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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“Exquisite,” Lastharos mused as he looked down into the courtyard from his balcony. The Elf, the woman and her husband were bathing in the pool and he could once more feast his eyes on the sight of their magnificent bodies. He had to admit the female and her husband were as beautiful as the Elf and he had spent hours watching them in their bedchamber over the past several days.

The Elf was quite skilled and appeared to be a tireless lover to his mistress. Her husband seemed equally matched and he wondered at the woman’s stamina, to endure such attentions almost constantly. He smiled to himself and thought how he would enjoy sampling the three of them before they left his realm to bring back his own set of Elves.

He pushed Sui’s head down further onto him as he watched the Elf holding the woman as she leaned back against him as he reclined in the pool, her husband in front of her. He could not see what was happening below the water and wondered if they were both enjoying the same nest or separate ones in the woman’s body. The mental picture drove him further and Sui could do nothing but try to catch her breath when she could.


“He watches,” Naveradir murmured as he kissed Dehlina’s ear.

“He always watches,” Orophin replied, nuzzling her neck. They had been watched constantly since their arrival and he was concerned for the lady’s well-being. Though moments like this, when they were safely submerged in the pool and could allow Lastharos’ imagination to do the work for them, came as a relief to the three, much of their time in their bedchamber was spent ‘performing’ for the Khandun leader though he did not know they were aware of his presence.

At first Orophin had been quite gentle with Dehlina as had Naveradir but during their first bath, the only place where they could speak privately even though they knew they were watched, she had taken them to task for their hesitancy.

“I will not break, my lords, and Lastharos is aroused by rough sport---extremely rough. He does not appreciate anything gentle and tender.” Her gray and gold gaze had met theirs. “We must give him what he desires for our plan to work.”

“My lady, we promised your father we would allow no harm to come to you,” Naveradir told her as he pulled her onto his lap so she faced him, Orophin behind her.

“What makes you think I would be harmed?” she retorted. “I am no blushing virgin, sir, and remember, I am half Elven.”

“And half-mortal,” Orophin reminded her.

“That mortal half comes from Lastharos and my mother endured his torments and still managed to have quite an enthusiastic amorous life with my father.” They looked somewhat aghast and she laughed. “They were not shy with their affections and did not hide their love from me. Many times I found them engaged in their delights. I do not come from ‘delicate’ stock, my lords.”

Naveradir laughed and leaned down, ostensibly to mark her breast. “Then we will make certain he is entertained.”

“But you will tell us if we become too rough,” Orophin cautioned.

“Indeed, I will,” she replied, reaching back to caress his cheek then wrap her fingers in his hair, drawing him down for a kiss. “If I feel I cannot endure more, I will call upon … Kidur. I would not normally say his name during such a moment so it will be a sign to you to ease up a bit.”

True to plan they had become increasingly indulgent with their performances and Lastharos had responded in character. Now, as he watched them in the pool he knew he would have them. Perhaps the woman first, then the others would be drawn in. He smiled to himself as he filled Sui’s belly yet again.

***

“We have heard nothing,” Maglor murmured as he paced the cavern where he dwelt. Erestor, reading one of the Haradhrim texts the ellon had collected in his travels looked up with a slight sigh.

“Then perhaps that is a good thing,” he told the ancient Noldo. “They said they would send Kidur if they needed help and he is a wise dog; he will come if we are needed.”

Maglor stopped his pacing and looked at his guest with a small frown.

“She is my daughter. You do not understand.”

“You are correct; I have no daughters, but I hope to when I return to my wife. I desire a lovely, black-haired daughter who looks exactly like my beautiful Durisia and if any look at her with anything but honor, I shall deprive them of anything they might use for mischief. However, Dehlina is a fully grown elleth and though you may not like to think of it, she has made her decision to do this, knowing full-well what it may entail.”

“Let us see how you feel when it is your lovely, black-haired daughter who is playing the hedonist with two very strong and virile ellyn,” Maglor snapped.

Erestor bit back a smile for he did indeed understand how Maglor felt. “Naveradir and Orophin are honorable ellyn. They will protect her and do nothing to dishonor her or bring her harm.”

The other Elf sighed as he seated himself across from Erestor. “I know. It is simply the worry of a father. Do you not feel the same about your son?”

At the thought of Helcarin, Erestor smiled. “Yes. I constantly wonder if he is safe and happy. But he is a grown ellon and has demonstrated wisdom; I know, in my heart, he will make the right choices.”

“And I know Dehlina has wisdom in her soul. But she is a headstrong elleth, reminding me much of my father and some of my brothers. She can be reckless when it comes to danger and I do not think her choices are always prudent. She may do things of which I would not approve in order to accomplish her goals.” His face shadowed as he pondered just what things she might even now be doing.

“Things of which you may not approve? You do not trust your daughter?” Erestor asked, thinking of all the things Maglor and his brothers had done. Some of them, like Caranthir, were known for their appetites and he hoped Maglor’s daughter had not inherited all of her uncle’s tastes. If she had, Orophin and Naveradir may need protection from her.

“I trust her,” Maglor replied. “I simply … Lastharos! He is her grandfather and I do not want her near him. Kinship would mean nothing to him and he would do vile things to her---things even my brothers would not countenance!”

“Naveradir and Orophin will not let him harm her,” Erestor said, trying to soothe the anxious father.

“She will go to him willingly if she thinks she may have a chance to kill him,” Maglor said tiredly. “She is as stubborn as …” He trailed off as he realized the absurdity of what he was about to say. Of course she was stubborn; she was of the House of Feanor.

***

“Keep the Dark Force in the rear,” Vetoran told the keepers. The men nodded their understanding and left to tend their charges as the army prepared to depart.

“We cannot trust them,” Peferio murmured and his friend nodded.

“They will wish to kill everything they see and they should be glutted now with food from their recent kills. They do not need to feed for a while.” Vetoran mounted his horse and surveyed the army. He felt as though he had betrayed his men by leading them on this mission of slaughter. They should never have been forced to kill their own people.

Peferio, atop his mount watched the older man and wondered at his thoughts. If Vetoran doubted the wisdom of Lastharos’ campaign, how could he muster any confidence himself?

“What will we do when we reach the next city?” he asked quietly.

Vetoran smiled bitterly. “We will take a leisurely route. There is no need for the men to be tired out by marching quickly. We will make camp every night and assure our troops gain their rest.”

It would take two to three times as long to reach the missed villages and cities at such a pace, but Peferio understood: Vetoran hoped to delay the need to do any more killing. Apparently, he sensed something in the air. Peferio hoped Crasthion may be able to persuade Lastharos that the ‘new sun’ had been destroyed. He then had a chilling thought: what if Crasthion was going to confess that he was the ‘new sun’ Lastharos sought? It would mean certain death but could end the bloodshed in Khand. He sent a silent plea to the gods from ancient memory that their friend find peace along with their land.

***

“The light is fading as the sun goes down,” Helcarin said quietly. “Dusk approaches.”

Glorfindel nodded in agreement. The light that came through the distant cracks in the roof of the cavern vanished as evening fell. Had they been outside, there would still be some light, but without the sun directly over the openings, the caverns quickly grew dark.

“Do you think anything dwells in the water?” Helcarin asked his father.

“I do not know. I do not truly sense anything here besides us though the smell in this part of the cavern is different from the other. It has a fresher scent, as if more outside air comes in from somewhere.”

“Then we are almost to the exit?” Rumil asked hopefully. He was practically on edge as he waited for the morning. He would be the first to test the waters to try to find an exit.

“It would seem so,” Glorfindel replied with a smile at his anxious young friend.

They fell silent as the cavern darkened and soon it was completely black. They knew Elladan was off to the right of their position, watching over Allase as the lady slept while Legolas and Alexandra were even further behind them in their own niche. Rumil reached into his belt to bring forth the crystal vial of light that he and his brothers carried from Lothlorien. It had been their source of light in the dark caves during their trek to the lake.

“Wait,” Helcarin whispered and Rumil paused. “Do you see it? There is a glow in the lake.”

Glorfindel and Rumil fixed their gazes on the water and there they saw a faint glow far out to the left.

“Is that the direction in which the sun sets?” Helcarin asked and Rumil nodded.

“Yes. Perhaps that is the direction of the exit.” He stood and before the others could say anything, he ran quickly into the water and swam out in the direction of the faint light.

“Wait!” Glorfindel and his son called but the Lorien warden seemed to ignore them as he swam further out. Elladan, Legolas and Alexandra joined the others at the sound of Helcarin and Glorfindel’s shouts, the prince and his wife hurriedly refastening their clothes. Allase sleepily called out to Elladan.

The dark-haired ellon remembered she was mortal and could not see as well in the dim light as they did and quickly went to her side.

“What is wrong?” she asked as he put his hand on her shoulder and identified himself.

“Rumil has swum out into the lake. Apparently the opening appears to be visible as the sun sets.”

“Where?” She stood and he led her carefully over to where the others stood. Taking her head gently between his hands he aimed her line of sight toward the spot where the faint glow was barely visible.

“Do you see it?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” she answered. His hands on either side of her head were warm and gentle and she found herself leaning back a bit against his body. It was solid and strong and she felt safe in the darkness.

Elladan’s hands moved from where they held her and he dragged his fingers lightly over her throat and shoulders then down her arms to her hands. Entwining his fingers with hers he brought both of their hands up to her waist so his arms encircled her and rested his head next to hers as he watched the faint dot that was Rumil getting closer and closer to the light.

“He’s crazy,” Alex muttered as she watched him go. She put her hand on Legolas’ chest and turned to him. “We’re not just going to let him go out there alone are we?”

“No,” her husband replied and started into the water.

Helcarin put his hand on the prince’s shoulder and shook his head.

“No, Legolas, I will go for him. You remain here with your bow in case it is needed.” He quickly ran out into the rapidly darkening water and began to swim after their friend.

Rumil swam quickly and smoothly toward the glow. If the exit was here, he would go through it and see where it came out then return to tell the others; but he would not linger. He had to find Haldir and then go after Orophin. Together they would kill Lastharos and he could go back to Vanurion’s keep and tell Charika she had nothing else to fear; that she was free to acknowledge her son and be his mother.

He could not tell where the wall of the cave was and the glow seemed to begin just below him. Taking several deep breaths then holding the last, Rumil dove beneath the inky waters.

The soft light was ahead of him, diffused by the water. He could not see the bottom of the lake and so concentrated on following the light. It seemed to sparkle with many different colors and he knew that phenomenon occurred when there was sunlight shining through the water. His strokes were smooth and powerful as he sped through the water toward the light.

Suddenly something loomed ahead of him just to his left. Its head was like that of an eagle and the body like that of a large serpent or fish though it had claws that clutched a rock of some sort on which it perched. It took him a second to realize he was staring at a statue and the stone it held was a pillar upon which the statue sat. Looking around, Rumil saw he was surrounded by gleaming buildings, columns and statues through which he was swimming. The light seemed to reflect off of every surface and different colors glittered under the water.

As much as he wished to explore this underwater sight, he knew he needed to swim on to the surface somewhere. He could not hold his breath indefinitely. He kicked purposefully and swam toward where the glow was brightest.

The light became almost blinding the closer he got and he soon saw that it was being reflected and magnified through a great crystal sphere sitting atop what appeared to be an enormous four-pronged stand made of silver or mithril. He reached out and touched the surface of the crystal and it was smooth and warm. He began to follow its curve upward and at its highest point swam straight up. The light was not as bright above him, but that was because it was not magnified by the crystal anymore.

His lungs were screaming for air and he gave a kick with a last burst of energy and broke the surface, gasping for breath. Looking around he saw he was in the middle of another vast lake and the sun was dropping below the mountains in the distance. Treading water he looked around, searching for the nearest shore.

Something broke the water just behind him and he whirled, his hand drawing his dagger. He sighed when he recognized Helcarin.

“So this is the exit?” the golden-haired northern ellon mused as he looked around.

“So it would appear. The sun will be completely down soon---go and tell the others. If it is dark before you return, I will wait on the shore for you. I do not think any could find their way through this place in the night.”

Helcarin nodded. Just before diving back down to find the others he gave Rumil a small smile. “What did you think of the city beneath the water?”

“Fascinating,” the Lorien warden replied. “I wonder who built it? I saw no one there, only some small schools of fish.”

“I do not know, but I imagine Ada will have a theory.” He nodded to his friend then dove back into the water.

Rumil looked around some more then spotted what appeared to be a new light in the distance. He began to swim toward it quietly then realized it was some sort of fire---a camp fire. He did not wish to meet up with the local populace---it seemed Khand was a dangerous place for Elves---and so began to swim in the opposite direction.

He had only been swimming for a moment when he heard a voice call to him.

“Rumil?”


Crasthion left his prisoners and walked away far along the shore of the lake. He needed to get away from them; their words were meant to drive him to treason. Finding a natural formation of stones which jutted into the lake like a jetty, he climbed along them until he reached the end and there he sat, looking over the water as the son dropped lower and lower in the sky. He needed to think.

Gazing down into the waters around him Crasthion remembered his father’s story of the city beneath the lake. He found himself wishing he could hear the singing for he would gladly go to them, become one of the beautiful beings that dwelt in the depths of the water.

The setting sunlight glittered on the tiny wavelets on the surface of the lake and the angle of the light made them look like many different colors floating on the water. It was so peaceful here, so serene. It was hard to believe such beauty could exist when the rest of Khand was being destroyed on the whim of a madman---a madman who had been responsible for the death of his mother, his sister and ultimately his father.

“Nanaia, Tataia,” he said softly, the Khandun words for Mother and Father. “Please, take me to that beautiful place where you wait. Take me and my household so that they will not suffer.”

As if in answer to his plea, a beautiful, golden being broke the surface of the lake, surrounded by the glow of the millions of multicolored lights.


“This fish is not bad,” Elrohir commented as he and Haldir finished their meal.

“It is edible,” the blonde ellon replied, looking at his now empty stick. “This point is sharp; we can use it as a weapon.”

“Yes, and who will we use it on? We cannot kill Crasthion at a distance. He has the keys to unlock our bonds.” Elrohir sat back and stared out over the lake glumly. “And in any case, I do not truly wish to see him dead.”

“It may be the kindest thing if his fate is as gruesome as he seems to think it will be,” Haldir replied, sitting back next to his friend.

“There is still a chance he will be able to help us rescue Erestor if Orophin and Naveradir have not already done so. He may get us close enough to that tyrant to kill him.”

Haldir nodded at Elrohir’s words. “I suppose he can be spared, but only if he helps us.”

Elrohir sighed. “Do not judge him so harshly, my friend. He is as much a pawn of Lastharos as any other.”

“I suppose you are ri---.” Haldir’s words were cut off as his gaze became fixed on a point far out in the middle of the lake. Something had broken the surface and was just floating there.

He nudged Elrohir and pointed and the other ellon followed the direction Haldir indicated.

“What is it?” Haldir asked softly. “Was Crasthion’s father telling the truth, not simply spinning a tale for his son?”

“I do not know. It would seem---.” Elrohir suddenly stood, dragging Haldir with him. “Look! It is your brother!”

Haldir frowned and concentrated then broke into a smile.

“Rumil!” he called, just loud enough for Elven hearing to pick it up.