Chapter One

Arwen curled up on her side, facing a sleeping Aragorn. He looked so peaceful, and she never ceased to marvel at his handsome features, whether it was the simple nose, the strong jawline, covered by a perfect growth of beard. Or the eyelashes that now rested on his cheeks but would open to surround vivid blue eyes that revealed the depths of his heart and soul to those who knew how to look.

But as she reached out and began to gently caress his face and rich dark hair with her fingers, she decided that she liked best the soft lips that fit so perfectly against her. She continued to contemplate how much she loved him as her thoughts returned to the joyous news she had to tell him. Her plan had been to tell him the night before, but he'd returned late from a council meeting, and she'd already fallen asleep. However, because of that, he was tired and needed to sleep. But before she could decide what to do, he gave a heavy sigh, and those deep blue eyes opened. Turning his head, the king of Gondor kissed the delicate palm of Arwen's hand.

"Good morning, Meleth nin!" His voice was deep and rich. His fingers wove themselves through her black hair before stroking her neck and pointed ears.

Arwen cuddled even closer to him, "Good morning to you, my Estel!" As usually happened when they were alone, they slipped back into the soft elvish that was so familiar to both of them—Arwen, an elf, and Aragorn, a human raised by elves.

Aragorn gave his wife a passionate kiss, letting his lips linger against hers. But before he could deepen it, she pushed back slightly, peering into his eyes. "Meleth nin! I have a bit of news that I think you may be interested in!"

"If it has anything to do with an affair of state, I don't wish to hear it! Last night was one of the more tedious of my life! I think I would rather battle a thousand orcs than face another gathering like that of the lords and dignitaries!"

"Well, it may affect the kingdom, but I believe it will bring you great joy!"

Aragorn gave a laugh as he pulled her back to his chest. "Well then, please tell me, Meleth nin!"

For a moment, Arwen felt tears choking her throat. After all the decades of hoping, they would share life together, never knowing if it would be possible, and they were now married and would soon be blessed even more. Aragorn's thumb brushed against her cheek, wiping away the tear that had trickled down. "Arwen," He spoke tenderly, "If it is such joyous news, why do you cry?"

"Oh, Meleth nin! These are tears of joy! Estel...How would you like to be... an ada?"

Arwen stared at her husband, waiting for the words to sink in.

The vivid blue eyes widened. "Are you sure?" His voice was breathless.

At her nod, he gave a delighted cry and crushed her in his arms. Then he pulled away and moved his hands under her nightgown, stroking her belly. "A baby!" He breathed. "Our baby!" He kissed the soft abdomen before pulling her back into his arms.

Arwen rested in his embrace. Savoring the way his heart beat with excitement under her ear. "I'm so glad it pleases you, Meleth nin!"

"Of course it does! How could it not!"

Then he noticed that tears were once again beginning to trickle down his wife's cheeks, "What are you thinking about, Arwen?"

"I just can't stop thinking, this wouldn't have happened if I had left for Valinor! What if I hadn't seen a vision of this child? All this would be lost, and we would have both been alone!"

"But it isn't that way, Meleth nin! We are both here, and we will soon have a baby!"

He once again shifted, stroking her belly as he kissed her soft lips.

They celebrated for a long time, reveling in the excitement that they would soon be parents.

Author's note: I'm not sure how long or short each of these chapters will be. But I came up with this idea and thought it was fun.