#haldriel

The smith was desperate never to be forgotten.

Halbrand had been struck by Celebrimbor’s determination to craft beauty, to immortalise the elven soul in physical objects. Annatar had been confounded by Celebrimbor’s desire to do his duty by the Valar, no matter the cost.

But Sauron, Sauron was enchanted by Celebrimbor’s desperation never be forgotten.

It was so like his own, so familiar, so recognisable. 

Yet it was so…

Innocent. 

He sighed, turning away from the scattered streets of Eregion that lay below the towers. For now, all went in peace. Children laughed by the fountains, guardsman lounged about the square, careless of the threats soon to be upon them. The foolish joy, the exhilaration that had gripped Eregion since the creation of the first three rings, appeared to be infectious. 

The smith was convinced those rings were the legacy for which he would be remembered. Sauron knew the hand that created them would be forgotten.

He leant backward, resting against the tower wall. The filigree decorations dug into his back, yet he didn’t move, preferring to feel their reality. So much of the world he lived in was manufactured, a facade to manipulate those around him and secure his legacy. With Galadriel gone, there was very little real that remained within it.

He could not bring himself to pity Celebrimbor. The elf was too trusting, too concerned with crafting an ideal that did not exist. It might one day, but it would be by his hand, not the smith’s, that such a ring was made. 

The concern he felt that he would not be remembered; however, was something Sauron understood well. There had been a time when he had feared much the same. In the darkness of Morgoth’s flame, who would remember his mere lieutenant? There were times as well, when he feared he would forget his plans. On the raft with Galadriel, he had almost lost his grip on the memories completely. They had seemed so fluid, so insignificant in comparison to the moment.

He must ensure he remembered what was to come. 

It did not matter how the smith cried and begged. He could not stop. He must use all the wiles he possessed, drive the man to finish the task. Promise that if he did, he would never be forgotten. 

Legacy was a powerful motivator.

Sauron would not be forgotten. His name would be etched in the stars alongside the Valar.

New sketch: I’m calling it “Breaking The Silence.”

This moment was so epic, I wanted to create this large composition with the both of them dividing the canvas. The sketch is only about 9x12, so I’m working small.