Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

In The Name of Faith	By : acids Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 5506 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Title: In the Name of Faith (15/?)

Disclaimer: All the well known elves belong to mighty lord Tolkien. I was just borrowing them.

Warnings: non-con sex, rape, graphic violence/torture, incest (anything I could think of)

Author's note: very very dark fic. PLEASE HEED THE WARNINGS! If you do not like it, do leave.
Dear all readers: thank you so, so much for reading my fic and for all the nice reviews. I just need to put a bit more warning here: for any of you who don't like the idea of an Elf killing another Elf, please skip this chapter and the next one after this. Because someone is going to die here (wonder who could that be �.) But for those who don't have a problem with it, go ahead and read. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks so much Morgana for beta reading.
* * *
Chapter Fifteen
Anar was almost sig atg at the horizon, leaving its red hue all over the darkened sky and making its first mark of the approaching nightfall, when the amassed soldiers of Imladris were preparing themselves and their horses to set off once again. At one edge of the clearing, Elrond stood, surveying his surroundings.

After the night of the frantic arrival of the twins and Glorfindel, Elrond hadn't wasted any time from commanding his whole army to make their retreat. They had galloped through the forest of Mirkwood all night and throughout the next morning with much tension and persuasion, mainly from the threat of being attacked by the Wood Elves.

At first, Elrond nearnearly expected that Thranduil had issued for an attack, and he and his army were convinced that they would face a war anytime soon. Weapons were made to be ready to use and scouts had been spread all around the woods, keeping them alert should any of the Wood Elves man aan appearance. It was rather an awkward situation for him that they had found no sign of any Sinda until now.

Nonetheless, Elrond truthfully hoped for them to reach the edge of the forest as soon as possible, but his soldiers were drained and tired, and the wounded needed to be treated. So a few moments ago he had bade for a quick halt, allowing them to have a brief rest and to tend to the injured soldiers.

The meeting with Thranduil was a great failure. Before he met with the King of Mirkwood, Elrond had had a high hope that he would be able to achieve some sort of agreement with the King concerning Glorfindel, and more than that, he had also hoped for them to reach a tentative truce. He wished for peace to come to them, for the enmity between the two Elven kingdoms was starting to tire him, as there was too much hatred and blood that had been shed.

But Thranduil was indeed stubborn beyond reckoning. Instead of having a civilized conversation, Elrond had been forced to sit on his chair, facing the hatred faces of all Thranduil's advisors and listening to the King's incrimination of his seneschal. Glorfindel had been accused of being a spy and therefore had the right to be sentenced upon an execution. There was no whatsoever hope of him being released and what was worse, there was certainly no hope at all for any peace.

All of Elrond's hope had diminished. Feeling defeated, and almost certaiat hat he had lost one of his most loyal friends, Elrond and the rest of his party left the palace and returned back to the camp, only to find both his sons and several others had left for the rescue of Glorfindel.

Worry was not the exact word to describe what he had felt back then. It had taken all of his power not to command his soldiers to follow the twins, simply because he had no idea where they were going. So all he had been able to do was to wait in some very agonizing moments and felt tremendously in relief when later that night the twins and their weary soldiers finally made it back. Not only that, they had succeeded in bringing Glorfindel with them. The very distraught Glorfindel.

Directing his eyes to his right, his gaze then fell upon a lone blond figure standing not so far away. Glorfindel had separated himself from the rest of the company. He was leaning against the tree, having his back to the half Elf, his eyes viewing far onto the part of the forest they had just left.

Shortly before, Elrond had tended all of the wounds on his friend's body. Glorfindel supported many bruises and a broken limb, which to Elrond's relief, had already started to heal. He also suffered from a state of tremendous fatigue and a lack of nutrition. Other than that, the Elven lord was not too worry for his physical condition as he believed he would recover in no time. What Elrond feared the most was the mental state of his seneschal.

While treating his wound, Glorfindel had told him briefly of the rough treatment he had received during his captivity; of all the tortures, the beatings, as well as the rape incident by the two Princes of Mirkwood. He had remained untouched, restraining a stony mask during all the telling. But as the topic had suddenly changed to discussing a young Sinda by the name of Legolas Greenleaf, who was none other than Thranduil's youngest born, it was then that tears had started to brim in his eyes.

Elrond had been caught in shock that time, as he could not recall the last time Glorfindel had ever wept; and was even more horrified when Glorfindel had then confessed of the feelings he had for this young Sinda. Elrond sympathized deeply with his friend's sadness, although one thing he failed to comprehend was, how from all the Elves in middle earth, Glorfindel just had to fall in love with a certain Sindarin Elf, the one whose fate, according to Elrond, was far than fortunate. And more importantly, the one whose life was in such grave danger.

Elrond too had heard the twins' side of the story of what happened during that night of the rescue. Originally, Elladan and Elrohir had brought more than two dozens of soldiers when they left the camp, fully armed as they were. But Thranduil's patrol was truly difficult to elude; they were everywhere and ever vigilant, and Elladan had to dispatch almost haf hif his men to create decoys, just so the rest of the party would be able to sneak out unnoticed.

They had been so close to reaching the glade, when out of nowhere the familiar Sindarin crude cries of war echoed around the woods, causing both the twins to realize that the escape had turned am Had Had then breaking into a run without so much paying attention to any threat from the Sindarin guards, they had finally made it to the glade, only to find that Glorfindel was already drawn into a sword fight with one Sindarin soldier. They had managed to save him, but not Legolas.

Glorfindel didn't blame the twins or anyone else for that matter, as he put all the blame solely onto himself. And thus the impact of it was quiet severe. During their long ride, the blond had grown distant and refused to speak to anyone. He was unwilling to converse to anyone but Elrond and only when he was required to. His quietness disturbed Elrond, and gradually it saddened him. He wished, more than anything else, to be able to help, for Glorfindel was dear to him. The only problem was, Elrond knew not how to do so.

The Elven Lord blinked, returning from his short reverie, and looked around. Almost all of the soldiers had completed their preparations, making him realize that it was time to make their leave. Sighing wearily, he moved to walk. Although the thick grass quieted his footsteps, he knew Glorfindel could hear him coming. But eif hif he did, the seneschal gave no sign of acknowledgement, nor did he make any move at all.

Halted beside the tree, Elrond then greeted, very gently as to not startle him. "Glorfindel, we need to leave now."

Glorfindel didn't even flinch, his voice was as cold as a stinging metal. "Leave then."

"And what will become of you, mellon-nin?" the half Elven asked patiently. "Will you not come with us then?"

There was no answer from the blond warrior. Reluctantly, Elrond laid one palm on the stiffed shoulder, sensing how tense Glorfindel's body was.

"Tell us of what you wish us to do, Glorfindel," Elrond requested, his usually melodic voice dripping with pity. "If you wish for us to draw the attack on Thranduil, then so we will. You know the soldiers will do whatever you ask of them �"

Glorfindel shook his head infuriatingly. "Nay. I will not condemn them to death, not over my personal matter. You and everyone should leave while you still have a chance."

"But how are we supposed to leave without you?" Elrond retorted softly. "We did not come this far only to once more lose you."

The haunted green eyes that were not Glorfindel's turned to him, and Elrond almost gasped as he saw the deadly combination of despair and pent-up fury that emanated from the blond's pale face. They were so real that Elrond almost could feel them pierce onto his own heart and soul.

Glorfindel eyed him for a moment before he spoke, more in a hissing sound. "I had sworn to him, Elrond. I had vowed on behalf of my every honor and dignity to take him out of Mirkwood, of his family and of his people who despised him. He believed me, and for that he had forsaken his life only for my rescue. And what have I done to him? I left him. I had my chance to save him but I wasted it. I should not leave him there, but over my cowardice, I did." His voice rang louder with every word left his mouth, and at last Glorfindel hitched. "I have failed him."

Not knowing what to else to do, Elrond gave an an encouraging squeeze on his shoulder. "It was not your fault, meldir ��"

"Yes, it was," The golden Elf cut in, more harshly than he intended. "It was my fault ��.. If only I could �.."

Glorfindel trailed off, looking entirely haggard and sorrowful as he ran a shaking hand over his hair. He pried his eyes away from Elrond's and fixed them on the ground, then choking whispers left his lips. "He is in so much pain, Elrond. I can feel it. I can see him in agony as clearly as I see you now. He calls for me, and still I am not able to answer to him."

It pained Elrond greatly to see Glorfindel like this. He willed himself to give out more soothing words, to release his friend from such guilt and self-loathing, but found that his voice was momentarily absent.

Whatever it was that Glorfindel felt was much worse than he had first expected. The blond was grieving over losing Legolas, and the grief was eating him from the inside. Elrond knew too well, that once an Elf was drawn to a grief, there was none who could save him. Glorfindel would, very slowly and painfully, suffer from it, then at last, he would die, and Elrond had no heart to think that it would be the fate of this mighty Balrog slayer.

"Mighty Elbereth, please, lend him strength," Elrond prayed silently.

"Lord Elrond."

So deep was Elrond in thought that he had failed to notice the presence of others near him. Both he and Glorfindel startled slightly and turned their heads.

Elladan and Elrohir, along with Lindir, were standing behind them with a strange Elf at their sides. He was unmistakably a Sinda, judging by his appearance and the uniform he wore. The Elf stood defiantly, uncaring of the fact that he was surrounded by so many of his formidable enemies, having his chin lifted up and his eyes planted firmly on Glorfindel only.

"A messenger from Mirkwood, my Lord." Lindir reported, too distraught to bow. "He asked for Lord Glorfindel."

It took only a second for Glorfindel to compose his entire usual calm demeanor. He moved away from the tree and stood straight facing them, his fathomable eyes gazing straight at the wood Elf. "I am Glorfindel. What tiding do you have for me?"

Without so much as wasting time for small talk, the Elf answered quickly. "The Crown Prince Alderios wishes to meet with you. It is concerning his youngest brother, Legolas."

A faint tremor that did not escape Elrond's eyes swept through Glorfindel's body at hearing the said name. His face went paler. "Where?"

"In the glade where the last fight was held," calmly the Sinda replied. "You are to go there at tomorrow dawn, and you are allowed to bring no more than ten of your men. As for the rest of your troops, they are requested to leave the forest of Mirkwood at once, or else, our army will begin with the attack."

He then halted as he came to the end of his tiding. Silence engulfed them as everyone, Glorfindel specifically, was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. All eyes instantly turned to him, wondering what kind of decision he might take regarding the conflict.

But Glorfindel didn't need to think twice. Turning to Lindir, he took a quick reaction. "Lindir, lend me ten of your men. They are to come with me tomorrow."

The Captain nodded and was about to voice a reply, before Elladan cut him short.

"And so are we," The young Elf took a step forward. "I and Elrohir will come with you."

"Elladan, this is not the time," Almost fuming, the blond seneschal hissed in frustration. "You two will go with your father. End of discussion."

"Stop treating us like children, Glorfindel," Suddenly Elrohir snapped, drawing everyone, Elrond in particular, in surprise.

Being the most sensitive of the two, Elrohir was seldom to disobey any order from his former mentor, as it was purely Elladan's territory. There was something about this conflict that must have struck a nerve deep within him to cause him to act like such.

Eyeing Glorfindel with his pair of black eyes, Elrohir gave out his reason, almost pleadingly. "Glorfindel, It was our fault that we came too late that night, and it was our fault that your friend was caught. I understand if you wish to go by yourself and I know well that you will be able to settle this by your own accord, but at least you can let us aid you, just so we may able to wash this feeling of guilt that remains with us. Please, let ome ome with you. We are not elflings anymore. We know how to defend ourselves, so there is no need to worry about us."

Glorfindel's eyes darted from Elrohir to Elladan and back, studying them intently. Then he drew a deep breath. "I believe it is your father that you should ask."

Almost in unison, both brothers turned to Elrond.

"Well Ada? Do we have your blessing?" Elladan asked rather cautiously.

There was a lengthy pause as Elrond eyeing both his sons with his own pair of dark eyes.

"It is true that both of you are no longer elflings," He said at last. "You have reached your majority long ago and always I teach you how to think wisely. And I always thought you to think wisely. Therefore you should be aware that what you are dealing here is not some sort of a game, and that any of you or perhaps even both of you may be harmed or get killed because of this. Do you realize that?"

As he received their nods as answers, Elrond continued. "But I agree to the fact that you should take responsibility upon your own action and words. If you have stated you wished to come with Glorfindel and have dared yourselves to face any kind of consequences that might take place, then I allow you to go. You may go with him and aid him, while I and the rest of the army will proceed with our retreat."

"Hannad, Ada," Elrohir breathed and Elladan smiled.

Elrond gave them an imperceptible nod, then he exchanged glances with Glorfindel, who was not too happy of it, but didn't pull at the subject any further.

Looking back at the momentarily forgotten Sindarin Elf, Glorfindel declared. "Inform your Prince that I will come. Also tell him that my Lord Elrond and the others will leave Mirkwood."

"Then we will wait for you." The Elf replied quietly and was about to turn around when Glorfindel's hand shot up to grab his upper arm. Almost startled, the slightly shorter Elf gazed up to the blond Lord.

"Is he still alive?" all of a sudden Glorfindel's voice filled with venom.

The Sinda jerked free his hand, and Glorfindel thought he saw a twitch of sneer on both corners of his mouth at a comprehension who it was the Noldo had meant by his question. "Barely. But that you will find out on the morrow."

Then without sparing a glance toward the two Lords or anyone else, he walked away, with Lindir in tow. As the figure grew distanced, Glorfindel could no more maintain his rigid posture. His shoulders slumped in defeat and he wearily rubbed a palm to his face as despair once again took hold on him.

Laying his hand once more to Glorfindel's shoulder, Elrond comforted. "Be strong, Glorfindel. There is still hope."

But deep inside, Elrond even doubted that such a hope ever existed.
* * *
As the dawn breaking on the next morning, Glorfindel, the twins, and the ten soldiers galloped at vicious speed through the dense forest. They kept riding without so much as a delay, until finally the appointed glade teetered into view.

Alderios and Felenduir were standing at the center of the clearing, with a dozen of fully armed soldiers forming a semi circle behind them. Both Princes raised their heads at the first sight of the Noldorin Elves, and then stood waiting.

On Asfaloth's back, Glorfindel tensed. He felt Legolas' presence but couldn't find him with his eyes. The young Elf was probably lying somewhere behind the barrier of the Sindarin soldiers. He and the rest of his party then halted and dismounted, and after leaving their horses to gaze around the trees, the Imladris elves entered the field, their hands tight on their bows.

Silence mingled through the air as the two groups of Elves stood at a close distance, exchanging pointed looks of hatred toward one another. Folding his hands on his chest, Alderios studied the lines of the Noldorin Elves, scrutinizing them with his hawk blue eyes, to at last rest them on the stormy eyes of Glorfindel.

Then the blond Prince shot his first words. "I have told only to bring ten soldiers. And instead, you take twelve with you."

"Ten soldiers are with me, but these are no soldiers," Glorfindel replied icily, gesturing with his head to the twins that stood at each side of him. "These are Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond Peredhel, the Lord of Imladris. They come with their own volition."

"Elrond's sons, eh?" Alderios responded, seemingly was far than impress of the said fact, as he inspected both brothers. Staring directly at the dark-haired one who stood at the right of Glorfindel, he scolded. "Do you not think you are a little out of place here, elflings?"

"I would watch that tongue of yours if I were you," Glorfindel spat before either of the twins could let out any retort. "Who do you call an elfling? Elladan and Elrohir are not much different in age than you and your brother there. And do not think so lowly of them for they are well-trained warriors, just as yourself. You may try their skills, if you so desire."

"So you come here to fight us?" Alderios' hand flew instantly to the hilt of his sword.

"Nay, we come to speak of Legolas," Carefully Glorfindel maneuvered the conversation before the tension became unbearable. "That is what you bade us to do, is it not?"

"Ah yes, the little deceiver," Alderios' hand, which had tightened on the sword, fell limp to the side of his body and he relaxed.

"So where is he?" Glorfindel's heart began to speed up in trepidation as he asked.

"He is still alive, if that is what you are asking," Alderios answered calmly. "But not for long, for he will soon take your place at the execution. He is a traitor, you see, and surely you are aware what would be the penalty for such of treachery."

A gleam of insane cruelty flashed across Alderios' face as he saw a great distress begin to form on Glorfindel's face at the impact of his words. "Are you �� afraid, seneschal?"

The Prince grew more agitated at the silence that came from the Noldo. His scornful voice then sliced through the air. "Do not think that I have not learnt what you two were planning. For your information, Noldo, Legolas confessed everything. Of your plan to free him and to take him to your realm, so that both of you may live together. What a true deceiver he is. I might say that I was quite astounded as I found out about that."

"That would never have happened if you didn't treat him like he is so worthless to you," Glorfindel gritted through clenched teeth. "No being can withstand being treated like what Legolas had to endure, moreover when it came from his own kin, from his own family. You should not be so blind to know that."

"Most possibly," the blond Sinda replied ruthlessly. "However, I do not really believe it to be the motive. I think the little whore wants to leave us because he simply cannot wait to lay with you, to let you have him and take him every night, to writhe beneath you ��"

"Do not speak of him like such, you sordid creature," Fiery anger made it hard for Glorfindel to even breath properly. "Legolas is no whore."

"I am only saying that I can understand his infatuation with you," A very menacing smile wrapped around Alderios' fair face as he went on. "You are desirable, seneschal, and I know that for a fact. I have shared you with my brother, remember?"

Mocking chuckles spread among the Sinda, following Alderios' harsh comment and causing all of the Noldorin Elves to hiss in anger. Glorfindel heard the cracking sound of Elladan's knuckles and he glanced quickly at the oldest twin, then shook his head, sending Elladan a clear warning that now was not the best time to start a fight.

They came for the sake of Legolas and having a combat was the last thing on his mind. As for himself, despite of the fact that his own patience was starting to wear thin at hearing such taunting, he would let Alderios do it in whatever fashion the Prince desired, if only it meant that he would be able to spare the life of his young lover.

Turning back to the gleefunda,nda, Glorfindel remarkedEnouEnough of this nonsense, Alderios. I demand to see Legolas."

Alderios' laughter died and he shrugged. "Very well, if you so insist. But I must forewarn you, for you might not like what it is you are about to see."

The Prince then made a gesture for his men to bring Legolas forward. The semi circle behind the two Princes broke open as one Elf walked through to the front line, dragging a limp figure in his hands. He shoved the seemingly boneless body onto the ground in between the two blond Princes and in the full view of each pair of eyes of all the Noldo, then proceeded to step backward.

At the moment he laid his eyes on the blond figure crumpled on the ground, it was then that Glorfindel felt as if a part of him suddenly died. Chilling tremors coursed through his entire being, and only by a fierce resolve of a warrior, did Glorfindel manage to restrain all the tears that had threatened to come out.

Legolas was one horrid, as well as pitiful, sight. The young Elf appeared to have taken every torture that was possible for a being to endure. Cuts and bruises, which had mixed with those of sweats and dried blood, were everywhere. They were on his face and all over his chest, which peered out from his ripped tunic. His once luscious lips were swollen and covered with blood, and his usual beautiful eyes were red and dull. But what terrifying Glorfindel the most was the dark liquid that had dampened Legolas' leggings thoroughly, a significant prove of what kind of morbid torment he had been through.

"By Elbereth ��.."

At the ragged whisper from Elrohir, Glorfindel's resolve broke. His frightful eyes then turned to Alderios. "What have you done to him?"

The triumph look on Alderios' face was both sickening and maddening. "Why do you not ask him yourself?"

With the said words, Felenduir stepped closer to the young Elf. He bent down and took a fistful of Legolas' tangled blond hair in his hand, then pulled hard, eliciting a whimper of pain from the young Elf and forcing him to kneel.

Taking one step closer like his brother just did, Alderios looked down to the shaking Elf. "Your Noldorin lover wishes to learn what we have done to you, vanimaer. Go ahead, tell him."

For a second a look of stubbornness flared across Legolas' miserable face as he shook his head in obvious refusal. Angry, Felenduir gaim aim a savage tug at his hair, causing a hoarse yelp to escape his mouth.

"Speak, Greenleaf," The second sibling threatened. "Or you will not like what I am about to do to you."

The furious tremble along his body indicated that Legolas had just accepted his defeat. Behind the long golden lashes, his dying eyes filled fully with fear and shame as he was forced to gaze straight into Glorfindel's eyes. One more brutal yank on his hair reminded him on the task at hand, and his quivering lips then began to move.

"Alderios gave me to the soldiers," He stated in a raspy voice. "They tortured me �.. They beat me �.. and whipped me, and �� " Then his words faded.

"Tell him, whore," mercilessly Alderios ordered. "Tell him what else they have done to you. It is not like you have anything to hide."

Tears glistened in Legolas' eyes as he gave his answer. "They ��. they forced themselves on me �.. " A tear trailed down his cheek, followed by the next one, and then he started to sob uncontrollably. "It hurt �� so much ��"

"How many had you?"

Legolas' answer was inaudible and Felenduir yanked hard at his hair. The pain on his scalp must be unbearable, for his lips once again partedgivegive out his answer, louder this time. "N-nine ��"

Again a twisted smile of triumph covered Alderios' face as he saw how hard Glorfindel strove to vent all of his anger. Glorfindel's muscles tas ias if he was facing a fight, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as if wishing for a weapon in hand and his face had gone totally white. Alderios enjoyed that sight very much, understood completely how vulnerable the Noldo's position was. But even so, the Sindarin Prince was still far from finishing with his verbal torture.

Once more he looked down to the wretched Elf at his feet and blurted his final question. "And how many should have you tonight, pretty slut?"

Extreme fear was tight on Legolas' face. Ignoring the painful grip on his hair, he turned begging eyes to his eldest. "Nay, Alderios, please �.. No more ��. "

"I said, how many?"

"Enough!" Unable to watch or listen any longer, Glorfindel thundered. "Enough of this, Alderios. You win. You have made your point."

"Not yet, I haven't!" the Prince snickered. "We have hardly begun. You, my lovely seneschal, have not seen anything yet."

"What are you trying to achieve by this, pray tell?" Glorfindel questioned, glaring to the other blond in complete hatred and disbelief. "You have tortured and disgraced him. You and your brother had your way with him, and then you let your men have their ways with him, but still you are not satisfied. What else do you wish of him? Have you no pity? He is your own brother, for the Valar's sake."

"Legolas is no longer a brother of mine," The smile on Alderios' face vanished, and a shudder raked through Glorfindel as he watched it being replaced only by pure contempt. "Legolas has betrayed me and my people. He is nothing but a filthy traitor, and for that, he deserves to die. I have granted him his death, only I will have it done very slowly and painfully, so he may regret all of the shame he has put upon my land and my people. And you, Noldo, will witness how we Sinda punish the one so-called traitor."

"Don't!" Dread now took its massive grip on Glorfindel, for he realized Alderios was deadly serious with his threat. "Do not do this, please."

Alderios raised one of his golden eyebr a g a gesture he always performed whenever he was amused. "And I assume you will do something if I decided to go on with this?"

Swallowing a large amount of air to steady himself, Glorfindel responded. "I will beg for his life, if that is what you ask of me. I will drop to my knees and kiss your feet, if you allow me so. I will plead within everything in me, if you but release him from all this pain and spare his life. Would you like that, Alderios?"

As his words ended, Glorfindel could hear stifled gasps from all around him. From the corner of his eyes, he saw both twins turning to him, fully puzzled. But he no longer cared. It was because of him that Legolas had suffered. He would not have the young Elf be tortured or die in front of him, for Glorfindel knew he wouldn't be able to live without him. And so, if Alderios truly wanted him to crawl on his feet and beg for forgiveness, then he would wholeheartedly do the task. Let the whole middle earth taunt and laugh at him; it would mean nothing to him, just as long as he could have Legolas at his side.

For one fleeting moment, a hint of hope began to build inside Glorfindel as Alderios appeared to contemplate the idea. But then it crushed down again as the Prince let out his reply.

"Nay," If possible, the expression on Alderios' face grew more sadistic. "Although I admit it sounds highly amusing, but no. I do not want you to beg. What I want is for you to watch his torment. I want you to hear his screams. I want you to feel his pain, so that from now on, it will fill your every nightmare. Watch carefully how he will suffer from your undoing, seneschal, as it was you who had brought all of these upon him."

He paused a moment as to regain his breath, then shouted. "Gildor."

The Sindarin Captain moved forward and stood beside the Prince, awaiting his next orders.

Glancing slightly at the kneeling Elf, Alderios commanded. "Strip him. Beat him until you break every bone in his disgusting body and rape him until he bleeds to the death. Once his last scream is torn from his throat, I will be satisfied."

Legolas' trembles turned more violently. His screams rang horribly through the morning air and he started ive ive out futile struggle, when Gildor stepped toward him and grabbed him to stand on both feet. He dragged him to an open space a few feet away from the other Elves, whee wae was lowered once again, this time with his back to the grassy ground. Then the Captain, with the aid of one Sindarin soldier, was upon him and started to strip him from his torn tunic and leggings.

As his clothes were being peeled off, Legolas suddenly turned his head to where Glorfindel was standing, then gave out one definite heart wrenching scream. "Glorfindel!"

Fear, confusion and despair blended into one in Glorfindel's head and they prevented him from thinking straight. He stood rooting to the ground, while his mind reeled madly at his chances to save Legolas. Several options were in his head, but none were any good.

"Think, damn it!" He cursed to himself.

At that very moment, Glorfindel caught a hissing sound of a sword being pulled out. He whipped around and was taken aback, seeing Elladan had unsheathed his sword and was about to charge toward Alderios. Knowing acutely what was coming, Glorfindel jumped forward, placing himself in between the raging Elf and the two Princes, just in time as Felenduir drew out his own sword. But it was a little bit too late.

At the first movement made by their young Lord, all the Noldorin warriors, including Elrohir, had their arrows notched to their bows. In a split second, the Sinda followed suit, and all of a sudden, all the Elves were standing with their bows ready in their hands, each took one foe as an aim.

"Halt!" Similar to Glorfindel, Alderios had his hand on Felenduir's chest, while his other hand lifted up, commanding his soldiers not to fire their weapons. Uncertainty warred on the Crown Prince's face as for the first time in that morning he was unsure of what to do.

Deep silence filled the atmosphere and the tension grew heavier with each passing second. The only sound heard was the frantic sobs that came from Legolas. Apparently Gildor and the other soldier had left him to grab their bowsbows. Nonetheless, Legolas didn't have any intention to attempt any escape. Naked and trembling, the young blond lay abandoned on the ground and curled into a tight ball, hugging himself and seemingly unaware of what had happened around him.

Realizing the hazardous situation, Glorfindel planted both palms firmly on Elladan's chest and hissed quietly. "Don't be foolish, Elladan."

"Then stop this madness!" Elladan groaned, gripping at the hilt of his sword ever so tightly until his knuckles turned white. "Because I can watch no more of this."

"I will. As long as you obey my y woy word," Determination filled Glorfindel' eyes and voice. Lifting one hand, he patted Elladan's shoulder. "Please, pen-neth, put your weapon aside."

Elladan viewed past him to where the two princes were standing and a faint snort of disgust left his throat. He then looked back at the tall blond before himd mud murmured quietly. "Fine."

And Glorfindel released a breath of relief as the younger Elf sheathed his sword back to its scabbard. He waved to the others to lower their bows, then spun around, gazing back to the distraught faces of the two Princes.

"We may go along with this fight, Alderios," The blond Noldo yell"We"We all might die, but that will include you, your brother and all of your soldiers. I know as a Prince as you are, you are not afraid to die. But I believe your father will not be veoyfuoyful when he comes to collect both of your dead bodies, will he?"

Not giving the haughty Sinda a chance to speak, Glorfindel continued. "Or, we may prevent us from slaughtering each other, if you are willing to hear what I am about to propose to you."

It seemed like an eternity before Alderios, still with a doubt on his face, asked. "What do you propose?"

Glorfindel squared his shoulders, all the fear and hopelessness was suddenly gone from his face as he declared. "I, Glorfindel, Lord of Imladris, challenge you, Crown Prince Alderios of Mirkwood, for a duel to the death. If I win, I will have the right to decide the fate of Legolas. Legolas will be freed and you will hand him to me. But if I lose and die, then you may do whatever you will with him. The same term goes to you. Do you accept my challenge, Prince?"

Alderios' face was one of total confusion. "What �?"

It was likely that the Prince would decline his challenge, but Alderios was the most arrogant Elf Glorfindel had ever met and he knew well how to trifle with such of character. It was his turn to sneer, "Come, Alderios. If you are as brave as your mouth is, you will not back down from a fair fight with a sword. Or are you indeed afraid of me?"

Anger from being disgraced so cleverly in front of all his men made decision come quickly to Alderios. His mouth was opened as if to give out his reply, but stopped as Felenduir took a step forward. "I will do it!"

Alderios' eyes widened at the younger Elf. "Felenduir, you will not �.."

"Easy, brother," Felenduir reasoned. "You are a Crown Prince, you are not be made to do this. Let me fight him, and I give you my word that I will present his head to you. Besides �." A maniacal smirk then appeared on his face. "I will thoroughly enjoy this, I believe."

The oldest Prince took his time to think, before he nodded his consent. y wey well. Do it."

Lifting his chin to Glorfindel, Felenduir roared. "I, Prince Felenduir of Mirkwood, will take my brother's place to answer your challenge, Glorfindel of Imladris. I accept the challenge, as well as the terms that will follow. This fight will be held right here and at this very moment, and so both our companions will be made to witness. Do you agree with this, Noldo?"

"Aye I agree," Glorfindel nodded without hesitation.

And so both Elves were preparing for a duel; one that would decide Legolas' life. All of the Elves then retreated to the edge of the clearing, leaving a wide space in the middle for Felenduir and Glorfindel to carry out the battle.

"I do not like this, Glorfindel," Elrohir's face was wrecked with worry, as he and Elladan walked with the blond and then halted at one edge of the field. "You are still injured and you are certainly not in a condition to fight. You should not do this. What shall we tell Ada if ��.." He trailed off, seemingly was too afraid to speak his mind.

"I am sorry, Elrohir, but I do not see any other way than this," Glorfindel apologized, smiling softly to both brothers. "If Elbereth allows me, I will survive. I will do my best, that I promise you."

"That is not good enough," Elrohir shook his head, a glint of tears shining in his eyes.

"Listen, Elrohir, Elladan," Glorfindel wished he could give more assurances he the two young Elves, but time was running out. "If I lose, then Legolas' fate will be sealed. Do not bother with us and do not even think to avenge my death. After the battle is over, I want both of you, along with all of our soldiers to make swift return to your father, at once. Just ride and do not look back. Do you understand?"

Elrohir kept his quietness, but Elladan nodded, answering for both of them. "We understand, Glorfindel."

"Good."

With one tug, Glorfindel took off his cloak, then let both twins help to run a quick check upon himself and his sword. It was not like he had many things to observe, as he truthfully did not prepare for this. The fact that both he and Felenduir wore no armor meant that the two of them were facing a severe fight, or so what it seemed. Having dealt with the Sinda before and knowing exactly what a prowess fighter Felenduir was, Glorfindel realized that the chance for him to win was very thin, specifically with his current physical condition that was rather unfortunate. But nevertheless he would try. It was much better to die trying than to watch and do nothing.

He scanned for Legolas and found that the young Elf had been dragged to one side of the glade and was laid under a towering tree. He glanced at him for a moment, feeling as if a dagger had stabbed into his heart as he realized that this might be his last chance to see the face of his beloved Elf.

At a sign from Elladan, Glorfindel turned around. Felenduir already stood in the middle of the field, waiting for him. Ready for battle, Glorfindel then re-entered the clearing with quick purposeful steps.

"Good luck, Glorfindel," Elladan whispered.

Felenduir narrowed his e smi smiling happily at the approach of the other blond.

"So, Noldo, we meet again." He raised his sword, pointing it directly at Glorfindel's face. "I only hope you are ready for this so you may give me a good fight."

"Do not fret," Glorfindel snapped as he lifted his own weapon. "I never once disappointed an enemy of mine."

"Wonderful."

The two blondes circled one another, their swords glinting under the sunlight and bodies bent slightly, as if measuring each other's strength and weakness. Then Felenduir launched the first attack; his sword slashing through the air to collide with Glorfindel's.

The battle had begun.
TBC
Mellon-nin - my friend

Meldir - friend

Hannad - thank you

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Red Autumn & Narcolinde : I am so, so happy you liked that last chapter. It was, after all, my gift to you *grins*. O, I just pierced my tongue today. Holy, it hurt. But it's fun, you two should try that, seriously.

Steph : Thanks. Those are very good ideas. I'll think about it.

Avril : Kill any brother? I don't know. Should I?

Scarlett : You mean the chapter 5? Sorry. But that's my favorite chapter of all.

Kit : Sure I remember you. Thanks to keep reading this. You still want both of them dead, or just one?

Mirasaui : Actually it's after your email, I tried very hard to rush it. Just couldn't disappoint a very kind reader like you. Thanks.

OrlisGirl : LOL. Don't tell me you have no idea what they're doing behind the door, hmmm �?

X : Hehe, how many split personalities do you have? Itnly nly that this person mentioned something about Alderios being a good torturer, and since you're the only one who ever experienced *it*, so at first I thought that she was you. Speaking 'bout torture, want some more? I have so many damn elves in store, do fell free to choose *evil laugh*
- 14
- 15
- 16
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

In The Name of Faith