Chapter Twelve: The Return of the Lords and the Banner of the White Tree
"You wish me to speak of Talion? If you were to ask me of him, I would tell you he is kind, even if he first seems stern. Yes, he can seem frightening and be short-tempered at times. Even so, no evil can erase the good that is within him… that I have seen as long as I have known him. He is a fine ranger of Gondor, a warrior without compare, and a great leader. As a husband, I doubt a woman could ask for more…. Handsome and romantic. And soon… soon he will to be a great father. I am sure that, upon his return, you will admire him as I do." – Ursa speaking to Hallas
Ursa looked up to the rider of the drake. He released the reigns and elegantly slipped off, landing perfectly on his feet. Talion brushed aside his disheveled hair so that he could see her more clearly. In that moment, his wife ran to him. Ursa embraced him dearly, wrapping her hands about his neck and pulling him into a deep kiss. With her cheeks aflame, she held him there, her arms holding him every tightly.
As they pulled away, Ursa said, "Lord Talion… Welcome home."
Talion took one of her hands and pressed it against her cheek. Ursa leaned her head against his palm, enjoying the feeling of his rough fingers against her flesh. Her husband shut his eyes as he held her there. From behind, Hallas was staring in embarrassment and shock.
The ranger said, "How I've missed you. Not a day went by when I didn't think of you."
She answered, "It is not enough to merely think of you."
She kissed him again and pressed her body against him. He felt Ursa moaning as she began to nibble on his neck and kiss him lustfully.
Talion gently pushed her back and said, "U-Ursa… there is a time and a place. Your guards are watching intently."
"I don't care anymore" she said, "I have you here."
Talion blushed in embarrassment as his wife's vigor exceeded his own. Which was not to say, he was not at his happiest. Right now, he was tempted to forget all of his war plans and ambitions. He wanted to think only of Ursa and Inga. However, he had much to explain about his dealings Barad-dûr.
He said, "I made you wait. Forgive me. Whatever I can do to make this up to you, you need only ask."
Ursa's eyes began cross and she said, "You should not have reminded me of your fault. You promised to be away four months at most. Instead, I have waited more than five. All the while, fearing that you were imprisoned in Barad-dûr."
"I can explain, but first… let me show you the ring."
He held ring of light, that shimmered a brilliant silver and blue. It hummed for Ursa and showed its inscriptions to its witnesses.
"Beautiful," said the Wraith, "Is it not?"
Ursa beamed at him and said, "How I've missed you, Lord Celebrimbor!"
"And I, you."
Talion said, "A ring forged in the fires of Mordor. This will be our bane and our greatest weapon in this war."
With reverence her voice, she spoke, "A ring to challenge the Dark Lord himself."
Talion then said, "We had crafted it when an Ungol spider came to us, beckoning us to meet their queen… one called Shelob."
Ursa said, "An Ungol you say? A dark omen."
"Perhaps," said Talion, "She proved an ally… of sorts… and told us a terrible truth. Minas Ithil was under siege by the enemy. That is why I could not return. I could not abandon it."
Ursa said, "I understand now. I thought if you were delayed, the reason would need to be great. Even so, I did not think Sauron's army yet possessed the strength to challenge Gondor."
"Sixty legions he sent," said the Wraith, "Led by the Witch King himself to take the city and seize the Palantir."
Talion said, "I could not save it. I failed. Hundreds of innocent men, women, and children lay dead there as they breached the walls. Thousands more are condemned to a life of chains and suffering. I am sorry, Ursa. My quest was in vain. I kept you waiting with so little winnings in return."
"You fulfilled your duty to them. You have brought me the ring and yourself," she said, "Such gifts please me."
Ursa continued, "Well, to be fair, I cannot forgive you so easily for your delay. Yet I hope you will forgive yourself. You were impossibly outnumbered."
The Wraith said, "Though we failed to obtain the Palantir, many did escape."
Talion said, "There are allies that would help us. Eltariel, an Elf maiden serving the Lady of Lothlórien, Shelob, the queen of all spiders, and Idril, the daughter of Minas Ithil's general."
Ursa crossed her arms and said, "My dear, you attract the strangest of women."
"That is merely coincidence," said the ranger uneasily as he understood his situation.
He hastily added, "In any case, I was worried all the while. I was sure Sauron would strike in my absence. Yet I see Núrn stands strong. Indeed, you have erected a great wall here in Morn."
Ursa said, "I will speak of our victory later. Let us go inside. Your daughter has grown much since your departure."
"Has she?" asked Talion, his face radiating as he spoke.
"Oh my," said Ursa blushing as she turned around. Hallas stood there watching them. He seemed flustered as he was forced to fulfill his duties and watch her.
Ursa spoke, "I forgot to introduce my bodyguard. This is Hallas, son of Faramir."
Talion said, "A fine name. A name of Gondor."
Hallas bowed and said, "King Talion… it is an honor. The Queen has spoken fondly of you."
Talion asked, "A king? I lead armies, not courts and lawmaking. I leave that to my wife."
Ursa said, "Hallas is apprentice to a ranger of the Black Gate, a man named Orison. He is my father."
"Your father? What else has happened since I was away? That's…. was it a happy meeting?"
"It was," said Ursa.
Talion smiled as he looked up at the mighty fortress of Morn. Although his heart was heavy with the loss of Minas Ithil, seeing Núrn stand proud gave him hope. Seeing Ursa smiling just as she had when he left brought comfort to the transgressions which plagued his mind always.
About them, servants and soldiers gawked and murmured as Ursa and Talion waltzed through the castle. Ursa's hands were wrapped around Talion's arms as they moved forward. Talion felt his ears heating up as he heard a group of maidens giggling at him, then felt a kindle of anger as saw Orcs and humans did little to hide their sneers. Right now, Ursa was entirely unaware, or rather she no longer cared.
Ursa, I thought you would be angrier with me. Now I only feel all the more guilty. I will have to make it up somehow.
"Welcome back Talion," said Lithariel warmly as she appeared on his left.
Talion said, "It is good to see you again, Lithariel. Is Queen Marwen well?"
"She is. She rules as gloriously as always. I am sure she will wish to throw a feast in your honor."
"I look forward to seeing her garden again," said Talion, "though it will have to wait. My business is first here to my house."
Lithariel said, "As it should be. Now, I take my leave."
Ursa asked, "You will visit again won't you? You promised."
Lithariel leaned into Ursa's ear and said, "Of course. Albeit, tonight I will let you keep him all to yourself."
Ursa answered, "I'm grateful."
Inside Ursa's chambers, they found their daughter atop a small bed, rolling on it. She was still too weak to pull herself about and crawl, but she had taken well to rolling. She let out giggles and coos as she moved. Her golden-brown eyes darted bout as she moved and took in her world. Tufts of dark black hair grew on the top of her head, reaching far past her ears. About her, Inga's nurse had placed several toys such as a leather toy dog she liked to chew on and a stick with great bells tied to it.
Talion gazed silently down at Inga. She had changed much since he last saw her, but he was grateful he could still see her like this. He slowly put a finger forward. The baby's tiny fingers clasped to it, and she began to play with it like a toy. Her giggling made his heart flutter with joy. His countenance swiftly changed before Ursa's eyes. She watched as Talion gulped and tried desperately to hold back tears.
She said, "Talion, won't you hold your daughter?"
The ranger reached down with both hands and placed them under Inga. He slowly lifted her up with a hand beneath her back and another on her legs. He then cradled her snugly between his arms, careful to keep her cheeks from the cold of his gauntlets.
Ursa said, "She still drinks of my milk and I feed her only soft fruit and porridge. The nurse watches her whenever I am away. Yes, it is thanks to her."
Talion said, "You have been a good mother, Ursa. A Queen cannot be expected to manage her offspring always."
Ursa blinked and looked away. She hadn't expected him to catch onto her guilt so quickly. Talion was growing more adept at reading her emotions.
"Our child," said Talion, "Is growing up well and that is thanks to you."
"You truly think so?" she asked.
"Yes," said Talion, "Looking at her, I think she will be a handful. So young and taking to rolling about and chewing up her toys."
Ursa said, "A daughter with her father's spirit. She will follow you on your hunts I am sure."
Talion said, "Will she? I have never raised a girl before. So, she will be a bit boyish?"
Ursa said, "When she can use her arms well, we should fashion her a bow."
"Ursa, how far are you envisioning? I said she was a handful, but you are thinking of all the details. Well, that may be why you rule Núrn so well."
Ursa said, "So you say, but it seems as if my mind is better suited for strategies than the finesses of life. As such, I have memorized a day of special importance."
"The anniversary…" said Talion, "I am sorry."
"As you should be," said Ursa, "With you gone, there was no celebration. Only memory. Ah… forgive me. I meant to speak not of that, but of your birthday!"
"Birthday?"
"Three days ago, you turned thirty-five."
"I did?"
"Indeed."
"I have not been one to remember birthdays, least of all my own. Only nobles remember such frivolous things."
"You are nobility now, Talion," said Ursa, "And so, tomorrow I will hold a banquet for you. As for the gift, I was hoping you would accept it today."
She held out the same bundle of cloth she had clung to for the last few days. Talion blinked as he wondered at its contents. He took hold of it and unlatched the thread that was knotted to it. The cloth now rolled out. He saw a white, dirty banner with the symbol of a black tree upon it. His expression froze as he gazed at it. In his mind, he saw it flying proudly in his hometown and on the wall his company protected. He was a young ranger warming his hands by the fire, surrounding by boisterous comrades. None realized the fear in his heart and the honor he felt serving there.
"The Flag of Gondor. The White Tree."
Ursa said, "My father kept it all these years. I asked it of him and he gave it without question. It is yours to do as you wish, but I think it would fly proudly here in Fort Morn. Or… or keep it safe from the embers of war. Whatever suites you. D-do you like it?"
"I do. I would fly the banner. Let Mordor know that Gondor has not abandoned its lands" said Talion.
She said, "I have other gifts, but I will save them for the ceremony."
"You're spoiling me, Ursa. I'm a man of simple tastes."
She said, "You are more than just a ranger, my love. I know nobility has disagreed with such sentiment, but I truly believe it to be so."
He answered, "I lack the qualities of nobility. I always have."
"Talion…"
Her tone sounded less friendly now.
She put her hands to her hips and spoke, "You are the one who always tells me to try to accept compliments. Hypocrite."
His eyes widened with surprise at her harsh words.
Ursa's eyes became shaky and she began to frown.
"I… I did not mean to sound so rude. In any case, I believe it suits you."
Talion said, "Um… I will go and bathe now. Afterwards, let us meet in your chambers."
Ursa felt her entire body heat up like a kettle as he requested such a thing.
She said, "Why don't I wash your back, today? I'd rather our handmaidens not be in there with you."
Talion had intended to simply wash himself as he always did, but he would not deny Ursa any longer.
WARNING: This part of the story is the juicy lemon. If you are not interested in such things, then skip to the next chapter.
Talion slipped off his belt. He looked ahead to the washing room. A, large wooden tub was set up, with white linen atop of it and drapes to match. Freshly heated by Ursa's fire, he could see the water steaming. Rose petals and perfumes were poured out over the water. The ranger gulped as he anticipated washing the grime from his face and enjoying the water's heated touch. Even more so, that of his wife.
Behind him, Ursa stood with a simple robe over her form. Her fingers slipped around his armor as she unlatched it. Talion's fingers aided her as it was quite heavy. With the chest piece removed, she moved to the front of him and slid off his chainmail. It was even heavier than the armor but much of the weight was due to her lack of muscle. Talion easily slipped it off over his head. Ursa smiled as she unbuttoned his tunic. From behind, she gazed at his smooth back, save for a scar running down the middle. She let her fingers stroke across his shoulder blades and then run down the indentation of his spine. Talion let out a soft groan as he felt goosebumps run down his flesh. He felt her claw now moving lower and her other hand wrap around his thigh. She pressed herself up against his back and rested her face there. Her hands leaned against his back muscles as she took in the fire of his body, heat that warmed her frozen bones.
Talion allowed her to enjoy his presence a little longer.
At last, Ursa said, "Turn around for me."
As Talion stood in the bath, he watched as Ursa pulled out a washcloth and moved to behind him. She took up a bucket and spilled it atop of his head. Her hands now ran through it with her claws digging gently into his scalp. Talion followed her request, letting her begin to wash her his face and neck. Ursa said nothing as she rubbed the cloth against him, only stopping to ring it dry and dip into the tub. The air was quiet between them. Nothing needed to be said. Ursa's washcloth scrubbed clean his throat, removing the dirt from his journey. She rinsed it and returned to his face. She now pressed it against his forehead, wiping it clean.
"There's the face I know," said Ursa with a smile.
The ranger's fingers now ran up her stomach until he traced it up to her collarbone. He saw the scar across her shoulder where his arrow had pierced her. He did not trace it lest Ursa be reminded. Suddenly, his wife's hand was atop his and she pressed his hand to her scar.
She said, "It is as I said. I hold no ill memory."
Talion said, "Do you still have nightmares?"
"Not of you," said Ursa.
Another ten minutes passed by in silence. Ursa had cleaned her husband from head to toe. She poured a bucket of warm water down his chest now, and watched as the dirt poured away into the tub. She felt some sense of satisfaction knowing she had done well on this lover's task. Suddenly, the ranger's hands became mischievous.
She winced and let out a small moan his rough hands were upon her bosom.
Talion asked, "Do they hurt?"
"Y-yes. They are swollen and the baby does not drink enough. I-a-aah…"
She stood still even as her body was being stimulated by rushes of pleasure and pain. His hands were playing with her now, wrapping fully around her chest. She felt pressure as he tried to squeeze it out. Meanwhile, her lower regions began to awaken.
Ursa said, "Talion… you mustn't… it isn't decent to…mmmm."
Talion said, "It is as I said… I am not some nobleman. I find no shame in this."
Ursa continued to breath heavily as she felt his lips sucking on her nipples. He kissed and nibbled on them. He held them up with his palms as he let his tongue wash them. His rough tongue was too much for her. Now she felt something happening, but it felt different than when she was nursing Idril. This was exciting, a pleasure that heated her body up slowly. Several drops of her milk now spilled out. Talion drank it up instantly, a gesture that still left Ursa embarrassed. Her fingers now slipped to his nether regions and began to work there. She felt his manhood grow and heat up in her skillful grasp. She moved lower and touched the soft orbs below it. Meanwhile, her milk was flowing freely. The ranger now took one nipple into his mouth and began to drink. She felt relief and pleasure as he emptied her breasts out. The discomfort that had blocked them had passed. Now she was at the brink of ecstasy. Talion seemed to notice and so he swooped down low. His tongue flickered over the nub of her womanhood, driving Ursa mad. Her hands wrapped into his thick hair as she pressed him against her legs. Her milk continued to drip out as he tasted her. At last, she felt herself burst again, the ranger continued to drink her wine and then sent his tongue teasing her lower lips. Ursa collapsed onto the ground.
Talion said, "I'm glad I can still drive you mad."
Ursa said, "Such spirit… I can't live without this. Your touch is intoxicating."
The Warchief now said, "You must be tired. You should enjoy the water. Although… I could always heat it up again."
She reached out with a hand and created a small flame the size of a candle light.
Talion followed her suggestion and slipped down into the boiling water. He let out a sigh of satisfaction as the heat comforted him. Without thought, he shut his weary eyes and leaned back. The ranger stretched his arms out onto the side of the tub as he arched his back and settled in. Simply being in the water was refreshing after the endless warfare and journeying into Mordor. He then scooped some water and washed it over his face. He took another handful and ran it through his hair, combing it behind him. Ursa thought it looked quite fetching in such a style. She thought his beard could do with a trim as it was back when they were wed.
Her ranger's eyes now opened to see the figure of his wife standing there in the nude, a towel barely covering her torso. Her wide hips and ample breasts protruded out from the sides of the cloth. The ranger felt his body beginning to long for her. His eyes became fixed upon her, seeming to call her in. Ursa gulped as she felt her face begin to tingle. She carefully pulled herself up the rim of the tub and inside. The tub was large enough for them both to move freely about, and the water was not too high. She climbed up onto his waist so that she was ogling up at his chest. He seemed more muscular than ever. Ursa felt his erect manhood poking up against her lower entrance as she straddled him. Her arms wrapped around him now as he pulled her closer. His arm muscles rippled and bulged as he took her into his grasp. His arms could snap her in two, but it was a place where she felt safest. Ursa's eyes fell into ecstasy as she kissed him fully on the lips. Her tongue ran out and slid into his mouth, tasting his flavor. She felt Talion lift up her hips so that his manhood was pressed between her rump. Ursa began to move up and down, sliding her chest up against his and as her lower half stroked his manhood. She let out a moan as she imagined what was about to come.
Talion said, "How is your body? Has it healed enough?"
Ursa said, "Why don't you find out?"
The Queen's fingers lustfully took hold of his shaft and she took him in all at once. The ranger was surprised by it, having intended to tease her until she was ready. Instead, Ursa began to move her hips energetically. Talion grit his teeth and began to let out ragged breaths. It was too much after so long. The hot water was splashing and bubbling as she moved up and down atop of him, sending it spilling out onto the floor.
Ursa said, "I accept all of your passion… all of your lust."
Her arms were again around him as they shared a kiss. Steam stuck to their flesh as they both panted for air. Her ranger's arms were now holding onto her hips, helping pull her into each thrust. Talion's shoulder muscles clenched as the pleasure drew near, as she swallowed him so readily. Ursa's hands squeezed him across the top of his arms, feeling the hard muscles of his heave to and fro as he made love to her. As his arms squeezed against her, she felt a vein on his arm stir. From below, the water slowed down their passion, embracing them in a sort of blanket. The ranger's back was battered as she pushed him against the wooden side of the tub. However, he could not feel any of the pain. He pulled her head up against his and growled into her ear. Ursa's mind went wild form the gesture. Talion felt her tighten around him. The Gravewalker let out a ragged groan as he lost himself in the pleasure. Ursa bore her fangs and tongue as she felt him fill her up. Ursa panted and fell forward atop of him. She accidentally gulped in water and began to cough. Talion pulled her up a bit so that she was laying atop his stomach. They rested there for several moments.
The Warchief now stood up in the tub and walked out. Talion groaned in pain as he felt his back beginning to ache from hitting the edge of the tub. It was an exciting experience, but not one he would do again with such an uncomfortable wall to lay against.
Ursa, "Oh… I will have to clean you again. Let us do so and then take our dealings to the bed."
Talion blinked and said, "I… you still have strength? I thought I would have you satiated today."
Ursa said, "My countenance may be weak, but my desires are not so easily quenched, my love."
He said, "I… I think I will need to rest after I finish washing."
"Nonsense," she said with a haunting tone, "we've only begun. I realize you are tired, but it is not nearly night yet my love. Resting comes later."
Talion recoiled slightly, almost stumbling back into the bath water. A frightful thought entered his mind.
What beast have I awakened? She's grown far too strong!
Author's Note: Without a doubt, the most intense love scene I've written. I hope it wasn't too much.
For those wondering, I am aware that the flag Ursa gave Talion showed a black tree rather than a white one. In The Two Towers film, the flag of Gondor is shown as white with a black tree emblem representing the tree of Gondor.
As always, thank you for reading! Reviews, positive or negative, mean so much to me so please leave one.
