Chapter One: The Life Within and the Falling Warchief

A fading candle burned within the mud and thatch hut, just one of thousands in the Orc city. The air was thick and rancid, reeking of rotting flesh and feces. Scattered about the ground were chewed up bones, broken shells, and empty animal skins that once held grog. On the roof of the hut was an opening, a vent for the smoldering fire that usually kept the room lit. What was left of the fire was merely heated coals and flickering embers. Here sat a small child of grey flesh and messy black hair. She looked like a phantom, an unfortunate casualty of war. This child was cursed, although she did not truly know it yet. Her red eyes were fixed to the heavens as she observed a falling star speed on by and vanish into the night. She wished desperately to go outside and see the night sky in its entirety. However, this was forbidden.

A deep, sickly breath deafened her ears. It was the snores of a goblin laying on a clump of furs and fabrics. It slept on the only bed in the hut. This goblin was only skin and bones, lacking any fat and muscle. Her brow ridge jetted forward and she had a long, hooked nose. Her skin was a light grey, covered in warts. As she snored, she let out a deep cough, that resonated in her lungs. The orc gagged and reeled as she woke up and sat herself up straight. She continued to cough violently, trying to clear her throat. The hoarseness of it became weaker and more strained as it continued. The small Orc child was frozen at the fire pit. She did not flinch or turn to face the adult. She feared she had been discovered.

"Why 'er you still awake?" asked the larger orc. Her teeth grit after she finished asking her question, exposing her chipped set of fangs.

"I could not sleep mother."

"Get to bed this instance!"

"Yes!" the small orc scurried to the small clump of rags in the corner and huddled in it. She curled up like a small animal as she attempted to hide her small form from the cold that soaked into her veins. Always she felt like winter stirred within her. Any heat was welcome as it stopped the shivering. Her frozen form buried itself deeper into the dirty fabrics that surrounded her. To her chest, she pressed an old leather-bound book. It was an old group of tribal tales written in Black Speech. She tried desperately to shut her eyes. If she could manage sleep, she would survive long enough to see morning. As she finally slipped away, she was awoken by a violent cough that made her lungs ache.

"Ah, you caught it to eh?" asked her mother.

The mother Orc let out a frustrated growl.

"I guess that's it then."

The child said, "I'm just a little under the weather. I'll be alright."

"You are such a disappointment"

The little Orc's sunk into her chest as if a blade had stabbed into her. She said nothing in response to her mother. Though she heard it before, the sting was no less painful.

"I gave you the blood of a strong ranger, but you're sick as I am. Weak. Frail. Like all the others. And now… now we must live like this. Like exiles."

"I'm sorry mother. I'll become strong when I'm older."

"No, you won't!"

Her mother jumped out of her bed and kicked a pale of water that sat at the foot of her bed. She then reeled over and began coughing. She grabbed her chest as she began to cough up blood.

"Mother!"

The small Orc jumped out of bed and ran to her mother's side. However, as she reached her, she felt the violent push of her mother's palm. The small orc yelped as she fell to the ground.

"Don't touch me!" said the Orc, "I… don't your help. You can't help yerself. When I'm gone, you'll starve to death. Half breeds never live long. You were lucky to be born at all. Why did the Dark Lord think they could be fine warriors? What went wrong? I did everything right!"

"I won't die!" said the child, "Mother please… I'm scared."

"Half-breeds" said her mother, "always sick. And you… if you live, it won't matter. You can't fight. You can't have pups. They never can. All Orc will hate you."

Her mother whispered, "That is your doom."

A single eye like fire awoke. The other, long ago plucked, left its socket hidden behind an eye patch. Still, her sight was sharper than ever. Long black bangs like a veil obscured her face. Amidst the moonlight that poured in the window, her deathly features could be seen. Her pale skin as white as snow, her slit eye like a snake, her grey fangs, and her ears that jetted back like a twisted Elf's. She clung to a blanket that hid her nude features. Her fiery eyes fell to her side where there lay a handsome man with a sharp jaw and a face peppered with stubble. His long brown locks fell into a tussle beside him. His luminous eyes were shut as he gave even breaths. The woman trailed a claw up his chest, playing with the indentations of his fine muscles, stopping to stroke a scar or two.

The woman turned to look out the window at the lonely moon that shone so brightly, hiding the stars and overwhelming the black of night. She let out a deep sigh and lay her head down on the bare chest of the man. The man stirred for a second. In his half-state of consciousness, his muscular arm came around her back, pulling her in close. Her hand slid up to his breast for support and comfort. With that, she fell back to sleep. No doubt nightmares would plague her, but the Dark Lord no longer haunted her sleep. No, now his whispers were with her always. At least, sleep was not so painful. At least, she could sleep deeply and soundly knowing someone was beside her.

The room fell silent as she returned to sleep. All thoughts and worries ceased. Only the gentle breathing of lovers could be heard. It was the only stirrings in a long, event-less night. It was all either of them could ask for. The world was not perfect for Ursa. It never could be. However, compared to the cold loneliness that lay behind her, such moments with Talion were paradise.

The chirping of spirited birds pierced Ursa's ears. She awoke to the sharp blaze of the morning sun. She stretched her thin and muscle-less arms. They ached and stung as usual. However, she felt quite refreshed. Nights like this with her lover were of bliss. Passion of the body and comfort through the night were still new to her. She eagerly devoured these gifts and clung to them in fear and love.

She stirred now, pulling herself up, the sheets still clinging to her form. She saw Talion tightening the leather straps of sword's belt. He was wearing his worn-down trousers, but remained without his shirt. She couldn't help but eye him carefully. Her heart raced as she did.

Ursa whispered to him, "What fortune as a woman that you are mine."

Talion blinked and rubbed the back of his head, sending his hair into a torrent.

"Thank you Ursa," he said, "However, I am fortunate as well."

He crawled up onto the bed until he reached her face. He pressed his lips against hers, a gesture which caused her to shut her eyes and blush madly. Her face turned scarlet like a strawberry as it accepted his kiss. He kissed her again and again, each time deepening it. At last, Talion pulled away leaving her panting.

He said, "Have you forgotten what I said? I have thought you beautiful since first I saw you."

Ursa muttered her thanks, unable to hide her shyness.

"Ursa…" said Talion more sternly, "Truly I meant every word. Your beauty was so that I was distracted upon many of our meanings. When first I saw you clearly in your tower, I tried to not think of it. It drove me mad to think an Orc could be so beautiful… beauty more like that of the Elves"

She put a hand up to her mouth and looked completely away.

"I… I don't know how to accept such a compliment. It is difficult for me."

"I know. I saw into your memories," began Talion, "I know how you were wronged by the Orc and by men. I wish I could erase such lies."

Ursa said, "I will learn to forget. Perhaps it is only you who sees me so. However, that is enough. You are enough for me Lord Talion."

Talion said, "You must learn to see yourself as beautiful, as strong, as kind."

The half-Orc said, "I do not know who I am anymore. Not since the Dark Lord came before me."

Indeed, Ursa had changed since then. She did not know if the Dark Lord now pulled the strings of her mind and soul. If not, then he simply whispered and tempted her, releasing her inhibitions and drawing on her fears and goals. Drunk on power, her mind had changed so viciously that day, but now those emotions receded. Even so, there was no regaining the innocence she had lost. She was aware of it now, that she could kill. No longer could she or would she simply hand the responsibility over to the ranger. She had immolated the servant of the Tower, a Black Captain of Sauron. The underling was an innocent Orc, possessed by his master and yet to save Talion, she turned him into ash. There was no escaping this sin and no escaping Sauron.

Even so, she moved forward.

Talion said, "You do not seem as cold as you did then. Perhaps the Dark Lord's hold has weakened."

"Perhaps," said Ursa, "Perhaps not."

As she saw the fear in his eyes, Ursa quickly said, "I am sorry. I speak of such dark tidings when you are comforting me. I would rather think of us."

"Then we shall," said Talion deeply.

As he spoke, he propped himself against her so his legs were on each side of her own. His hands slipped over hers and he held her there.

In her mind, she repeated here one remaining truth, "I am loved. This love is mine."

She felt some blood return to her veins. Ursa smiled at Talion and pressed her lips against him. It was several months ago that they confessed their love. Even so, she felt the same rush she had experienced in their first kiss. She felt Talion's fingers press against her ring finger, causing the cold of the jewelry she wore to freeze her skin. It was about a month ago he had proposed to her. Well, technically, she had proposed to him upon their second meeting. As such, Talion was the one who had finally accepted. Ursa now wore the ring around her finger, taking it off as little as she could spare.

Ursa now felt a chill run up her spine, although there was no fear involved. In walked the source of her premonition, the unnatural being that haunted them. However, Ursa did not think of him so. Rather, she thought of him as an ally and something of a friend. It was the spirit of Celebrimbor. His long white hair and sharp Elven features were illuminated like moonlight. He wore the fine raiment of an Elf lord and had the majestic gaze to match. He looked at them only briefly and turned away, likely to Ursa's state of undress.

He said in a pious tone, "It is late into the morning and yet you here you lie so carelessly."

Ursa said, "Forgive me my lord. I have stolen Talion from you too long and sent you far from us. I have been selfish."

The wraith said, "I have been accommodating, have I not?"

"Most certainly" said Ursa.

Talion said, "Do not flatter him so. He loves it."

"You could learn a thing or two about respect from your wife to be." said the Elf.

As Talion shrugged, Celebrimbor said, "The Queen's daughter is here."

Talion asked, "Lithariel?"

The elf said, "She said you had something to discuss privately."

"Y-yes, we have an arrangement. However, I meant to see the Queen about it."

Celebrimbor said, "Marwen is too busy preparing her men for the taking of Fort Morn, although I'm sure her daughter is as well. What business do you have with them?"

Talion answered, "It is… I will speak to you two about it once I know it is feasible. Until then, please be patient."

Ursa said, "Then please do not keep her waiting. She has come a long way."

Talion said, "Ursa…. I hope this does not look…"

Ursa tilted her head and asked, "Hmm? Oh… I am suspicious, although not jealous. I would be a fool to, do you think me so?"

"Of course not," he said, "I simply do not wish to worry you."

Ursa smiled at him, but quickly blushed. She became aware of her surroundings and tightened the sheet around her more closely.

She said, "You two go ahead. I will dress and join you after your discussion is over."

Talion said, "Wonderful."

He quickly grabbed his tunic and left the room. The wraith trailed after him, shifting through the wall without hesitation.

Ursa now dressed herself. She wore a set of silky black robes that left her collar and shoulders exposed. It trailed past her feet and hid her long talons behind their sleeves. The inside of the dress was a royal red, flashing the room with vibrant color as her robes tossed about with each movement. It was not as gaudy as the robes she had worn at her crowning as a Chieftain, but they still served to flaunt her power as a Warchief. Now, as Talion could brand Orcs to his will and her service, there was no longer much need for politics or power displays. She felt her stomach turn to rot as she thought back to her emotionless decision to let the ranger brand her people.

It's better this way. None need now die. They do not need to know. They can live life as happily as they had before. Indeed, some even seemed to enjoy serving Talion and myself.

No.

There is no justification.

There can never be for war.

Even so, to do nothing is unacceptable. I've spent my life running. Ursa the Coward…. Such a fitting name. I will not run… but I will not let you play me like a fool Lord Sauron. I will fight.

Ursa the Cunning. That is now what she was called. And soon she would no longer just be Warchief. Soon all Warchiefs would bow to her.

As she reached for the door, Ursa fell to the ground and covered her mouth. Her eye bulged as she felt her stomach begin to constrict. She quickly ran to the bathroom and began to gag. Bile and acids shot out of her mouth. She coughed and collapsed to the floor. She quickly went for a pitcher of water that sat beside her bed. She swallowed a goblet-full, trying to wash away the burning sensation that was coursing in her throat. After a minute, it had passed. Ursa was left to only worry at her condition.

She asked aloud, "What's happening to me?"

She feared she had caught something dreadful. Indeed, for nine days, she had felt sick to her stomach on every occasion. However, no other symptoms had yet plagued her too readily. If she was ill, her doctors could not seem to treat her. But it did not seem contagious. No other Orcs had come down with something. Her heart began to now race as a frightening though took over. It had happened ever since the day she accepted Sauron's gift of power. Was this some sort of punishment? Was her body unable to handle the unnatural weapon he had provided her with? It made sense to a point. She was frail and sickly. How could a Half-Orc possibly be healthy wielding such a curse?

I must tell Talion.

But she would wait until another day. She had worried him enough as it was.

Ursa walked into the main hall where Celebrimbor was waiting patiently. This hall was rather plain as it was simply a refurnished mansion that once belonged to one of the local lords, long dead from the Orc invasion that swept through Núrn some years ago. It was not part of Ursa's farmlands nor the swamplands she had purchased from Warchief Kalug the Humiliator. Instead, Talion and the Wraith had taken it from a wealthy Orc captain that lived nearby and handed it over to Ursa.

Ursa looked around at her host of Orcs.

One said, "I still reek of swamp waters. I'm gonna catch something deadly if I go back there."

"Shut yer yap! The Warchief's coming."

Ursa marveled at how they recognized her so clearly but were unaware of Talion and Lithariel's presence in the building. Nor did the Orcs seem disturbed by the men of the wild who had accompanied the maiden. It was by a single command Talion had caused the Orcs to pay no mind to the humans. The dissonance that had taken over the Orcs was seamless. They seemed themselves, they were themselves save for the wraith's interference.

Ursa saw her bodyguard and captain Flog waltz up in front of her.

He said, "Quiet all of you. Bow to your Warchief!"

Ursa said, "There is no need. What news about the swamp?"

Her strategist of sorts, an elder female Orc, said to Ursa, "It goes as planned. Another six months and it will be ready for farming."

Even though Talion has promised me and Queen Marwen the entirety of this land, it is not enough. We should not encroach on the villagers who live here so readily. This swamp can one day feed much of our army. I must not abandon it so carelessly.

Ursa answered, "Very good."

A moment later, she saw the robust figure of Talion stride out of a room to her left. Behind him was the more petite form of the female warrior, wearing her usual green hunting attire and sporting blonde dreadlocks.

Ursa bowed abruptly to her guest.

"Warchief Ursa. Thank you for your hospitality." said Lithariel.

The half-Orc replied, "Think nothing of it. You are welcome here, as are your people."

Lithariel said, "I've done some scouting of Kalug's keep. I've given Talion a scroll with information on what I learned, should you want to raid it. If we are to take the slave port, it may be beneficial to expand your forces soon."

Ursa said, "I thank you. I intend to strike soon. Until then, I— "

Ursa clutched her stomach. She felt a painful sensation surging through her. Her hand instinctively went to her mouth as she buckled over. Talion's eyes widened as he watched his wife-to-be vomiting in front of him. He quickly ran over to her side and helped her to her feet. She began to cough and swallowed hard as she tried to drink down the acid in her mouth. Nothing had come up this time as her stomach had already been drained from earlier.

The ranger asked, "Are you alright? Is it something you've eaten?"

Ursa said dryly, "No"

There was no use in hiding it now.

She said, "I've been feeling unwell this last week or so. A cold sweat comes upon me. My stomach is uneasy. Every morning this happens. My chest has been hurting me too. I feel swollen. Talion, I don't know what's happening to me."

Ursa turned to the other woman and asked, "Lady Lithariel, do you think your physicians could be of assistance?"

Lithariel seemed petrified, as if taken back in disbelief.

Ursa continued, "Although… I do not know if there is a remedy for this. This is like no disease I've ever suffered from. I fear it is a curse."

Lithariel at last, returned to her senses. She had so many questions right now for Ursa.

"Ursa," began Lithariel, "I need to ask you something personal. Have you and Talion been… have you slept together?"

Talion's voice exploded across the room as he asked, "What are you asking?"

He turned to see Ursa's cheeks had turned red.

The half-Orc answered, "… w-we… yes."

Lithariel said, "Your breasts have been swollen. That is what you meant earlier, isn't it?"

"It is, yes."

The blonde woman began to laugh heartily as she placed her arms to her hips.

Talion's brows furrowed as he asked, "What is wrong with you? Ursa is suffering."

Lithariel said, "Forgive me. I was afraid it was something more serious. Come now, Talion. You were married. You had a son. Do you not recognize what has become of Ursa?"

Celebrimbor and Talion both blinked and gasped. They turned to look at Ursa who only blinked.

"Ursa…" asked Lithariel, "You may be pregnant."

Ursa replied swiftly, "That is not possible. I… I am a half breed. Never has a half breed conceived, no less given birth."

Lithariel said, "You have lived far longer than any half breed, have you not? In a season, you will be celebrating your twenty fifth birthday."

Ursa said, "You are mistaken. I am ill and in poor health, no different than any other. It is fortunate I have lived so long. Nonetheless, my body is imperfect. I cannot create life."

Lithariel said, "I know the symptoms of pregnancy. Ursa… there is a life within you."

Talion was frozen and Ursa mirrored his expression.

She said, "It cannot be. It would be a miracle. It cannot…"

Talion let out a deep breath as he recovered for a moment. He turned to his pregnant fiancé and reached out to her. Ursa turned to him as his warm hand fell gently upon her cheek. She gazed deeply into his eyes and saw his love, his fear, his happiness, his excitement, and his kindness. She felt the realization begin to hit her.

He said, "You must forget those fears of yours. Ursa… you have nothing to be ashamed of. You are not going to die like the others nor are you doomed to meet their fates. This life that stirs within you is proof enough of that. Ursa, you are going to be a mother."

Ursa's eyes widened. They began to well with tears of relief. She collapsed to the cold stone ground as her friends and allies looked upon her with marvel. She felt her tears begin to stream down her face and watched as they collected beneath her. She felt the memory of her mother begin to weaken. Those fears that had always remained with her. That she was fated for all misery, a fate that life had always reinforced. Was it possible there was hope yet?

She realized knew then there was hope. For she had become Warchief, just as she had always dreamed. And Talion had reciprocated her love and sought her hand in marriage. Now she had a chance to have a family with him. She felt a sudden warmth come over her. A joy she hadn't felt since that day he confessed to her. It was a fragile hope that she would be alright, that life was not simply a series of failures.

"I…. I'm going to be a mother?"

She now felt her mind succumb to a variety of thoughts. Fear of motherhood, terror at a failure of childbirth, and knowing that her child was born into a world at war. However, after a minute, her mind settled down at last. There was something precious within her. Her slender hands began to cradle her stomach, wondering at what rested within her womb. Her eye focused on it, hoping she would catch a glimpse of her child. Ursa then returned her gaze to the man that stood beside her, realizing who he was in all of this.

She said, "Talion… you're going to be a father again."

She looked up to see Talion was smiling at her, his eyes were brimming with tears and pride. It was a second chance for him to have a family. As for Ursa, it was a hope for a better life.

Author's Notes: Please note that this sequel takes place during the ending of Ursa the Weakling. It occurs after the section where Talion proposes to Ursa, but before he sails across the sea of Núrnen.

One might remember Ursa was quite sinister by the end of my last story. However, as I typed out this sequel, I found it disappointing to write Ursa so suddenly and drastically different than her original self. I've decided to portray Ursa more like she was before accepting Sauron's powers, more kind and worried but with moments of ruthlessness to show the change. Whether she is slowly being possessed in this story remains to be seen (as of chapter one).

I'd like my readers to know that a new chapter should be released every Saturday. As this work is completed, you will definitely see the entire story.