Unedited version of "Filling the Void"
It's been almost 11 since I wrote this story. I am deeply touched that so many people requested the whole thing a long time after I decided to deactivate the fan fiction archive due to real life pressures and a (maybe falsely) perceived lack of interest after interest in the Peter Jackson LOTR movies trickled out. I guess fan fiction net's policy is no longer as strict as it used to be, so here is the whole story, broken down into 12 chapters. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Tolkien's work & intellectual property are his own, i.e. the Tolkien Estate's etc.. We all know that.
Summary:
This fic is about a consensual relationship between Lurtz & Uglúk, based on the premise that they developed a friendship and, I guess, love for each other (although these stubborn Uruks would never admit it of course) ;-).
Warning: Kinky/squicky pairing, violence, violent sex. Sorry folks, no happy ending (character death)
Filling the Void
Chapter 1
The sun had almost reached its zenith. It illuminated the layers of mist veiling the Dunland foothills, and an image of spectacular beauty unfolded, its rays creating shrouds of rainbow colors among wavering whiteness. It was as if the elements could not quite decide if they should highlight or hide the dark creatures that moved slowly in the space between the rocks and the open plain stretching toward Tharbad.
One of the creatures stood apart from the others in the pale, yet still strong late November sun and watched the tall figures move about. They slowed down reluctantly and unwillingly, until they finally began to set up camp. Some were muttering and growling their dissent, and he listened, his body tense.
A vicious ray of that overwhelming brightness hit his eyes, and they flared in bright gold for a split second. The creature stifled a reflex to sneeze and squinted, turning his head from the pale disc. He hated the sun as much as they did, but they all had to learn certain things. So far, he was content with their obedience.
The leader of the Uruk-hai stretched his broad back to get rid of the tension that he felt since they had left the precinct of Isengard. Then he slowly walked down the slope toward the settling figures to join them – Saruman's army, the Fighting Uruk-hai. The others watched him warily, some nodding recognition, but all moving out of his way in a manner just measured enough to imply that they were not afraid of him. After all, the Uruk-hai were not supposed to know fear.
Lurtz knew better than that. His lips curled in a cruel, joyless smile.
The Great Orcs of Isengard were less given to infighting and rebelliousness than their lower brethren, but it had happened – especially during the first days after the troop had left Isengard. Some had been a bit too eager to fight and do a little exploration of their own. As a consequence, Lurtz had taken it upon himself to provide them with exactly one more opportunity to fight and explore, namely explore the limits of their capabilities. The troublemakers were no longer with the Fighting Uruk-hai, except as examples firmly implanted in the memories of their brothers.
However relieved Lurtz had been to vent some of the hatred that Saruman had instilled in him, he had not succumbed to the temptation of unnecessary cruelty. It was his responsibility, if not his choice, to lead them and forge them into an efficient army. If they could not rely on each other or on their leader's judgment, they would not be much good in that upcoming battle Saruman had promised them. And the Great Orcs wanted to win this battle. It was their sole purpose, and under the wizard's watchful eye they had begun to train for it with a fervor and a singled-mindedness which made them a race apart from their kind.
The firstborn of the Uruk-hai thought about all this while returning to his belongings – weapons, armor and a rough blanket to sleep on – that one of his subordinates had laid out in a rather neat heap.
The hateful sun blinded Lurtz again for a split second, but seeing the arrangement on the floor gave him a small pang of pleasure. The emotion came as a surprise, as he was a being who knew little pleasure except for losing himself in battle.
Almost entirely at ease now, the powerful creature squatted to check his few possessions. Finding them in order, he contemplated how much he looked forward to joining the others for a meal.
Something is wrong...
He had the sudden sensation of something chilly crawling up his neck – a purely instinctive warning his warrior self gave. Immediately he was on his feet, scanning his environment with all senses.
There! Him again!
His snarl turned into a throaty growl, and Lurtz fixed his cold eyes on the other Uruk, who stood about forty feet away and watched his leader intently. This other did not stare, but conveyed the impression of someone observing something greatly entertaining. The watcher's air of haughtiness infuriated Lurtz, but when the leader of Uruk-hai fully turned toward the insolent creature, fangs bared and his eyes flaring, the other one slowly, casually averted his gaze. Lurtz was trembling with the impulse to charge and rip this Uruk to shreds with just his teeth and claws. He knew he could, but –
...it is not the right thing to do! Killing him because the leader of the Fighting Uruk-hai cannot stand to be looked upon by one of his own kind?
Lurtz forced himself to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply, inevitably taking in the other's scent.
This one is of higher rank, and he is not afraid. What does he want? When he looked away, he made me feel as if he was doing it just to do me a favor. A favor! The insult! Does he want trouble? If that is what he is after, he's got his course laid out for him...