Chapter #1 - The Defiling of Rivendell
In the deep valley of Rivendell there was silence broken only by the trickle of the waterfall as the crystal clear water cascaded onto the smooth white rocks below. The tall trees sprawled across the side of the valley rustled slightly in the breeze. Above the clouds drifted past slowly, revealing the glistening light of the moon, which illuminated the sweeping hills and sparkling water below. There was an air of expectation about, like something large was waiting to pounce. Minutes passed, then a quiet murmur began to rise amongst the trees. Now in the forest that had seemed empty, graceful figures flitted here and there, silver flashes were all that could be seen as the moon glinted off the fair elven hair. In the distance a low rumbling was heard, like a drum beat. A foul stench, that had never before reached Rivendell hung in the air. To the south of Rivendell, torches burnt in the distance. Great fires rose up as the flames consumed the fair trees surrounding the city. Lord Elrond stood at the top of the tallest tower in Rivendell, where the sheer white walls stood firm and proud. His face was stern and a snarl crossed his wizened face. "Orcs." He whispered to himself with loathing. Never before had the evil in the south attempted an open assault on Rivendell, but now the strength of Saruman had grown past even that of Lord Elrond Half-Elven, wisest of the elves on Middle Earth save Galadrial. As the orcs came closer, his keen elven eyes counted their numbers. They were like a black swarm of ants, consuming everything in their path. At the front large orcs stood proudly, they had spiked black armour on and many carried longbows. They were the fighting Uruk-Hai. They were a foe that could travel in sunlight and run for miles without rest. Elrond shook his head. In that moment, even as the black clouds swamped the last light of the moon and a light rain began to splash down on Rivendell, hope left the Elven Lord. Turning away, he started to go down the stairs. He was wearing shining silver armour and carrying his sword. Quickly he placed on his helmet and stood for a minute in the doorway. Just as he was about to leave a figure blocked his path. "Father, I wish to fight by your side and for Rivendell." Elrond sighed, "Sissi, you know that it is impossible. You are too important." With that he kissed her on the cheek and strode away to command the forces. Sissi watched him. She looked down at the sweeping white dress she wore and quietly her hand reached up to the locket around her neck. "Forgive me Father" She muttered, and then turned away. She slipped unseen into the armoury and quickly tightened a piece of Mithril armour around herself. Then she picked up her sword. As she held it in her hand, the edges glowed a faint blue and fire seemed to flash around the blade. She smiled, then pushed back her hair and pulled on a helmet, which all but covered her face. Checking herself once more, she turned to head out to battle. She found Elrond on the outskirts of Rivendell. The orcs were nearly in bowshot now and an eerie silence had fell in Rivendell. The orcs were going to attack from the front, up the valley side. All around elven archers had their arrows pointed, ready to find their mark with deadly accuracy. Elrond paid no attention to the solitary elf warrior, and not seeing her true face he turned away, and headed over to the other side of the city. Nobody saw that Sissi Elrond, Princess Rivendell was at the front line of elves, ready to fight until she had no strength left. She had promised to stay inside, until all was lost but she was a warrior and did not fear death. There she stood, the darkness surrounding her as the orcs finally reached the valley floor, and began their ascent.
At that moment a great shout rose up around Rivendell, and the dark sky was pierced by thousands of elven arrows. The first lines of orcs fell motionless as barely one arrow was wasted. The orcs, stunned by the ferocity of the elven attack, fell back. Fear awakened in their hearts, but it was soon displaced by a lust for war. Like a great battering ram, the orcs crashed against the first line of elves. They were pushed back as wave upon wave of black Uruk Hai smashed against them. Soon the elves had retreated into the forests surrounding Rivendell, and orcs were filling the valley. Lord Elrond watched, his spear glistening with orc blood. His heart grew heavy as he saw the beauty of Rivendell defiled by the orcs. He cursed Saruman, then slammed shut the door. Now orcs surrounded Rivendell and the elves were closed up inside. A group of them held the door, but even they knew it would not be long before it fell. The elves faces were no longer full of joy, but grave and miserable and a great song of sorrow and the falling of Rivendell began to be sung. It filtered through the ranks of elves, watching the orcs from behind the wall and tears flowed down their beautiful faces. Elrond gave the orders, "We must abandon Rivendell and make our way over the mountains to Lothlorien, there we can stay. Somebody go and collect Sissi from her chambers, and bring her to me." A tall elven captain stood and left silently.
It was at that time that Sissi stood in the forest, her fury in battle had pushed a small band of orcs back but she was now enclosed in the woods, surrounded by orcs while the gates of Rivendell were shut. She looked back, a tear in her eye as she knew it was the end. She leaned against a tree and gathered her thoughts, only a small band of elves stood with her, and orcs were creeping through the forest. She could hear them coming closer, their shrill voices rising through the trees. "Death, Death, Death" They screamed, and the elves hung their heads. Darkness took them, and many fell to their knees and were despaired. At that moment, the orcs came upon them, and a great Uruk Hai captain charged. But in his lust for blood, he had charged too soon, his orcs had not kept up with him and he charged at the band of elves alone. It was at that time when Princess Sissi, warrior of Rivendell, pulled back her cloak, and the white beauty of Rivendell filled her face. Power radiated from her, and the elves felt their hearts leap as they recognised the solitary figure. "For Rivendell!" She cried, and the orc hesitated. He had not anticipated a foe of such beauty and wrath. Sissi stepped forward, and in the second that hope had failed for the elves, a glimmer of hope had risen. They stood up, and raised their swords, and their voices were fair and terrible. They charged the orcs, and Sissi slew the Uruk Hai captain as he turned to flee. Now the orcs in the forest were being pushed back as the elves desperately fought. Even now, the power of Saruman was great however, and new forces of goblins and cave trolls assaulted the forest, so that Sissi's band of elves were once again overpowered, and many were slain. A great cry rose up, as the gate of Rivendell fell, and orcs rushed in. Sissi bowed her head, she knew all was lost now. She raised he sword up and with one last shout charged the orcs entering Rivendell from behind. She felt a blow to her head and then she fell. She saw nothing else.
Inside Rivendell, Elrond saw the gates fall. Time was short, where was Sissi? At that moment his captain returned. "Sissi's chambers are empty, and her sword has gone."
Elrond bowed his head low. "Then indeed Sissi has gone to battle and been lost." For the elves, the grief was too much. Tears stung their eyes and a great wrath came upon them. For Elrond, a darkness spread across his eyes, and he fought no more. He turned and made his way to Sissi's chamber, where he sat near to the window, to finally see the fall of Rivendell.
The great valley was now alight with large fires, and smoke filled the air. Orcs cheered and chanted as they marched into Rivendell, hewing the elves as the fell. Behind them a drum was heard. 'Boom, Boom, Boom." Behind the orcs, at the top of the valley stood a new army. It was half the size of the first orc army, but from his window Elrond could see that they were taller, and their swords glinted in the sunlight. Elrond watched them, despair filling his heart as they began their march towards Rivendell. "Sarumans power has grown beyond comprehension." He muttered, watching the hordes of orcs as they turned towards the new army and cheered. But their cries faltered as realisation dawned on them. A large banner was being unfurled at the front of the new army and it was white, with a single golden leaf on it. Then the army charged. Elrond smiled, Lothlorien had come. Even in the hour of victory for the orcs, the elves of the great wood came upon them from behind. The orcs turned to greet them, and even then may have won was it not for the elves of Rivendell, who, refreshed and filled with anger for their fallen Princess charged out of Rivendell. The orcs were trapped between two foes, and even their hatred towards the elves couldn't keep them there, many fled, or simply laid down their weapons and bowed their heads as the two kins of elves met in the valley of Rivendell. Joyful was the meeting of Glorfindel of Rivendell and Andril, Prince of Lothlorien, oldest of the sons of Galadrial. "A blessing be passed on the hour of our meeting." Shouted Glorfindel as they met, and rested for a while on their swords. Andril bowed, "Not while Lothlorien is here shall Rivendell fall unheeded." Then they turned and headed back to battle, and all who saw them fell back, and fear filled the orcs as the might of the two kins was united. No orc escaped out of Rivendell that day, and the sky brightened. Sun shone down the valley, and it glistened off the waterfall. But for the elves, sorrow had befallen them. Many had fallen in the battle. Galdor of Rivendell and Haldir of Lothlorien, as well as Gosri and Fosri, councelors to Elrond, who had fallen protecting him to the end. However, the most sorrow was saved for Princess Sissi Elrond, mightiest of Elronds children, whose beauty was beyond that of any elf since Luthien Tinuviel graced Middle Earth. So it was that Prince Andril sheathed his sword and stumbled upon Sissi, lying at the gates of Rivendell. An orc was standing over her, axe raised. With a quick movement Andril killed the orc, and stepped over her. Her hair shone like gold in the sun, but a trickle of blood dripped down her face, and her arm looked broken. Andril was filled with sympathy for her, and he knew her to be Sissi Elrond. He bowed down and kissed her forehead. "Never again shall there be one like you Princes Sissi." But her skin was warm to touch, and a hope leaped in Andrils heart. He scooped up the Princess and lifted her into Rivendell. He reached the houses of healing, where the warden was waiting. "Prince Andril, it's been a long time since you were here, but you came again, just when you were needed most."
"Yes Gwalfir, but now you are needed most. Here is Princess Sissi, beloved daughter of Elrond." The warden burst into tears.
"Save your tears, for she is not yet dead. I bid you to see to her until Lord Elrond can be found."
"This is surely a hope beyond hopes, I heard that she died defending Rivendell till the last, but I will do all I can."
Andril nodded, and left to find Elrond. Soon the rumour passed through Rivendell like wildfire that the Princess was alive, and a great song burst through the defiled valley. Hearts were lifted and it seemed the sun shone on celebration. Elrond went to tend to Sissi, and a great mound was made for the brave elves that had died in battle. A song was sung about the siege of Rivendell and many tears were spilled, but for now Saruman was defeated and he sat in Orthanc, cursing Andril, and vowing to kill Sissi, for it was because of her that Saruman had attacked Rivendell, to his great loss. None of the orcs returned to Orthanc, save one. He was Grugra of Moria, and he became a great general for Saruman.
In the deep valley of Rivendell there was silence broken only by the trickle of the waterfall as the crystal clear water cascaded onto the smooth white rocks below. The tall trees sprawled across the side of the valley rustled slightly in the breeze. Above the clouds drifted past slowly, revealing the glistening light of the moon, which illuminated the sweeping hills and sparkling water below. There was an air of expectation about, like something large was waiting to pounce. Minutes passed, then a quiet murmur began to rise amongst the trees. Now in the forest that had seemed empty, graceful figures flitted here and there, silver flashes were all that could be seen as the moon glinted off the fair elven hair. In the distance a low rumbling was heard, like a drum beat. A foul stench, that had never before reached Rivendell hung in the air. To the south of Rivendell, torches burnt in the distance. Great fires rose up as the flames consumed the fair trees surrounding the city. Lord Elrond stood at the top of the tallest tower in Rivendell, where the sheer white walls stood firm and proud. His face was stern and a snarl crossed his wizened face. "Orcs." He whispered to himself with loathing. Never before had the evil in the south attempted an open assault on Rivendell, but now the strength of Saruman had grown past even that of Lord Elrond Half-Elven, wisest of the elves on Middle Earth save Galadrial. As the orcs came closer, his keen elven eyes counted their numbers. They were like a black swarm of ants, consuming everything in their path. At the front large orcs stood proudly, they had spiked black armour on and many carried longbows. They were the fighting Uruk-Hai. They were a foe that could travel in sunlight and run for miles without rest. Elrond shook his head. In that moment, even as the black clouds swamped the last light of the moon and a light rain began to splash down on Rivendell, hope left the Elven Lord. Turning away, he started to go down the stairs. He was wearing shining silver armour and carrying his sword. Quickly he placed on his helmet and stood for a minute in the doorway. Just as he was about to leave a figure blocked his path. "Father, I wish to fight by your side and for Rivendell." Elrond sighed, "Sissi, you know that it is impossible. You are too important." With that he kissed her on the cheek and strode away to command the forces. Sissi watched him. She looked down at the sweeping white dress she wore and quietly her hand reached up to the locket around her neck. "Forgive me Father" She muttered, and then turned away. She slipped unseen into the armoury and quickly tightened a piece of Mithril armour around herself. Then she picked up her sword. As she held it in her hand, the edges glowed a faint blue and fire seemed to flash around the blade. She smiled, then pushed back her hair and pulled on a helmet, which all but covered her face. Checking herself once more, she turned to head out to battle. She found Elrond on the outskirts of Rivendell. The orcs were nearly in bowshot now and an eerie silence had fell in Rivendell. The orcs were going to attack from the front, up the valley side. All around elven archers had their arrows pointed, ready to find their mark with deadly accuracy. Elrond paid no attention to the solitary elf warrior, and not seeing her true face he turned away, and headed over to the other side of the city. Nobody saw that Sissi Elrond, Princess Rivendell was at the front line of elves, ready to fight until she had no strength left. She had promised to stay inside, until all was lost but she was a warrior and did not fear death. There she stood, the darkness surrounding her as the orcs finally reached the valley floor, and began their ascent.
At that moment a great shout rose up around Rivendell, and the dark sky was pierced by thousands of elven arrows. The first lines of orcs fell motionless as barely one arrow was wasted. The orcs, stunned by the ferocity of the elven attack, fell back. Fear awakened in their hearts, but it was soon displaced by a lust for war. Like a great battering ram, the orcs crashed against the first line of elves. They were pushed back as wave upon wave of black Uruk Hai smashed against them. Soon the elves had retreated into the forests surrounding Rivendell, and orcs were filling the valley. Lord Elrond watched, his spear glistening with orc blood. His heart grew heavy as he saw the beauty of Rivendell defiled by the orcs. He cursed Saruman, then slammed shut the door. Now orcs surrounded Rivendell and the elves were closed up inside. A group of them held the door, but even they knew it would not be long before it fell. The elves faces were no longer full of joy, but grave and miserable and a great song of sorrow and the falling of Rivendell began to be sung. It filtered through the ranks of elves, watching the orcs from behind the wall and tears flowed down their beautiful faces. Elrond gave the orders, "We must abandon Rivendell and make our way over the mountains to Lothlorien, there we can stay. Somebody go and collect Sissi from her chambers, and bring her to me." A tall elven captain stood and left silently.
It was at that time that Sissi stood in the forest, her fury in battle had pushed a small band of orcs back but she was now enclosed in the woods, surrounded by orcs while the gates of Rivendell were shut. She looked back, a tear in her eye as she knew it was the end. She leaned against a tree and gathered her thoughts, only a small band of elves stood with her, and orcs were creeping through the forest. She could hear them coming closer, their shrill voices rising through the trees. "Death, Death, Death" They screamed, and the elves hung their heads. Darkness took them, and many fell to their knees and were despaired. At that moment, the orcs came upon them, and a great Uruk Hai captain charged. But in his lust for blood, he had charged too soon, his orcs had not kept up with him and he charged at the band of elves alone. It was at that time when Princess Sissi, warrior of Rivendell, pulled back her cloak, and the white beauty of Rivendell filled her face. Power radiated from her, and the elves felt their hearts leap as they recognised the solitary figure. "For Rivendell!" She cried, and the orc hesitated. He had not anticipated a foe of such beauty and wrath. Sissi stepped forward, and in the second that hope had failed for the elves, a glimmer of hope had risen. They stood up, and raised their swords, and their voices were fair and terrible. They charged the orcs, and Sissi slew the Uruk Hai captain as he turned to flee. Now the orcs in the forest were being pushed back as the elves desperately fought. Even now, the power of Saruman was great however, and new forces of goblins and cave trolls assaulted the forest, so that Sissi's band of elves were once again overpowered, and many were slain. A great cry rose up, as the gate of Rivendell fell, and orcs rushed in. Sissi bowed her head, she knew all was lost now. She raised he sword up and with one last shout charged the orcs entering Rivendell from behind. She felt a blow to her head and then she fell. She saw nothing else.
Inside Rivendell, Elrond saw the gates fall. Time was short, where was Sissi? At that moment his captain returned. "Sissi's chambers are empty, and her sword has gone."
Elrond bowed his head low. "Then indeed Sissi has gone to battle and been lost." For the elves, the grief was too much. Tears stung their eyes and a great wrath came upon them. For Elrond, a darkness spread across his eyes, and he fought no more. He turned and made his way to Sissi's chamber, where he sat near to the window, to finally see the fall of Rivendell.
The great valley was now alight with large fires, and smoke filled the air. Orcs cheered and chanted as they marched into Rivendell, hewing the elves as the fell. Behind them a drum was heard. 'Boom, Boom, Boom." Behind the orcs, at the top of the valley stood a new army. It was half the size of the first orc army, but from his window Elrond could see that they were taller, and their swords glinted in the sunlight. Elrond watched them, despair filling his heart as they began their march towards Rivendell. "Sarumans power has grown beyond comprehension." He muttered, watching the hordes of orcs as they turned towards the new army and cheered. But their cries faltered as realisation dawned on them. A large banner was being unfurled at the front of the new army and it was white, with a single golden leaf on it. Then the army charged. Elrond smiled, Lothlorien had come. Even in the hour of victory for the orcs, the elves of the great wood came upon them from behind. The orcs turned to greet them, and even then may have won was it not for the elves of Rivendell, who, refreshed and filled with anger for their fallen Princess charged out of Rivendell. The orcs were trapped between two foes, and even their hatred towards the elves couldn't keep them there, many fled, or simply laid down their weapons and bowed their heads as the two kins of elves met in the valley of Rivendell. Joyful was the meeting of Glorfindel of Rivendell and Andril, Prince of Lothlorien, oldest of the sons of Galadrial. "A blessing be passed on the hour of our meeting." Shouted Glorfindel as they met, and rested for a while on their swords. Andril bowed, "Not while Lothlorien is here shall Rivendell fall unheeded." Then they turned and headed back to battle, and all who saw them fell back, and fear filled the orcs as the might of the two kins was united. No orc escaped out of Rivendell that day, and the sky brightened. Sun shone down the valley, and it glistened off the waterfall. But for the elves, sorrow had befallen them. Many had fallen in the battle. Galdor of Rivendell and Haldir of Lothlorien, as well as Gosri and Fosri, councelors to Elrond, who had fallen protecting him to the end. However, the most sorrow was saved for Princess Sissi Elrond, mightiest of Elronds children, whose beauty was beyond that of any elf since Luthien Tinuviel graced Middle Earth. So it was that Prince Andril sheathed his sword and stumbled upon Sissi, lying at the gates of Rivendell. An orc was standing over her, axe raised. With a quick movement Andril killed the orc, and stepped over her. Her hair shone like gold in the sun, but a trickle of blood dripped down her face, and her arm looked broken. Andril was filled with sympathy for her, and he knew her to be Sissi Elrond. He bowed down and kissed her forehead. "Never again shall there be one like you Princes Sissi." But her skin was warm to touch, and a hope leaped in Andrils heart. He scooped up the Princess and lifted her into Rivendell. He reached the houses of healing, where the warden was waiting. "Prince Andril, it's been a long time since you were here, but you came again, just when you were needed most."
"Yes Gwalfir, but now you are needed most. Here is Princess Sissi, beloved daughter of Elrond." The warden burst into tears.
"Save your tears, for she is not yet dead. I bid you to see to her until Lord Elrond can be found."
"This is surely a hope beyond hopes, I heard that she died defending Rivendell till the last, but I will do all I can."
Andril nodded, and left to find Elrond. Soon the rumour passed through Rivendell like wildfire that the Princess was alive, and a great song burst through the defiled valley. Hearts were lifted and it seemed the sun shone on celebration. Elrond went to tend to Sissi, and a great mound was made for the brave elves that had died in battle. A song was sung about the siege of Rivendell and many tears were spilled, but for now Saruman was defeated and he sat in Orthanc, cursing Andril, and vowing to kill Sissi, for it was because of her that Saruman had attacked Rivendell, to his great loss. None of the orcs returned to Orthanc, save one. He was Grugra of Moria, and he became a great general for Saruman.