Final Chapter: The Lords of Núrn and the Promise of Ursa

Sauron looked to the horizon. He had prevailed against the light yet again, but it was not the victory he had envisioned nor hoped for. His sons were slain, as were many of his Nazgul. His grand army was reduced to only a few legions and those stowed within Minas Morgul. He was weakened and tied to the will of Celebrimbor. Even more, he had lost her. The one who understood him. Not as his lieutenant, the Mouth, did in matters of cruelty and war, but as one whom to sought to reshape the world for the better.

The Great Eye turned to the far-off shores of Núrn, to where his Black Captain had fled.

He uttered to her, "So you have chosen mortality? Then diminish with the light of the Valar, be at peace in the end of all things."

Sauron would not touch the Island of Carnán, knowing the ancient spirit had taken an oath to protect those that dwelled there. Fighting her would be challenging. In any case, the fate of so few was of little concern compared to rebuilding his armies. And so, the island would become a prison for those that remained. Any that sought to escape it, would lose her protection and find death at his hand.

The Dark Lord watched as the Witch King flew upon his Fell Beast, as it encircled the tower of Barad-dûr. Soon he would fly to Gorgoroth to conquer it, and Sauron would appoint the Mouth of Sauron as its new master. Again, these lands of unrest would return to him, but it would take many years. His armies would return, as would his power. The fate of Middle Earth had been delayed a time, but such peace would not last. His Orc would never cease to attack the lands of Gondor, and it was only a matter of time before he stretched out his hand and took it for himself. For now, he would churn in fire and darkness, alone once more.

Alone…

That was his way in the end, to drive away that which he sought, chain his own allies, and to destroy even as he sought to save. To burn within his own destruction, seeking beauty and order in all things. So, the Dark Lord would endure.

As Ursa and Talion approached Núrn, the half-Orc knew something had changed. She felt in that moment that Sauron had forsaken her. She felt his magic leave her veins. With it, he took the knowledge that she could defend herself from great evil and left her utterly powerless once more. However, she also felt a seething rage now quelled, and an end to the dark dreams he sent upon her. She could breathe again.

"It is finished," she whispered, "Sauron's hold over me has faded."

To his horse, the Ranger said, "Whoa there."

The beast of burden stopped in its steps. Talion dismounted to look up at Ursa's face. She leaned down to show him what had become of the power she possessed. Where once he saw the fires of Mordor, now he saw the red iris of an Orc. He did not realize how much he had missed it until that very moment. Her gaze seemed softer. In truth, Talion did not know if this was from the corruption leaving her or from her own doing as she gave up power for peace.

Ursa breathed in the cold air of outer Núrn. It was as if a great weight had been removed from her shoulders, as if her body were far lighter. Her body felt cold again, and she was reminded of her own weaknesses and mortality. Even so, she could not help but smile. A single tear slipped down her face as she said goodbye to the rage that had made her stronger, protected her, and tortured her. She no longer had need of it.

A small ferry now completed its journey across the gaping sea. It set upon the coast of the lone island. From the boat, Talion emerged with his sword drawn. His wife remained close to him with a spear in hand, her staff having been left with Shelob. They looked carefully for any signs of danger. Ursa was not yet sure if Carnán had awakened from her slumber, nor if goblin raiders would take advantage of such weakness. With the borders in peril, the couple did best to avoid the eyes of others, whether friendly or otherwise. The only certainty was with Ursa's goblins in Amdir as all were loyal and unbranded.

After an hour of traveling, they drew close to the sanctuary. They saw the white walls of Amdir glowing as sun beams radiated upon it. On the top of the wall, a soldier blew on a horn of Gondor. A trumpet played as the lords of Amdir arrived together at last. The wooden gates of the fortress offered them passage. Inside, dozens of guards now blocked the way. Suddenly, a single man pushed his way through. He had a long shaggy beard and messy, unwashed hair that reached his shoulders. He gazed widely at the pair standing before the gateway. His jaw now hung low as he took in the sight before him.

"Ursa!" he yelled out.

"Father!" said Ursa with great joy in her heart.

"I thought you had perished in battle."

Orison's arms wrapped tightly around his daughter. Ursa shut her eyes as she felt his love pour over her. In that moment, although they could never see eye to eye, his love made all the difference. It closed the gap that had been growing between them. In the arms of her father, Ursa felt the love only a parent can give. She knew he could not escape his own resentment of goblins, but even so, he was her father. At last, he pulled away and looked at both of them.

Ursa asked, "Is Inga safe?"

"She is. She has grown so much since you last saw her."

Talion then asked Orison, "Orison… what has become of Queen Marwen and Lady Lithariel? We saw great pillars of smoke rising from Fort Morn. What has happened?"

Orision's eyes grew grave now as the joy left his countenance.

"The Witch King scoured it. He executed Queen Marwen and took control of the Orc there. The only respite is that he did not lay waste to the island. His Orc secure the coast, but no ship has come to these shores."

Ursa said, "He intends to leave the Island unscathed, lest he unleash the fury of Carnán upon him. Even so… how can Queen Marwen be dead?"

"Come," said her father, "I will take you to the new queen."

Beyond the gate, was a small town. Cottages outlined it as did small guard posts. However, it was less of a fortress and more of a city wall. Amdir was not made for siege as the Warchiefs' fortresses were. It was made for beauty. It was made for the peasants rather than for soldiers. Small houses were built all about to support the families. Acres of crops surrounded them. The farther they walked into Amdir, the closer they appeared towards Ursa's palace. There were many tents where the people of the tribes sought refuge while others went about building their new lodging.

Built around the wall was the main town with the armory, stockades, taverns, and merchant stalls. As they reached it, Talion found himself in awe. He saw Orc and Man alike bartering. These were the Orc and tribesmen that had chosen to give up life on the mainland and accepted this land without borders. As such, they were the pioneers of a new kingdom, small as it was. Up ahead, the Ranger saw the palace a little more closely. It stood atop a long flight of white steps behind a barred iron gate. Four round towers stood on the corners of the keep. In the center, built around the gate, was a large square tower of Ursa's palace and star-gazing spire. The defensive towers were slender with white spires and curves built together. It seemed Ursa was building them with the styling of the Elves in mind. Even in her absence, it had been built faithful to her intentions.

As the gates opened, Talion gazed inside where the Queen's throne and that of her husband stood, both perfect replications of their seats in Fort Morn.

Orison said, "A small palace is being built for Lithariel on the other side of Amdir. For now, she resides her. She and the Orc captains have resided over the island in your absence, my Queen."

"Queen…" said Ursa, "Am I still fit to be queen? It is strange but… I imagined myself as a simple mother when I returned."

Ursa then asked, "How can I go back to being Queen of a people I abandoned?"

Orison said, "Amdir needs its queen. The Orc need one they can trust."

"Very well," said Ursa, "I will resume my duties."

From the hallway behind the throne room, Lithariel made her appearance. Her long messy dreadlocks were thoroughly cleaned leaving smooth blonde hair that likely took ages to brush. She wore, on her head, the crown of the queen, and a white majestic robe as her regalia. However, she did not wear the soft robes of her mother. Instead, she was dressed in beautifully-crafted silver armor. Such material was light, but it showed that she was still a warrior ready to defend her people. It would be difficult for her to adapt to a time of peace. And that fire burned through her eyes as she saw her friends.

"Queen Ursa! Lord Talion!" said Lithariel, "It cannot be. The messenger told me, but I did not believe it."

"We have returned," said Talion, "Much has happened. Sauron remains, but he is weakened. Celebrimbor remains imprisoned in Barad-dûr. As for our army, it was utterly decimated."

As Talion spoke about Celebrimbor, his heart grew heavy. He swore he could see the shrunken face of the Elf just over his shoulder, speaking haughtily and with tease. But it was not so. Their paths had split apart, never to be mended. Their friendship was now only in sweet memory.

Lithariel said, "We too have suffered much."

Ursa clutched her chest and said wearily, "Lithariel… I'm so sorry. It is not right for you to know such loss."

"My mother's wishes live on with me," said the new Queen.

Talion said to the shieldvmaiden, "I must beg for your forgiveness. This suffering is my doing. Had I not failed to pursued him, your mother would still be alive. It was upon my drake he did such evil."

Lithariel said, "Was it worth driving him from Minas Morgul?"

Her eyes did not show sympathy nor forgiveness at his words.

Talion said, "The only good I can see from it is that I razed much of the garrisons."

"So the army endures and you chose to abandon it?" asked Lithariel, "He will reclaim it once his strength returns. Minas Morgul will be claimed once more by Mordor."

"It will," said Talion, "He cannot remain banished forever. I could have chosen to remain there for many years and to drive away Mordor's forces. All the while, succumbing to the ring of the Nazgul. That was the fate I had intended for myself, my final duty."

"'Ring?' What ring?"

"Celebrimbor betrayed me, as did Eltariel. She became the new ringbearer. I had no choice but to take the ring of Isildur, the Nazgul lord who I had slain. I would have fallen into evil one day and joined the Witch King by his side. Such was his desire."

"Then I am glad you chose life," said Eltariel, "My mother would have been glad to."

Ursa now said, "Eltariel, you've become a great queen. Your mother's will find peace knowing her people are ruled by a kind and just queen."

"Thank you," said Lithariel, "And I will find peace knowing the other queen of this land has returned. I am afraid our domain is much smaller. I hope we will not fall to petty squabbling over power."

"We will not," said Ursa, "Although ruled by queens, Amdir is not meant for royalty. It was built for the people. Their wishes and betterment will decide all."

Lithariel said, "Then I will take my leave. My palace awaits. It's not as fancy as yours but… my mother never wanted a palace anyway, and her people never cared for one. We were Corsairs… our homes were in our hordes of treasure and precious things… Not just jewels of the earth and old scrolls. Marwen shared her estate with her guards and their families, and insisted her people build close to her. That they visit her gardens, and share in that glory. I will do the same. My home will be filled with relics and scrolls of our precious history. We will not forget. Perhaps one day, we will return to Núrn to reclaim it. Or we will return to the sea and become Corsairs once more."

Ursa said, "The tribesmen are strong. I am sure they will endure the changing of the world."

"Such words comfort me. Thank you," said Queen Lithariel, "And to you, Talion, I must say… it is good to see you. You look well without another being within you. How do you fare from this change?"

Talion gazed downward as he tried to quell the emotions within him.

At last, he said, "I am relieved to call my body my own and my own alone. Even so, I miss his voice. I wish he would offer words of disparagement once again. I wish he had not chosen power over our friendship… Over me."

Ursa said, "Celebrimbor… he was kind to those around him. I hope that once Sauron is destroyed, his spirit can find rest. I hope he will not give into animosity, rather remember what he lost that day. That which cannot be replaced or forged anew."

"I believe," said Ursa, "I will go to my chambers. I can delay our reunion no longer."

Ursa now paid no more heed to those around her. Her strategists and officers had much to say, but it would have to wait. Right now, her duties as a queen meant nothing. The walls of Amdir fell before her as she strode down the stretch of halls. She turned the corner, as her red eye remained focused on her single purpose. At last, it lay before her: the doors of her daughter's chambers. Ursa pushed open the doors as if she were bursting through those of her throne room. Inside, her handmaid gasped and stumbled backwards. Upon the floor was a child playing with a set of toys set about in the shape of some sort of town. Small toy horses with knights, a doll sown into the shape of a maiden, and blocks stacked into towers made up this small domain. The child's light brown eyes looked up in wonder. Her long black hair shimmered in the sunlight. It reached far past her chin now and looked as soft as pure silk.

"Mama?" asked Inga.

Ursa's heart froze at these words. In only a few months, her daughter had grown so much. Yet in such little time, she had feared she would be forgotten entirely.

"That's right," said Ursa, "Mother's home."

Ursa walked forward and sat down in front of Inga. Inga dropped the doll in her hand and reached out. Her hands grabbed hold of Ursa's cheeks and squeezed at them. Inga blinked as she scrutinized the person in front of her. The half-Orc remained frozen as her emotions swelled within her. She felt her daughter's small hand pressing against her face. Her touch was revitalizing to her.

"Mama.. gerbblefff"

"Did you miss your mother?" asked Ursa, "Mother missed you. Father did as well."

From behind, Talion stood in the doorway to gaze down at the sight before him. He watched as Ursa took her daughter up in her arms and turned her forward. The Ranger felt his countenance dash to pieces as his daughter gazed upon him.

Ursa said, "This is your Papa. Can you say 'Papa?"

"Ma…Ma… P-Papa!" said Inga, "Errgmmmmmphf."

She began to swat her arms, wanting to be placed back on the ground with her toys. However, Ursa carried her closer to her husband. Inga's playful hands now began to poke and grab at her father's stubble. She blinked in curiosity and continued to take him in.

"Mmmn. Paaapa?"

Talion's mouth wavered. He struggled to answer such a simple question. In that moment, he did not know if he should answer it. It felt wrong to acknowledge it when he had missed so much of her first years. However, as he saw Ursa and Inga gazing so lovingly at him, he was reminded that there was still time left to correct those wrongs.

"Papa is here," said Talion.

His head moved forward and pressed against his daughter's. The Ranger laid a gentle kiss upon the child's forehead. He then pulled back to gaze at her. She had grown so much in so little time. He barely recognized her.

"It will be alright now, Talion"

Those words from his wife seemed to edify him, bring warmth back into his veins and stir his heart, allowing it to beat once more. Although a corpse, he had never felt more alive.

Ursa spoke, "Everything will be alright now."

Night began to settle upon all of Núrn. On the Island of Carnán, the evening air was kept alive by the orchestra of crickets, frogs, and birds. They played to the rhythm of life, as their great mother breathed in and out. Hers was the heartbeat of the island. On this night, Ursa slipped away for a moment of fresh air. The wife and husband had spent the entire day caring for Inga.

Ursa looked downed from the balcony of her mansion. About her she saw the town below, and ahead of that, was a ring of forest trees. Already, she missed the view of Fort Morn, she missed seeing the sea. It was nearby but it out of sight. Here in Amdir, the price of piece was to be sealed away from the rest of the world. To turn their back upon it. Ursa could not ask herself if she had done the right thing. She had reached many revelations over time and her decision seemed to be the right one. Even so, what was left could never fully heal. She could not allow it to. A price had to be paid for her evil deeds. And what evil deeds they were.

Ursa fell onto her knees now as she remembered it all. As she felt the weight of her sins crush down up on her fragile back. Without the darkness, there was nothing to hold them back. The death of her people bore down upon her. The fires she had so readily wielded as she gave into depravity and for a time, decided to betray Middle Earth. The branding she was responsible for, the deaths… Like a hateful memory, it haunted her so. The scars that ached upon her she would bear for life. As would Talion.

Even if they chose a life of peace, they could never go back to being the good people they once were. The idealistic man beset to marry a woman of Gondor. The half-Orc aspiring to become Warchief. Born into hateful lands, they had given up so much to save it. But in the end, they chose to live for the new life born into their world. Who could judge them when they had given up so much and brought a temporary peace to Middle Earth? None could understand the horrors they had endured nor how beautiful a single moment of peace was. As such, the only ones cruel enough and righteous enough to judge them were they themselves. Ursa would never forgive herself. Every time she looked in the mirror, she would catch a glimpse of a monster.

Her tears poured out now as her bane stifled her and broke out of her chest. The torment of nightmares undeterred by daylight were still near. An evil being had whispered into her ear and entered her body. Cruel masters had sought her death and tortured her for their amusement. And in turn, she had tortured others, one of whom still wandered Middle Earth with painful scars. Ursa knew it was too late for atonement. She had already paid it, but it wouldn't do any good. She would need to destroy all that she loved and die a pointless death to pursue it once more. That she would not do. Even if she regretted everything, she did not regret the love she felt for Talion and Inga. They were her last lights as she faded away in the wheel of time.

Five years later…

The small community of Amdir had grown. The world within the walls was now comfortably filled now with new children being born among the families. In time, they would begin to build outside the wall. Even without such defenses, they would be safe. The guardian of the island would care for them. Carnán was kind to those under her care. Never once did they go hungry or see their crops fail. In turn, they cut only what they needed, and planted new saplings in the place of those hewn down.

Queen Lithariel rode out from her small palace. Her blonde hair swayed to and fro through the air like a cloak. It had grown much in those five years. Behind her, her royal guard remained close. Her eyes were on the road as her horses carried her over the forest floor.

She yelled out, "Ride with all haste! We will not let these river men perish."

Word had reached her that a dam had burst from the great rain not a day behind them. Those sent to fix it were left crushed under wooden beams by the edge of the water. Possessing such mighty horses, the Queen herself set out to save her people. Behind her rode Celtes, her esteemed retainer and lover. Though they wished to be betrothed, Lithariel would not hand over her power. A single ruler was all that was needed for the tribes.

"Ride hard!" shouted the Queen once more, "Ride true."

She smiled as she gazed upward at the radiant blue sky above her. The storm clouds of yesterday had broken, and rays of sunlight now broke through the cover of darkness. It would soon clear as it always did. The light would shine down upon her and reveal those in need to their queen.

Upon the palace of Amdir, a great banner had been placed, one of Gondor and of the Orc tribes that ruled under Ursa. Sitting upon the throne was the Queen clad in long black robes and a crown of silver. She sat crossed leg as she listened to the words of farmers who had come to her in interest. With kindness and consideration, she listened to their pleads. She took in the wisdom of her advisers, strategists, and of the tribesmen themselves. She sighed as the long day stretched on.

Soon Orison and the other rangers arrived with news on the borders. The Witch King's ships guarded the sea of Núrnen, but made no advance. As for the King of the Nazgul, he had long since left that place. Upon listening to the war order, the King of Amdir gave his own decree. Talion sat upon his throne, dressed in a soft dark brown robe and light silver armor. His long hair was well-brushed and his beard nicely trimmed.

Talion said to Orison, "Send word to the carpenters to press on with their ship-making. We will not let our fishermen be harassed by the arrows of the enemy."

Ursa added, "Wise words. I fear the Orc will soon grow more daring, though none would dare step on the island."

Orison nodded and answered them both, "So it will be done. I will take my leave."

Ursa quickly said, "Must you leave so soon? With business attended to, I was hoping you would join us and the children in the western meadow."

Her father said, "Is that so? Then I will work with haste to join you once my duties are done."

"Lovely," said Ursa with both a queenly tone and an air of kindness, "You are excused, Captain Orison."

She saw her father bow briskly before he spun around to make his way through the gates of her palace. The Queen of Núrn gazed upon him as he left. She could not help but focus upon the sword sheathed at his belt, the sword of her fallen friend Hallas. Soon the anniversary of his death would be upon them.

The estate of Amdir was silent for the remainder of the day. The strategists and ministers cared for the court and the requests of the villagers. Its king and queen were away, off in a nearby meadow at the borders of their estate. For the Queen's return, Carnán had sent her finest seeds to nourish the meadows and gardens. Before them, blossoms of white and red the size of one's hand bloomed proudly. Although Talion could not take Ursa again to see their favored flower in Núrn's borderlands, far more spectacular ones grew here in Carnán's garden. Closer to the forest yonder, the vines of green and blooms of all colors were even more spectacular. Yes, all the island was her garden and she was the finest of gardeners.

Queen Ursa sat upon a wooden bench that her Ranger had carried all the ways for her comfort. A work of art carved by her beloved. She sat in peace as her eyes gleamed through the book before her. At her side was a new book with many blanks pages, yet others were filled entirely with words and illustrations. Each entry spoke of a plant, seed, or blossom she had unearthed upon the island. A gentle breeze now blew at her hair, sending it in her eyes. She slipped her ebony locks to the side with a single finger. Her hair was along and silken as ever, but she parted it well now. Her bangs were pushed back no longer hiding away her eye patch from sight. A scar was no shame amongst the Orc after all. She hadn't much aged much in those years as goblins were beings of hearty lifespans.

"Mother, look!" shouted a child's voice.

Ursa shut her book swiftly and turned her attention to the girl before her.

She said, "I'm watching, Dear."

Inga moved her legs into a fighting stance and held up her sword. In front of her, Talion stood with a wooden sword of his own.

Ursa said, "Slay him, Inga!"

Talion responded, "Pardon me? You're supposed to cheer for me."

"I'll cheer for you both then."

Inga said, "That's not allowed, Mother!"

"Well, I'm Queen so I think I shall make an exception."

"Aww…."

Inga's eyes now turned to steel as she gazed at her father. Their swords now crossed again and again. Talion easily parried and blocked the feeble attacks, but Inga was rather relentless. Her energy seemed without end. At last, Talion ended the battle, feigning death. Inga grinned wildly and began to run around the garden. Her long black hair was tied up in a braid, save for a few locks hanging in the front.

Talion now dropped the wooden sword and walked up to Ursa.

"Sorry," said the Ranger, "She insisted. She wishes to become a ranger of Amdir and intends to by the time of her tenth birthday."

Ursa said, "We will see about that. She'll do no such thing until she's of age."

Talion answered, "Oh? No words of exception from the Queen?"

"The King seems to be against it and I support his decision."

"The King," said Talion, "Would rather be on patrol with Orision. He will leave matters to the Queen just as he always has, only offering decrees in matters of war. He is royalty in name only. Given he was a Bright Lord when they married, the position of king seems unsuitable."

Ursa asked, "You miss being addresses as the Bright Lord?"

A rhetorical question.

"The opposite," said Talion, "You seem to believe it suits me, but I am not sure. So I will make a deal. Rule with scepter and I will guard you with my sword. That is my promise."

Ursa knew Talion could never give up the sword entirely. He could not bear the thought of his skills rusting. He could never fully settle down. He could not sleep without the blade in his room, nor stay away from the hunts forever. For all his hatred of battle, it was a part of him. And so, Ursa came to understand this and accept that forever he would be a ranger.

The Queen said, "If only to defend what you love, I will gladly accept that promise. In the age we seek, the sword will not be a weapon of death, but to train and defend what we love. That is the future we fought for."

Talion looked over at his daughter and said, "That is what we fought for."

"Father," said Inga, "Have Hallas play with me!"

Talion said to her, "Let him read a little longer."

The young boy of only a few years old was laying in the soft grass of the garden. He had messy brown hair just like his father. He was silently reading a simple picture book with short sentences written on each page. He had kept his nose poked into it since they first entered the garden that morning.

"Hallas!" shouted Inga, "Let us play knights."

He shook his head as he read and whispered, "Hmmmm… No."

Ursa said, "There you have it, Inga. You must be patient. A ranger must always be patient lest she be a poor hunter."

Her daughter exclaimed, "Oh! You're right, Mother. I didn't think of that. I'll be patient a little longer, but you must play when you are finished, Hallas!"

Ursa giggled and slid her hand again upon the leather-binding of her book. She watched as her husband took up Inga by her arms and began to spin her like a leaf caught in the worlwind. As his sister giggled happily, Hallas' eyes became more interested until he could bear it no more.

"Spin me! Spin me too, Papa!" said Hallas as he bounced up and down with his arms stretched out.

Talion laughed and now grabbed them both. They clung to his arms as he turned again and again for them.

Ursa smiled upon seeing him like this. Perhaps the scars were beginning to heal, or it was simply a calm amongst the storm. Either way, she found herself gazing up at the sun above as it became obscured amongst the clouds. Without such clouds, her skin would burn. A small sacrifice to live in the light.

Like Talion, she could never fully embrace peace, even as she sought it. Her mind would forever turn like a set of gears. A darkness would forever linger in her heart. She could not so easily put aside the horrors that had beset her, of the words branded upon her, and the scars carved upon her body. Even more, Ursa could not cast aside her shame.

As the clouds fully enveloped the light above, Ursa's happiness vanished for a time. There were moments, times, and days when one cannot help but feel such sadness. Yet like the clouds turning above, those moments would come and go. And such, her happiness would return in time. Ursa's arm now stretched upwards and she gazed up at the rolling clouds. Her talons spread out as she tried to grasp for it once again. And she smiled as her joy returned and confidence gripped her heart.

Ursa whispered, "Though I have won, I will not stop here. We fought hard and held you back, Lord Sauron. One day, your ring will be found, and Middle Earth will be ready. A final peace will set upon the world. All of Middle Earth will be as Amdir. My final wish will come true. You will see."

THE END.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for following Ursa's journey from an outcast of Mordor to a queen of many armies to the peaceful ruler of Amdir raising her beautiful children beside her beloved Talion. Seeing an original character like Ursa so well-received and the same said of her story, means so much to me. For a time, I gave up on the idea of every making a sequel to Ursa the Weakling, but thanks to your support, I was inspired to complete it with two more books. It's been a pleasure to write, to draw on the talented Tolkien, Peter Jackson's films, and Monolith's exciting games. And although I will miss following the journey of Ursa and Talion, I am glad to to see their story reach its conclusion. I do hope this last chapter was satisfying to you. Please feel free to leave a review of it, of this story as a whole, or even the trilogy. What did I do well on? What were its flaws? I love reading all your reviews. And I love all my readers so much. I wish you all the best, my fellow fans of Middle Earth.