Summary: Throughout the quest Legolas keeps a secret from the rest of the fellowship, one that may jeopardize not only the mission but his own life. But after all, they both had greatly desired for this.
MPreg. Not Slash (thought I don't mind it ;D). Leggy/OC though not a Mary Sue and mentioned ever so briefly. I haven't decided if this shall be called the Seahorse AU or the Penguin AU, point is: it is the male elves that carry the child to term.
"Scientific" explanation (only regarding Sindar and Silvan elves): like seahorses, ellith or female elves have a sort of penis that once inserted into the male delivers hundreds of eggs but only one or two of them would be fertilized by the male's spermatozoid, which is only produced if the couple's desire for offspring is strong (shared trough their bond and thus why begetting is celebrated among elves instead of birthdays). Like both seahorses and penguins it's the ellon or male elf who carries the child until its birth, however feeding the newborn is left for the mother (so ellyn don't grow boobs), this way they share the immense weight that is bringing children into the world for elves and this is also the reason why they abstain of reproducing during war times for fear of being separated. Hope that makes sense to you.
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The light shining down beautifully through the open doors to the balcony was the first sight that greeted Legolas that morning. The place next to him as he lay in their bed was empty but still warm and fragrant with her, she had probably gone to the interior palace gardens as was her costume on the early hours to enjoy their tranquility. The blond had the sudden urge to bury his head in her pillow but he didn't want to move just yet, a smile softly curving his pink lips.
Last night had been different.
They had discussed about it, many times. The shadows of the East grew ever stronger, that much was undeniable, and the age of the Eldar would soon come to an end, however in their union they saw light and in their hearts there was hope for a future together, a family. The decision was made time ago, both knew that but had never before the night prior voiced it to each other nor put their passion and tenderness towards it. By the name of Eru they had set their minds and bodies to that which they desired most.
Legolas sighed and drove a hand to rest on his lower abdomen, it wasn't like they had a guide to begetting or could ask someone for advice, they could only hope.
The couple have meant to try again the following night, but the attack happened and the creature Gollum escaped. They had managed to regain control in less than a day but damage was done none the less. The Realm was in lockdown for three months under the King's commands and among the alert, repairs and grieving for the fallen there had been no time for thinking of offspring.
As soon as the gates were open once again, and without much more than a farewell kiss from his wife, Legolas was sent to Rivendell along with a small party of his guard as a messenger of the dark twist that had befallen on Mirkwood. Unknowing for all that his plea had already been granted.
They arrived at Imladris right on time for a Council held among representatives from all free people of Arda. The Prince had sent back an envoy to his father afterwards regarding the situation with the Halfling and Isildur's bane, and informing him of his prolonged stay in the Last Homely Home until they reached a final decision.
Legolas' strength failed him soon after. He was enjoying a solitary stroll around the breath-taking pools on the soft autumn afternoon when all of sudden he felt lightheaded and drowsy, the next time he was aware of the world was to Lady Arwen's worried face.
"We are at your chamber" She explained softly at his confused expression "You fainted. Legolas I'm sure it is known to you that I like my father have the gift of insight" He observed speechless as she took one of his hands and laid it flatly on his stomach "You carry a child"
In his heart he had already known, still his breath hitched as alarm rose on his chest and he stood from the bed on a swift motion, Arwen following suit and securing his arms when he swayed on his feet "Do not tell anyone, not even your father nor Aragorn" he locked her gaze "You must give me your word"
She slowly helped him back to the mattress without breaking eye contact "You have it. But please, take care." She reach to the bedside table and handed Legolas a small crystal bottle filled with a clear golden liquid "I'm far from an outstanding healer but it will help. I will personally bring you some foot later" with a final squeeze to the archer's hand she stood up "Rest now" and with that she left, softlt closing the door behind her. That same night he wrote a letter to his beloved Mirhuilos and one to his father, the later he burnt and the other he kept hidden in a drawer not having the courage to actually send either one.
Then the nine walkers, members of the Fellowship of the Ring, were announced and it was time for his long overdue talk with the Lord of Rivendell. Legolas presented himself to the half-elf's studio two days before the leaving, a lump in his throat impending him from speaking.
Elrond merely raised an eyebrow "I am well acquainted with your predicament, Thranduilion" to the younger's paleness he answered with some humour "It is obvious to any who have met an expecting one before and know of your people's particularity, I'm afraid. There is a radiance about you beyond that inherent to the Eldar. May I?" He gestured with his hand to Legolas' midsection, the Sinda merely nodded still at loss at his not-so-secret been blown. Elrond placed both hands on his abdomen, still traceless of the child within, concentrating hard for a few moments as he expertly prodded around before a heartfelt smile made its way to his lips "I will admit that I had worried for the health of you both, but you are strong and the child is healthy" he backed off and allowed Legolas to bask in his gladness and relief for a moment before continuing on a more serious tone "Still the question remains, will you partake in the Quest? Think it thoroughly"
"The decision was taken long ago, and not in haste. We were reckless in our pursuit of a family in these times of war, now we must attain to the consequences" the pain in his voice was evident but so was a strong conviction.
"You risk both your lives" Elrond turned around and began running through the many different flasks and vials and glasses spread on his table.
"Let it be the will of the Valar. You said yourself I was meant to be in this Quest and I won't have it any other way" the blond felt breathless. However cold his words were Legolas loved this child already more that anything he had known before and would cry on his knees at the feet of Eru if it meant it would live, but he had made up his mind. He found a seat and wrapped his arms tightly around himself.
"And does your King, or the mother know of your choice?" He glance over his shoulder at the silence.
The answer was but a broken whisper "It was mine to make" and that had been the end of it.
The day of the departure Legolas wrote another set of letters, this time explaining of his travel as well as of his pregnancy, sealed and quick like who plucks out an arrow handed them to a messenger under oath that she will tell none of the way and direction the Prince took. Soon before leaving he received a small bag from Lord Elrond in the hands of his daughter, inside were half a dozen vials with two different inscriptions on the labels which the elleth soon clarified.
"These are to ease the different symptoms and these are to ensure the health of both of you, you can take them together. Just a few droplets of each. Do not drink of the flask that Gandalf will likely share with the others, it may cause it harm. And here-" she dropped some squarish and wrapped in leaves packages into the bag which Legolas immediately recognized "This will help you keep your strength"
He thank her earnestly, heart thumping hard in anticipation, and went to stand side by side with his new companions. they listened attentively as Elrond gave them a last departing word, promptly turning their backs to all comfort and safety and walking out through the gates into the night towards an even darker destiny, thus their journey began.