𝔏𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔩𝔳𝔢𝔰

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔗𝔴𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔶

"What darkness did you curse yourself with?" I ask.

"Darkness? Is that what you call this?" He draws back. 

"What has happened to you brother?" I ask.

His skin was foul. His eyes were tainted in blackness. He smelled like iron and rust. He smelled like an orc from the fires of Mordor. From the deepest part of the earths. I am bewildered by the fact that he is my brother. How has Father kept this a secret all these years? He would've told me about this. Should I even believe him?

"Why should I trust you?" I ask.

He lets out a soft chuckle.

"Believe it in what you want, but it is the truth that often stings the most." He says.

"How... how did you become this creature?" I ask.

"Hmhp." He chuckles.

"Answer me!" I raise my voice.

"Do you know the history of orcs?" He turns his head. 

I draw back.

"They were once elves, but they were all captured. They were tortured, condemned into the shadows, and their bodies twisted." He says.

"Are you saying you were tortured in Mordor?" I ask. 

"No, but my body has been altered. I altered it. Sauron is wise and far greater than you will ever understand." He says.

I take out an arrow. Aragorn pulls out his sword. Gimli raises his axe.

"Do not think I won't kill you." I say.

"I won't. Go on shoot me." He steps forward.

"... B- brother, please don't." I say.

I fire the arrow. Black smoke appears like a shield and breaks the arrows. I draw back. He turns.

"We will meet again brother, but there is more to do. If you want to know more about this, talk to Lord Elrond." He walks off.

I just let him. I drop my bow.