She was kneeling beside Minol. His hand in hers. He was smiling even as he lay dying. His hand lifted up and cupped her soft cheek. "I will be with you until the very end." He whispered and drew her lips down to his. The moment they kissed she felt warmth then slight pain that made her gasp. Her chest was heavy and she leaned against her own hands as they pressed against her breast. Then as quickly as it began she was sucked through a tunnel and she gasp. Her eyes open and Minol's body lay beside her. It was empty. She lifted his hand from where it had fallen into her lap.
Minogos stood several feet away completely still. He looked at her back. Her wings lowered and pressed to the ground. She held his hand and stared at him. The life gone from his eyes. Slowly Minogos approached them. She was strangely calm. Sad but calm.
She was standing there beside Drannor. Her chest felt lighter and she narrowed her eyes on Melkor. Drannor pounced upon his Master and pinned his arms behind and held him tightly and Melkor fought. "Hurry Juniper. You must be quick. We can not hold him forever."
The fighting was truly ferocious. The ground ran with the swirling of black and red blood. The elves were being pushed back. The enemy advanced slowly at first but as wave after wave of fresh rested warriors entered the battle the battle weary Army of free peoples was taking many losses.
They began to see the marks of Thurmog's kin. These orc did not attack them these orc lowered their weapons The elves and men did their best to not attack them. Though in the mix of battle accidents happened. The Majority of them made it through to the back Where Maedhros had command set. Thrumog breathing hard and deep stood before him.
The red headed elf smirked a bit then nodded. "Good to see you Thurmog are you and your kin ready to fight?"
"Yes elf lord. We are ready." Thurmog swayed side to side and slammed his fist into his hand.
"Then go fight. Join your other orc kin."
Thurmog hurried to find others. His own following him.
With the fresh orc warriors joining then the ground the enemy had gained was being reclaimed. In the distance a loud roaring cry pierced the night. Rising from his lair was the black dragon. The dark shape rose and blocked out the light of the stars and even the moon when he flew overhead. Sending terror into the hearts of all on that battlefield.
Maedhros looked with wide eyed horror and in shock he said what all present had not dare say. "Ancalagon."
Now even Orome and Eonwe felt fear but not Tulkas. Tulkas was laughing nearly hysterically. He slammed his fist against his hand and watched as smaller dark shapes began to fly towards them. All of the lesser dragons were now released as well. Melkor's crushing blow was unleased upon the armies of Elves, Men and Orc.
She was rushing to the dark hall. When one of the doors she passed burst open and she was shocked to see Beleg and Turin. Curufin and Celegorm entering next. "I need your help." She called out to them and they followed. There in the circular room she found Maglor on the floor at the foot of the pedestal. "Your brothers are here. It is time for you to go home." She tells him and within a few seconds He was being hugged and lifted up. These familiar voices knew his name.
She took the staff in her hand and lowered the end. The silmaril taken into her hand. She dropped the wizards staff to the floor. Curufin lagged behind and watched her with that cursed stone in her hand. He felt disgust looking on it. "Go Curufin. I have got this under control." She smiled to him and walked to the door. His brother calling to him. He was leaving as well . She passes Beleg and Turin with a smug look on her face.
She walked to the Palantir and placed her hand on it. Melkor seethed just a few feet from her. "You never planned to call off the attack. By this time I would be yours. I see you have emptied your halls. You have even released him." She looked at Melkor with a cold gaze then.
"You can not hold me forever little one. I will cast this demon out of me and I will kill the traitor behind me. Then I will kill your elf king in front of you. I will slaughter all that you love and You will ride out in front of my armies tied to a banner and you will watch as I burn your forest." He growled his promise to her.
Now Juniper watched as Ancalagon turned against the orcs. His chest glowed brightly and he spewed forth a mighty flame and he burned an good portion of Melkor's army to ash. He laughed as he rose into the night sky and simply began to move as far away from the battle as his wings would take him. She began to smile. "You have been betrayed again. Ancalagon just abandoned the field."
She was watching as Hannibal charged onto the field. The true wolves following him. Many began to fall in their powerful jaws and Hiroc returned with the birds of prey. Hawks and falcons, even great owls swooped in and began to battle the dragons. Her hand left the Palantir and she turned to Melkor. The silmaril changing shape in her hand. It became a large sharp spike. Drannor growled and pulled Melkor back even more and his back bent and he fell to his knees.
She stood there looking into his red ringed eyes and for a moment the gaze softened and she was looking into Minol's eyes. She lifted the spike over her head. Both small hands bring it down as hard as she can. The end struck his chest but it does not enter his heart. She was thrown back by the energy emitted when his flesh was pierced and a dark mist surrounded her and cleared . She coughed and sat up as Melkor laughed. "You are too weak to kill me. I will break free soon enough."
Her eyes on the silmaril that stuck from his chest. She stumbled to her feet and coughed again. "It is not by my hand that you will meet your fate." Her gaze shifted and Beleg stepped into the room and He joined Drannor in holding Melkor in place.
The dark lord was silent. His eyes wide and he felt a terrible fear. Turin walked around him and stood there with his mighty hammer in hand. "Run Juniper. They await you in the hall. Be swift." She looked to them all and realized they would not survive. "Drannor?" She asked with a cracking voice.
"Go Juniper. You must be quick." He said smiled to her. Juniper hesitated then. Her lips trembling. "Go Little Flower." The words kissed from the lips of Melkor. Tears began to fall from her eyes. Her gaze locked on Drannor's as Minol spoke to her. She lowered her head and turned away and staggered towards the door.
As soon as she made it through the door she was pulled into the hall. Curufin held her wrist and he pulled her along. They began to run as fast as they could. Eventually he scooped her up and carried her. Down many stairs and around twisting paths they went. Joining up with Celegorm and Maglor. Maglor was looking better and even held a sword in one of his scarred and mangled hands. His grip still good but dexterity was lost.
She coughed harder and began to wheeze. Celegorm looked at her closely and growled. "She has breathed in the black breath. We need to hurry. She needs medicine."
Turin just stood there. His lips twitched. "I won a bet against Feanor. That is why you see me here and not him. I assure you though the news of your passing with be celebrated by him and his kin."
Melkor hissed lowly at Turin. "Then do it. Deal that final blow. Why do you wait if your victory is so assured?"
Turin shrugged and tested the weight of his hammer in his hands. "I was just giving them time to flee." He lifted the hammer and with a mighty swing the hammers head met the flat end of the silmaril. Driving it deep into Melkor's heart.
They were running for their lives now. The Queen held in Curufin's arms. Minogos, Celegorm, and Maglor following. They must cut down goblins and orc as they run. The ground began to shake. The mountain began to crumble. The all were running through dust and debris. They kept going. Dodging falling rocks and leaping over others. Then the wind came and she was spinning and tumbling. Then darkness.
In that moment when the mountain began to crumble all the dark forces just stopped fighting. They turned and began to run. Fleeing the battle and screaming in terror. Many were chased down and killed anyway. Fewer to fight later.
Thranduil raced towards the mountain. Feren and Elrohir not far behind. Loratha was swift and nimble. He trusted the meara to lead him to her. He could not see in the all the smoke and dust. He covered his nose and mouth and cloth torn from his cape. The going got slower. All around him he could hear sounds of pain and hear cries for help.
Then he saw it. I gentle glow in the haze. He leaps from Loratha and runs towards where she lay in a crumpled heap on the ground. She was naked, bruised and battered but she breathed. He dropped to his knees beside her. Then very gently he moved her and she groaned. He lifted her into his arms and held her small body to him.
"Please speak to me. Please melamin." He whispered to her. and held her close.
Her breathing was labored and rattled in her chest. He took 2 fingers and opened one of her eyes. It was pink and not Lavender. He had seen this before when she was poisoned. He looked around for anyone that could help.
A breeze began to blow and must of the dust and smoke began to clear. He held her and willed her to stay with him. "You must take her to the garden." Thranduil spun around with her still in his embrace and looked towards the voice.
Elrohir and Feren finally catch up and for a moment Elrohir thought to draw his sword as he saw the dark figure speaking to Thranduil but he was quick to realize this was no enemy.
It was an older Avanati woman. She took Juniper into her arms and began to look her over. " The meara knows the way. The way has been made for you. It will be safe." She uncorked a small bottle and poured some of the liquid past Junipers lips and she began to cough hard and a glob of black goo was expelled from her. "This poison is tricky." She continued and motioned for Thranduil to mount up. She carried the pixie to him. "Now go to the garden. Bathe her in the spring there. Hurry." She said as Thranduil adjusted Juniper. He nodded and just let go of the reigns. Loratha was in control.
Feren and Elrohir follow The king without a word.
Hard coughing and wheezing got her attention. A dark hair elf pushed himself up a few feet away and groaned. There was blood pouring from his forehead but he was alive. An Avanati woman hurried to him and began to tend him. "Where is Juniper?" He asked and the older one looked to him. "She is with her King and he takes her to her garden." Curufin just looked at her in confusion. "Peace son of Feanor all will be understood soon enough."
She turned to look to the mountain. From the top a glow was seen and what looked like the top of a silver and gold tree. Curufin looked as well, His jaw dropped as he began to understand what he was seeing. It was a tree. Like the ones whose light the silmaril had held. It was growing and growing fast.
Loratha bore them with haste to the east. Thranduil held tightly to her and willed her not to give in and to stay with him. His hand pressed over her belly and he could feel the strong life with her and how it was battling to keep the poison at bay. Then they began to pass dead trolls and lines of large bugs. Along the edges of their path he could see many Avantai, they stood there watching them in silent vigil as they passed them by.
Thranduil closed his eyes and focused on her. The ride seemed to take forever and he was scared she would slip away and just as the fear grew Loratha stopped. Thranduil opened is eyes and lifted his head. Stone lanterns lit a path way and there were 3 Avantai women waiting there beside them.
"You must hurry my Lord." one said as she took Juniper from his arms.
"Yes my Lord you have not a moment to spare." Another said when he dismounted and she began to remove the plates of his armor.
The third one help with the armor as well, "Follow the path to the spring. You must bathe her in the waters."
His armor removed he took Juniper back into his arms and he hurried along the path. The lanterns guiding him until he felt the humidity rise and there he saw a steaming spring surrounded by a well manicured lawn. He moved quickly to the water and stepped into it. He carried her deeper and deeper until just her head was above the water .
Feren and Elrohir were allowed to follow Thranduil. The 3 women only smiled and nodded to them. "There is strong magic here." Elrohir whispers to Feren. "It feels like the arda breaths." Feren whispered back.
There was light. It came from the water and surrounded them. The calming soft glow was welcomed and he found a place to sit near the edge and as he held her he cupped the water his hand and poured it gently over her head. "Please wake up." He whispered to her. "We are here at the end. You destroyed Melkor and now your real job is just beginning and I can not do it. Only you can heal the arda. So please wake up."
Feren and Elrohir stopped at the edge of the path. There in the beauty and calm of the garden they witnessed the King beg for the life of his Queen.
Victory was had. There was a sense of disbelief mixed with joy and sadness. The Avanati thankfully arrived with many healers and medicine. They began to treat the wounded quickly. Giving much relief to the over worked healers that had been going none stop for days now.
Those that could stood facing the mountain and they watched as the tree continued to grow. It's roots spilling down along the cracks and crevices of the mountain. They glowed with the light as well. Some went right through the rock but all sank down into the soil.
Tauriel and Jeven finally ride into camp. They both looked battle worn, having fought with the Avanati to clear the way. They searched for their friends. "Legolas." She called as soon as she saw that familiar golden head. He turned towards her and she threw her arms around him. "Where is everyone where is Ada? What is the news of Juniper?"
Legolas sighed and when she let go of him He began to fill her in. Jeven joined her and they both learned of Elthian's Death. Tauriel took it hard and she stumbled and Jeven caught her as they both went to their knees. Elthian was their brother and they mourned him.
Elladan was desperately searching for Kree. She had gone with the archers and now none knew where she was. He had searched the camp and enlisted the help of everyone he could to look for her. He made his way back to the healing tents thinking perhaps she had been brought there. His father was tending to one of the archers that had a large black arrow sticking from his chest.
"I can not find Kree Ada." He stood beside Elrond and began handing him the tools he needed. Elladan too was an excellent healer and had worked at his fathers side many times. "Kree? The peredhel woman?" The wounded elf spoke in a soft voice.
"Yes what do you know of her?" Elladan looked into the ellon's eyes.
"She saved me when we were over run. She drug me into the trees and killed many while she did it. As soon as I was safe she went back into the battle and I watched as she slay many more. Last I saw her she was struck on the back. we were by the split boulder at the west tree line."
"Go ion nin." Elrond said to him and when Elladan looked to him he saw the desperation in his eyes and then Elladan was gone. Running from the tent.
Elladan begins to to look for a horse. Any horse at this point. It was Nahar the that he first came across. This majestic King of the Meara. He looked around for Orome but did not see the Vala anywhere. "Lord Nahar, please I am in need of you." He lowered his head and spoke as his heart was breaking. "Her name is Kree and I love her. She fell on the battlefield. I must find her."
He lifted his eyes and looked into the large wise eye of the Meara. His massive head lowered to Elladan. "Thank you." He said softly and moved to the Meara's side. Then with a mighty leap he was on his back. He turned and Elladan calls out." Make way." A path begins to clear and Nahar takes off.
Orome stopped where he was and watched as Nahar ran off bearing one of Elrond's sons. Eonwe stopped beside him. "Did someone just steal Nahar?" Orome shook his head and laughed. " You really think Nahar would bear a rider he did not wish to?" They both felt a bit perplexed and shrugged.
Elladan was surprised at just how swift Nahar was. He had never ridden such a beast and if this was not a desperate mission he would be breathlessly screaming in glee. The field was covered in the dead. There were many arrows here. The ground littered with them black arrows and those of human and elvish make.
Nahar slowed and then stopped. He pawed at the ground and Elladan began to look around in desperation. He slides from the back of the mighty steed and began to call. "Kree!" As he looked at those that had fallen around him. "Kree!" He called and then heard a small cough. He looked around and moved a few steps . "Kree, where are you?" He called again. This time he heard another cough and a groan. He spun around towards that sound and saw the movement of a small hand that rest atop of a dead orc.
He rushed towards it and as he crouched down to carefully brush mud caked hair away from the the face he smiled when he saw a very alive albeit very broken Kree. "Thank the Valar you're still live." He began to cry .
"This is all good Elladan but can you get this orc off me?"
He nodded and rolled the smelly beast off her and immediately went into healing mode. "I am sorry my love but I can not move you just yet." She lay there looking up at him with a smile despite her pain.
"I knew you would find me." She said softly. "This man came to me. He was golden and bright and he told me to not be afraid. He said You were coming and that you had some explaining to do about his horse."
"Oh well yes that was Orome and I kind of took He mount . I have Nahar's permission to ride him. So I imagine that will be resolved." He was tying off a bandage as he spoke. Elladan looked up and eyed Nahar who snorted a bit. "Would you be so kind as to tell your friend to please send a stretcher out here. I know you can do it." Nahar nodded his head and Elladan looked to Kree. "He is a rather cheeky one apparently."
Elladan settled beside her and took care of her as best he could. She would survive though the recovery would be lengthy. He held her hand and caressed it tenderly. Before too long A stretcher was being brought and Celeborn came with them. Along with Elladan they made her more stable before lifting her to the stretcher. Nahar walked proudly along side Elladan all the way back to the camp.
The shock of learning of Elthian's death had faded but the sadness remained. Tauriel was now working along side Jeven to help as many as they could. She did stop to speak with Ryu who assured her that Juniper was alive. Which was a great relief.
Ryu was walking back towards the war tent when she felt something tugging at her from within and she turned to follow it. There at the edge of the camp Hannibal and Hiroc had gathered with their kin. There surrounded by the wolves and the birds of prey the three of them began to commune. They lay on the ground with their heads touching. Their hands all held . They began to sing and their song carried through the camp. All of natured seemed to stop and join in. It was the song of the arda.
The roots of the grasses and the trees. All the plants connected and singing in unision. The Avanati voices joining in even as they tended the injured. Elves, men and orc all stopped and listened to the song and felt the magic growing all around them. The tree began to grow even more. It's roots pulsing with light That flowed into the soil.
The Ainur present could only watch as the power of renewal and rebirth was shown to them in a way they had never seen. They watched in awe and began to understand. This was the mother. As the work of finding the wounded still on the battlefield continued the ground under them began to change. Where blood and filth had soaked the soil, new life sprang forth. Green grasses and flowering plants seemed to grow instantly.
This energy flowed through them and gave them strength. It began to heal the injured that remained and more calls for help were being heard. The filth of Melkor was fueling the renewal of the Arda.
Feren and Elrohir turned and ran back up the path until they could see the glowing light in the distance. The tree was enormous now. They stared on its beauty and began to weep. The night was being lit by its light mixing with the moon and everything seemed to flow with magic and wonder.
Behind them in the spring Thranduil held Juniper tightly and prayed that he had made it in time. From the darker end of the spring a bright light appeared. At first Thranduil shied away from its brilliance until it seemed to fade just a bit. He looked up and this light moved closer. Then slowly this light became two.
She was nearly the most beautiful female he had ever seen. Her beauty only rivaled by that of Juniper. Her eyes seemed to reflect the cosmos. Dark yet they swirled with the light of the stars. Her hair was like sunshine and her flesh was golden brown like the very soil she loved. Flowers blossomed from the weaving of vines and plants that made her dress.
She was much larger than Thranduil and she crouched beside him and just looked at him with nothing but joy. He began to tremble as he looked into the face of a goddess. Her hand lay softly on his shoulder and he felt warm and safe. She lifted Juniper gently from his arms and moved to sit just a few feet from him. She cradled the small pixie lovingly and held her to her breast.
Then he became acutely aware of the other presence there. He looked towards this silver light and only got as far as the hem if his robes. He stopped there and inhaled a deep breath. The silver glow moved to his side then lowered down to sit on the bank . His voice was deep and warm when he spoke, "You know who I am young king?" He asked.
Thranduil shifted his gaze to Juniper and he watched the mother just hug Juniper as if this was all she had wanted to do for a very long time. "I think I know." Thranduil said and exhaled. "I am Illuvitar." He said. Thranduil swallowed hard and nodded. "You have done well Thranduil Oropherion. You have taken all that was given to you saved everything. This is the second song. The world renewed. I pray there never comes a time for us to sing again."
Thranduil nodded gently as the weight of those words fell upon him. "It is a beautiful thing to see a mother reunited with her child, is it not?" Thranduil now turned and looked right up at Eru himself. The face was one he was not expecting. He had always imagined Eru to look more like Mithrandir. Old and wise with a long grey beard but the face looking back at him was youthful and bright. He was beautiful himself with bright green eyes and fair skin.
"It is also beautiful for a father to see his child for the first time." He smiled proudly then slowly rose up. Towering over everything it seemed as he stepped towards what Thranduil now understood was his wife and daughter. He had no words. "We placed within her all of our hope she is our little flame. That is our gift to you. You saved your people, You survived those dark times with no ring to aid you. Now you will see this new arda be created. " He lifted Juniper now and held her closely as well. Then gently he lowered and placed Juniper back into the arms of her beloved.
"She will awaken when she is healed inside and out." He said gently and lay his hand on her small head. "Your line will be eternal Thranduil. I am curious to see this new world through your eyes."
He helped his wife up and held her hand his eyes honed in on hers. "Now if you will excuse us. We have some catching up to do. We have not seen each other in ages."
Thranduil finally finding his voice spoke up, "I have a question please My lord." Eru turned around slowly and nodded. "Did you know about Minol?"
He smiled and then looked to his wife and chuckled a bit. "During the Ainulindalë Melkor sang off key just to spite me. He thought he could sing his own will into my theme. I knew he would do this. I had already adjusted the theme to allow for his discourse. I told him then he would reap what he had sown." With that he smiled a knowing smile and took the hand of his wife once more and together they left.
Thranduil no longer worried so. He had been told she would awaken when she was healed. He held her and smiled. Feren and Elrohir had kept their distance but saw and heard what had happened. They stood there in shock. The pixie was truly special. She must be protected at all costs. The turned and ran back down the path to their horses. The three women were gone now. But their horses had been given hay and water.
A woman began to approach them . Her steps were small and she wore a brightly colored cloth wrapped around her and tied with a thick belt at the waist. She bowed to them and spoke. "You have no need to worry, If you are concerned about safety please do not be. They are well protected here. If you are worried about your Queen. Please do not be. She is in the spring. "
Feren and Elrohir looked to each other. "If you still need to leave please reconsider telling anyone what you heard. Your king may not wish it to be known." She continued and looked to them. "We will not speak of this." Elrohir stepped forward and took her hand into his. We must report to our people though that the King and Queen are well. So please look after them." She nodded and pulled her hand back.
Despite their victories earlier those defending Dale were now looking out on the doom that was to be theirs. Haldir stood along side Brand and The King under the Mountain. They looked out at the the sea of darkness that marched towards them. Brand pressed his hand to the battered wall they stood and growled.* I can not believe this is how this ends. I just can not accept it."
"Send word to the woodland realm to abandon the city. They can evacuate to Lorien We also need word sent to Gondor, Rohan and Imlaudris." He was giving these sad commands and preparing to to fight until the last To protect the last group to take refuge in Erebor. They having left by the secret route minutes before. It was looking grim for them now. Even Radagast was quiet. Even with all the power that had been given to him there were just too many of them.
The suddenly Radagast pushed to his feet. "Look to the east." He whispered, then began to run to the steps. The steps he took took him to what remains of the turret at the top he balanced like a goat at the tallest place and he turned to the east.
Brand was the first to notice the Wizard on high. "What he is doing?" Then everyone turned and looked up at the Wizard who excitedly called down to them. "Look to the east." Brand turned towards the east as did Haldir and the Dwarf King. "What are we looking for?" The Dwarf King grumbled.
Then it was silence suddenly. The sounds of drums and marching feet stopped. Haldir's eyes widened and he turned quickly. "Take cover!" He pushes Brand inside and grabs the Dwarf King and pulls him down to the ground. Radagast stood like a stone and did not move as the pressure from from a blast wave hit them and the ground began to shake. Then a terrible wind began to howl and Haldir found himself holding onto the dwarf King and the door way to keep them from being blow off.
Haldir grit his teeth with his struggle then he felt himself being pulled, He was out of the wind and he used both hands to pull The Dwarf inside too. Brand and those who had helped stood in there with Haldir and The king gawking at the scouring wind that that whips outside. Then slowly it began to calm. Then it was nothing more than a gentle breeze and the cloud cover began to break up. Sun light glorious sunlight. It was something they had not seen in weeks and there it was shining down through the clouds.
Haldir got up and helped the Dwarf King up. The everyone stepped out onto the wall and looked out at the battlefield. The enemy host was scattering. They ran chaotically and their confused cries met the ears of those that watched slack jawed from the wall. Many just dropped dead mid stride.
Cheers began to erupt as more eyes bore witness to what was happening. Radagast laughed from above them. He was untouched by the wind his face wore a bright smile. "Melkor has met his fate. The Dark Lord is dead." He announced and more cheer erupted from those below.
Haldir suddenly turned and began to run inside and they could hear his steps down the stairs. Thorin wrinkles his brows and asks. "What was that about?"
Brand grinned. "Well my friend if I had to guess I would say the reason has long golden hair and is a lot easier on the eyes than this lot." He slapped Thorin on the shoulder and they had a chuckle.
Haldir was spinning around to avoid running people over and making quick turns and small leaps over things all the way out of the palace. It didn't matter the horse he just needed one. He found what he was looking for tethered inside what was the kings of dales garden. With no saddle or bridle he was on the horses back and riding him through the city towards the secret path. He exited out the southern gate and lowered down against the horses back and let the horse just run .
The terrain began to climb but this horse did not slow. It ran harder and began froth and sweat. There ahead hiding around some boulders he could see them. Hilda watching with two others that held bows. They were confused as to what had happened. Hilda waved the bowmen back once she realized this was no enemy.
The horse slowed and stopped and Haldir leaps from his back and runs for Hilda. She looked at him wide eyed as his arms were thrown around her and he lifted her off her feet and kissed her. Those she had been protecting come out of their hiding places and watch as the elf lord ravaged the lips of the young maiden.
With much effort she managed to break the kiss and he released her but still held her hips. "It's over Melkor is dead. The enemy is fleeing in confusion." Hilda looked deeply into his eyes. The gasped as the truth of his words began to sink in. "Really?" Her hands cupped his cheeks and she kissed him now herself then turned to the people. "It's over we won. The Dark Lord is dead."
The people began to cheer and hug each other. Hilda's arms were around him once more. They embraced tightly and kissed passionately. The people celebrating around them. In that moment to them it was only them. Then Haldir felt a tugging of his fea and he lifted his head and looked to Hilda with wide eyes. "Haldir?" she said softly and his hand moved from her hip and pressed over her belly. His fingers spreading out feeling the small bit of himself that was within her.
"Haldir?" She said again and he smiled widely at her. Now it was her turn to feel the surprise and the joy as she realized what had happened. Her hands went right to her belly and pressed over his hand. "So about those 10 years," Haldir began and wrapped his arms around her. "Lorien is just a week away. We can come up here a few times a year and visit and it would be wonderful to host the King of Dale in Lorien."
"That sounds lovely." Hilda said and gave him no fight.