Gifts of the Valar.

TIMELINE: post-ROTK (Sequel to Something Evil This Way Comes)

CAST: The usual suspects; the same Elves and OCs who live in the “Valar” universe: Legolas/Alexandra, Rumil/Charika, Orophin/Too-Many-To-Name, Glorfindel/multiple OFCs/Erestor, Haldir/Meriel?, Multiple OC Elves and pretty much everybody.

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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Glorfindel sighed as he gathered his weapons. He and Erestor had been asked by Elrond to travel to Carn Dum and make certain there was nothing left of the Witch-King’s force lying in wait to once again torment the people of Eriador. He had just returned from the battle of Fornost and the Witch-King had fled these lands. He had been looking forward to a few years of peace and quiet---he would have settled for a few months. Instead, he had just over a couple of weeks’ respite.

He did not know why Elrond was so insistent they return to the place they had so recently left. Still, he would do his duty as the Marshal of Imladris. He and the deceptively quiet counselor would make their way unobtrusively to the north and gather what information they could find to reassure the Lord of Rivendell that the threat---at least from the north---was gone.

He secured his pack to the horse as Erestor came over, leading his own mount. They made quite an interesting pair: Glorfindel, fair with magnificent golden hair, and an easy manner; and Erestor, dark, raven-haired and intense, quiet and sedate. Still, a friendship had formed between the Elves that seemed to defy their seeming differences.

“Shall we depart?” Erestor asked. He was clad in his usual dark clothes---he seemed to prefer black and dark-blue, the same colors as his hair and eyes, respectively, whereas Glorfindel often dressed in various shades of green and blue with his signature gold colored braces.

“Aye,” Glorfindel sighed---again. “I must confess, I have grown tired of the north.”

His friend smiled as he mounted his horse. “At least this time there is less chance of your once again being sent to Mandos’ Halls. You can enjoy this journey.”

Glorfindel smiled sourly. “I suppose there is something to be said for not being in fear for one’s life.” He mounted his horse as well, and the two set out from the peace and beauty of Rivendell. They passed the children of Elrond: Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen, and gave nods of farewell to them.

Their journey north was uneventful and they found time along the way to actually take pleasure in the trip. With the Witch-King gone, the land could rest again and the people could live without fear. When they finally reached Angmar and the ruined peak of Carn Dum, both were convinced there was nothing left of the Nazgul’s influence in this part of Middle-Earth.

They conscientiously did their duty, however, and combed through the remnants of the Witch-King’s fortress. Apparently the forces of Men and Elves had done quite a thorough job and nothing was left.

One night, as they settled around their fire, Glorfindel asked Erestor why Elrond had insisted they make this journey.

“I do not know, my friend,” the dark-haired Elf replied. “From what he told me, his heart has been burdened and he was compelled to send us here. Even he could not say why, specifically.”

The Gondolindrim warrior sighed. “Well, I, for one, am satisfied there is no further threat here and nothing that can be used against the people of Eriador. We should start back to Imladris with the rising of the sun.”

Erestor agreed. “I, too, am weary of fighting.” He closed his eyes as he laid back, his head resting on his folded cloak. “I wish to be back among my books where everything is in order. I cannot abide disarray.”

“Then how have you managed all these millennia with the constant upheavals in Middle-Earth?” Glorfindel asked, with a chuckle. He was so accustomed to disarray, he felt odd when things were going well.

“I have taken care of the things for which I am responsible, and given counsel when asked. Otherwise, I try not to let the fury of the world’s ills affect me.” He opened one eye and looked at his companion. “I suppose you enjoy being in the midst of one mess or another.”

The other Elf shook his head. “I like being buffeted by the winds of fortune as much as you, my friend.” He leaned back against the remnant of a wall of the fortress and settled into Elvish sleep, resting, but aware and able to react should danger arise. Erestor had taken the watch the night before and so had fallen asleep quickly, knowing Glorfindel stood guard.

The air was chilled, though the Elves did not mind. The mountains shielded them from the worst of the icy winds which sometimes blew south from Forodwraith. Movement caught his attention and at first, the golden-haired warrior was unsure if his eyes were deceiving him. The female who appeared out of the darkness of the mountains did not appear affected by the cold. She wore only a loose, diaphanous gown of an iridescent shade, perhaps white, pale lavender and silver. He could see her fair skin through the light and airy cloth and thought she must surely be ill or desperate to be out in the cold without at least a cloak.

He stood as she walked toward him and he noticed her long, silvery blonde hair was unbound and fell in gentle curls to below her waist. She did not seem hurried; neither did she move deliberately slow; she simply walked in their direction as though enjoying an evening stroll.

He felt, rather than heard, Erestor rise to stand behind him. Both were watching the female with curiosity, but no alarm. She could not be a threat to two strong Elven warriors.

When she drew to within a few feet of the Elves she stopped and gazed at them with serenity. Her eyes were a light blue, lighter even than Glorfindel’s, and their appearance was somewhat disconcerting. She was beautiful---there was no doubt about that; yet, it was a … disturbing beauty. They could see her body, rather than being concealed by her thin gown, was actually emphasized by the play of light on the ever-changing colors of the cloth. The sight was strangely arousing.

“You are the Seneschal and Marshal of Imladris.” It was not a question.

“You speak truly, lady. May we know your name?” Erestor was ever-mindful of the niceties of diplomacy. Glorfindel was happy to let his friend do the talking. He felt a vague … threat, if it could be called that. No, more like a danger, but not necessarily a danger to his life or person. He was simply uneasy in the presence of this fair creature and wished he knew more about her.

“I am Siensia,” she said with a smile. “I have been waiting for you for many seasons.” Her voice was soothing and quiet, and the Elves were both reminded of being in the wood in the deep of winter, when snow blanketed everything and the atmosphere had that peculiar hushed quality with only the light sounds of icicles in the trees breaking the enveloping silence. Despite his anxiety, Glorfindel found himself drawn to her presence.

Erestor, like his comrade, was also disturbed by the woman---no, she could not be mortal. Yet she was not of the Eldar, either. The closest comparison he could make was to Goldberry, the River Daughter, and companion of Tom Bombadil. He did not know what she was.

“Your name is unfamiliar, my lady,” he replied. “You are not of Eriador.” He was fairly certain he was correct.

She smiled. “Your words are true, Erestor of Imladris. For long years, I have dwelt in the far north of Arda, beyond even the borders of Forodwraith. I have been drawn south to await your coming.” She looked at Glorfindel. “You led the armies of the Elves against the Witch-King and drove him from this land. You are known to us, hero of Gondolin.” Turning her gaze back upon Erestor, she continued. “You have done much to bolster the free people of Middle-Earth against the evil of Melkor, the one now known as Morgoth, and his servant Sauron. Your deeds were done in secret, but they are known by the One Who Sees All.”

The two Elves could only gaze at the creature questioningly. She spoke of the Valar and Iluvetar in such intimate terms they wondered if perhaps she was one of the Maia. Glorfindel, who had been born in Valinor and dwelt among the Valar, however, did not get that sense from her, though he did feel a strange, vague familiarity when he looked upon her or heard her speak. He was as uncertain of her being as his companion.

She reached out and brushed her fingers lightly over Glorfindel’s cheek and he felt an odd sort of tingle run through his body. “I hope you find this task more pleasant than facing the Balrog,” she said softly, almost as if speaking to herself.

“What is it you would ask of us, my lady?” Erestor was drawn to this … being in a way he could not explain. It was not so much a carnal desire as a wish to understand her; to know what she knew. When her shining gaze fell upon him, he, like his friend, felt a tremor of … something.

“I would ask that you join with me,” she said simply.

“Why did you not seek Glorfindel when he was last here? Why did you wait?” Erestor glanced at his friend. “I am certain he would not have denied you his body.”

She shook her head, as if a parent, listening to the confused ramblings of a child. “I do not simply seek the slayer of the Balrog. I would join with you as well, Erestor.” Seeing his expression, she laughed again. “Do not try to appear shocked, Master Elf. I know you have shared many females with others, including Glorfindel. Neither of you are strangers to such joinings.”

“If you wished to bed us both, you could simply have done so,” Glorfindel said with a smile. “You need not speak of deeds and the Valar in order to seduce us.”

She raised an elegant brow. “You think I wish simply to satisfy a common lust? No, Master Elf. My desire to lay with you is not so pedestrian.”

She reached over, brushing her hand lightly over Erestor’s shoulder and across his chest, sending quite pleasant sensations through him.

“Can you deny that you desire to be with me?” she asked softly, then leaned over and touched her lips to his.

It felt as though icy heat rushed through his body at the touch of her mouth. The hand that had so recently drifted across his chest, slipped into his dark hair, fair fingers entwining in the black braids. He put his arm around her waist and drew her to him, her body soft and yielding against his lean, muscular frame. Their kiss deepened and he touched her tongue with his, the sensation so exquisite he gave a soft groan. He would take her now; his desire rose so quickly.

Glorfindel felt a stir of arousal as he watched Erestor and Siensia. Her pale, silvery beauty melding with his dark, sensual one was intensely erotic. She had been correct; he and Erestor had shared many females, elleth and mortal; but none had provided such a striking visual as these two now did.

The fingers of her other hand closed over his and she drew him close to where Erestor held her. She released his grip and trailed her hand up Glorfindel’s arm and shoulder, then laid it against his cheek as her kiss with Erestor ended and she moved to capture the golden-haired Elf’s lips with hers.

Glorfindel slipped his hands through the mass of her silvery curls and cradled her head gently as his tongue danced with hers. Her lips were soft and cool, her mouth warm and welcoming. His arousal grew and he knew he must have her.

Erestor moved to stand behind her and his elegant fingers pulled the loose gown from her shoulders. It floated to the ground where it billowed around her like a gossamer cloud as his hands smoothed over her silky, pale skin, tracing the curve of her hips, the nip of her waist, the taut muscles of her flat belly, and finally, the lush globes of her full breasts. He bent his head to her neck, where he lightly nibbled at the point where her throat curved to her shoulder and she pressed back against him.

Glorfindel noted his friend had managed to get Siensia’s slip of a gown out of the way and he broke their kiss, lowering his head to where Erestor presented him with one of her beautiful, firm breasts. He took the rosy tip between his lips and teased it as she entwined her fingers in his golden locks and pressed against his mouth.

Erestor allowed one hand to slip down to stroke her smooth flesh, while the other cupped her chin, tilting her head back against his shoulder so he could once again meld his mouth to hers. He knew he would not be able to resist the temptation to join his body with hers. He moved his hand back up to her breast as Glorfindel knelt before her and, reaching around, grasped her rounded bottom, bringing his mouth to her silky flesh.

Siensia gave a small cry of delight, the sound absorbed by Erestor’s mouth as his tongue swirled around hers. He caressed her breasts and she reached back with one hand to press his body against hers while her other hand knotted into the silky hair of the Elf on his knees in front of her.

Erestor unlaced his leggings, pulling her down with him. Glorfindel also freed himself as his lips moved back to hers. She poised above Erestor and eased down.

The dark-haired Elf closed his eyes and sighed as he was enveloped in the tight sheath of Siensia’s body. She moved against him, sending jolts of pleasure through him as she nestled against the strong muscles of his thighs. His hands cupped her breasts and he buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent, which reminded him of new fallen snow and evergreens; and he held her as she leaned over and took Glorfindel in her hand.

The fair Elf-Lord closed his eyes as her fingers lightly stroked him. Sweet Luthien! She had hands that would have tempted a Vala. Just when he believed himself on the verge of letting go, she released him and leaned back against Erestor, meeting Glorfindel’s eyes.

“I would have you join with me as well,” she breathed, her voice heavy with desire. He was surprised at her request; few of the females he shared with others asked for such pleasuring; in fact, few even knew of it.

His glance met that of his companion and Erestor raised a brow giving a slight nod. If the lady wished it, then they would oblige her. Glorfindel knelt before her, joining the other Elf.

They pressed her body between theirs, gold and silver and obsidian strands tangling together as they gave in to their passion. Her mouth alternated between them, kissing first one, then the other as their hands moved over her sensitive flesh.

As they felt the first waves of pleasure beginning to rise, she murmured, “Give me the fruit of your desire, my lords.”

Glorfindel and Erestor were taken aback by her request, but not enough to slow their climb toward their peaks. Elven males could achieve pleasure without releasing their essence, and did so until bound to their chosen mate.

“Please,” she sighed, “I would have you spill inside of me; plant your seed in my womb.”

Neither Elf wished to bind with her, but their crises erupted at the same time and neither thought of anything but fulfilling her wish. Against all they had ever learned of their kind, they released themselves into her without having bound themselves to her, neither Elf knowing from which of them she sought such. She gasped and their mingled cries of ecstasy echoed through the silent mountains in the night.

She kissed each of them gently as she rose from where they all rested following their joining. Scooping up her gown, she dropped it over her head and it swirled around her as the folds fell, once again giving the illusion of covering her body. Erestor sat up, lacing his leggings, resuming the sedate demeanor of Elrond’s chief counselor, while Glorfindel simply leaned back, propped on his elbows, watching their mysterious visitor speculatively, not bothering to secure his own clothing.

“Thank you, my lords,” she said with a smile. “Until we meet again …” She turned, and the thin gown billowed as if in a sudden breeze, obscuring her from view for a moment. The iridescence faded and she was no longer with them. Glorfindel tilted his head and looked sideways at his companion.

“Now, that is something one does not see every day.”

Erestor stared at the spot where the female had stood only moments earlier. “Indeed,” he replied. He turned to his friend. “I have never shared my seed with a partner.” His voice held a note of wistfulness. “I had thought to do so only with the one to whom I became bound.”

Glorfindel thought for a moment. “Well, my friend, so had I. But I do not feel bound to Siensia. Perhaps there is more to binding than simply the sharing of one’s essence.” He reached down and quickly fastened his leggings. “The sky begins to lighten. Let us head home.”


The return trip to Imladris was even less eventful than the journey north. While their encounter with Siensia---whatever she was---had been interesting, to say the least, it soon faded into just the memory of similar joinings with various partners, and, as the months passed, neither thought much on it.

One afternoon, one of the Elves who attended Elrond’s household approached the tree under which Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel sat, talking of old friends and speculating on the next move in the deadly game Sauron played for dominion over Middle-Earth.

“Forgive me, my lords. A lady wishes to see Lords Erestor and Glorfindel.”

Elrond glanced at his counselors and saw surprise. He idly wondered which female they had dallied with that now sought them, and thanked the Valar he had put those days behind him when he had met and fallen in love with Celebrian.

“Go and see who this visitor might be,” he said with a smile. He was reminded that his own sons, Elrohir and Elladan, were following the same path and breathed a sigh of relief that at least this female was not looking for his offspring. This time.

“She awaits you in the study,” the Elf said and Glorfindel and Erestor thanked him for his pains as they headed toward the large, elegant building.

“Who can it be?” Glorfindel mused. “I do not recall any who may have cause to complain.” He was once again dressed in his usual light blue leggings and darker blue tunic, covered by a light green jacket embroidered with gold and dark green threads. His brown leather boots matched the braces he wore for sparring, which he had not yet removed. Erestor was resplendent in black robes over black leggings and a dark blue tunic with silver embroidery at the edges of the sleeves and neck. Of course, his boots were black and Glorfindel thought his friend looked particularly forbidding today.

“I do not know,” Erestor answered. He was not in a hospitable mood; visitors disrupted the order of things and usually meant trouble.

When they entered the study, their guest rose from where she sat on one of the window seats. The hand that reached up to pull back the hood of her billowing, ivory silk cape was pale and elegant. Both Elves, however, were surprised to see Siensia giving them her serene smile as the hood fell away and her silvery curls came into view. She wore a mithril circlet with an iridescent stone in the center that hung down on her forehead and her gown of pale lavender silk provided more modest coverage than the one she had worn when last they saw her.

What caused them to stop and stare, however, was the small bundle wrapped in dark blue and gold cloths.

“Mae govannen, my lords,” she said in her lilting voice. “I bring you this gift of the Valar.” She tilted the small package and they saw dark blue eyes peering out from amidst the folds of the cloths.

“It is a child,” Glorfindel said and Erestor glanced at him with an exasperated sigh.

“Your grasp of the obvious is overwhelming. Of course it is a child.” He turned back to the smiling female. “Why would the Valar have you bring this babe to us?”

She tilted her head prettily. “Because he is your child, my lords.”

Glorfindel looked at the babe and nodded. “I see your eyes, my friend. Congratulations.”

Erestor was stunned. He recalled their joining with Siensia---they had made love to her together, and she had asked for his seed … and he had given it to her. He closed his eyes. Ai, Elbereth! What had he done? He was about to ask if she were certain the child was his, although with those eyes---and his sense of the babe---he had no doubt, when her next words caused him to turn to his friend and enjoy his expression.

“He is your son as well, Glorfindel of Gondolin.” The cloth covering the child’s head was pulled down and soft wisps of rich, golden hair shown like a halo.

The Chief of the House of the Golden Flower of Gondolin shook his head. “It is not possible,” he murmured.

“All things are possible,” she answered and walked to where the two Elves stood motionless. “Behold your son, my lords. I have left his name to your discretion. He is a fair child, happy and not one to cry much at all.” She placed the bundle in Erestor’s arms, though he did not recall reaching for it, and stepped back.

“Wait!” Glorfindel said, looking from the child Erestor held awkwardly, back to the silver-haired being before them. “Surely, you cannot mean to leave the child here---with us.”

She laughed. “But of course. Where else should he be except with his fathers?”

“With his mother,” Erestor replied, passing the child to a very uncomfortable Glorfindel. “I cannot care for a child and neither can Glorfindel. Our duties---.”

“Are to your son,” she interrupted, her voice stern, and suddenly, she did not seem such an ethereal creature. “You would refuse such a gift? Do you not know that it took the intervention of the Valar to bring this child into being? The child of two powerful Elves?
Now, both of you have a part to play in the future of Middle-Earth, though you will have long passed into Valinor when its true purpose is fulfilled. This babe is a part of that purpose.”

“Who sent you to us, lady?” In his heart, Erestor did not doubt her words, but his curiosity could not be denied.

“I come to you at the behest of many,” she replied with a smile, her voice once again gentle.

“Why do you come to us?” Glorfindel could not believe he was important enough that the Valar would seek him.

She turned her almost silvery blue eyes to him. “You have been chosen to receive a gift which will then become a gift to others. Why the two of you were chosen, is not for me to know. But were I given to supposition, I would imagine it was because of your character and your service to Eru.”

“But, it is the way of the Eldar to bind with the one with whom they share their seed.” This entire situation went against Erestor’s orderly way.

“My lady,” Glorfindel said slowly. “You are asking us to bind with you? Which of us? Eru has forbidden that any may have more than one spouse in Arda.”

She laughed, a light, airy sound. “I do not ask for binding from either of you. Your way is to bind with your mate for eternity, and only then do you bring forth children. However, it is the intent of binding rather than simply the act that brings about the bond. I did not seek a bond, only your child.”

Her words stunned the Elves. For once, Erestor could think of no adequate response. What she was saying was … not their way.

“Why did you wish a child from us?” Glorfindel asked.

“It is not given to me to know the reason; only that I was the vessel for your seed.” Her eyes held a hint of weariness and both of the Elves were surprised. When Elven females bore children, they gave up some of their strength to the child and drew sustenance from their bond with their mate, the child’s father. Siensia was not Elf-kind and she had not bound to either Glorfindel or Erestor. Surely, the stress of bearing a child had taken its toll.

As if reading their thoughts, she gave a slightly sad smile.

“I can retain this form no longer. This body was given to me for the express purpose of joining with you and bearing your child. I have done as I was bidden and now I will return to my home.” She reached out and touched the cheek of the babe, gently tracing the tiny points of his ears. “Treasure this gift, my friends.” Looking at the two Elves, she laughed. “Do not look so troubled. You would not have been given this task if there were not reasonable certainty of your success.” She started toward the door and stopped when Erestor called to her.

“I would know, lady,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “You said you were given this form in order to join with us and bear the child. Did you … ? Was it only … a task?”

She walked back over to where they stood and kissed each Elf in turn, brushing her lips gently over theirs. “It was a task I relished and found most enjoyable. It is not often any of my kind are permitted to know the pleasures the Children of Iluvatar enjoy daily. Thank you, my lords. I shall remember you always.”

They watched the doorway long after she had passed through. They still did not know who---or what---she was. Looking down at the babe sleeping peacefully in Glorfindel’s arms, they both sighed.

“We must speak with Elrond,” Erestor said, and his words were like the voice of doom.

Glorfindel nodded. “And we must think of a name.”

The two new fathers walked out of the door and headed back to the garden where what had been a relatively peaceful day had suddenly become quite complicated.