His Corrupted Mind [Witch-King x OC]

Chapter III : A Fateful Encounter

"Each meeting occurs at the precise moment for which it was meant." -Nadia Scrieva

Second Age, 3017

A rider approached Osgiliath, someone the city had not seen in many centuries. The rider was astride a horse that seemed to be a cross between a draft and a light warhorse, and the closer the rider came the horse could be seen as colored a steel-grey. Its rider, much smaller in comparison, became clearer as well. A woman of wild white hair, fine of features, and dressed in the furs of the north. Upon her back was a rough-hewn bow, its condition showing its use and care, at her hip a long whip, its tip barbed and finally a blade of northern make, also secured at her waist. Once the odd rider passed through the entrance to the city she smiled.

Inconnu Naeril was home once again, if only for the day.

As she rode through the city, making her way to a specific place, Inconnu casually observed it all. She noted the old things, the new things, the men, the women, the children and all the interactions. Though its people dressed differently, people coming and leaving, the new replacing the old, Osgiliath had not changed much. This was something that Inconnu found some comfort in. It was a thing that was a rarity in the recent century. However, there was one thing Inconnu noticed a she rode through the streets. Fear was more present than it had been the last time she was here.

Minas Morgul, formerly Minas Ithil, was the source of that fear. Ever since the fortress had been taken over by the Witch-King, the eldest of the Nazgûl, darkness had since become stronger and rumors came of terrible dark magic within its walls. Without a doubt, Minas Morgul has also been a source of tragedy for King Eärnur I of Gondor had met his end there. Death had come to him through the treachery and power of the Witch-King, revenge for his defeat at Angmar.

Inconnu's smile turned more sorrowful. The fear was oppressive not only here, but in other cities and kingdoms as well. A half-hearted façade of happiness was what she had been witnessing for a while now, especially in the places closest to the darkness of Mordor. But that did not mean that there was no hope left in Middle Earth, for kingdoms such as Erebor and Dale have rebuilt and begun to thrive again after the fall of Smaug, the last true dragon of Middle Earth. A more cheerful smile, though faint, returned to Inconnu's features.

Soon, Inconnu arrived at her intended destination. She dismounted from Sverundr, patting the stallion affectionately before walking into the graveyard before her. It was time to visit her mother.

Minas Morgul

The Witch-King rode between the ranks of orcs, his hidden gaze moving between them in harsh inspection. They were a new orc tribe come from Mordor and his master had commanded him to use them to take the city of Osgiliath. Like any seasoned commander working with fresh troops, the Witch-King had reasonable doubts about this new orc tribe, but kept them silent. He would not go against his master's will.

Despite their lack of experience in true warfare, the orcs were certainly well experienced in carnage and in this coming battle that should be more than enough to capture and utterly destroy Osgiliath. In this victory, Gondor would lose a strategical advantage and become weak from attack from both Mordor and, in a few months' time, from the Corsair ships that would come up the Pelargir.

Once the Witch-King was satisfied with what he saw, he whirled his dark horse to face the west and gave the order to march.

Osgiliath

Inconnu was on one knee before her mother's grave, the headstone showing its weathered age. However it had been well-kept and so it looked not as worn-down as many of the others. Then, she began the ritual she began long ago, something to make up for all the centuries between visits: she began to talk to her mother as if she was actually there.