Galadriel

Thranduil gave a laugh that echoed off the walls and held his son up high for all to see.

"Behold, a new prince of Greenwood the Great!" Thranduil announced.

A chorus of congratulations bounced off the walls. Elves raised their crystal-clear goblets to the hail the King and his new son. Galadriel stood by her husband, hands folded under the warm sleeveless cloak she wore.

The tired mother was nowhere to be found. Instead the queen rested in her chambers while Thranduil conducted the ceremony. Laughter and banter died down. Celeborn reached under her cloak and clasped her entwined hands.

"Come, beloved! Let us wish Thranduil on his son."

It took them a while to approach Thranduil, surrounded as he was by well-wishers and allies. Thranduil wore his hair lose, and he was dressed in mild finery, as late in the night as it was. They finally reached him and Thranduil gave Galadriel his son with a quick word and a laugh.

The babe was swaddled in thick blankets, with only a wrinkly pale pink face peeking from the parted gap. He was light in her arms. He was warm and soft, and she stroked his chubby pink cheek with the smooth pad of her index finger. Legolas' eyes tightened and he threw his mouth wide open, revealing two toothless rows and a small pink tongue. Then he gave a low whimper.

Galadriel swayed lightly to soothe the babe in her arms until he settled, letting one of his fists wrap around her slender finger. The youngling's eyes fluttered until they opened. His eyes were large, innocently round and full of unbroken light. In the future, this son would be his father's pride and joy. Of that, Galadriel had no doubt. Then his eyes shuttered close, and the babe went back to sleep.

She raised her eyes to Thranduil, who spoke with her husband. Celeborn was teasing him as he gave the King some good-natured thumps on his back. The two Ellyn were glowing with happiness. The Dagorlad left them both scared, physically and emotionally. Thranduil was nearly inconsolable after his father's death. To see him rejoicing brought a smile on Galadriel's face. She reached up and touched Thranduil's face, drawing his attention towards her.

"My heart sings to see you glad, Thranduil Oropherion," Galadriel said softly, caressing the cheek of her distant kin. Thranduil smiled one of his youthful smiles that were full of light and joy.