Death Is A Lie

Talion

Lithariel leads me across Núrn, so close are we now that we don't stop for the night. Besides, we are no longer in the mountains. Here orcs roam far and wide, and it is dangerous to sleep in the open. The bushes and undergrowth also provide excellent cover for Caragors and other beasts.

"Lady Marwen wishes to have a council immediately." She says, eyes sharp and regal. "I'm sorry, we do not have time to dine, not yet. You may when she is finished, and we will show you utmost hospitality, should you return the favor by being courteous. I dare say living in Gondor hath emboldened you."

"While it's true that I'm not well known for my courtesy at feasts, you are no orcs. I shall try to uphold my strict Gondorian standard." I attempt to humor her, but she simply shakes her head.

"This way, to mother." We walk through streets that are cobbled and clean, mothers shop at marketplace stalls, and children run around playfully. I'm surprised by the level of sophistication they have. As a child, it was ingrained in my morals by my mother that though we were outsiders, one thing was always worse. Corsairs and their types.

They were monsters, dirty pirates who raped, pillaged and stole. They'd attacked Gondor in the past, and had taken Umbar from us. I knew Gondorians were prejudiced, only now I knew how much they were so.

"How do men make a livelihood here?" I ask, curious, as only women appear to work the stalls. I see a few men near the pub, but it's mostly vacant of them.

"We trade, and those who don't either live on the streets or work for Lady Marwen." Lithariel smiles as we approach the castle, lit up by many fancy torches. "There aren't many of us who go without, being traders in this area does us some favors. Sometimes we even trade information. It's not treason because it's how we survive. Uruk will leave us alone more if we give them news of the easterners."

"It certainly works." I say, sadness desperately trying to bleed into my voice. I'm tired of being sad, I just want to enjoy myself. Lithariel is leading me onwards, once I get there I can focus on my task, but until then I simply want to enjoy the simplicity of being near humans again. "I would know what happens to those who refuse the Uruk."

"Yes. That is most unfortunate. Lendiel, send for the Captain immediately. He has an important mission to undertake for me. Keep it a secret, thank you." She whispers quietly to a dark haired woman. The woman quickly starts, and begins to run off.

"What was that?" I ask, as we make our way into the castle. We've long left the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, here it is deadly silent.

"The captain runs the resistance. We're not all friendly with the Uruk. We know what they can do, they destroy our ships. Only traders can actually be on their good sides."

"Hmm." I hum thoughtfully, watching as Lithariel climbs the steps and beckons me to the door.

"Welcome to the house of Núrnen. The queen awaits.