Death Is A Lie

Talion

My hands shook with the pain of my grief. I had just killed the Hammer, and now this girl wanted me to go with her to Núrnen? She must be delusional. She didn't look anything like what I imagined Corsairs looking like. She was blonde, with ethereal blue eyes, and she looked like an elf-maiden from another world. I had thought of her as an elf before knowing who she was.

The way her eyes sparked with defiance reminded me so much of Ioreth, I forgot to breathe. When she used to argue with her father...oh, the fire would show. Her armor was much different from the average Corsair's, more regal and very good quality. I'll admit probably better than the junk I was left with when I died. But she is a younger copy of Ioreth in my mind. I regret pushing her away so hastily. She looked very angry at me, and the way she held her sword was that of a practiced swordswoman. I walk stealthily towards the camp she set up. I see nothing more than a blown out fire.

The night has passed on, so has she. A wise decision in Mordor, where an enemy is always close by. But then I see a note. Meet us near Durthang West. From there I will lead you while the others stay behind.

Durthang. The old Gondorian settlement. I knew it well. I sigh and head up there for a short journey. I spot an archer in the hills and teleport to him, killing him instantly. Talion. This girl is our only hope. We may have defeated the Hammer, but the Tower and the Hand...they are worse, much worse. The might of Sauron is great, but his malice and cunning are greater still. We need Lady Marwen's help if we are to succeed. Celebrimbor whispers in my ear.

"I know that." I grunt as I teleport again, this time to an orc soldier near where she said she'd be. "But it doesn't mean I trust everyone I meet."

You trusted Hirgon.

"Yes but I knew him. I trained by his side. I don't know who this woman even is, let alone her motives."

And yet you meet with her. I will never understand the way of you mortals.

"Perhaps you would if you were mortal once." I stop as I come upon a great battlefield. Orcs lay scattered around, many stabbed in the stomach or neck. The smell is atrocious. Suddenly, like the ghost I perceived her to be at first, Lithariel appears. For a man known for appearing out of nowhere, I shouldn't have been so surprised. She wipes the black blood off her sword, and I know who did this. Her skills are impressive.

"The smell of fresh meat always attracts the scavengers." Looking down slightly, to avoid her eyes, I reply.

"And they tend to travel in packs. We should leave. Now." She looks relieved.

"The Queen will be pleased to see you." She says, bending over to pick up her bag. She turns and walks off. I wonder where she is going when she shouts back at me. "Are you coming or not? Do not tally, as you said, we must go." I chuckle. She is strong and resilient. There is something about her. But I force it down, as thoughts of Ioreth spiral up and leave me in grief so strong it is physical pain.

Do not allow thoughts of her distort your senses Talion. You will need them for the road ahead.

I catch up to her. "The journey is three days. Tonight we stop in the mountains. I am warning you, there will be ghûls. Caragors and Graugs and rare but possible. And the occasional warg. I'd keep your sword handy if I were you." She looks straight ahead. As do I. I do not look back. Udûn is a place of suffering for me. I shall never go back until I exact my revenge.