Tears of the Valar.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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The snow vanished at the lower elevations and soon the party from Rhun found itself in a beautiful valley surrounded on three sides by the forbidding mountains. Ancient trees dotted the landscape, towering over lush grasslands and a narrow river rushing from the mountains and flowing northward toward what Naveradir told them was the Sea of Helcar.

Fruit trees grew in abundance and they found bushes with various berries as well. Fish were plentiful in the river and their horses enjoyed the fragrant grasses on which to graze. Glorfindel looked around with a slight smile. Elrohir noticed and raised a quizzical brow.

“It reminds me of home,” the Golden Lord replied.

“Really? Imladris is more rugged than this place, I think,” the dark-haired ellon replied.

Glorfindel laughed. “No, I meant Aman. This place looks very much like some of the fields of Valinor.”

The others were silent as they took in the beautiful surroundings, pondering the ancient Elf’s words. None of the others had yet seen the Blessed Realm, and some knew they never would. That Glorfindel had dwelt in Valinor, had seen the light of the Two Trees, was something all knew on an intellectual level; but hearing him speaking of the Undying Lands with such familiarity made them acutely aware of just how old he was and all the things he had seen and done.

Elladan and Elrohir thought of their parents, now together in Aman and smiled at each other, thinking how happy they likely were now that they were together in such a beautiful place. The twins did not yet know if they would ever take a ship into the west and knew their sister would not. There was still so much more to do here and they could not bear to leave just yet.

“How did you ever choose to leave such a lovely and peaceful place?” Vanurion asked Glorfindel.

The ellon smiled.

“I followed my kinsman to do what I thought was right. Perhaps it was the will of the Valar that we return even though they had forbidden it. Certainly we managed to do some good once our more impetuous kin settled themselves.”

The next few days were pleasant and peaceful as the group made its way through the valley, following the river. Soon they could smell the sea in the distance and even Alexandra had to admit to some excitement about finding the waters. She had no particular attachment to it as the others did, but the simple mystery of it was enough to at least garner some curiosity on her part.

Helcarin could feel excitement building. He had been drawn here and now he was close to achieving his goal. But what then? He would find the waters, then simply leave? He did not know and it nagged at his mind. Why would his mother---who by all accounts was not an Elf---send him on this quest?

He looked around at his companions; if this quest turned out to be simply a whim, what if something happened to them? Orophin had already faced death in the clawed tentacles of the swamp beast and several others had risked their lives to save him, not just Helcarin. What if he had gone to Mandos? Helcarin did not want that responsibility on his conscience. What if his friends suffered because of his desire to simply see something before departing for Valinor?

Glorfindel and Erestor both rode up on either side of their son. As fathers, they could sense the tension and beginnings of doubt in him.

“We are nearing our goal,” Erestor said quietly. “Do you feel anything more that leads you to understand this desire to seek the Sacred Waters?”

Helcarin shook his head. “I know no more now than I did when we set out.” He looked up at the two Elves who had raised him. “Orophin could have passed on to Mandos as could you, ada,” he nodded to Erestor, “Legolas and his wife. Is it worth risking the lives of others simply to satisfy my curiosity?”

Glorfindel shook his head and smiled. “You are not simply satisfying your curiosity, my son. You have been specifically sent here at this time and to this place. The Valar would not have asked you to seek the waters if it was not their will.”

“But how do I know it is their will?”

“What does your heart tell you?” Erestor asked gently.

Helcarin was quiet as he considered the question. Finally he looked up.

“It is a desire that demands to be satisfied. I feel as though it is imperative I get there. I do not know what I will do once there, but … but a part of me is convinced I will be told. I feel it is important not only to me, but to … someone else, though I do not know who.”

“Then do not question it,” Glorfindel advised. “The Valar sent you on this journey for a reason they will reveal to you when the time is right. For now, simply trust that they will not guide you astray.”

“But what if something happens to any of you? What if you die or … or worse?” The specter of Lastharos hung over everything and he feared the monster would somehow harm his kin. From what Legolas, Naveradir and Vanurion had said, the Khandun was insane and seemed to specifically desire to possess an Elf so he could simply destroy and corrupt one of the Firstborn.

“We are all here by choice, Helcarin. If anything happens to anyone, it is because it is their destiny, not through any fault of yours.” Erestor could see just how young their son actually was. The doubts, the insecurities were normal and he smiled reassuringly. “Had I not accompanied you east, I would not now be bound to my wife---I would have continued to live a solitary existence. And the knowledge that has been gained---Helcarin, I must thank you for inspiring me to accompany you. Precious gifts have been bestowed because of you.”

“Do not forget laying to rest the souls of Goroth’s victims, protecting Charika and giving Naveradir the chance to take corporeal form again. None of those things would have happened had you not brought us to Rhun,” Glorfindel added with a smile. “And I do not think that family we rescued and took to the healers would say our presence was insignificant.”

Helcarin smiled ruefully. “I know you are right, ada. And I would have never known Pomea had I not come here.” His gaze went to where the dark-haired elleth was riding next to Sarendir and Cunion, laughing at some tale they were telling Saelbeth, Elladan and Elrohir.

“Indeed,” Glorfindel replied with a slight chuckle. “You have received a precious gift as well.”

Helcarin took comfort in his fathers’ words. They were ancient and wise ellyn and he knew they would not simply say things only to reassure him. They had always been honest with him when he asked their advice.


Orophin rode next to Alexandra, who seemed to be avoiding everyone. Legolas was deep in conversation with Vanurion and Haldir, and Rumil was in the lead with Naveradir.

“I have not taken the opportunity yet to thank you,” he told the woman who looked up at him as if startled by his presence.

“Thank me? For what?”

“For coming to my rescue,” he answered with a slight smile.

She shook her head. “I simply tried to get that thing off of you. Besides I couldn’t shoot at it so I figured it was the safer thing for me to do. And you have rescued me more times than I can count.” Indeed, Orophin had protected Alexandra from harm on more than one occasion, and had risked his life to find her and take her to safety. Not only that, he had been quite a good friend to her since she had been in Middle-Earth, becoming a confidant second only to her husband in her heart.

Orophin did not respond immediately. In his mind, he recalled every time he had seen her in danger and how his heart had been anxious for her safety; how he had held her in a protective and comforting embrace in order to shield her from danger; how each time he had turned her over to the arms of her husband and had seen their joy and love.

Alexandra looked at her friend curiously. He was strangely silent and seemed sad.

“Orophin? What’s wrong? Have I said something distressing?”

He looked at her and smiled. “Not at all. I was simply thinking how interesting this journey has been and for once, you have remained out of trouble.”

She wrinkled her nose and gave an unladylike snort. “Go ahead and rub it in. I know I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”

“On the contrary, you are worth all the trouble in the world,” he told her gallantly.

She laughed and shook her head. “Thank you. You know just how to cheer me up.”

“I am glad,” he replied with a smile.

In the lead, Naveradir and Rumil were some distance ahead of the others. The ancient Elf was looking for the hidden passage to the waters. The Sea of Helcar glittered in the far distance and the breezes were pleasant, bringing the scent of salt on the air.

“If memory serves, these rocks hide the entrance to the hidden … yes. Somewhere in this field there is a place you can only see from a certain perspective.” Naveradir dismounted and began to walk along a slight ridge that overlooked clusters of tall boulders scattered in the thick trees and hills.

Rumil accompanied him and his keen eyes followed the outlines of the rocks.

“Do you remember where exactly?” He could find nothing.

Naveradir shook his head. “I was the only one who saw it. I was looking and suddenly, it was just there.”

Rumil considered his words then asked, “Do you think, perhaps, Helcarin could see it? After all, he was called to find it.”

Naveradir paused and looked at his young companion. “Indeed, an interesting thought. Helcarin!” he called to the ellon who had ridden close to Pomea to speak with his beloved.

Helcarin looked up and rode over quickly, dismounting fluidly.

“Do you see an opening in those rocks and trees?” Naveradir nodded toward the landscape below. “The passageway to the sacred waters is in there.”

Helcarin looked at him in surprise then turned his gaze to where his friend had indicated.

“What am I looking for?” he asked as he studied the features before him.

“For me, all I saw was suddenly a path, an obvious entrance though none of my companions saw it.”

Helcarin nodded and gazed at the clusters of rocks and trees. Indeed, the hill seemed covered in them and impenetrable. Surely there was no way through that thick forest, not enough to lead to the Waters of the Awakening. There was no way possible the Elves had awakened in such a small place.

Pomea came to stand beside him and he unconsciously wrapped an arm about her waist, pulling her close to him.

“What do you seek?” she asked quietly.

“The path into this maze,” he replied, nodding toward the area before them.

She studied the view. The trees and rocks made a solid wall that seemed to cover the hillside. From their vantage point it seemed there was no way through the thicket.

“Can one go around the hill?” Elrohir asked as the others joined their brethren on the ridge.

Naveradir shook his head with a smile. “We just came around the hill. Our approach was from the opposite side and, as you can see, it extends all the way to the sea. When I entered it was nowhere near the sea and I recall that rock formation there,” he replied, indicating a large cluster of boulders that looked oddly like ship.

Alexandra could see nothing but rocks and trees and her attention soon wandered to the distant sea. Closing her eyes, she could even hear the waves faintly crashing against the shore and smelled the salt. She longed to go to the sea and walk into it, feel the warm waves lift her up, taking her to a place where there was no sorrow or fear …

“Alexandra,” Legolas’ voice was soft in her ear yet she found it startling. When she looked at him, his gaze was full of concern. “What troubles you, my love?”

Shaking her head she laid her head upon his shoulder.

“Nothing. I am just enjoying the breeze and the scents and the peace here.”

Legolas said nothing else, but wrapped his arms around her and held her while his kin puzzled over the entrance to Cuivienen. The smell and sound of the sea tugged at him and he felt the almost irresistible urge to leave immediately and sail to the west. His wife’s sorrow, however, had cut into his consciousness drawing him back from his sea-longing. She was sad and had been for some time and he did not know why. She would not tell him, but it had begun during their time at Goroth’s keep. Even before he had experienced possession by the insane Elf, he had noticed her melancholy. Kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes and simply held her close. He would never let her go, even if she was taken by death.


“What is that, there?” Pomea murmured to Helcarin.

He followed where she was pointing and suddenly it was clear: a path into the maze of rocks and trees. Why he had not seen it before he had no idea. Looking to his beloved he smiled and kissed her soundly.

“Thank you, my love---I would not have seen it but for you.” Indeed, now it was as plain as the sunlight and taking her hand in one of his, his mount’s reins in the other, they started down the ridge toward the opening.

The others followed suit, though none could see what Pomea and Helcarin seemed to until the ellon stepped between the two rocks on either side of the entrance, then it became quite clear to the others---except for Alexandra. To her, they were just slipping between rocks and trees on an invisible path.

She looked at Legolas who did not seem to have a problem discerning the entrance and took his hand, trusting him. For one awful moment, she was convinced he would vanish into the opening while she would be denied entrance. Perhaps it was only meant for Elves and, like Valinor, her husband would go somewhere she could not follow. But her husband slipped his arm around her waist and guided her in beside him.

The moment they stepped into the shade of the rocks and trees, the air became light and cool and the sounds of the sea seemed closer, yet no louder. They followed the winding path which seemed to open only as Helcarin preceded them. Had any of them been there alone, they would not have been able to find the way, which seemed so clear when Helcarin took it.

After an impossibly long time---surely, the hillside they had seen was not large enough for the path to have been so long---they suddenly came out of the trees into the most stunning sight any, Elf or Mortal, had ever seen outside of Valinor.

“Welcome to Cuivienen,” Naveradir murmured as his kin spread out, exploring the exquisite beauty of the place of their ancestors’ awakening.