One Flesh, One Soul. Part II by FellFireFan

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Chapter 2

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Farewell, My Friend.

 

 

   In the depths of slumber, Variel was suddenly seized by the first pangs of childbirth, while nestled serenely in her husband's tender embrace upon their bed. With a swift ascent, a piercing cry escaped her lips, jolting Bregor from his peaceful repose. Her countenance was adorned with a sense of urgency with each relentless agonising spasm. Frantically, Bregor traversed the halls in disarray, his panic palpable, rousing the maidens from their rest to attend to the laborious plight of his beloved wife. Andreth, swift and resolute, arrived first at the scene, bearing soft blankets and water warmed to a soothing temperature by the hearth. Lady Anthel graced the chamber with her presence, accompanied by a retinue of maidservants who promptly ushered the men, including their young son, out of the chamber.

   Within the intimate confines of the bedchamber, the assembled women employed every resource at their disposal to assuage Variel's fervent distress as the agony of childbirth escalated with each passing moment. The room resounded with Variel's sorrowful sobs casting a sombre pall in the room. Alas, all was not well. Bregor, standing outside the chamber with his aged father and his young son, pressed his head against the door, a tear streamed sorrowfully down his visage. The cries of agony of his beloved proved too much for his tender heart to bear.

   As the arduous labour dragged on, spanning two days and nights, it became evident that something was grievously wrong. Variel's bitter sobs transmuted into harrowing, anguished screams, and eventually waned to weary, parched moans as her strength faded. Andreth and her mother toiled tirelessly, their resolute demeanour aimed at soothing Variel's shattered spirit, urging her onward. Yet, as the final day dawned, exhausted, pallid, and utterly defeated, Variel's life was slipping away.

   Andreth approached Variel's side, taking hold of her pale hand and offering words of solace to her dear sister, urging her to persevere. Variel's cerulean eyes, akin to the boundless depths of the ocean, vibrant with life, now bore a sallow and weary gleam. Her golden tresses now hung tangled and dishevelled, devoid of their former lustre and drenched with moisture. Beads of sweat upon her forehead bore witness to the valiant struggle she fought for the sake of her unborn child, a battle she was losing. Andreth beheld Variel's dull, vacant gaze, witnessing the ebbing of life from her eyes. 

  A solitary tear fell from Andreth's visage, a silent plea to her sister. Summoning her last reserves of strength, Variel exerted herself with one last effort. Thrice she pushed, summoning forth the child from within her, and with bated breath, the babe was delivered into the waiting arms of Lady Anthel, who swiftly enshrouded the fragile form in a comforting blanket. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, Variel's consciousness briefly waned, slipping into the embrace of sleep.

   Andreth hastened to her mother's side, her heart heavy with trepidation, to examine the newborn child. It was a daughter, a resplendent baby girl. However, their initial smiles were swiftly marred by furrowed brows as they realized that the child lay motionless, devoid of breath. Andreth, her voice trembling, took the infant from her mother, whose very being was gripped by fear. Drawing her niece near the hearth, Andreth employed every ounce of her being to breathe life into the tiny form. Alas, the child remained unresponsive, unyielding to Andreth's desperate attempts. Placing her ear against the infant's red, miniature chest. Life burst from the infant, cries for comfort shrieked from its mouth.

  "My child..." Variel's hushed voice permeated the air as she stirred once more. Andreth, summoning her inner strength, composed herself and rose to her feet. Variel extended her arms expectantly, a glimmer of hope adorning her weary face. With utmost care, Andreth brought the baby to her mother's waiting embrace, tenderly cradling her against Variel's breast. The cries soon quieted as the infant felt its mother's warmth, seeking replenishment from her.

  "She is... a treasure, beloved by the Valar," Variel whispered, her gaze fixed lovingly upon the precious child nestled against her bosom. Andreth, her heart deeply troubled, could only nod in response.

  "Her name shall be Hirwen," Variel continued, her voice a tired murmur. "For she bears the heart of a valiant warrior,"

  "Tis a beautiful name," Andreth croaked, her words laden with raw emotion as she surrendered to sudden tears that she had not expected. Overcome by the moment.

  "Let not your heart be sad... sweet Andreth," Variel whispered, her countenance graced by a gentle, unwavering smile. "No greater gift could I bestow to you, now I am complete... but you...," she paused, her voice barely above a breath. "A grander fate awaits you, full of blissful happiness... far from this world," 

  Overwhelmed, Andreth's tears turned to weeps as she tenderly clasped Variel's hand, weeping into it. Her mother and the attending maidens joined in her tears, forming a circle around the fair and noble lady.

  A serene, dying smile lingered upon Variel's lips as she finally reclined, her gaze fixed upon the flying birds through the opened window. She blinked, as if capturing fleeting moments in her mind, and softly spoke, "Life... 'tiss such a cruel, gift... too few sunlit days... too few... memories," With a final breath, Variel's soft smile faded as she gradually succumbed to the embrace of eternal slumber, her baby cradled against her breast.

   Variel, the noble and courageous lady, succumbed to her fate that day, leaving behind a void that could never be filled. The weight of sorrow hung heavy upon Ladros, as they mourned the loss of a beautiful life, so sweet and good, the extinguishment of a precious, nascent flame, never to be rekindled 

   Bregor, consumed by an immeasurable sorrow, found himself adrift. In the depths of his grief, he turned to the solace of parchment and quill, penning a heartfelt missive to Felagund, beseeching him for a favour. His words, laden with the weight of a shattered soul, brought the noble lord to undertake a solemn duty—transporting the hallowed remains of Variel to the sacred grounds of Norgothrond, where a clandestine sepulchre awaited, one in which she could find eternal repose. The remembrance of Variel's presence had become an unbearable burden, a relentless ache that he could no longer endure.

   With profound dignity, Felagund cradled Variel's lifeless form, bestowing upon her a burial befitting her regal spirit. In a secluded enclave within his kingdom, known solely to him, he laid her to rest with dignity. With his own hands. Interring her remains in a bed of flowers, ensuring that her final sanctuary would forever remain a secret whispered only by the winds of Norgothrond.

 

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Ladros

384 A.D

 

   With an ostentatious display, the flamboyant lord and his grand retinue galloped into the keep of Boromir, their thunderous arrival causing chaos in the bustling marketplace Stalls were upended, and fruits and vegetables tumbled haphazardly in their wake. Bedecked in resplendent armour, the lord himself wore a helmet adorned with large, vibrant feathers, his eagerness akin to an unruly bull unleashed in search of a mate. Bregor, seated on the keep's outer stairs lost in contemplation, observed the spectacle with disdain as the men dismounted at the foot of the stairs.

  The flamboyant knight, however, proved to be the epitome of clumsiness. Bregor arched an eyebrow as he silently witnessed the lord struggle to free his foot from the stirrup, resulting in an ungainly hopping motion. His cloak flapped and flopped, and it swirled in the vibrant wind as he fought with its enclosing grasp over his head while still hopping to free his foot. The cape obscured his vision, while his men rushed to assist him. Finally freed from the stirrup, the knight steadied his feet, pushing away his men in an attempt to regain a semblance of regal composure, hoping no one had borne witness to his embarrassing predicament.

  "You there! Guardsbody! Come hither at once!" The knight called out to Bregor. Unmoved, Bregor took a slow draw from his pipe, deliberately disregarding the knight's command. Infuriated by this direct disregard, the knight removed his helmet, revealing a youthful countenance adorned with ribbons and braids woven into his fair hair. A similarly ribboned and braided dark beard adorned his face. Handsome, though he may be, his features contorted with indignation.

  "How dare you dismiss me, worm! Such insolence shall not go unpunished! Come here immediately, I need not repeat myself thrice!" The knight bellowed in his high-pitched voice.

  Suppressing a sigh, Bregor calmly rose from his seat and descended the stairs. His stoic expression and dark countenance remained unfazed, undeterred by the towering presence of the lord before him.

  "What is your business here, wanderer?" Bregor asked, his voice devoid of emotion as he stood face-to-face with the knight.

  "You insolent wretch! I am a prince and you shall address me with the respect I am owed and my proposal of marriage to the Lady Andreth is not knowledge that is known to you and you will indeed not know why I am here! I shall ensure that your lord will strip you of your position! Now, assist my men in carrying my belongings into the keep. The lord of this keep is expecting my arrival with ardent enthusiasm!"

  "Oh?" Bregor replied, a hint of sardonic amusement lacing his words. In response, a leather glove swiftly met Bregor's face, and the knight delivered a resounding slap. 

  "Once again, you insult me with your profound ignorance! Pray, do your eyes not hear what your mouth sees?" He sneered, his voice dripping with exaggerated haughtiness. He paused, his eyes darting about in a desperate search for the right words. "Do your... eyes... behold.. what... umm," He stammered, his thoughts crumbling before him. Bregor, unable to contain his amusement, allowed a subtle smile to grace his lips, delighting in the knight's futile struggle to express himself with elegance.

  "Are you content to remain like a mute beast of burden?" the knight bellowed, his frustration piercing through his attempts at sophistication. Bregor's gaze bore into him, a mixture of amusement and subtle mockery twinkling in his eyes,

  "Follow me," Bregor hissed with a flick of his head, his voice laced with sardonic disdain, and led the knight, and his bemused retinue up the steps and into the keep.

   Upon entering, he was greeted by a large warm fire and curious faces. 

  "With utmost regret, I find that the abode of the house of Boromir does not quite match the expectations I had envisioned," he declared with a resonant voice, casting his gaze upon the surroundings. "Regrettably, this dwelling seems better suited for a prosperous farm owner than a noble lord. My residence, I dare say, exudes a far greater sense of luxury. Pray, when might I have the honour of conversing with the esteemed lady?" His words resounded with boldness and confidence.

  Bregor turned sharply. His countenance bore a stern expression, tinged with anger. "You may speak with her once the lord of this household deems you worthy!" Silence descended upon the hall as the two lords locked eyes.

   "Well, where is the lord of this house? That I may persuade him," he asked.

  Bregor's eyes narrowed with contempt. "I am he!" He hissed. 

   "I beg your pardon, my lord. I mistook you for one of your guards," he offered his flimsy excuse, bowing gracefully, followed by his entourage. Clearing his throat, he continued, his voice feigning boldness. "My lord, I am Jedran, the son of King Jerdyn of the realms to the south. In the wake of my ten elder brothers' tragic demise in battle, I stand to bear the burden of my father's entire kingdom, I seek a queen who shall reign by my side," he paused, his hopeful smile fading upon seeing the unyielding countenance of Bregor. With wavering confidence, he pressed on.

  "Above all else, she must be a maiden of refined beauty, nobility and purity, and I have come to negotiate a proposal of marriage for the reputation of your sister has reached my ears." A deliberate, drawn-out silence ensued, the prince, visibly discomfortable, cleared his throat. Bregor's stern gaze remained fixed upon him, his eyes unwavering.

  "Why not take a wife from your own people?" Bregor  grumbled apathetically.

    Nervous under Bregors intimidating glare, the prince passed weight from one foot to the other. "There is a scarcity of eligible women in my kingdom and those of neighbouring realms," he replied simply. "I have personally auditioned many beautiful women, all of whom have failed to meet the requirements I seek. These qualities are of paramount importance to my image and reign. Perhaps I may see her...so I may see her beauty for myself. "

  "My sister will not be displayed like some cattle to be sold! Your eyes will not behold her now, nor shall they ever forthwith! Get out of my house!" Bregor roared. Glaring, a group of guards surrounded the man, their hands resting on their swords. 

  "Please, Lord Bregor, I meant no offence. What I have to offer her is a life full of comfort and wealth beyond imagining, and by extension, you and your own kingdom. An alliance woven by the sacred bed of marriage, I will care for her and give her all her heart desires. She will never know a day of want. What say you?"

   "Her hand has been promised to another, a being far greater than both you and I, and her heart desires no other. You seek women for trophies, my sister shall choose her own path and it is not with you!" Bregor sneered. Jedran seized Bregor's arm.

  "You are making a grave mistake, I will adorn your sister with unimaginable splendour. It seems to me that such possessions would be of use to you," he whispered, prompting a piercing glare from Bregor, his dark eyes resembling a tempestuous storm.

  "I have suffered the loss of my wife, the love of my life, who gave her life so our daughter could live, and we have just laid our father to rest. If a fight is what you seek, I shall give it to you! Leave now, or meet your demise on a bended knee. The choice is yours!" Bregor hissed, his teary eyes reddened with tireless grief, narrowing.

   Jedran relinquished his grip, his voice descending to a gentle cadence. "I humbly extend my deepest condolences on your wife and beseech the blessings of solace upon your grieving family." With a soft smile, accompanied by a respectful bow, he turned to depart the keep before stopping once more. "Permit me," he spoke again, turning back to face him, "This rival you speak of, is he skilled in the art of the dual? I would throw my lot into combat with him," he suggested. Bregor's head shook. 

  "I can assure you, that if you were to challenge him, even before your first strike falls, lord Jedran, your death would be swift and painful," Bregor replied

  "Truly?" Jedran jested. A pensive pause punctuated his words before he spoke again. "In that case, my quest shall persist," he conceded, a tinge of melancholy underscoring his tone. "My proposal remains resolute, and I shall patiently await your response regarding the fate of your sister, should the tides of fortune graciously turn in my favour," he called out as he departed, leaving Bregor's presence.

   Andreth would fill her days riding along the valleys and clifftops, always with Aegnor's blade strapped to her hip. In the far distance, her eyes fell upon the tiny white fragment of wall that stuck out between two mountains, as far as her eyes could behold. Its smooth, white stone surface reflected the suns bright kiss, making it glow like a shimmering beacon of hope on the horizon.

   She sighed contentedly, a blissful smile upon her fair face. "So far from me, yet I feel he is but a breath away," she whispered to the wind. She looked down at her hands clutching a her reins and a small bouquet of white snow drops that lay in her grasp. "If only father had lived long enough to know of our pledge of love to one another. It would have made him so proud." She wiped a tear from her eye and raised her gaze to the distance once more. The fragment of wall, strong as ever stood like a guard at its post. 

   "Soon my love, you will return to my arms, until that moment, I shall keep your heart safe within me!" With those final words she rose away with a forceful kick. Her hair and dress flowing behind her like a shroud unleashed to the wind.