Will of the Valar.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but the original characters and their adventures. The Tolkien Estate and New Line Cinema own Middle Earth and its regular denizens.

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As expected, the Elves took on the job of infiltrating the enemy. Golradir, Erestor and Thandronen led a company of 200 southeast into Harad while Legolas, Haldir, Glorfindel and the twins cut back northeast, retracing their steps through Mordor to Rhun. In their company were Orophin, Rumil and Saelbeth along with another 200 warriors. The remainder of the Elven army spread out to back-up the Gondorian and Rohirrim troops along Gondor’s eastern border. With Lord Celeborn and King Thranduil guarding the northern and northeastern borders of the kingdoms, the west was as safe as it was possible for the lands to be.

Aragorn, Eomer, and the newly arrived Faramir embraced their friend before his departure.

“May the blessings of the Valar go with you and your kin, Legolas,” Aragorn said as he bid his old friend farewell.

“Thank you, Aragorn. And may the Valar keep you and your host safe.”

The kings and the steward did not see Alexandra among her husband’s troops and presumed she’d been sent back to Ithilien. What they didn’t know was that she rode with the company of warriors; in her armor and with her hair pulled back in braids, she looked like one of the Eldar if one was not looking specifically for her. She had acquired a new horse from among those left without riders, and rode behind her husband’s captains with the rest of the warriors.

They moved swiftly back into the mountains that marked the southern border of Mordor. Glorfindel paid close attention to his brethren and Alexandra, for signs of Morgoth’s influence. He was especially alert for any hint he was being targeted himself. They rode steadily, pausing only to let the horses rest and feed. None wanted to linger in the cursed land.

Legolas watched his wife as they moved through Mordor. He caught her looking to the northwest with longing and a shadow in her eyes. Shelob still called to her and he knew Alex was fighting the urge to turn and ride to the steps. Fortunately, if any of his brethren noticed her darkened eyes or feral attitude, they did not mention it. He asked her to ride beside him once they crossed into the dark land and made sure she was not alone when they paused to rest their mounts.

Alex could feel the pull of her other self and she decided to indulge it for a bit. After all, they were at war. If she couldn’t let her inner predator free under these circumstances, what good was it? She knew Legolas was watching her closely and a part of her felt bad for causing him any anxiety, although another part was somewhat satisfied---fear of her was a good thing, sometimes.

One day, she found herself riding next to Elladan, whom she noticed had been strangely quiet since leaving the rest of the army.

“What’s wrong?” she asked the normally laughing Elf.

“Oh.” He seemed surprised she had spoken to him. “I have been plagued with melancholy thoughts lately. It is of no consequence.”

“Would it help you to talk about it?” she asked. “I know sometimes it feels like you’re the only person in the world who feels a certain way. Then, you finally tell somebody and find out others have faced the same thing and you’re not alone.” She smiled. “Just remember, I’m here if you need me.”

He returned her smile with a sad one of his own. “Thank you, Alexandra.” She nodded and rode ahead to catch up with her husband.

Glorfindel overheard their words and moved his mount so he also rode next to the son of Elrond.

“Are these thoughts new, Elladan? Have you been having them for a while or only recently?”

“Since Legolas and Faramir rode to the north,” Elladan answered. “They have gotten worse since we crossed the mountains into Mordor.”

“Will you tell me of what troubles you?” Glorfindel was almost certain Morgoth was behind Elladan’s distraction as well.

“I … I think of my mother. Perhaps it was the kidnapping of Faramir’s son and Alexandra’s accompanying of the child that brought her to mind. Seeing Legolas and Faramir so worried about their loved ones reminded me of ada and what he went through with our mother. When we found her …” his voice trailed off and his eyes were haunted.

“That is in the past,” Glorfindel said quietly. “You and your brother rescued your mother and returned her to your father.”

“Yes, but she was damaged---Glorfindel, you do not know what they did to her.” Actually, he did; but he did not say so to his young friend. “She never really healed and I can only pray that she has found peace in Valinor. Had we found her earlier---had we only accompanied her when she left on her journey---we could have prevented her torture and despair. I failed my mother.” The anguish in his voice was reflected in his eyes.

The ancient Elf could feel Elladan’s pain. “No, you did not. Do not believe such a lie.”

“I try, but it is difficult,” the dark-haired Elf replied. “Sometimes the guilt is almost too painful to bear.”

“Only you can convince yourself that there is no reason for guilt. You cannot control events in the world; only your response to them. You saved your mother’s life. Remember that.”

Elladan nodded sadly, then retreated into his thoughts. Glorfindel sighed to himself. They needed to get out of Mordor as soon as possible. Morgoth’s influence was strong here. Alexandra did not seem to be affected, although she obviously felt some concern for Elladan, and Legolas and Orophin were their usual selves: the prince with his customary open smile, approachable and generally happy; the Lorien warden impassive and somewhat haughty. Neither gave a clue to their thoughts. If others in their company were suffering from doubts and fears, they kept it behind their calm Elven façade.

They paused to rest, feed and water their horses and Glorfindel joined Legolas and the rest of his captains. He noticed Alexandra kept to herself, but remained in view of her husband. Calaglin and Ferevelder remained near her; Legolas was taking no chances with his wife in Mordor---he could not very well force her to travel unarmed, but recalling the last time they’d been through this land, he felt better having someone in attendance with her. Glorfindel could attest to her quickness.

“Do we even know who the Leader of the Easterlings is? Or where he might be?” Haldir did not like the unknown. He was accustomed to having control over every situation, and the Easterlings were far too mysterious for his taste.

“I would imagine if we could find young Elboron’s abductors, they might give us a clue,” Orophin replied. Legolas looked at his friend sharply. It was as though the other Elf knew of his need for revenge. The Lorien warden’s intense blue eyes met his and Legolas knew they shared the same desire. A wordless understanding passed between the two Elves.

Looking to where Alex stood with her bodyguards, Legolas frowned slightly. “I do not wish to bring the subject up with her again. The pain is still too raw.”

“For the lady or for you?” Glorfindel asked softly. The prince looked away. “Legolas, your wife is stronger than you think, especially when she is with you. I do not believe Alexandra will suffer any more than she already has. Remember, she is a warrior in her own right. If it were one of our kin, you would not hesitate to ask.”

The ancient Elf was right and Legolas sighed. Truth be told, the pain was too raw for him. But, he could not afford the luxury of self-indulgence---he was already doing that by seeking vengeance.

“Alexandra, may we speak with you?” he called pleasantly. She looked up from where she was explaining the different uses for her blood dagger to her companions, and her smile was so open, his breath caught. “I cannot put her through this again,” he muttered under his breath. “It is too cruel.”

“Remember, Legolas, she is not as delicate as you think,” Glorfindel reminded him.

“Yes, my lord?” She did not reach out to touch him, conscious of the other Elves around them. This was not an intimate situation---they were in the midst of an army. He looked at her and opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated, trying to find the right words.

Haldir, on the other hand, had no such qualms. “The Rhunian warlord who abducted young Elboron and you---do you know where he might be found?” At that moment, Legolas could have happily drawn his twin knives and slit the Marchwarden’s throat. Had he no compassion?

Alex thought for a moment before answering. “When he left us, he and his men were apparently going somewhere they were planning to stay or where they were sure of being resupplied because the ones who were left behind to kill us only had a little water and no food for their journey.” At the mention of her ‘executioners’, Legolas felt his anger surge. None of the others were aware of the nature of the execution, just that she and the child were to have eventually been abandoned to starvation and exposure.

“Also, when I released their horses, they went toward the northeast.” Her expression became wistful. “I hope they didn’t have to go far and made it home safely.” Her compassion for animals was one thing that endeared her to her adopted people, and those gathered could not help but smile at her words.

“Do you know the direction from where we found you to where you started your journey back to Gondor?” asked Orophin. He could track anyone and finding the vile being who had abused her and terrorized Faramir’s son would be a pleasure.

“I went to the southwest from where we were abandoned,” she answered readily. We had traveled for almost a full day and night when you came upon us. Of course, we didn’t ride fast---I … was uncomfortable in the saddle, so we rode fairly slowly.” For the first time, she averted her eyes from those around her. While they may not all know the details, they had a pretty good idea why she could not abide a fast gallop upon her escape.

She gave a sudden laugh. “I suppose we could find the spot easily enough; the birds may still be circling to pick the bones clean. There were eight of them, so it may take a while for the crows to finish their feast.”

Legolas looked at his wife in surprise. He had not known how many men were left to kill her. The thought of her being raped repeatedly by so many turned his stomach. As for his brethren, they were impressed that she had fought and killed eight men and survived the encounter intact. Apparently she was not as fragile as she might appear.

“From where we will cross the northern border of Mordor, we will be directly south of where we found you,” Orophin said. “You had traveled southwest of your original position, and there is not much traffic in that part of the country, so it should be a simple matter to trace your movements back.”

Alex nodded and looked at Legolas. She could see the anger in his eyes and her stomach churned. She had told him she’d killed her attackers, but now that she’d quantified them, he was imagining what she’d gone through, and it was eating away at him. The others could sense his disquiet and knew he probably needed a moment alone with his wife. A glance from Alex was all it took for the Elves to quickly find other matters to attend, giving them some privacy.

“Legolas, please. It’s alright.” She didn’t know what to say to diffuse his fury.

“No, lady, it is not alright. The thought of those men---touching you, looking at you, using your body---is something I will never be able to reconcile. Even though they are dead, I would punish them more.”

She took a deep breath. “Legolas, not all of them raped me. I … don’t know how many succeeded before I was able to get free---I didn’t let myself pay attention. I killed one while he was still … attacking me.” She put her hand on his arm. “Please, sweetheart. I’ve begun to make some peace with what happened. Now that I’m back with you, I’m safe---nothing bad can happen to me when we’re together. Or,” her hand dropped and she turned away. “Can you not forgive me? Will you abandon me now because you can more easily picture their attacks on me? Do you now see me as ruined?”

“Sweet Eru, no!” He pulled her into his embrace. “Do not think that. I could never turn from you, my love. I simply have no outlet for my anger at those who did this to you.”

“Well, if Goroth still lives, then there is at least one outlet,” she said looking into his eyes. “I know you seek revenge on him. You thought I would try to turn you from your vengeance, didn’t you?” She smiled as he looked down and nodded. “Just remember, my love. If I get to him first, his life is mine.” She kissed her startled husband, then returned to her mount. He watched her thoughtfully before mounting Arod and leading his company toward the northern boundary of Mordor.

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True to Orophin’s word, they were able to find the exact spot where Alexandra and Elboron had been abandoned to their deaths. Alex had thought the sight of the place would bring back her fears, but instead, she viewed the scene with cold detachment. The majority of the Elves remained at a distance as she accompanied Legolas, Haldir and his brothers, the twins, Glorfindel and Saelbeth to the site.

The bodies of those she’d killed were little more than bones now, the scavengers having done their work well. The basket where Elboron had lain was still in the shadow of the rock and her bonds were still secured to the trees where she’d been bound. The saddle over which she’d been stretched was also still in place. She could sense anger and revulsion from those around her.

Orophin picked up the straps that had bound her wrists, noting the leather had been eaten away in places. He raised a brow and glanced at her arms. She gave a wry smile and he dropped the bindings with distaste.

Legolas looked at the spot where his wife had been abused and his fury was palpable. Glorfindel and Haldir joined him. The other Elves also noted the placement of the saddle and tethers, and although they’d not been told the details, each could picture the scene and if any had held doubts about Legolas’ desire to seek vengeance on the Rhunian warlord, they now supported him wholeheartedly.

Elladan looked at Alexandra with more understanding than she’d ever seen him express.

“I am so sorry, my lady. I …” She was shocked to see unshed tears brighten his eyes and he turned away to speak with his brother, who also appeared deeply affected by the scene.

Saelbeth walked over to where the prince stood with Glorfindel and Haldir. “The weapons here appear to have an Elvish influence. Also, the way the baskets are woven, and some of the jars, bowls and pitchers look vaguely familiar.”

“Perhaps they stole them? Or have traded with some of our people.” Haldir glanced around, then knelt to examine the saddle. “There is script here, carved into the pommel. The writing appears to be Quenya. Glorfindel?”

The other Elf knelt beside him. He read the words several times to be certain of the translation.

“It is Quenya,” he finally said, his tone guarded.

“What does it say?” Rumil did not like the look in the Elf-Lord’s eyes.

Glorfindel looked at his companions, then at Alexandra. “Describe these Rhunians again, please, my lady.”

“Black hair---very silky, very nice hair. Dark eyes---they seemed to change from blue to green to gold depending on the light, I think. They were similar in shape to Orophin’s---with a bit more of an upward slant. Their skin was fair, but looked like it had a sort of golden glow from being in the sun. They were not tall, probably about my height, slender frames, but very strong.”

“And their leader---was he like them? Did he look the same? Act the same? Seem the same as the others?” Legolas and the rest did not understand his interest in the physical attributes of Alexandra’s abductors, but it seemed important to the Elf-Lord.

She closed her eyes and pictured him. “Goroth was a little bit taller, I think. He was also not quite as dark-skinned, but looked like he had not been out in the sun and elements as much. He was arrogant, his features were pretty much the same. He was … stronger, I think. Probably why he was their leader. He never lost his temper with his men, although he got quite unhappy with me sometimes. He never shouted at me and he was always quite calm, even when he was threatening to mutilate the baby.” Her listeners felt disgust at the thought of the Rhunian threatening a helpless babe. “He … had … stamina.” She could think of no other way to delicately put it---the man had been able to use her repeatedly in the same day. “Why?”

When she said the name, Glorfindel had felt his heart turn to ice and his stomach churn. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, but he did not like the picture they made.

“The inscription on the saddle pommel is in the ancient language of the Elves.” All eyes were fixed on him, though he hated to continue. “It reads, ‘For the Dark Glory of Goroth, Mighty Lord of the Elves of Rhun’.”

No one said a word. They could not. What Glorfindel was implying was too horrible for the Elves to contemplate. But it explained just as many questions as it raised.

Alex somehow felt she’d always known. And it made sense: the stealth with which the abductors had made their way into and out of Minas Tirith and the palace; the way they seemed to be able to ride without stopping often; Goroth’s … staying power; the Elvish designs of their weapons; their lack of concern when Arwen had suggested the Elves might track them; their use of rape as a form of execution.

“You are saying the ones who did this foul deed were Elves?” Elrohir was the first to find his voice. He shook his head. “It is not possible.”

Legolas looked from the saddle to his wife. If what Glorfindel was implying were true, she’d been abused by his own kind.

“I thought all the Elves had gone westward,” she said, surprised her voice could remain so calm.

Glorfindel shook his head. “There were some who did not go that far. But we thought they were the ones who eventually became the Orc. It would appear others of our kin managed to survive without becoming so visibly twisted, but no less evil.”

“That would explain why the Haradrim and other people of the East fear our kind,” Rumil said with dismay. “If the all Elves of the east are like this Goroth, then it is no wonder the Firstborn are reviled and thought to be demonic.”

“And the fearful murmurings of the people of Gondor were correct,” Haldir added in a sickened and sad tone.

Alex told them of the clues that, in retrospect, should have told her from the beginning who they were dealing with, omitting Goroth’s strong libido. When she told them of how Goroth had told her rape was used for execution, Rumil and Elrohir turned away in disgust. Saelbeth, however, nodded.

“It would certainly be something they would use against another Elf. I do not know if mortals could die from such abuse,” he looked at Alexandra with sadness and regret, “but if, as has been suggested, they thought you a she-Elf, the sentence would seem logical.”

Orophin finally broke the silence that settled as they considered Saelbeth’s words. “You say the horses ran to the northeast?”

“Yes.” Alex was glad to have the subject changed. She felt tremendous sympathy for the Elves in her company. What they had believed about their kind was being shattered. That their own kin would kidnap children, use rape as a means of torture and execution, would willingly follow the Darkness---went against everything they had ever known of their people. She sincerely hoped Goroth was an anomaly.

He nodded to Rumil and the two of them started in that direction, their mounts left with others in the company. The twins and Saelbeth walked slowly back to the rest of their brethren and easily swung onto their horses. Glorfindel, Haldir and Legolas remained with Alexandra. She noticed Glorfindel looking at her with regret. She tilted her head and raised a brow. The great Elf looked at his younger kin, then spoke.

“Alexandra, there are no words to express my sorrow and regret that what happened to you was perpetrated by one of my kin.” He glanced at Legolas who had closed his eyes. “We … I …”

Alex reached out and touched his hand as it gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. “There is no need to feel badly, Glorfindel. It wasn’t you who did it.” She looked around. “Even when I thought them Men, it didn’t make me blame my entire race for it. Why should I blame all Elves for the actions of a few? Frankly, finding out makes me feel a little better about the whole thing.”

The three Elves looked at her in shock. What uplifting thing could have possibly come out of this revelation?

She laughed softly at their expressions. “Hey, at least now I don’t feel so bad about not being able to get away from them in the beginning---they were certainly stronger than me; and ,” here her smile turned to one of satisfaction, “when I did get away from them, I managed to take down eight of them in one fight. I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now.”

She turned and began walking back to her horse. The three Elves watched her for a moment. Legolas managed a small smile and Haldir looked at him strangely.

“And have you also found something good in this entire cursed situation?” The March Warden of Lorien was appalled at what had happened to his friend. As one who spent his life protecting those in his care, he was sick at the thought of what was done to Alexandra.

Legolas turned to him. “Yes, old friend. Knowing he is one of our kind will make killing him that much more of a pleasure---he has no defense for his behavior. And now Alex cannot feel …” His voice trailed off and he sprinted to catch up with his wife.

“What about Alexandra?” Haldir could not abide half-finished conversations.

Glorfindel smiled. “She can no longer be taunted by the voice of Morgoth when he tells her she is unfit to be the wife of an Elf. If Elves did this to her, she is not ‘unclean’.”

Haldir stared at the other Elf. “You are telling me she has been tormented by the Evil One, telling her she was despoiled?” At Glorfindel’s nod, he swore vehemently. “If I find this … Elf first, I do not know if I will be able to spare his miserable life until Legolas can take it at his leisure.”

They followed Legolas and Alexandra to their own mounts and soon the Elves were on the move again, following Orophin and Rumil as they tracked the horses from the scene of so much heartache and bloodshed.