Tears of the Valar

Disclaimer/Author's Notes: 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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“It is too bad Sui finally succumbed,” Lastharos told Naveradir as he and the Rhunian drank wine on the balcony, watching as the stakes were set up on the execution field below and slaves brought out the great pots, piling kindling around them and filling them with water in preparation for the torturous deaths of Crasthion and his household. “She was strong for a slave and endured my attentions far longer than I anticipated. I would have enjoyed killing her in front of her master, but I will be certain to tell him how she suffered.”

Naveradir smiled though inside he was repulsed. The guards were constantly in attendance on Lastharos and he had yet to get the man alone. Orophin was reclining on cushions next to his chair, Dehlina atop him as they put on quite a seductive display for the Khandun leader’s benefit and it was obvious Lastharos was watching them with undisguised lust.

“She was quite entertaining,” Naveradir replied, reaching down to caress Dehlina’s breast as she moved with Orophin. She looked up at him with a lazy smile then leaned down to kiss the blonde ellon. “What has her master done to deserve such punishment?”

“He is a traitor,” Lastharos muttered, his eyes flashing dangerously. “I showed him favor and he betrayed my trust. He seeks my destruction though,” he laughed, “many have tried and none have succeeded.”

“Indeed, you rule with complete mastery,” the Rhunian Elf responded. Oh, for a moment alone with the man. He would risk it if only he was with the disgusting leader, but the guards would fire upon any in Lastharos’ presence and he would not risk Orophin or Dehlina.

A messenger approached Lastharos and offered the man a parchment. The Khandun took it and scanned the contents quickly and for once, he appeared nonplussed.

“Impossible,” he murmured. Standing abruptly he started into the palace. “I must see to urgent business. Please, enjoy the hospitality as long as you wish.”

Orophin lifted Dehlina from him and she, he and Naveradir returned to their chamber, confident Lastharos would be occupied and not watching them, at least for the moment.

“What happened?” Dehlina asked as soon as they ascertained there were no unseen watchers..

“I do not know, but he seemed quite agitated,” Naveradir replied. They spoke Sindarin, certain the others would not understand them should they be overheard.

“He seemed almost afraid,” Orophin commented, dressing in clothes that would help protect his body and provide places to secrete weapons.

“Perhaps all is not secure in the kingdom,” Dehlina sighed, leaning back against the cushions piled in one corner of the room. She wanted to kill the man and be done with this mission though she had to admit, spending time in bed with the beautiful ellyn was infinitely pleasant.

“So it would seem. This Crasthion may be the ‘new sun’ of the prophecy all of Khand seems to be in an uproar about.” The Rhunian ellon changed his clothes as well. Still, I wonder what could have given him such a shock.”

“In any case, it can only bode well for us. If his people do not support him then he may fall.” Orophin checked his blades and pulled his bow and quiver from a chest they had brought. He was tired of Lastharos’ looks and his hands caressing his body as he forced himself to play the part of devoted bedslave to Dehlina. The elleth was beautiful and he could not deny she was passionate and skilled as a lover. But he knew it was simply an act for Lastharos’ benefit. Had they been dallying for their own amusement things would have been much more pleasant. Still, it was not an onerous task. If only Lastharos was not always watching …

***

Wearing clothing of the Khandun soldiers, Legolas and the other Elves made their way through the Khandun army’s camp until they spotted the Dark Force far to the rear. The Elven prince and Vetoran crept into the surrounding hills until the summoning vampire was spotted.

“You are certain your army will fight to protect the people?”

“We have tried not to harm any. The only ones we have killed were those the creatures simply tore apart and left for dead or the ones who gave us no choice. It was mercy on our part, something to anger Lastharos even more.”

Nocking an arrow, the Elf took careful aim. The others would wait until the vampire was taken down then attack the Dark Force along with the Khandun army. Without the Shadow-figures, it would be a much easier task to destroy the creatures though it was still quite dangerous.

The survivors of Naraketh had taken shelter in the caves that surrounded the lake and the openings had been barricaded to hide them. Those who could fight remained hidden but in the hills, waiting to defend the others if necessary. Women, children, the old, the sick and the injured were all safely tucked away. Saelbeth had simply refused, saying he could use the bow easily and was in a position with the mortals from the fallen city.

Alexandra had been equally adamant in her refusal to take refuge.

“I can fight,” she told her husband angrily as she dressed.

“No one doubts that, my love, but you have not been well. Your strength and stamina are not at their peak. Please, stay behind to help guard these people. Allase will need your help.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Allase needs no help from me. I’m certainly no healer. Why are you so insistent, Legolas? You’re treating me like I’m fragile.”

He wanted to tell her what he sensed about her, but felt he could not. She should learn on her own. Instead he pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead and resting his cheek against hers.

“I cannot allow you to put yourself in danger, my love. Please, do this for me. Do not fight. Go into the caves with Allase and help with the survivors.”

Alex pulled back and studied her husband’s face. He was truly concerned, more than she had ever seen him. She didn’t understand what was on his mind but finally nodded.

“I’ll stay here,” she sighed.

He smiled then kissed her hungrily, holding her tightly against him.

“I will return after the battle.” He kissed her again, then turned and left.

“I notice you did not say you would go into the caves,” Allase’s voice startled her. She turned to see the lovely Khandun woman leaning against the opening of one of the hiding places. She was wearing Elladan’s tunic and Alex smiled to herself. They were becoming quite close indeed.

“You’re too observant for your own good,” she told the healer as she picked up her weapons. “I’ll stay in this general area, but no, I didn’t promise to go into the caves. You should, though. It’ll be way too dangerous out here for you.”

The dark-haired woman shook her head. “It will be dangerous, but what if there are injured here? I can do more good here than locked away inside.”

“What did Elladan tell you?”

“To get inside the caves and remain until he came for me after the battle,” she sighed.

“Then that’s what you should do.”

“You are not doing what Legolas told you to do.”

“That’s different,” Alex replied, picking up Pomea’s tatequalme. Her heart ached every time she thought of the beautiful elleth’s death. She had taken the weapon after Helcarin had carried his beloved’s body away, wanting to hold onto something of her friend.

“How so?”

“Legolas is my husband. I’m free to ignore him.”

Allase laughed, shaking her head. “So since I am not Elladan’s wife, I must do as he says? The logic of your argument escapes me.”

“Once you’re bound to an Elf, he’s yours forever. Until then, there’s a chance you can piss him off enough to make him leave. So no matter what I do, Legolas is stuck with me. I don’t have to be dutiful and obedient.”

“Ah. Now your behavior makes perfect sense,” Allase said with surprising sarcasm.

“Can you fight?” Alex asked abruptly.

“Not very well. I have never had to fight much though my father used to show me things when I was very small. Why?”

“Everyone should know how to defend his or her self.” Tossing a small sword to the woman she smiled. “Just in case.”

Allase caught the weapon and examined it then took a few practice swings.

“Where will you be?”

“Right here in this general area,” Alexandra replied. “I can’t let Legolas fight without me. What if something happens? If Legolas were to die, I’d have no reason to go on living.” She couldn’t imagine the pain Helcarin had felt when Pomea had been killed and wondered if Cunion had someone back in Rhun who had felt his loss. Legolas was her entire life. Without him she would simply let herself pass.

“Do not think on such things,” Allase said quietly, putting an arm around Alexandra’s shoulders. “From what Elladan told me, without the Shadow-figures, the battle will be much easier and the Khandun army will be fighting the creatures as well. Your husband will be safe.”

Alex smiled and nodded. “You’re right. I don’t know why I just feel … I can’t shake this feeling of some sort of impending doom.”

Any further conversation was cut off as the sounds of a great battle rose from across the hills.

***

Legolas sighted his arrow, confident in his ability though the mortal beside him could not imagine being able to hit such a small target from such a great distance.

“If you miss, they will summon the Shadow-figures to attack,” Vetoran warned him quietly.

“I will not miss,” he replied then released the arrow. It flew straight and true and the Vampire being targeted was struck through the eye, being killed instantly.

Vetoran had been unable to even distinguish which of the creatures Legolas had targeted, but was shocked that the attempt had been successful.

As soon as the vampire fell, the Khandun army and the other Elves attacked the Dark Force. Elven arrows and Khandun archers aimed for the vampires and other flying beasts. Though many were killed in the first wave of the attack, a sizeable number escaped and began attacking the positions of the attackers.

“We must keep them on this side of the hills,” Glorfindel had reminded them and the combined forces tried to do just that. They could not risk the creatures finding the refugees hiding on the other side.

Serpents, werewolves and other fell creatures died under the assault though many inflicted heavy casualties among the mortals. The Elves tried to protect as many as they could, but the Dark Force was quite adept at slaughter and they were hungry. The smell of mortal blood drove them to a feeding frenzy and the battle quickly escalated.

Helcarin fought with only one goal in mind: kill every beast on the field. They had slain his beloved, taken his father, caused the deaths of Cunion and countless mortals. They needed to be sent to the Void.

A sudden, sharp pain in his back, just below his right shoulder-blade caused the young ellon to fall to his knees. Looking down, he saw a blade protruding from his chest. It was too long to be a dagger, too thick to be an arrow. Looking up, he saw one of the vampires just above and behind him, holding a sword it had apparently taken from one of the fallen men.

The grey-skinned, horn-crowned creature grinned evilly, its mouth full of sharp teeth, as it twisted the blade and pushed it further through Helcarin’s body.

Too stunned to cry out, the Elf managed to pick up his sword with his left hand and push himself to his feet. He swung around at the creature, cutting through one if its legs. The beast screamed out then fell as an Elven arrow pierced its throat. Helcarin did not look to see the creature’s killer as the pain overwhelmed him and he dropped to the ground.

Rumil quickly aimed an arrow at another creature as he worked his way over to where Helcarin had fallen. Kneeling beside the other ellon he could see how gravely wounded he was and muttered a Dwarvish curse.

One of the serpents suddenly coiled around his neck and the Lorien warden picked up Helcarin’s sword and hacked at the beast until it fell and he could once again breathe. He could not leave Helcarin here. The ellon still lived and there was a chance he could be saved.

Grabbing one of the men nearby, Rumil and the mortal managed to take Helcarin from the field and over the crest of the hill. He should be safe in the shelter of the rocks, they reasoned, then returned to the battle.

***

Maglor carried the woman through the tunnel, across the desert and into the hills surrounding Fwaban, just as he had Erestor weeks earlier. When they arrived in the cave where he dwelt, Erestor was waiting with food and warm blankets for the woman.

Sui looked around, wide-eyed. These men were beautiful, unlike any she had ever seen. Though their hair was dark, like her people, their flesh was fair and almost glowed. She winced as she was lowered onto a soft pallet.

“Let us check your injuries, my lady,” Maglor said in a quiet, kind voice. “This is Erestor, a kinsman of mine.”

“You—you’re the Elf,” she whispered as she stared at Erestor. He had brought a basin of warm, scented water over to bathe her wounds and her heart lurched as he smiled.

“Yes, my lady. I am pleased to see you have survived Lastharos’ attentions.”

The last time she had seen him, he had been naked, bound to a rough wooden frame with wire which had sharp barbs along its length. Lastharos had ordered it wrapped around the Elf’s arms, wrists, legs and thighs, holding him in an uncomfortable, spread position. Blood had been trickling from dozens of small cuts on his body where the Khandun leader had whipped him with sharp rods. She had knelt beside Lastharos’ throne as he had tortured his new toy and had even taken him in her mouth as he whipped the fair Elven flesh.

“I am pleased you survived as well, my lord,” she managed to respond. His touch and that of the one called Maglor was gentle as they cleaned her body, dressing her wounds, applying ointments and healing oils. Maglor gave her a cup of wine with herbs to drink to help with her healing and to ease the pain.

“Do you have injuries inside?” Maglor asked gently.

She nodded slowly. “I bleed. He enjoys trying to tear me open.”

Hiding his disgust, the ancient Noldo smiled reassuringly.

“May I examine you? There are things that can be done to help you to heal there as well.”

She nodded, accustomed to men using her body however they desired, and having no qualms about being naked and exposed before anyone. Yet these males were different. They treated her with respect, as if she were a lady. In fact, they kept calling her ‘my lady’. Did they not know she was merely the bedslave of a traitor?

Once Maglor had completed his examination and treated her injuries, Erestor gave her bread, cheese and stew along with another cup of wine. Maglor gave her one of Dehlina’s tunics to wear until they could find clothes that fit her. Dehlina was much taller than the petite slave.

“Do you have family here?” Erestor asked her, both Elves watching with some amusement as she ate heartily. It was obvious she had not eaten well in weeks, perhaps longer.

She shook her head, wiping a drop of stew from her chin.

“No, my lord. I was born in the slave pens of my master’s house. I do not know who my parents were. Lord Crasthion is the only family I have ever known.” At the thought of his pending execution, her expression grew sad. “Lastharos is going to kill him and the others of our household. He believes my lord to be a traitor but he is not.” Her tone belied her desperation that someone believe her. “He has ever been loyal to Khand and would not betray the leader.”

“We will do all we can to prevent Lastharos from harming him and his household,” Maglor assured her.

“Have you ever considered, though, my lady, that sometimes loyalty to Khand is not the same as loyalty to Lastharos. If the leader is abusing his people, they owe him no loyalty.”

She bit her lip as she considered his words. But to defy Lastharos was to defy Khand. She put the bowl aside, her appetite either sated or gone and wrapped the blanket around her.

“Lastharos will kill any who oppose him. He has dark forces at his command and it is said he lives forever; he cannot be killed.”

Erestor shook his head. “He can be killed. The only reason he has lived as long as he has is because he stole immortality from the sacred waters where the Elves were born. He can die and we will make certain he does.”

Sui shivered then looked at the soft pallet longingly.

“Rest, my lady. We will make certain you are safe,” Maglor assured her.

“Will you …? I mean, I am injured but I am still able to perform my duties.”

Not understanding her meaning at first, realization dawned and Maglor smiled, shaking his head.

“No, my lady. You are not expected to serve us. You are free to come and go as you please though I would ask you remain here for a bit at least until you heal. It is dangerous in Khand at the moment.”

She nodded, wondering what she would do. She had always served; had been bred and trained for one purpose only. Curling into a protective ball on the pallet, she was soon sleeping deeply, resting and safe for the first time since Crasthion had left.

***

“Someone’s up there,” Alexandra whispered to Allase as they saw two of the soldiers bring a third and leave him beside a rock.

“Is he injured?” the Khandun woman asked, trying to make out what the one the men had carried, looked like.

“I don’t know. I’m going to see. Stay here.” Alex slipped from behind the boulders where she and the other woman had been taking cover. Climbing the steep rock hillside, she saw it was someone who had a sword protruding from his body. Moving quickly to his side, she gasped as she recognized Helcarin.

“Does he still live?” Allase’s voice startled Alex and she had her dagger out and to the woman’s throat quickly before she realized Elladan’s beloved hadn’t paid her instructions any attention and had followed her.

“He’s still breathing. If we pull out this sword …”

“ … He will bleed to death. I have some things to treat him with, but he will likely get an infection and die anyway.”

“Elves don’t get infections,” Alex murmured as she pondered how best to move him without causing more damage and more pain. She reached down to loosen the armor around him so they could see if there were any more wounds when a hand closed over her wrist.

Helcarin’s midnight blue eyes stared into hers.

“No,” he gasped. “Get away from me.”

“Helcarin, It’s Alexandra and Allase. We’re here to help you. You’ve been injured quite badly.” His grip was surprisingly strong and his gaze steady and unwavering.

“No,” he repeated. “You must go; get away. They will find you. They are following the scent of my blood.”

“Who?” Allase asked though her question was answered as a dark shadow fell over them. Looking up, she gasped as one of the vampires, an arrow protruding from its thigh, reached down and grabbed the woman by the shoulders.

“NO!” Alexandra screamed, drawing her sword and swinging at the creature. It grinned then took off into the sky. She turned to make certain Helcarin was unharmed and was caught from behind by a set of claws which dug into her shoulders, side and thigh. Struggling, Alex saw one of the flying serpents had her in its grasp, using three of its arms to hold her securely. Looking down she saw frustration and anger in Helcarin’s gaze, then was swiftly carried into the sky as the serpent followed the vampire, the poison on the beast’s claws causing her to cease struggling and fall into deep sleep.