The next day Arwen introduced Celuthien to Valneen, she was the healer that had helped Arwen through her pregnancy's and delivered both Celuthien and Eldaroin. She confirmed what Arwen had sensed, Celuthien was indeed pregnant. 'I shall mix you an medicine for you sickness my lady, it should pass in a few months' Valneen smiled. The weeks past and Celuthien's stomach swelled quickly, at just three months the sickness passed but she struggled to move around properly, she was always tired and relied much on Legolas. Mid summers day approached and people gathered in the gardens of Gondor to celebrate. Legolas strolled with Celuthien in the garden, admiring the tree's and the plants. He would find his eyes often drawn to her swollen stomach, memorised by the life she carried inside her. The music from the party rang in the air, others chatted and danced close by, but all he saw was her. Her skin glowing in the sunlight, her hair dancing lazily in the breeze. If he had dreamed a woman she would not be so perfect. 'This party is lovely' she mused taking his hand. 'yes it is' he agreed. Celuthiens eyes met her mothers, she was across the garden chatting to some friends with Aragorn. Celuthien raised her hand and smiled to her in recognition. Legolas followed her eyeline and then did the same when he saw them too. Suddenly a hot sensation flowed over Celuthien. 'ooh' she moaned, caressing her stomach. 'Are you alright?' shot Legolas, his hands flying protectively to her bump. 'I think I just need a drink' she replied. 'Lets go inside' He said, suddenly aware of how warm it was. He knew he was being overprotective lately, but he dint care. They walked a few steps but Celuthien stopped. 'Almost there now' Legolas smiled encouragingly, knowing she was easily tired lately. 'Legolas I...' She closed her eyes, everything was spinning and she felt very sick, she was hot, too hot, she longed to jump into an icy pool if only one would appear. She rested her head to Legolas's chest and he put her arms around her. She let out a soft sob. 'Celuthien!' Legolas said stunned to hear her cry 'My love please lets get inside, If you are in pain I shall fetch a healer, or your mother, please don't weep my flower, its alright' Legolas stroked her hair. Everything was spinning fast. She wanted to go inside but her legs wouldn't move. She swallowed her pride and opened her mouth to ask Legolas to carry her but she couldn't speak. Her eyes rolled back in her head and her legs buckled, everything went black. Legolas panicked. 'Celuthien?!' he called shaking her gently, he lay he softly on the grass. 'Help! Please! He shouted to the people nearest him, 'my wife is with child, she is sick!' Arwen pushed through the by standers, followed by Aragorn. She knelt next to them. She placed her hand over Celuthiens eyes and whispered to her. Celuthiens eyes flew open and she drew a deep breath. As did Legolas. Arwen, Aragorn and Legolas exchanged worried glances. 'Legolas will you carry her inside please' Arwen whispered. 'Of course' replied Legolas, eager to help. 'Aragorn fetch Valneen please, I saw her earlier near the fountains' Aragorn nodded and went quickly. Legolas lay Celuthien down on a long soft chair in the drawing room. Arwen rushed around gathering pillows and blankets to make her comfortable. Celuthien drew her hands to her bump and let out a soft moan. Legolas thought his heart might break seeing her in pain. Aragorn entered with Valneen. Valneen felt Celuthiens head and sighed 'She is much too warm, fetch her some water' Legolas rushed away and returned with a basin and a cloth. Valneen dampened the cloth and placed it on Celuthiens brow. She let out a slight wimpier as the cold touched her. She then poured a glass of water and held it to her lips. 'Drink Celuthien' Celuthien obeyed sipping the water. Valneen then ran her hands over Celuthiens stomach and frowned. 'Your baby is due in almost eight months, you are much bigger than other women I have seen at this stage'. 'Is that bad?' Legolas interjected. 'I need to see her stomach' Valneen said. Celuthien looked barely concious. Her eyes fluttering constantly. Arwen nodded and leaned to Celuthien 'My love Valneen needs to see your stomach to check the baby is alright' Legolas flinched at the thought something could be wrong. 'could we remove your dress please?' Celuthien weakly nodded. Legolas propped her against him while Arwen unfastened the lace at the back of the dress. Aragorn turned to face to wall, slightly uncomfortable. When Arwen finished she lay her back down and pulled the sleeves of the dress off, peeling the garment down revealing Celuthiens breasts and her swollen stomach. Arwen took a blanket from the back of the seat and draped it over Celuthiens top half, so only her belly was visible. She then tapped Aragorn's shoulder signalling he could turn around again. Valneen lay her hands on Celuthiens bump again. She pressed slightly, then moved and pressed again, continuing all round her stomach. Valneen looked thoughtful, she began pressing and prodding harder. Legolas longed to tell her to stop, as it appeared she was being quite rough, he reminded himself that she knew better than him, and that she was helping. Valneen finally stopped. 'Is our baby alright?' Legolas begged. 'Yes' Valneen smiled. The room sighed with relief. 'both your babies are fine' Valneen added. Arwen let out a squeal being the first to process what she had said. 'Both babies?' Legolas questioned. 'Both babies' Valneen repeated again. 'Celuthien is having twins, that explains why she is so drained of energy and power, she is nurturing two lives'. Now Legolas felt dizzy, if Celuthien was not so ill he would have jumped for joy. 'How wonderful!' exclaimed Aragorn. 'what about Celuthien?' questioned Legolas, concerned. 'She needs a lot of rest, she is in no danger, unfortunately the sickness is a normal, make sure she rests and eats properly, I will check on her as much as I can.' Valneen answered. Legolas nodded. After that Celuthien was pretty much bed ridden. Legolas stayed with her always, chatting and reading to her.
He woke one morning to see her sat up, her face pained she was gently rubbing her stomach. 'My love what is it?' Legolas asked concerned. 'Oh Legolas, they are so restless, your children will not give me a moment to sleep' Celuthien replied sadly. Legolas couldn't help but smile at 'his children'. Legolas leaned over and kissed her cheek. He then put his hand to her bump and lent over it kissing it affectionately, 'now listen both of you' he whispered. Celuthien giggled. 'This is your father speaking, I love you both very much, but your mother is tired, please let her rest' he said softly. Celuthien smiled, 'you are going to be a wonderful father to them, Legolas' she said kissing him. 'I think they listened, they have stopped wriggling' she laughed. The door creaked open and Eldaroin entered. 'Eldaroin!' Celuthien exclaimed, she long to get up and hug him but she was too tired. 'Sister!' he laughed 'Please don't get up!'. He embraced her and kissed her brow. Legolas got to his feet 'Eldaroin!' He said happily before also embracing him. Eldaroin was smiling broadly 'When news reached us that you were expecting, Thranduil almost fell over!' he laughed. 'How is my father?' Legolas questioned. 'He is well, he is well' Eldaroin nodded 'better than well in fact, happier than I've ever seen him, his armies are strong and his kingdom well protected and in light of the recent news and the wedding he is positively flying' Eldaroin laughed. 'Wonderful!' Legolas smiled. 'Father says you have been unwell sister, how do you feel now?' Eldaroin asked, sitting on the bed. 'I feel better, just very tired' She replied. Eldaroin smiled sympathetically 'I am very excited to be an uncle.' He mused caressing her stomach. 'oh yes! I saw our uncles a few weeks ago, they were in Mirkwood for a time' Eldaroin recalled. 'You did! Are they well?!' exclaimed Celuthien. 'Again, Elladan and Elrohir were overjoyed to hear you were expecting, they apologised they could not attend the wedding, apparently Rivendale has been under threat of late, they were seeking Thranduil to ask for aid' Eldaroin replied. 'Oh how awful, mother said there are not many elves left in Rivendale, she says most of them sailed after Sauron fell' Celuthien sighed. 'It is true sister, a few hundred at most' said Eldaroin. 'Why do they not go to Mirkwood? As the Lorien elves did, and seek refuge with Thranduil?' questioned Celuthien. 'Elladan says he will remain king and defend it as long as elves choose to stay, Rivendale was once a great kingdom, it would be a great loss to see it abandoned' Eldaroin answered. Celuthien looked saddened. 'Do not worry sister, when your children are born and she shadow has past I will take you to see Rivendale, it is beautiful' Eldaroin said. Celuthien smiled weakly. 'I will leave you to rest now' Eldaroin kissed her again. 'Eldaroin are you staying now? Or are you returning to Mirkwood?' Celuthien asked. 'I am staying' he smiled as he left the room. Arwen passed him in the door way, she took his place on the bed next to Celuthien. 'Good morning my love, how do you feel?' she smiled, kissing her daughters head. 'Much better to have seen Eldaroin' Celuthien laughed. 'Yes, he arrived late last night, I was not too pleased at your father waking me at such an hour, but when he told me Eldaroin was back I forgave him' laughed Arwen 'I am surprised he's up, he and Estel were drinking until early this morning, your Ada cannot lift his head from his pillow, yet Eldaroin has been skipping around merrily' she giggled. Celuthien and Legolas laughed. 'My love you look pale' said Arwen, caressing Celuthiens face 'are you eating well enough?' she questioned. 'I am trying to mother, but I find even eating tires me' Celuthien replied sadly. 'Would you like me to make you a soup? That should be easy enough for you to eat' asked Arwen. 'Yes I would like that' Celuthien smiled. Arwen kissed her again and left. 'Everyone is fussing so much over me' Celuthien blushed when the door was shut. 'Everyone just wants to see you well that is all' smiled Legolas embracing her. More weeks passed and nothing much changed except the size of Celuthiens stomach. Aragorn appointed Eldaroin captain of the guard, having revived great praise for his work training soldiers in Mirkwood. Eldaroin was a great leader, though he gained a reputation for being ruthless as word spread and stories were exaggerated on him cutting the arm off the wildman in the dungeons. He was greatly respected by all those who knew him, and slightly feared by those who did not. One evening Arwen was sat with Aragorn when she suddenly inhaled a sharp breath. 'Arwen?' question Aragorn. Arwens eyes were closed, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, a warm smile creped over her face, 'Arwen what do you see?' Aragorn asked, it had been sometime since Arwen last had a premintion. 'Estel come with me, I need to tell you and Celuthien!' she laughed happily taking his hands. They entered Celuthiens room, she was lay in bed and Legolas was sat in the chair beside her. Celuthiens bump now unmissable, she was now around six months gone, half way through her pregnancy in elven terms. Though she was having twins her belly was unbelievably swollen, she found it hard to think herself that she could get any bigger, moving around was now almost impossible for her, her back ached, the weight was so much on her tiny frame. Arwen sat on the bed and took both Celuthien hands, her smile was infectious, Celuthien grinned and giggled back to her 'Mother what ever is it?'. 'I had a vision, I saw your children!' Arwen laughed merrily. Celuthien gasped. 'What did you see?' said Legolas leaning in intrigued. 'I saw them in Mirkwood, two boys, you and Legolas were playing with them, teaching them to dance. Both had strong elven features and they were identical in every way except one had golden hair and the other dark like yours. Oh they were beautiful and so happy' Arwen laughed her eyes brimming with tears of joy. 'Two boys?' gasped Celuthien looking down to her bump. Legolas's eyes were also glistening 'What a wonderful vision' he gasped 'I am to have two sons'. Aragorn laughed heartily and patted Legolas on the back.
One night Celuthien found herself restless 'Legolas?' she whispered, shaking him slightly. Legolas always slept lightly, a trait of most elves. He rolled over 'Is everything alright?' he asked concerned. 'Legolas, could you get me something?' Celuthien asked. Legolas sat up and rubbed his face his eyes adjusting, realising how late it was. 'Celuthien, are you alright?' he repeated the question. 'Yes, I just … I would really like some milk … with oranges' she replied. Legolas laughed a little at her strange request 'Milk with oranges?' he repeated. 'Yes please' she blushed a little. Legolas leaned over and kissed her head smiling 'Milk... with oranges?' he giggled again. 'Yes!' she laughed back 'Don't mock me!' she said tapping him on the arm. 'I am not mocking you! It is just an odd thing to want in the middle of the night that is all' Legolas laughed. 'Please' Celuthien smiled. 'Alright, I wont be long' Legolas kissed her and got up. 'Anything else?' he said as he approached the door. Celuthien shook her head. Legolas laughed to himself as he went down to the kitchens. Legolas entered the pantry and found Eldaroin sat eating a plate of chicken. 'Good to see some else sufferers from night hunger' Eldaroin joked. 'Ah but it is not I who suffers' responded Legolas 'Your sister sends me for strange foods lately, at even stranger times' he joked. Eldaroin laughed 'I have herd others speak of wanting for odd things when they are childbearing, apparently it is not unusual' he comforted. 'Eldaroin, I must ask you something' spoke Legolas 'I feel people are not telling me as much as they should, concerning the shadow in the east. I know they do it out of love as I am caring for Celuthien but please tell me, are we in danger?' Legolas asked solemnly. Eldaroin sighed 'We are not with holding information from you brother, you know as much as I, a power is growing in Mordor again but that is all we know, we have reddied our forces as has the rest of Middle Earth, we think he is regrouping after his defeat in Gondor, we are safe enough for now, but he will strike again'. Legolas nodded, he opened the cupboards and grabbed the oranges and poured a glass of milk. 'Goodnight brother' Legolas said as he exited the kitchen 'Goodnight' Eldaroin responded.
One early summers morning Celuthien woke, she sat up right her hands wrapped around her now enormous belly. 'Legolas?' she whispered, panicked. Legolas was at the other side of the room, busying himself sorting clothes for her. He walked over and sat on the bed, placing his hands on hers 'are you alright?' he asked as he did many times a day. 'I felt a pain' she whispered. It was almost a month too early for the babies to be born. 'Maybe just a cramp my love? Would you like me to get Valneen?' Legolas replied, he was concerned but didn't want to panic her. 'I don't know' said Celuthien, the pain now gone she was debating if she had dreamed it 'I think it has passed' she said. 'Lay down my love, we'll wait and see if it happens again' Legolas said. He sorted her pillows and propped her up so she was comfortable, he sat next to her and embraced her, they sat in silence for some time. Celuthien was about to say that she must have dreamed it, when a sharp pain shot through her again. She gasped and grabbed her stomach. 'It is much too early' she panted. Legolas was panicked but tried to calm her. 'Shh it will be alright, our sons are just too eager' he kissed her on the head and got up 'I will get Valneen, don't panic please my love' he said. Celuthien was panicked, Legolas left and she sobbed to herself, stroking her bump 'Please my loves, not yet, please get stronger first' she whispered. Legolas re-entered minutes later with Valneen and Arwen. Celuthiens face was tear streaked. Arwen dropped to her side and wiped her cheeks. 'Be strong my love, panicking will discomfort the babies' Arwen soothed. Celuthien nodded. Valneen parted Celuthiens legs and examined her 'There is time yet, you are in very early stages of labour' she concluded 'we must delay it as much as we can'. Legolas sat behind Celuthien and wrapped his arms around her 'I'm here' he whispered 'Everything is alright'. There was a knock at the door. 'Enter' Arwen shouted. Aragorn and Eldaroin came in, Aragorn's face full of worry. 'Well, is it happening?' he asked. 'It has started, but I don't expect the babies will arrive today, maybe tomorrow or even the day after if we can help it' Valneen answered. Aragorn nodded. 'I will go and get a room ready for her, if the pains become too great or very close together, send for me quickly alright?' Valneen said. 'We will' Legolas replied. Valneen left and Aragorn and Eldaroin sat on the bed with Arwen and Legolas. 'Wont be long now' Eldaroin smiled sympathetically. 'I fear it is too soon' Celuthien said her eyes brimming with tears again. 'I suspect there is not much room in there, maybe your sons have grown tired of each others company already' Aragorn smiled. Celuthien laughed a little 'maybe so' she sighed. 'It would not happen if they were not ready my love, please don't worry so much, this is a happy time' Arwen soothed. Celuthien nodded, Arwen was right this should be a happy time. 'Oh' Celuthien gasped and grabbed her stomach again. Legolas hugged her tightly. The hours passed, everyone chatted and Celuthiens labour did not progress much, Valneen checked her every so often. As the night drew in Celuthien fell to sleep in Legolas's arms and Aragorn and Eldaroin left. Arwen stayed and slept in the chair next to the bed. The sun was barley creeping through the window when Celuthien woke with a start. Legolas had not slept, he had stayed holding her all night, watching her closely. Celuthien let out a moan and held her stomach. Legolas gripped her tightly. The pain didn't pass like before. Arwen woke up and went to the bed, she rubbed Celuthiens back 'Shh it will pass, its alright, just breathe' she comforted. Celuthien breathed through gritted teeth and the pain eased, 'I will get Valneen' Arwen said, she kissed Celuthien and went out of the door. 'Legolas, I'm scared' She whispered. Legolas kissed her cheek 'I know my love, but think, soon we will meet our sons, wont that be joyous?' he said rubbing her back. Celuthien smiled, still panting from her last contraction 'Yes, yes it will be' she agreed. Arwen and Valneen entered. Valneen examined Celuthien again. 'It's coming closer' she concluded. 'I have mixed a medicine for you, it should relax your muscles and slow the labour, it should also help the pain' she said as she handed Celuthien a glass with the clear liquid inside. 'Hannon le' Celuthien smiled weakly as she drank the medicine. By midday Celuthien was drenched in sweat, Aragorn and Eldaroin brought her water and sat with her for spells comforting her through contractions, Legolas stayed where he had been sat almost two full days, holding her. Arwen rushed about, fanning Celuthien and wiping the sweat from her face. 'It is time' Valneen said after examining Celuthien. 'Bring her through to the room I have ready up the hall' Valneen said. Legolas lifted Celuthien with ease despite how heavy she now was. Valneen led them down the hall to the room she had prepared. Aragorn and Eldaroin pulled up chairs in the hallway and sat as Arwen and Valneen went into the room, followed by Legolas carrying Celuthien. He lay her on the soft bed. Celuthien clutched her stomach, moaning. Arwen and Legolas sat on either side of her, Valneen parted Celuthiens legs. Celuthien clutched Legolas's arm as another contraction rushed over her, tears were falling from her eyes, the pain was now constant. 'Celuthien next time you get a pain try to push' Valneen said. Celuthien was terrified, a sharp pain shot through her and she pushed. 'That's good!' coached Valneen. Another contraction came, more painful than the last, Celuthien screamed as she pushed again. 'I can see one of them, this time push harder' said Valneen. Celuthien was shaking, she felt weak and tired 'I can't' she cried. 'You're doing so well my love' Arwen comforted. Legolas had turned very pale, he squeezed her hand tight not really knowing what to do 'You can do this' he encouraged. Celuthien screamed and pushed again as hard as she could. 'Keep going' said Valneen. Celuthien panted and gritted her teeth, she pushed again. The pain lessened for a moment as the baby was delivered. Valneen cut the cord and checked the baby over quickly, then handed him to Arwen. 'Is he alright?' panted Celuthien, trying to get a glimpse of him. Arwen took the baby to a table and began cleaning him, he let out a faint cry. 'He is fine my lady, you will see him in a moment' Valneen comforted. Another pain shot through Celuthien, reminding her she was far from finished. 'Push again, my lady' coached Valneen. Celuthien's vision was blurry, the pain was becoming too much. She tried to push but she felt so weak and tired. 'You need to push Celuthien!' Valneen said more sternly. Celuthien was sobbing 'Its too hard' she cried. Legolas put his hand on her back and rested his head to hers 'Celuthien you are strong, please push' he whispered. Celuthien gritted her teeth and pushed again harder than she had before. Then the pain stopped completely. Another faint cry rang through the air. 'Are they alright? please say they are alright' begged Celuthien. 'They both look perfectly healthy my lady, two fine boys, I will just get this little one cleaned up and I will examine them properly' Valneen replied. Arwen sat on the bed and handed Celuthien her first baby 'Your first born my love, he is beautiful' she beamed. Celuthien gasped tears filling her eyes, now tears of joy not pain, as she took the baby. 'Legolas look what we did!' she gasped, trying to take in every detail of the tiny elfling. Legolas was in awe, he felt a wash of pride and love like he never had before 'He's perfect' he whispered. 'Do you have a name?' asked Arwen. 'Thalberen' Celuthien whispered. 'A kingly name' Arwen smiled. He was so small, he had perfectly pointed ears just like Legolas, a strong jawline, deep blue eyes and a small tuft of golden blonde hair. 'Your second born, your highness' Valneen smile as she handed the other baby to Legolas. Legolas's hands shook and he took the bundle. Valneen set about cleaning up the blood and tidying the dirty towels away, she examined Celuthien one last time then draped a clean sheet over her after concluding everything was as it should be. Celuthien barely noticed, she was inspecting her second bundle in Legolas's arms. Legolas was speechless. Arwen was right, the boys were completely identical, the same ears, eyes, jawline, except the baby in Legolas's arms had a small tuft of black hair not blonde. 'What is his name?' Arwen asked, now stood next to Legolas admiring the bundle. 'Thaross' Legolas smiled. 'Another strong name' Arwen grinned. 'My lady could I please examine Thalberen? It wont take long' Valneen asked. Celuthien reluctantly handed the child to her, she wished to hold him forever. 'Here, you have yet to hold Thaross' said Legolas handing him to her. Celuthien smiled, feeling much better when the empty space in her arms was filled with another child. 'Oh he is beautiful' she cooed 'Gondor will have to lock up their daughters when these two come of age' Celuthien giggled. 'and Mirkwood' Legolas added. 'Thalberen is perfectly healthy my lady, a little small due to being born early I suspect, but that should be no worry' Valneen smiled as she handed Legolas Thalberen for the first time 'May I see Thaross now?'. Celuthien reluctantly handed over her second child. 'Hello little one' Legolas cooed 'I am your Ada'. Legolas hugged the child to his chest 'That is your mother' he said pointing to Celuthien 'and that is your grandmother' he said pointing to Arwen. Arwen and Celuthien laughed waving playfully at Thalberen. 'Thaross's breathing is a little laboured my lady, I don't think it is anything serious, but I should keep a close watch on him to make sure he isn't struggling' Valneen said handing Thaross back to Celuthien. Celuthien noticed, he breaths were shaky and uneven 'Its alright little one' she cooed. 'Can I let your Ada and brother in now, Celuthien?' Arwen asked. 'Oh yes of course' Celuthien replied. Arwen leant out of the door and nodded to the two men sat outside. They entered and were greeted by Celuthien and Legolas both beaming, each holding a perfect new born baby. Celuthien looked tired, her face was still tear marked but she was glowing with pride. Legolas was smiling ear to ear, holding the child in his arms like it was the most precious thing in Middle Earth. Aragorn and Eldaroin perched on the end of the bed, both of them speechless for a moment, taking in the sight of the two new boys. 'Congratulations' Aragorn finally mustered. 'Hannon le, Ada' smiled Celuthien. 'Oh sister, they are perfect, you must be ever so proud' Eldaroin grinned. 'Hannon le, brother I am overjoyed' Celuthien grinned back. 'Have you named them my love?' asked Aragorn. 'This is Thaross, he is the second born' said Celuthien, handing the bundle to her father. 'and this is Thalberen, our first born' said Legolas, he handed the baby to Eldaroin so he could see. Aragorn let out a soft sob 'Oh my two grandsons' he said looking from one to the other 'what a light you are in such a dark time'. Celuthien drifted to sleep, everyone stayed in the room not wanting to leave the babies, they chatted in whispers among themselves, taking turns holding the two elflings, all of them very much in love with the two new additions to their family.
Celuthien recovered quickly, her elven healing ability returning to her. One evening Celuthien was feeding Thalberen when Legolas burst in. 'Sauron has armies marching toward Mirkwood, scouts have seen them and overheard their plans, they are around four days away' Legolas said sadly. 'Thranduil's kingdom is well protected' Celuthien tried to comfort him. 'Not well enough, they have asked Gondor for aid' Legolas replied 'Eldaroin is taking an army of one thousand out in the morning, I must go with them'. 'Legolas! You can not fight! What of your children!' Celuthien cried. 'My love I must go to my father! I can not hide in Gondor while he fights!' Legolas yelled. Celuthien placed Thalberen in his crib. 'What if something happens to you!? Am I to raise your sons myself!? Are they to only know who their father is through tales and memories of others?!' Celuthien yelled. 'My love try to understand! How would your father feel if Gondor was attacked and Eldaroin hid in Mirkwood?!' Legolas shouted. 'My father would forgive him if he had two sons that were only a week old!' Celuthien shouted back. Celuthien threw her back to the door and outspread her arms. 'You're not going!' She yelled. 'Celuthien move!' shouted Legolas. A cry erupted from Thaross's crib, then from Thalberen's. 'Your upsetting the children!' Celuthien hissed. 'Celuthien, move' Legolas repeated coldly. He reached for the door handle and yanked it causing her to trip forward, he was much stronger than her. She couldn't hold it and the door opened a creek. She leaned back and slapped Legolas hard across the face. Legolas stumbled backward, more from shock than the force of it. The children were now screaming loudly, Legolas grabbed Celuthien by the top of her arms, and moved her away form the door. She kicked and screamed and yelled 'You're not going! You're not going!'. Legolas pinned her to the wall next to the door that was still open slightly. 'I am going Celuthien!' he said sternly, his head touching hers. She kicked and squirmed to get away but he held her effortlessly 'No!' she yelled 'How can you be so selfish?!'. Tears started to streak her face. 'How can you be so?! Asking me to abandon my own father!' he yelled back, their heads still touching. Celuthien stopped wriggling, but Legolas kept a firm grip on her arms. 'Legolas?'. Legolas turned to see Eldaroin stood in the doorway. The brief silence between them was filled with the twins crying. Legolas released Celuthien and she slid down the wall sobbing, he then barged past Eldaroin and left. 'Hey!' Eldaroin yelled after him, but Legolas didn't look back. Eldaroin sat on the floor next to Celuthien and put his arm around her. 'What was that about? Want me to go mess him up a bit?' Eldaroin asked. 'No, but thank you' Celuthien giggled through sobs. Eldaroin got up and took Thaross from his crib and rocked him, he stopped crying and Thalberen stopped soon after. Celuthien sighed at the silence. 'I don't want him to fight' Celuthien said wiping her eyes. 'Oh' replied Eldaroin, the situation now making sense to him. 'I don't want him to die' Celuthien added. 'I don't know what to tell you sister. He is being made to chose between his son's and his father, that is an unfair choice' Eldaroin said. 'The choice to fight or not for the sake of his family does not seem unfair to me' Celuthien sighed. 'Celuthien, he fights for his family, as our Adar did for us, do you not see? Do not scold him so' Eldaroin said. 'What kinda of mother am I? What kind of wife?' Celuthien started to sob 'I hit Legolas, in front of the children' she cried. Eldaroin sat next to her again and embraced her 'Shh' he soothed 'You are a wonderful wife and mother, Legolas will forgive you and the twins will have forgotten already, they have much more interesting things to be concerned with.' he smiled. Celuthien sighed 'What is that is their first memory of us, fighting like that, how awful'. Eldaroin hugged her close 'Hey' he giggled 'When I was young I saw Mother hit Ada with a frying pan'. 'No, you did not Eldaroin!' Celuthien exclaimed. 'I did I swear! Mother spent all day preparing a chicken, Ada startled her as she was serving it, playing around. It made her drop it on the floor, she got really mad and hit him with the pan' Eldaroin laughed. 'I don't believe you!' Celuthien laughed back. 'Well, it happened' Eldaroin smiled 'and that memory makes me think no less of them' Eldaroin winked and kissed her head 'I will look out for Legolas, I will see he returns to you' he soothed. 'and who will look out for you?' Celuthien smiled weakly. 'Most likely the hundred man escort Ada makes me travel with lately' Eldaroin shrugged. 'Eldaroin you exaggerate' Celuthien giggled. 'May be so, but don't worry for me sister' Eldaroin smiled. He got to his feet and helped Celuthien up. He embraced her and kissed her cheek 'We will be back soon, look after your boys' He said, then he turned and left.
The men left for Mirkwood early the next morning, Celuthien did not see Legolas before he went, she felt guilty they had parted on bad terms, but she stood by what she had said, she still felt malice that he had chosen to fight, but it was now overshadowed with worry for him. That evening Celuthien left the babies with a nanny, she entered her fathers study, he was sat drinking, lost in his own thoughts. 'Ada?' Celuthien whispered. Aragorn looked up and smiled at her 'Yes my love?' he replied. Celuthien took a seat next to him, 'Ada, I feel awful' she sighed. Aragorn opened his arms and beckoned her to sit on his lap. Celuthien did, like she had as a child, he hugged her. 'Eldaroin told me what happened with you and Legolas. Do not feel bad, Legolas loves you, you wanted him to stay out of love for him and your sons' Aragorn comforted. 'What if those are the last words I ever say to him Ada?' she began to sob. 'Then they were words of love, Celuthien Legolas will return, I fought with him many times he is more skilled than anyone I've ever seen and now with you and Thalberen and Thaross waiting for him he will not fight carelessly' Aragorn wiped her face. Aragorn lent over and poured another glass of wine and handed it to Celuthien, then raised his own glass 'To Eldaroin, Legolas and all men who fight today so that we may stay safe' Aragorn toasted. Celuthien raised the glass, then drank the wine in one. Aragorn laughed 'You drink like your brother!' he exclaimed. 'My brother drinks like me' Celuthien corrected. Celuthien got up and took the seat next to Aragorn again, and poured another glass of wine. She raised it 'To my mother and father, my sons and all who watched their men leave, to the women missing husbands, the children missing fathers and the mothers missing sons' Celuthien downed the wine again. Aragorn nodded and raised his glass, then sipped it. Celuthien poured another glass. 'My love do not drink so much, it is not becoming of a lady' Aragorn grinned at her. Celuthien downed the glass 'Do not... talk... so much, it is not becoming of …. something' Celuthien slurred. Aragorn laughed hard 'That told me' he winked, then downed his own wine. He poured another glass and refilled Celuthien's. 'Ada, what would happen if Thranduil was killed? and Legolas became king of Mirkwood? I would be queen, I would have to leave Gondor, Thalberen and Thaross would be princes' Celuthien asked. 'I don't think Thranduil has any plans of being killed anytime soon, and it doesn't mean you would have to leave if you didn't want to' Aragorn answered. Celuthien downed her drink again and poured another. 'What would happen if Eldaroin was killed? and Legolas? Thalberen would be heir to two thrones before he was a month old' Celuthien slurred. 'Celuthien! Do not think such awful things!' Aragorn scolded. 'Why not Ada?! No one else does! When they all go skipping off to fight orcs. What if something happened to you? and Thranduil and Legolas and Eldaroin? My infant son would rule half of middle earth! Its ludicrous!' Celuthien exclaimed. 'If you haven't noticed, I am sat here drinking with my loud mouthed daughter, I don't think that is deadly, Thalberen can keep his eye's off my throne for now. Your brother and Legolas are skilled fighters and Thranduil has ruled Mirkwood for almost two century's, through much darker times than these. I know it is hard my love, I know you have never known war and it is hard to understand. It saddens me that you have to see such times, but no one is 'skipping off to fight orcs'. They are defending their kingdoms, and the people they love' Aragorn smiled at her. Celuthien drank her glass and went to pour another but found the bottle empty. 'I'm sorry, Ada' she sighed. Aragorn downed his own wine then opened a cupboard and took out another bottle. He uncorked it and filled Celuthiens glass again, then his own. 'Its alright my love' he smiled at her. 'You know, when your mother was pregnant with you, we were so convinced you were a boy, when Valneen announced we had a daughter, your mother asked her to check again!' Aragorn laughed. 'I bet you were disappointed' Celuthien sighed. 'Disappointed?! We were over the moon! It was a wonderful surprise, I loved you from the moment I saw you, as did your mother' Aragorn smiled at her. Celuthien sipped her wine, beginning to feel a little sick from it. Aragorn downed his, 'Keep up love' he pointed at her glass grinning. Celuthien knew it probably wasn't a good idea to indulge her father in a drinking game. 'Ada, I must see to my son's in the morning' she giggled. 'Oh, your mother can babysit just one day' He winked. Celuthien sighed and knocked her drink back. Aragorn went to the cupboard and rummaged around 'Ah! Gin!' he exclaimed. 'I thought drinking was 'not becoming of a lady'' Celuthien laughed. 'Ah, Celuthien' Aragorn smiled poring the gin into two new glasses. 'My princess, you are my morning sun and my evening star, you are a light in the dark and a song in the silence, but one thing you are not, is a lady' He grinned sliding the drink to her. Celuthien laughed hard 'Ada! How rude!' she exclaimed. Arwen entered the room 'What on earth are you two up to?' she laughed. 'Now here's a lady!' Aragorn exclaimed pulling Arwen to him, he started dancing with her though there was no music. 'Estel do behave!' Arwen giggled, pushing him away. 'Mother! Ada says I am not lady like!' Celuthien said swilling the glass of gin in her hand. 'Oh Estel!' Arwen rolled her eyes 'Why are the children always drunk when I find them with you' she sighed. 'Because we keep the drink in my room?' Aragorn shrugged mockingly. Arwen smiled 'Anyway, Celuthien is a vision of a young lady' Arwen looked at Celuthien to see her drink the full glass of gin in one and slam the glass on the table 'Most of the time' she added. Aragorn laughed and scooped his wife into his arms, He kissed her passionately, his hands wandering down to her hips. 'Oh goodness, Ada! Please!' Celuthien exclaimed, shielding her eyes mockingly. Arwen and Aragorn laughed 'Go to bed then!' Aragorn said, sticking his tongue out at Celuthien. 'Like you said Ada, the drink is in your room!' She said holding her empty glass up. Aragorn laughed and took it from her, he went to the bottle and refilled it. 'Wine my love?' Aragorn asked Arwen. 'No, thank you, you two have fun, I think I shall go spend the evening with my grandchildren' Arwen smiled 'I will probably get more sense out of them anyway' she giggled. Arwen kissed them both goodnight and left. The next morning Celuthien awoke to an expected headache, she walked down the hall and leaned into the nursery, she saw her mother sat on the floor playing with the children. She smiled weakly then headed downstairs. Aragorn was sat at the table nursing a large hot coffee, Celuthien dropped into the seat next to him and groaned as she rested her head on the table. Aragorn chuckled and mimicked her groan. 'Ada, this is your fault' she mumbled into the table. 'Maybe so, it took your mind off Legolas though didn't it?' Aragorn laughed and ruffled the back of her messy hair. She looked sideways at him, her head still on the table and smiled 'Yes Ada, it did' she agreed.
A week passed and no news came of Legolas or Eldaroin. 'Celuthien sit down my love we need to talk to you' Arwen cupped Celuthiens hands. Celuthien sat down on her bed 'What is it? Have you herd news of Eldaroin or Legolas?' she panicked. 'No, but we have good news' Aragorn replied. Arwen took a breath 'Celuthien, we are expecting another child' she smiled. 'What?!' exclaimed Celuthien. 'I have seen Valneen this morning, it is true!' Arwen beamed. Celuthien was shocked, 'Wow, congratulations! I didn't know you wanted more children' she gasped. Arwen and Aragorn exchanged glances. 'It was a surprise, I'll say that much' grinned Aragorn kissing his wife. Celuthien ran her hand over her mothers stomach 'How wonderful!' she whispered. Then Celuthien took a sharp breath, she closed her eyes. When she opened them Aragorn and Arwen were grinning leaning close to her, 'Well! What did you see?!' Arwen asked excitedly. 'A girl!' exclaimed Celuthien. 'I saw you holding her as a small baby, then I saw her grown up a little, playing with my son's, she was dark haired and fair skinned, very pretty and happy' Celuthien giggled. Arwen leaned over and kissed Celuthiens brow 'Hannon le' she smiled at her. A another week passed and finally the horn of Gondor sounded in the air, people lined the streets of Minas Tirith to welcome the soldiers back. Eldaroin led them proudly, he stopped his horse in the middle of the street and dismounted, throwing his arms around Aragorn, they laughed and cheered together. Eldaroin then threw his arms around Arwen's waist, he picked her up and span her around, Arwen laughed and giggled. When he put her down she lent over and whispered something into his ear. Eldaroin instantly eased his grip on her waist and looked taken back, then he smiled broadly and laughed louder. Celuthien did not see Legolas, she scanned the faces of the men, her heart beating faster. Then she was him, she saw his golden hair shimmer in the sun, his face looked sad and pained. She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest. 'Legolas! Please forgive me! I have been a terrible wife to you' she sobbed. Legolas kissed the top of her head 'Celuthien, forgive me! I have been a terrible father' he replied sadly. Celuthien pulled back to look into his eyes, seeing he was pained from heartache not injury. The men celebrated victory that night, drinking and dancing. Legolas instead sat with Celuthien and his sons, he held Thaross in his arms and Celuthien held Thalberen. 'Oh my boys, please forgive me for leaving you' Legolas whispered to them both. 'Legolas, I understand now that you had to go, I am sorry for standing in your way, that was wrong of me' Celuthien apologised. 'I am sorry I raised my voice to you, I am sorry I pushed you and held you the way I did, I have been tormented these last weeks thinking about it, that is no honourable way to treat the mother of my children' Legolas sighed, his voice cracking. Celuthien smiled weakly 'I am sorry I hit you' she whispered. Legolas lent over and kissed her cheek. They sat in silence for a while, content admiring their sons.' My mother is with child' Celuthien piped up. 'What?!' Legolas gasped. 'She is pregnant, I am to have a sister' Celuthien smiled. 'She will be younger than her nephews!' laughed Legolas 'how wonderful!' he grinned.
