Gifts 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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More Elves joined them on the walls and Legolas found himself near Haldir and his brothers. Their kin continued to search the grounds and many buildings that made up the fortress, others going through the towers methodically.

Legolas noticed the wind picking up. Haldir commented on the strangeness of the icy rain and he nodded absently.

“It is unseasonable to have thunderstorms and rain,” he mused, aware of something … off in the night.

Orophin and Rumil exchanged looks. Both were beginning to feel a sense of unease, similar to the one that had roused them in the night two years ago when Legolas and Charika had been taken. Haldir glanced at them and they could see their brother shared their disquiet.

Legolas also felt anxiety from an unknown source.

“Something is coming,” he said, and the others were immediately on alert.

“From where does this threat arise?” Rumil asked as he searched the night, but saw nothing.

“I do not know,” Legolas answered, but he felt a churning inside. Something was wrong. What had he forgotten? It was as if he were at war with himself. A part of him cried out that Alexandra was in danger, but he did not know from who---or what.

“I must go inside---I fear something threatens Alexandra. I will call for assistance if needed, but be on your guard. Let nothing past the walls.” Legolas slipped from the wall and vanished into the night, not knowing what was wrong, but feeling as though nazgul were on his heels. All he knew was that something terrible came on the wind and it threatened his wife. He did not see the shadows moving within the darkness. They seemed to be tricks of light as the clouds covered the sky and the limbs of the trees swayed in the wind. But they moved against the direction of the breeze and kept pace with the young prince, slowly closing in on his swiftly running figure.


Alexandra felt fear creeping into her heart, but could not identify the source. She was sitting at the desk in their chamber and looked up as the wind blew the shuttered window open. Charika, lying on the couch gave a soft whimper.

“Shh,” Alex whispered. “It’s OK. Rumil, Legolas and the others are on guard. Nothing can hurt us.”

Still, she stood and went to the window. There was nothing moving in the dark except the trees in the breeze. She could smell rain and saw clouds moving in. How odd, she thought. One seldom saw rainstorms in the winter. The last time they witnessed unseasonable weather …

Suddenly, Alexandra did not want to be alone as Charika’s only protection. She opened the door over Charika’s protest and ordered the woman to remain inside. She left the room and ran lightly down the hall to Glorfindel’s room. Knocking, she received no answer. She called his name and was met with silence. Opening the door, she peered inside and found the room empty. She knew they weren’t truly alone in the house; there were Elves on guard and searching the keep. But in the section of the building where she and Charika were, no one else was nearby.

“It’s alright,” she said to her friend who was waiting just inside the door to their chamber, watching her with a puzzled expression. “We’re going to be fine.” Charika looked at her as if to say, “So you say. I know better.”

“I’m going to go see where the others are. It’s been a while since we saw Vanurion.”

“No!” Charika clutched her arm. “Vanurion said to stay here and Naveradir said to hide.”

Alexandra looked at her sharply. “You know his name? How?”

Charika nodded. “That is not important right now. Just … do not go out there.”

“Everything will be fine. We’re surrounded by Elves. Nothing can hurt us.”

“Then I am going with you,” the other woman said. At Alex’s frown she raised a brow. “I will not stay here alone and you are determined to go; hence, I shall accompany you.”

Alex shook her head but did not argue.

“Just stay close to me,” she said and Charika nodded.

They went downstairs, pausing to pick up Alexandra’s sword and the tatequalme for Charika. She didn’t know why, but it made her feel better to know the other woman was armed. She made certain all of the doors were locked. If anyone not on watch was locked out, well, so be it. They should have been here before the storm. Surely, they wouldn’t come out in such weather. The women settled down on one of the sofas near the dying embers of the fire and waited---for what, they didn’t know.


Erestor was quite enjoying the expert attentions of the elleth he had married. She knew exactly how to ease his tensions and bring him exquisite pleasure. His fingers idly played with her hair as her head lay on his flat, muscular belly, resting from their latest sport. Their marriage bond was deepening and they could now spend some time apart, though they did not like to. He was feeling relaxed and drifting into sleep, when he felt a prickling feeling along his spine. Just as he noticed the wind picking up and a chill in the air, a soft knock at his door came to him, followed by Glorfindel calling his name.

He eased from their pallet, earning a slight frown from Durisia. Not bothering to dress, he opened the door. Glorfindel greeted him with a grave expression.

“A storm comes, my friend,” he said in a low voice. “And with it, as Alexandra would say, comes ‘something wicked’.”

“You fear danger is coming with the wind,” Erestor said, dressing as they spoke.

“I believe something is coming for someone as it did in Ithilien. I feel the same danger as before and I fear Legolas may come to harm,” he replied, as Erestor pulled on his boots and threw on his tunic without bothering to secure it.

“And it can best strike at him through Alexandra,” Erestor added as he picked up his bow, quiver and sword. He gave Durisia a lingering kiss and told her to stay in the room until he returned for her. She protested, but he knew she would do as he said. She understood he did not need to be concerned with her safety and she would definitely be secure in their chamber.

The Elves ran through the passageways and down the stairs to the room where they knew Alexandra and Charika were staying while Legolas and Rumil took watch. When they arrived, however, they found the door ajar and the room empty. Erestor met Glorfindel’s eyes and both had the same thought.

“This is an ill omen, my friend,” the Chief of the House of the Golden Flower murmured. “The shadow is growing in my mind and the threat draws near.”

“Perhaps they are with some of the others,” answered Erestor. The Elves made their way downstairs and began searching for Charika and Alexandra in the darkened building.


As he ran toward the manor, Legolas began to feel a disconnect. Part of him was terrified of the danger he sensed growing closer to his wife. But another part was full of suspicion and a simmering anger. Goroth sensed the opportunity had arrived for him to at least get vengeance before whatever searched the night might find him. Knowing Legolas’ weakness was his wife, he began to resurrect the insecurities and visions from the suggestions he had made in the prince’s dreams.

“You left her alone, knowing her lovers were in the house. Even now, Glorfindel and Erestor share her body.” The voice he’d thought only a memory of a nightmare, returned.

With growing horror, Legolas realized he was the danger heading toward Alex; and the part of him that knew this, recoiled from the images and rage the darkness within his heart embraced. He was surrounded by the shadow figures, their evil presence draining his resistance and calling to the poison that remained inside of him from Goroth’s presence.

“You are alone, young prince,” his friend from the gloom told him. “You left her to the tender attentions of your friend and the Elf-Lord. No wonder she did not object to your taking the watch. It gave her time to indulge herself in their beds.”

”No,” he whispered. “I know you are lying.”

“Search your heart,” it whispered in such a reasonable and logical tone. “You know how they have been watching you; the covert looks. Alexandra is strong and able to rut with abandon, as you so well know.”

“Damn your lies,” Legolas said as his rational self was overcome by visions of Alexandra with others of his Elven kin. It had not been a dream; he had seen it---he was certain.

“You know the Elf-Lord has lain with your wife. You should punish him. Severely.” Goroth murmured seductively, as if speaking to a lover. “And as for your wife, she must suffer intensely. You must show her you are not one to have your affections trifled with so lightly.”

“Yes,” he answered. “They have betrayed me and must pay.”


Alex stood as Glorfindel and Erestor appeared at the door of the Great Room.

“Alexandra, Charika---are you alright?” Glorfindel asked as his sharp blue eyes searched the murky corners of the room.

“We’re fine,” she answered, noting the Elf-Lord and Erestor, for that matter, looked somewhat anxious. She wondered what they suspected.

“Is Legolas here?” asked Erestor.

“No, he’s on watch with Haldir and the others. Why?”

“Because they do not dare to bed you while I am in the house,” came a calm voice from the top of the stairs. They looked up and saw Legolas descending slowly from the second floor. His expression was serene, his tone pleasant; but his eyes were full of rage and suspicion.

“Legolas,” she whispered. Oh, God! She hadn’t imagined it. All of the evil, hateful things he’d said to her in that room at the top of the tower came rushing back.

Charika shrank back into the corner of the couch. Legolas was surrounded by a dark cloud and she knew it was Goroth who spoke through him. There had to be a way to save him.

“Yes, my sweet. I am here. Forgive me for ruining your plans. I see now why you did not object---you encouraged---my taking watch.” He noted the disarray of the Elves’ clothes and he could pick up the scent of sex.

She was stunned. He could not be serious. She sought him in her heart and felt wrath, pain, betrayal---all the things she’d found before. Yet, there was still love and a sense of fear and desperation. Legolas was still with her somewhere; she just had to try to reach him.

“How did you---?”

“Get into the house? Alexandra, my dearest, you are speaking to one with Elven stealth and millennia of practice in getting into and out of places unseen either for business or pleasure … or both.”

Legolas’ eyes flickered to the doorway behind her. “Ah, the Galadhrim,” he said with a sour smile. “Are you here to lay with my wife as well?” He leaned against the wall and regarded his wife and his traitorous friends.

The three newcomers were aghast at the scene before them. They had found the doors locked and had found one of the windows in the library easy to breach. Their weapons remained in readiness. No one spoke. What could they say?

The tense silence in the room was broken, finally, by an unpleasant laugh from the Elven prince.

“Well, it seems we have reached a crossroads, lady. What do you suggest I do? Come, wife, I need your counsel. Just because you have played the whore with my friends does not mean I do not respect your advice.”

His words sent a shockwave through the Elves. Haldir looked closely at Legolas and thought to himself, ‘He has gone mad.’ Glorfindel and Erestor realized Goroth had planted these thoughts in Legolas’ mind, but the prince’s conviction was so solid, they had to wonder what else had been brought into play. The others were stunned and Orophin even felt a start of guilt; surely, Legolas had not seen into his heart. But he had never behaved in any way improperly with the wife of his friend, and knew Alexandra to be true to her husband.

Goroth was enjoying the shock and fear in the woman and the western Elves. He could see hurt in her eyes and felt something akin to arousal, especially when he picked up the scent of her fear. She held herself well, but he could tell she was horrified by the situation she now found herself in. Her husband was struggling against what was happening, but the Rhunian Elf had haunted the prince’s dreams and thoughts to the point Legolas no longer knew what was real or imagined, a true memory or a false one.

“I suggest you calm down and think this through rationally,” Alex replied with a composure she did not feel. “When have I been unfaithful to you? Your friends have behaved in no way dishonorably with me. They love and respect you; and to willingly lay with the bound spouse of another is not the way of the Eldar. You insult their integrity when you accuse them of this treachery.

“As for your belief that I have been untrue, I know no way to prove it to you other than to ask that you search your heart; look to our bond. Have you ever felt anything but love and faith from me? Do you truly believe I would cuckold you? Do you think I care so little for you and our bond that I would do such a thing? Do you really believe I do not love you?”

“I know what I have seen,” he hissed, pushing himself away from the wall and walking toward his wife. “I would have my revenge, lady, on you and on those who consorted with you, violating our marriage bond.” His knives flashed and he had them drawn, prepared to strike her. Alex was so stunned she did not move.

He was sighted down the shafts of four arrows before his knives had cleared their scabbards. Glorfindel’s sword flashed against Legolas’ blades and blocked him from striking a blow. Alex simply stared at her husband in disbelief.

The prince turned his icy gaze on the Marshal of Rivendell. “I am sure Mandos would not bar me from Valinor were I to kill those who violated the sacred bond of marriage,” he said in a low, almost pleasant voice. “Even the slaying of a mighty Elf-Lord would be permissible in these circumstances.”

Glorfindel did not waver, but maintained eye contact with Legolas.

“You will not kill me,” he said softly. “You are powerful, but I am more so. If you wish to test me, feel free; but when you stand before Mandos, remember it was your own stubborn pride that landed you there.”

Alex could not believe what she was hearing. Neither could the others. First, they could not believe Legolas had threatened one of the greatest heroes of Elf-kind. Then, they were further confounded by Glorfindel’s seeming eagerness to engage the prince in combat.

A part of Legolas welcomed the chance to take on the legendary Glorfindel in battle. That part of him knew it was suicidal, but it would end his suffering; still the voice egged him on, saying he could fight the Elf-Lord and win; he had been wronged by the arrogant Noldo and the Valar would not let him fall.

Glorfindel, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with the urge to teach this eastern whelp a lesson in manners. Who did this bastardized Rhunian warlord think he was to insult him? He had slain a Balrog defending the Exiles of Gondolin; he was beloved by the Valar and had been sent back to Middle Earth to help clean up the mess his kin had helped to make. He could certainly make short work of this insane Elf; but he did not want to hurt Legolas if it could be avoided.

“No one is fighting anyone,” Alex said. This had to end. She cast her fear aside and stepped between the two Elves who still held their blades locked together. “Legolas!” Her voice was sharp and she had to grasp his chin and turn his head until he finally met her eyes with his.

“If you truly believe these vicious lies, then turn your anger on me and me alone.” He looked at her with his full attention and lowered his knives. Glorfindel did not step back until Alexandra asked him.

“If you honestly believe, in your heart, that I have been unfaithful, then take my life. If what you say is true, then I am the one who broke our bond, not them; I should be the one to pay the full price; not them. If they have sinned, it is because of me; and if my death will satisfy any penance due from them, then kill me. Now, Legolas.” She yanked open her tunic, exposing her chest, and taking the blade of one of his knives, placed the point against her bare flesh, just below her left breast near the sternum.

“Push it in quick and hard, with an upward angle. Twist the blade a bit and you will gouge a hole in my heart and my lung. I won’t be able to draw breath and the blood will no longer flow through my body, and there is no medicine known to Elf or Man that will be able to save me.”

The Elves watched with horror. Bowstrings were drawn a fraction further in preparation for release should Legolas make the slightest move toward fulfilling his wife’s instructions. The arrows were aimed to disarm and injure him though none of them wished to do their friend harm.

Glorfindel judged his chances of preventing the killing blow: he could pull her back from the thrust; or he could try to deflect Legolas’ knife, but Alexandra had placed the point against her flesh; already it was dimpling the skin---it would take little effort on her husband’s part to push it cleanly into her, ending her life.

Legolas dispassionate gaze met his wife’s equally calm one. “Are you so eager to die, lady? Does your guilt drive you to seek your doom?”

“I swear to you, my husband, I have never been with anyone but you since we met, save Goroth and those he left to kill me. If I have been untrue, then you are entitled to punish me in whatever way will satisfy you. But in the name of all I hold holy and dear, I have never been disloyal or unfaithful to you, broken our bond or betrayed you with anyone. Now, Legolas, if you truly believe me false, then kill me, and let this madness end here and now.”

She faced her husband with grace and apparent serenity. She was damned if she was going to go out begging and pleading. If he believed her a whore, then she did not wish to live---she could not live without his love; certainly not with his hatred and disgust. She looked into his eyes and sought him in her heart. She loved him beyond anything, even her own life; and if her death would bring him peace, she was prepared to submit.

Legolas’ grip tightened imperceptibly on his blade and his muscles tensed to thrust the weapon into his wife, ending her deceitful life. He knew the others would kill him; the arrows pointed in his direction were aimed by his woodland kin and they never missed.

“Kill her,” his tormenter said. “Why do you hesitate? Her guilt is obvious. Why else would she be so willing to throw herself on your blade? Notice, none of the others denied your charges.”

Still, he hesitated. This woman had been through so much with him; for him. She‘d suffered at the hands of demons and evil Elves from the east; yet she had never blamed him or his kin for her trials.

“Of course she did not blame your people; she has a taste for Elven cock,” the insidious voice whispered.

He remembered their shared joy and his heart ached. The loss of their bond was the hardest thing to bear. Her unconditional love had always given him comfort and sustained him through his trials and adversity. Even now, he could feel her in his soul, her love, pure and unwavering---.

Doubt entered his mind. If he could feel her, their bond was not lost. She did not look away, but met his gaze. She did not look like she feared Mandos’ judgment.

“Kill her now!” Goroth commanded. “She is cunning and hides her true nature from you.”

“No,” whispered Legolas. “I see no evil in her soul.” His grip relaxed and he lowered the knife. “Leave me be, vile creature. In the name of Iluvatar, leave me and my kin in peace!” His voice became stronger as his anger at the one who had brought them to this pass, rose. A strong gust of wind blew through the house and the Elves thought they could hear a faint shrieking sound somewhere far above.

Alex and the others looked at him in confusion. Glorfindel, Erestor and Charika however, knew exactly what the young prince was saying, and to whom. The Elf-Lord managed to grasp Alexandra and pull her safely out of range of Legolas’ weapons.

Legolas looked at the Elves surrounding him. He opened his mouth to tell them that something was wrong; some other consciousness dwelt within him, but then saw an Elf not of the west and once again, Goroth asserted himself.

“Naveradir,” he said. “Why are you still here? I sent you to the void millennia ago.”

The others turned and saw the shadow-Elf, a shadow no longer. He appeared as solid as any of them and was leaning against the wall in one of the darker corners of the room. He smiled and stepped closer to the tableau surrounding the prince.

“You only thought you did,” he replied. Haldir, his brothers, and Charika could not understand his words, but Glorfindel and Erestor could, and even Alexandra had learned enough Quenya and Rhunian to be able to understand most of what he said. Legolas was surprised that he could interpret the Elf’s words, but Goroth spoke the same language.

“Why are you here?” Goroth repeated. “Go to whatever torment awaits you.”

“It cannot be any worse than the torments you practiced on the innocent while you were alive, Goroth.” Naveradir’s voice was calm and pleasant, but his words sent a shock through Alexandra and Orophin and his brothers looked surprised at Goroth’s name.

“No one is innocent,” Goroth spat.

“Leave the prince and his lady alone,” Naveradir ordered him. “You are so weak you fear to face your own crimes? No wonder you were so easily defeated. Your entire life was ruled by fear---the fear you used to keep your people under your yoke and your own fear of the evil you have done finally coming back to you. You are no Elf, Goroth. You are simply a coward.”

The look on Legolas’ face was so unlike the prince’s normally calm, good-humored expression that the others almost thought him a stranger.

“You speak lightly of cowardice when you were a traitor yourself,” he said in a low voice.

“I was branded a traitor because I questioned your will.” He glanced over at the doorway where Vanurion, Sarendir and Cunion appeared with Helcarin. The eastern Elves stared at the scene before them and Naveradir smiled slightly, giving them a small nod of greeting.

“You killed your own children, mortal and Elf alike. You would not hesitate to kill others of your kin and that is why you fear to go to Mandos’ judgment. Your choice is Mandos or,” he smiled as the sound of shrieks sounded again from somewhere far above them, “the darkness that seeks you. Which is it to be?”

“Neither,” Goroth replied with a smirk. “I have decided I quite enjoy this body and I will remain here. The only way to get me out would mean killing the young prince and his friends will not let you do that.”

Alex shook her head. “Leave my husband, Goroth. Prove how strong you are by coming out. If you’re so powerful, you don’t need his body.”

“No. I have enjoyed myself tremendously in this body.” His eyes moved over her suggestively and she felt her anger rise. “There are so many things you and your husband can learn from me.”

“Goroth, it is time for you to go to your fate,” Helcarin said quietly in the silence that had fallen over them.

Legolas’ eyes turned to the young Elf. “Who are you to command me?” he asked disdainfully.

“One who knows you cannot remain in Legolas’ body forever. He will not allow it for he is much stronger than you. Even now, you are weakening.”

Naveradir smiled and nodded. “Indeed, it is true. When you tried to force him to kill his wife, you revealed yourself and can no longer hide from him. You will leave him one way or another. Go now and you can flee to Mandos.” The shrieks were growing louder and the room was becoming chilled. “Wait and you will be at their mercy.”

Charika could feel the dread coming and Naveradir caught her eye. He quickly moved to her side and pulled her into his arms. Rumil started to protest but Alexandra shook her head.

“He’s been hiding her from whatever it is that’s coming,” she told him. The young Warden looked unhappy but did not object further.

“They are coming, Goroth,” Naveradir spoke softly. “You do not have long.”

Legolas could feel the consciousness that shared his body beginning to panic and used that opportunity to push it from him. He did not know or care what would happen to Goroth; in fact, he hoped the Elf would go straight to the void.

Goroth could feel the western Elf’s strength and struggled to maintain control. He could not flee to Mandos---he was surrounded; and Mandos would send him to the void. He could not let this Sindarin prince cast him aside.

The shrieks grew louder and a cold wind blew through the room, shattering the windows, shards of wood and glass flying outward. Dark shadows swirled about the room and the others watched as they seemed to search through the inhabitants before centering on Legolas.

Alexandra gave a cry of anguish and ran toward her husband, but was caught by Erestor who pulled her back. She struggled against the Noldo.

“Let me go! They’ll kill him!”

“It is not Legolas they seek,” Helcarin replied quietly.

Orophin pulled her into his arms and held her as they watched the shadow figures cover Legolas. He could feel her trembling with terror and anger and kept her safe in his embrace as much for her comfort as for her protection. He sent a prayer to the Valar that they deliver Legolas safely from this ordeal.

Legolas could feel Goroth trying to hold on to him, but the shadow figures were drawing him out as the young Elf’s will pushed the evil spirit from his body. The pain was tremendous, but Legolas was relentless. Goroth would face his fate one way or another.

Goroth felt himself slipping free from the prince and then was suddenly engulfed in darkness and pain, as though thousands of small daggers were slicing into him. His last thought was that he should have gone to Mandos when he had the chance.

The shadow figures flew through the broken windows and the chill that had fallen dissipated, replaced by the natural cold from the winter outdoors. Sarendir and Vanurion went to secure the shutters as Legolas collapsed, caught by Glorfindel who carried him to the couch. Naveradir stood and pulled Charika to her feet and smiled as Rumil took her into his arms.

Orophin released Alexandra who ran to Legolas, kneeling beside him as Cunion examined him.

“I see no injury, but no doubt he will be weary for some time.” The healer was reassured by the western Elf’s even breathing and strong heartbeat.

Alex kissed her husband gently, her fingertips trailing over his cheek. She sought him through their bond and was relieved to find him, tired but safe. After a few moments he opened his eyes and gave her a small smile.

“He is gone,” Legolas said softly and Alex nodded as she gave way to tears, her head dropping onto his chest. Her husband stroked her hair, letting her release the pent-up emotion she had been unable to voice until now. The others left them to themselves for a bit, going back to see that everyone else was safe and accounted for. Naveradir was the last one out and he smiled at the couple before pulling the door closed behind him.