...Guys it is like... not even 7 am right now... Why on earth am I even awake LOL

I figured I don't have to go to work until later this morning, so I'll upload today's chapter bright and early for you :P Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the works or characters, etc. originating from Tolkien's or Jackson's minds. They are theirs, and I am merely an avid elf-wannabe who lets out my enthusiasm with these fanfics!

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The piercing screams filled the infermary for hours on end. Healers ran back and forth from the room, damp and bloody cloths in their arms as they rushed away to wash them immediately, while others constantly entered the large private room, bearing clean linens and bringing cool water.

Niphredil lay on a bed, propped up by several pillows, her forehead drenched in sweat as she struggled to overcome the waves of pain racking her body constantly. Her body trembled and her breathing was uneven and shallow as she grimaced, tossing her head back and cried out in agony again amid the voices and movement all around her. Her shaking hand clutched the king's, desperate for his presence to help her through the delivery

Thranduil sat on the very edge of the bed, nearest Niphredil's head, a deep frown of concern etched into his face as he kept an arm around her shoulders reassuringly, his other hand clutching hers as she arched her back in pain once more.

"Do something for her!" he commanded firmly, the healers rushing even quicker, alarmed at the frustrated tone in his voice.

"We are doing all that we can, my lord!" pleaded one of the women. "The child is nearly here, only a few more pushes, my lady... Please, I beg of you," said the wise elf woman, checking again below the dressing gown at how the birth was coming along.

Thranduil pressed his lips to Niphredil's temple, concerned at how hot she felt, and how visibly shaken she was. "Niphredil... my love... I know it hurts... but it is almost over. Just a little more..." he murmured affectionately.

Gelvil stood close by, looking frightened for the queen's state, her hands covering her mouth in worry. She watched in fright as the other people in the room rushed about, lines of worry and stress etched into their faces as they tried their hardest to make sure the queen's delivery went as smoothly as possible.

Niphredil let out a strained sob and shut her eyes.

"I ca... ahhh..." she whimpered, pushing again as her body was wracked with pain.

"One more push, my lady!"

Niphredil clenched her teeth and gripped Thranduil's hand a little more firmly, giving one final push and crying out painfully.

And suddenly there were two cries that filled the room for a moment, as Niphredil's screams turned into shaky pants, the others grew silent as the baby's cries grew louder and louder still in the crowded room.

Thranduil lifted his lips from his beloved's temple, his blue eyes wide in awe as he listened to the frantic cries of his child.

Niphredil lay trembling on the bed, her eyes closed. When she felt the weight of her husband next to her lift from the bed, she turned her head weakly, her breathing uneven as she watched him stride slowly to where the elf woman stood, a bundle in her arms.

The elvenking accepted the bundle and gazed in wonder down at his son. His first born... There was an unparallelled feeling of joy and pride that swelled within him as he lifted his gaze from his baby boy, coming to sit near Niphredil again and allowed her to look from where she lay, not wanting her to tire herself out any more than she already had.

Niphredil's lips pulled up into a radiant smile, even after being so thoroughly exhausted. "He is beautiful..." she whispered quietly, looking from her son up at Thranduil, absolutely radiating joy in that moment.

The others filed out to give the king and queen some privacy with their little princeling for a few minutes, Gelvil glancing back once in relief and happiness before closing the door behind her.

Niphredil reached up and ran a finger delicately along the child's plump cheek and giggled softly. "Our little prince..." she breathed in awe. "He looks so much like his father..." she said happily, laughing softly at the proud expression on Thranduil's face.

Thranduil shifted up against the pillows, helping as best as he could to let Niphredil sit up with him, his wife nestled against him, being careful due to her body feeling weak and sore after child birth. Transferring the baby into his wife's arms, Thranduil affectionately took to brushing strands of hair back from her face, while she gazed down in the bundle now situated in her arms.

"What shall we call him...?" asked Niphredil.

Thranduil smiled at her calmly before looking down at the infant, taking a moment to think of the possibilities. After a few moments of silence, Thranduil seemed to have thought of something well suited and turned his head to regard his queen, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Niphredil sensed him watching her and tilted her head up to meet his eyes.

"Legolas..." he said quietly. "His name will be Legolas."

Niphredil smiled and returned her focus to their baby, holding him a little closer still. "Legolas..." she breathed, the name fitting perfectly. She loved it. She loved him. She could not ask for anything to make her any happier in that moment.

...

I know, I know, it's a short one! But I figured given the event, I preferred to keep this chapter focusing on JUST the birth of their baby. ALSOOOOO I'm beginning two more writing projects after this story is nearing completion, so to approach that time a little quicker, I'm going to do my best to upload a chapter each day for this story :D I figure I already have most of the things for this story plotted out in my mind, and I love The Hobbit so much, and so far people have received this story well, I'll up the updates to daily IF I can. If not, I might have to miss a day or two depending on if anything is happening at home or work for me! In the meantime, I'm happy to have another chapter out already, so I'll see you all tomorrow at some point with chapter 4!