Is THIS how you imagined the vampires?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Concerning Aragorn's black banner: (as a Telcontar and a needlewoman, this is my area of expertise! )

The banner was furled at first, so that only the black could be seen when it was brought to Aragorn. But when it was unfurled upon the coming of the Corsair ships, this is what it looked like:

...behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count. And the stars flamed in the sunlight, for they were wrought of gems by Arwen daughter of Elrond; and the crown was bright in the morning, for it was wrought of mithril and gold.

I quite agree that the reason for the black standard was primarily artistic - the gems and gold and mithril showed up best against that dark background. I have no idea if there was also an historical reason for the black standard. But it seems to me to be a wonderful symbol for Aragorn - seemingly dark (foul) but then bright when fully seen (fair). Gandalf's greatness too was at first cloaked in grey, before it was revealed in its brightness.