wooden doors, plated with iron, swung open and roared as their hinges spun. Inside, the Warchief was seated upon her throne. No, the title Warchief was no longer fitting for one who ruled over all chieftains on Nurn's coast. She was surrounded by a host of armored Orcs. Her bodyguard Flog guarded her right while her head strategist stood to her left. Beside her obsidian throne, was the throne meant of her husband, one where he rarely sat upon. Despite the intimidating air her throne room exuded, the Warchief was not dressed particularly fearsome. Today, she wore a comfortable dress, one of a pure white that hung off of her shoulders. A mantle of gold was sown onto the chest and sleeves. The white sleeves were long and flowed far past her fingertips. She had on a crown carved of wood with an eye of blue sown between two spires of wood at the top of it. A symbol of her allegiance to the Bright Lord. Yes, there was no point hiding from the Dark Lord. He would soon know who it was who slew his sons and who conquered Núrn. And so she showed it proudly.
Ursa's long ebony hair fell down to her stomach, contrasted sharply with the ivory of her garments. Her eye patch was concealed behind the long veil of her hair covering the right of her face. However, her left eye was fully visible. A color that terrified Talion as much as he adored her. It was the eye of the enemy. Ursa smiled down at him, a smile full of warmth and life. It was not the same smile she had showed him when they first fell in love. Back then, she idolized him, and her eyes always showed she was unsure if she deserved him. Now her eyes were that of an equal in all things. Yet, they adored each other more than ever.
"Talion," she said to the approaching ranger, "you've returned. I have just finished my duties. Why don't I have our chef prepare the three of us something to eat?"
"I would like that very much," he said.
She then asked anxiously, "Did you settle your business?"
"Yes. Ursa… there is something we must speak of," said Talion.
"I know…" she said, "You are leaving."
Talion nodded. He saw her eye sadden slightly. However, she did not despair. They had both known this day would come.
"I am sorry to leave you so soon. I should be here with you."
She shook her head and said, "I am grateful to all you have done. Truly I am. You were here for our daughter's birth. Though I will miss you, I know you will return to me."
Celebrimbor said to her, "We will return with a fine prize."
Ursa said, "I am grateful to you as well, my lord, for being understanding."
She then said, "I hope you will oblige to one last request of mine. Do not leave until the first light of dawn. One more night with my husband. One more day to say goodbye to Inga."
"Of course, Ursa," said Talion, "I would not leave without a proper farewell, and if I could, I would remain here without fail."
She beamed at him and stood up from her throne. The Queen walked down to her husband and grabbed hold of his hand. She then pulled him through a door that led to the main hall and towards the royal chambers.
She whispered, "I really will miss you."
As Talion heard the fragility of her words, he saw a glimpse of the scared, brave little half-Orc he had known. How she had blossomed!
Ursa slipped into the room beside her bedroom. Here was a room draped in blankets, goose-feather pillows, dolls, toy swords, and other toys meant for babies. In the back of the room, propped against the window was a wooden crib carved by the finest craftsmen in the tribes. In the pen, lay their child, peacefully asleep. She had small tufts of black hair on her head. Her skin was quite pale, though not as much as her mother. Indeed, her cheeks were rosy. As for her eyes, they were brown as her father's were in his previous life. This was the child of a man arisen from the dead and a Half-Orc. Her very existence was a miracle as most half-Orcs were infertile and the few that reproduced were doomed to see their child stillborn. Instead, a peaceful, healthy child lay in the crib. They did not know what she would look like when she was older. However, right now she merely looked like a sun-starved child of men rather than of Orc. However, Ursa believed she would have fangs, as she did, when her true teeth came in.
Right now, her parents swooped silently over her like assassins. They beamed down at her. The child began to stir, as if sensing her parents. She let out a grumble and began to cry. Ursa quickly slid her fingers beneath the infant's back and pulled Inga up to her shoulder. The child quieted down, letting out moans and coos. Ursa grinned as she rubbed Inga on the back.
"I wish to go to the garden" asked Ursa, "We can rest in the afternoon breeze."
"You call that a garden?" asked Talion with a mischievous smile.
"My lord," she said with a slight frown, "It may not compare to that of Marwen's estate, but it is a garden all the same. Considering there was not a spot of green in Morn before we settled here, I think it is quite impressive."
"I'm only kidding," he said, "it will be a lovely way to spend the afternoon there."
The couple sat on a stone bench. Indeed, the garden was small, not more than thirty feet in length and twenty feet wide. Ursa had set up a wall of crossing wooden strips that ivy vines and tree branches now began to climb through. Several saplings had also taken root nearby and a large oak gave them shade. Around their feet were blue and white blossoms over luscious grass and moss. About them were grey stones, covered in an assortment of lichens and mosses. Finally, a duck pond was set up at the edge of the garden. So far only a few fowl had visited the water, picking at the grains the Warchief left for them.
Ursa looked up to the blue sky. The air was cool, as it always was on the coast. Although not against a great sea, Núrnen's basin was massive and to many it was the greatest body of water they would ever know. Many rain clouds found themselves trapped along the valley below and so settled over the sea. Although the cursed lands of Ered Glamhoth remained dry, the mountains were often snow covered and the collection of clouds would water the land of Núrn . As for the lake's own water, it poured in from upper Mordor without fail. Nurtured from all directions, this place was the paradise of Mordor. A grand garden amidst an even vaster desert. Ursa wanted dearly to protect it. She could not stand the thought of returning to Udûn, to the dust and ash. She wanted her daughter to be brought up in a land of trees, snow, and the morning dew.
Her baby began to cry again. Ursa said, "You must be hungry."
She pulled down the front of her robe and let one of her breasts slip out. She pressed her baby up to it and her daughter began to suckle. Ursa smiled as she saw her child drink so heartily of her milk.
"I can feed my child…" she thought to herself. She felt like a normal mother, no different than a mother of Gondor or an Orc mother with her brood. She felt a sense of pride overcome her and began to beam at nothing in particular.
Talion said, "She will need your milk for some time."
"I am sorry, but I am not familiar with this," asked Ursa, "When are we to we ween her off of it?"
Talion said, "Ioreth breastfed our son for six months."
"Six months. I see. And in my absence, I will send for a midwife."
Talion asked, "What absence might that be?"
"I have no doubt that Sauron will send Uruk. If not from Barad-dûr, then they will come from Thaurband or the Island of Carnan."
Talion smiled.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It never ceases to amaze me… I look upon you and you are such a small thing. And yet you set ablaze the black ships and you gave birth to Inga."
"I am strong…" she said, "Because I am not alone. And I will become as strong as I need be to protect you two from this storm."
"With a new ring and a bit of luck, we can create a future for her."
"My love, be careful," said Ursa, "The Dark Lord watches closely over the mountain. He is searching for you."
"Do not worry so. We are a phantom and a ranger. There is no stealthier pair." said Talion with a grin.
As Ursa finished feeding her child, Talion's arm wrapped around her. She blushed as he pulled her face against the side of his own. His other hand pressed against the tiny hand of Inga.
"What sort of person do you think she will grow up to be?" asked Ursa, "Will she be brave and adventurous? A lover of art or nature?"
Talion said, "I am sure she will be trouble just like her mother. I think she will be strong, kind, and full of life."
"So like her father then?"
Talion turned to the side and kissed Ursa on the cheek. The redness of her cheeks did not cease. Even if she was more confident, any acts of intimacy tended to fluster and excite her. His kiss sent her heart throbbing madly. However, she did not want his lips to go to waste. She quickly turned her head and leaned in. Her lips pressed tightly against his and she fell into passion. A surge of warmth ran through her as they exchanged kisses.
"I must be honest," said Talion, "Being with you like this… I am sorely tempted."
Ursa said, "M-my body is battered after giving birth. I am not sightly."
"Nonsense," said Talion, "However, if you feel ill or do not wish it, I will refrain."
"N-no!" she said, feeling embarrassed as her tone let out her desperation. In truth, she was pleased. It was usually she who asked for such encounters, and she had not dared in the last month.
"We must first tuck the baby in," she said, "After dinner would be best."
Warning: This paragraph involves sexual content. Skip past the line below to pass it.
Talion looked out his bedroom window as a royal blue ran across the sky as the last traces of light left the world. He watched as bats darted about and chirped. He sighed as tried not to think about what he was to lose. He thought about asking the Wraith for more time, but he knew he would not have it. He knew that time was running out.
In that moment, he saw Ursa slip into the room, with a black gown on. She slipped it off in one motion, leaving her nude form visible before him. Talion himself was fully naked and she was saddened that he turned so quickly before she could fully enjoy the view. Instead, he moved up to her and put his hands around her wrists. He motioned her to lie down on her back. She began to breathe heavy as he was upon her.
She said, "My body is sore… please be gentle."
Talion said, "It will take time to heal. For now, I can do this much."
She moaned as she felt his lips upon her stinging breasts. They were tender and still swollen with milk. She let out a moan as he wrapped around her. Talion moved lower and placed his mouth above the nub at her lower lips. He knew she would not feel pain as he pleasured her at such a spot. Ursa's breathing became ragged and he heard her hiss as Orcs do. Looking up, her fangs were out, as was her tongue. He grinned mischievously and continued to kiss her intimately at her lower place. Her back arched as her claws dug into his thick, messy hair.
"Talion!" she let out, "Talion, I love you."
She was pushing him against her lower half as she gave into the madness and the pleasure. At last, she felt herself break. It was as if Talion was touching her entire being. The climax overtook her. She was filled with energy and then she was empty. She collapsed onto the bed panting, tired, and filled with love. Talion now climbed atop of her and took her into his arms. She moaned as she felt his manhood poke against her. She kissed the hardness of his arms and shoulder muscles. She ran her hand down the dip of his back and against his firm thighs. Meanwhile, he was kissing her neck and pointed ears. It was as if he was eating her up. Her own fangs were dangerously close to his flesh as she nibbled on his finger and let it slide into her mouth. Her hands moved lower as she stroked his shaft. It stiffened, grew, and pulsated so splendidly in her hand. Talion's lips clamped around hers as he reached his own climax. She relished in feeling it spill out between their flesh, and her mind wandered to the thought of having another baby. She quickly ignored this foolish impulse. Instead she wrapped her arms and legs around him as he embraced her. She fell asleep in his arms now, wanting to feel his touch forever. It broke her heart to know her ranger would be leaving her.
Ursa awoke to the cries of her daughter in the next room. She turned to see Talion was still fast asleep. She stretched and groaned. The half-Orc quickly put on her sleeping gown and glided gracefully over to the sound of the cries. She drew her baby up into her arms and patted her in the back.
"Easy now," she whispered to her child, "Mother is here. Father is here."
She saw Talion walking up to her.
He said, "I will tend to her. Return to bed and get some sleep."
Ursa said, "I will go to her when next she cries."
"Fair enough.,"
She saw Talion rocking the baby gently back and forth. He smiled as he looked down on her. She heard him begin to hum.
His song went, "When shadows fall, my voice recall. Here in your nest, do get some rest. Little bird… little bird… sleep soundly under my wing. Do not fear a sound, not a single thing."
It was an old rhyme of Gondor. Not of the royal houses, but sung by commoners.
Ursa smiled as she pulled the covers over her freezing body. She knew her child was in the best of hands, that Inga had a fine father. As her mind began to wander at the cusp of dreams, she thought of her own father holding her by a dying fire. Was he singing her to sleep? She squeezed on the mattress beneath her as she chided herself for the fantasy. It was not to be. Her father she would never know. It was for the best that it remained so. As a child, she had put aside such wishes. Only after being among the people of Gondor, did she dare dream. How wonderful it would have been if he had found her, if he sung her to sleep with peaceful lullabies. At least her daughter would have such blessings.
She heard Talion's humming continue, his tone of mirth and paternal love flowed through each chamber. It lulled her to sleep. Tonight, there would be no nightmares. She would dream of Talion all night long. She would dream that he had stayed by her side forever.
The crowing of a rooster far off in the farmlands reached Talion's ears. He slowly opened his eyes to find Ursa staring down at him with affection. Her long claws gently stroked against his cheek and chin. He groaned as he shifted about, trying to muster some strength in his body.
She said, "Rest a little longer, while breakfast is prepared for us."
"I must go," he said.
"It may be many weeks before you can enjoy a feathered pillow. Rest my lord."
She stroked his chin again and let her finger slide down his neck onto his bare chest. She twirled her finger on his firm flesh.
"That tickles" he whispered.
Ursa giggled and pulled up his blankets so they covered him up to his shoulders.
She then moved off of the bed and headed to the hall. She quickly walked up a set of stairs that led to the roof of the fortress. She recalled finding Talion there many months ago, before he sailed off to fight the Black Hand. They had fought heatedly, hopefully for the last time. Now, she felt there were no more secrets between them. However, Ursa had not come here to reminisce about the past. She came to greet the other man of her estate.
The first light of the east sent the sea of Núrnen aglow. The light stretched over the great wall of Fort Morn, illuminating it. Amongst the light on the tower, the pale form of the wraith seemed to vanish. Ursa stood in the shadows behind him, wondering at him as she always did. Although she had seen dark beast and magic, never had she known a being like him, illuminated and unending.
She said, "Good morning Lord Celebrimbor."
The Wraith slowly turned around. His cold eyes looked at her, but he said nothing.
She said, "I prepared you a horse, the strongest in the stables. With it, are the supplies you have asked for, and enough food for a week."
"Thank you," he said, "I will leave this domain to you. I have taught you what I can, but now you must defend it."
"It will be so my lord," she said, "I will not fail you."
She then asked, "Are you truly without issue, remaining here alone while we sleep in comfort?"
Celebrimbor said, "It has been thousands of years since I knew touch nor taste nor sleep. It does not matter to me, to spend a sleepless night in silence."
She said, "Yet I weep for you."
"Do not," he said, "I do not miss them. Not often. The flesh is weak, but the mind is strong. Such distractions… ah I move best without them."
"Even so," she said, "I wish it were not so."
The Wraith looked at her now, his illuminated eyes were without pupil but she knew his gaze was upon her. He frowned for a moment then turned away again to the horizon.
She then said, "Know that you have those who care for you. Talion and I are your friends and allies. Always will it be so."
"Ursa"
She heard him call her name. It caught her off guard. She had never heard him say it before. Always, he had addressed her as a lord to an underling. Now, she did not know how he saw her.
However, Celebrimbor did not say anything else. He vanished from her sight. She knew it was time to wake her husband. It was time for their departure.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of Ursa of Fire, the final chapter in this series. This is, without a doubt, the longest of the three stories. As I have finished writing the rough draft, new chapters should be released every Saturday or Sunday. Please look forward to reading them!