Chapter 21: New Moon Rising.
"It's okay Aire, scream all you want to, I know it hurts." Legolas cooed softly into his wife's ear, stroking her sweaty head with one hand and the other resting on the bulge of her stomach. He winced, as Aireromen gripped hard onto his arm, he looked to the midwife, who gave him a reassuring glance.
"Just one more push my love, just one more." Legolas pleaded. He could see the pain in her face and it made him upset for there was little he could do to stop it. His heart ached for his wife; never did he wish for her to go through this much agonizing pain.
Aireromen looked up at him, tears flowing down her face, her jaw was clenched shut, she gave a small whimper. "I..can't." she breathed. She was exhausted and didn't know if she had the strength to push.
"Yes you can." Legolas said firmly. Looking hard into her face. "You must."
Aireromen gave a slight nod and breathed in deeply, pushing with all her might, she heard a soft cry, and it was over.
Aireromen's head fell heavily to the pillow; she closed her eyes, taking quick deep breaths.
The midwife took a blanket and wiped the little baby clean, then she wrapped it in another blanket, this one was thick and warm. Legolas looked eagerly at the little bundle in the elven women's arms. His arms itching to hold his child.
The midwife walked to the head of the bed. "Here you are my Lord, say hello to your new daughter."
Legolas stood up quickly from the bed, his arms outstretched. The midwife placed the small form in Legolas's strong, lean arms. A look of complete bliss washed over his face as he looked down into the dark blue eyes of his daughter. He smiled warmly at her, cradling the baby close to his chest protectively, his eyes glistened with tears of joy. He looked over to Aireromen, who smiled exhaustedly up at him. He lay down on the bed next to her, placing the baby in Aireromen's arms. She smiled up at Legolas, and Legolas smiled back at his wife. He placed a hand on top of the tiny head, feeling the soft baby skin, and running his fingers along the small pointed ears. He kissed Aireromen's forehead.
"Thank you" he whispered to her.
Aireromen kissed him back and returned her gaze to the now sleeping form on her chest. "My little Narawien" she whispered.
Legolas smiled brightly at his wife. "Narawien." He repeated. "Yes, I like that name." He looked down at his daughter and kissed the baby's cheek. "Narawien."
* * * *
"Ada! Go faster!" (Daddy) Narawien's small child like voice came softly to Legolas's ears. Her silver-blond hair mixing with Legolas's.
Legolas held onto the tiny arms that were wrapped around his neck. He squeezed them a little tighter to make sure she was secure, and took off running down the halls of Mirkwood palace. Narawien let out a high pitched giggle. Causing Legolas to smile.
Aireromen walked gracefully down the hall, almost as if she were floating, running her hand along the cool stones. She heard the laughter coming ever closer, and stopped, smiling. Soon, she saw Legolas turn the corner, Narawien sitting proudly on his shoulders. She shook her head, Narawien was only 150. (Or 6 in human years) It seemed like only yesterday that Aireromen was holding her in her arms, a newborn baby.
Legolas slowed down as he neared Aireromen, he came to a complete stop mere inches from her.
"Awe, don't stop Ada! I wanna go faster." Narawien protested, sticking out her lower lip.
Legolas laughed. "But Ada is tiered little one." He raised his arms, sliding Narawien off of his shoulders, placing her down on the floor. Narawien tugged on Aireromen's dress looking up at her tall mother.
"Pick me up Amme'." (Mommy) Her big dark blue eyes pleading.
Aireromen smiled down at her daughter and bent over, lifting her up, holding her in her arms. "Would you like to come with me Narawien?" she said kissing her daughter's cheek.
"Where?" Narawien asked.
"To the stables." Aireromen replied.
"HORSIES!" squealed Narawien.
Aireromen laughed. "Yes, sweet heart, horsies."
Legolas watched proudly as Aireromen and Narawien went off down the hallway.
* * * * *
The stars glittered and shimmered, the trees swayed in the wind, creating a soft, soothing rustle in the air. Legolas sat cross-legged on the bed, Aireromen sat upon her knees behind him, braiding a little piece of his hair. Legolas reached out a hand and grabbed one of Aireromens arms, pulling her around to face him.
"I wasn't finished" she smirked, trying to free her arms from his strong grip, but Legolas held her fast and would not let go.
"Yes you were." Legolas placed his hands around her face, pulling her head to his, kissing her softly on the mouth.
There was a soft giggle at the door, Legolas and Aireromen turned to see a little crack where light from the hall came in. Legolas stood up and walked swiftly to the door, pulling it open.
"Ah hah!" he said triumphantly. "We seem to have a little spy my darling, and I've caught her red handed!"
Narawien was kneeling on the floor outside the door looking up at her father innocently. "I wasn't spying." She corrected.
Legolas laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then what may I ask were you doing?" he folded his arms.
Narawien stood up, brushing the dirt off of her dress. "I was watching." She said as if it made complete sense.
Legolas rolled his eyes and smiled, sweeping down fast and picking his daughter up. "Well Aire my love..what should her punishment be?" He walked over to Aireromen, who took Narawien from Legolas.
"Oh I don't know Legolas, something..torturous." She smiled, her eyes glittering
"Like what?" Legolas looked at Aireromen.
"Oh..like maybe...TICKELING!" she swiftly placed Narawien on the bed, and began the worst tickling of Narawien's life. She writhed and squirmed, her high-pitched laughter ringing around the room. Legolas dove in for the kill as well, going for the worst place Narawien could think of.her feet.
"No!" she gasped between laughs "Not..my feet! It's...not..fair!" Her face was red and tears rolled down her face before the merciless torture ceased.
"Now, off to bed with you!" Legolas picked his daughter up and walked her down the hall and to her room. He placed her gently into her bed, pulling the covers up over her chest.
"Goodnight little one" he whispered, bending over to kiss her.
"Goodnight Ada, I love you" Narawien whispered back.
Legolas smiled, stood upright and turned to leave.
"Ada!"
Legolas turned back around. "Mani?" (What?)
"You forgot the hug!" Narawien demanded, stretching her arms out towards him.
Legolas chuckled and bent back down, squeezing his daughter in a tight, warm hug. "Now go to sleep." He blew out the candle by her bed and shut the door of her room behind him.
Legolas walked back into his room; Aireromen lay upon the bed, reading a book.
"Did you put her to bed?" she asked, her eyes glancing up from the page to look Legolas up and down.
Legolas slipped off his silver tunic and crawled under the covers, scooting next to Aireromen. He rested his head upon her chest, looking at her book. "Yes, the little monster is asleep" he joked. "She's trouble that one." He laughed, running his hand along her arm.
"Yes, you'll certainly have your hands full when the other one arrives." Aireromen said softly.
Legolas rose from her chest, propping himself up by his elbow. He looked into Aireromen's crystal blue eyes. "The other one?" his eyes searching her for answers.
Aireromen smiled at him. "Yes." Her own eyes glittered with a secret.
Legolas stared intently at her face. "Are you saying we're-"
"Going to have another baby? Yes, I believe that's what I'm saying." Aireromen laughed.
Legolas breathed in and smiled, he pulled her too him and kissed her. "I love you" he said holding her chin in his hand.
"I love you too." She whispered.
She lay down and blew out the lit candle in their room, Legolas wrapped his arms protectively around Aireromen's stomach, and the both of them fell asleep.
* * * * * *
Aireromen awoke in the middle of the night to a sharp pain in her lower back; she slowly pulled herself into a sitting position, rubbing her lower back with a free hand. She muffled out a groan.
'It can't be time..can it? The baby isn't due for another two weeks, I can't be going into labor now.' She thought silently. Placing a hand upon her outgrown stomach. She felt a hard kick in the lower part of her abdomen. 'Easy little one' she said to herself rubbing the spot where the baby had kicked. She had felt this same way right before Narawien was born, but this was too early...or was it? She was sure that not all babies arrived on their due date, she herself was born a week early. She moved her legs, and felt the wet spot. "Oh sweet Eru" she groaned. It looked like the baby had made its mind up..it was coming tonight.
Legolas awoke from his sleep, he thought he heard Aireromen speaking. His eyes opened and he blinked in the dark, focusing on the figure sitting up in bed next to him. "Aire? What is the matter? Is something wrong?" he rubbed his eyes and sat up quickly, studying her face in the dark.
Aireromen calmly turned to her husband. "No, everything is fine...I think I'm in labor, but other than that everything's just fine." She answered, as if it were no more important than dropping a book.
Legolas shot out of bed, throwing the covers about, he ran to the closet and swiftly pulled on a blue tunic, then he rushed back to Aireromen's side of the bed. "Are you sure?" his eyes darting swiftly from her face to her stomach and back again, a panicked look upon his face.
"Yes, my water broke." She said easily.
Legolas rushed around the room, he gathered up pillows and ran back to the closet looking for extra sheets. Aireromen stood slowly and padded her way to the closet, casually reaching up and pulling some white sheets down, handing them to Legolas.
"Aire! What in the name of the elven stars are you doing up? You must lay down!" Legolas scolded her, grabbing her by the arms and pushing her gently over to the bed.
"I was getting sheets, what did it look like I was doing?" Aireromen joked.
"How can you be joking at a time like this? Your going into labor early, what if there's something wrong with the baby?" Legolas lifted her legs up and over onto the bed where Aireromen was now sitting. He lit the lamps and the candles in the room, filling it with a comforting orange glow.
The door to their room opened slowly, Narawien walked in, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her silver-blonde hair falling around her face. "Ada , Amme? What's all the noise about?"
Legolas was darting around the room, Aireromen wasn't quite sure as to what he was doing...other than just going insane. She looked over at her daughter. "Narawien, go and wake Findel, tell her that the baby is coming early."
Narawien's face brightened. "The baby's coming!!!!!!" she clapped her hands and took off out the door and down the dark hall.
"Legolas calm down." Aireromen looked to her husband, who now stood in the middle of the room, bewildered, breathing heavily. His eyes seeming vacant. Aireromen stood slowly and walked to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Legolas?" she said softly. 'What in the world is wrong with him' she thought, shaking her head.
Legolas slowly turned his eyes to meet hers; he seemed to be in a state of shock. Aireromen laughed and took his hand, leading him to a chair.
"Now sit here and rest." She told him. Placing him down in a chair, she walked back to the closet and grabbed the sheets, placing them on the bed. She felt a sharp quick pain.
"Ai!" she winced. "Easy there little one, let me lay down first." She rubbed her stomach.
Legolas shot out of his daze, and stood quickly, walking to Aireromen, he placed his arms around her waist and guided her gently to the bed.
"Now you must lye down Aire, let me get things ready." Legolas said softly. Helping her into the bed.
Aireromen laughed, "Let you get things ready? You're the one running around like a lunatic, I'm calmer than you are, and I'm the one in labor!" She laughed again but the laughter was cut short as another sharp pain corsed through her body. She winced; Legolas placed a hand on her forehead.
"This is the part I hate" she joked, her face scrunched up from the pain.
Narawien came running in, and following close behind her was Findel.
"Are you all right My Lady?" she asked coming to Aireromen's side, she still wore her nightgown, and her dark hair was in a tangled mess.
"She's in a lot of pain" Legolas answered for her.
Findel shooed Legolas out of the way; he went to the other side of the bed and crawled over to Aireromen.
"Will she be all right?" Legolas asked, his face filled with worry.
"I do not know, the baby is coming much earlier than we thought, but I don't think it will effect either of them." Findel tried to make Aireromen as comfortable as possible.
The night passed slowly, morning came and was soon gone, the daylight faded into darkness again, and still Aireromen was struggling. This labor was much longer and harder than when she was having Narawien.
Aireromen was drenched with sweat, Findel continually dried her off, the contractions were so painful now that Aireromen had to bite her lip hard so as not to scream. Narawien sat in a corner by the balcony, playing with a piece of fringe from the drapes. Legolas paced around the room, constantly running his fingers through his hair, literally pulling on the ends. He was worried and scared, he was afraid that he was going to lose them both.
Aireromen let out a shrill scream. Findel tried her best to calm her down. Aireromen breathed heavily.
"My Lord, you must stay calm, for Aireromen and for the child." Findel looked to Legolas. "Now come over here and be with her, talk to her, anything to try to take her mind off of the pain. Come my Lady, you must push, the baby is ready to come..it will all be over soon.
Aireromen glared, it was easy for them to say, they weren't the one's in labor..they weren't having to go through so much pain. Not even Narawien's birth was as complicated, as long.and defiantly not as painful as this one. She was tiered and wanted this to end now.
Legolas crawled back onto the bed and picked up Aireromen's hand. He allowed her to squeeze it with all her might, thought it hurt him greatly. 'Sweet Eru she's strong' he thought, flinching, as her grip grew tighter.
"The baby is coming my Lady! You must push, it's not much longer now!" Findel called to her.
"Aire you must push, come on, I know you can do this, just try a little harder." Legolas should have chosen his words a little wiser. Try harder? As if she wasn't trying enough? This was his entire fault she thought, he talked her into doing this again.
Aireromen shot daggers at Legolas, his eyes widened at the deadly look she had given him. Her blue eyes steeled over. With incredible strength she grabbed him by the collar of his tunic and pulled him down slowly until his face was an inch away from her face. "How about I hold YOUR hand and YOU can have the baby!" she said coldly through gritted teeth.
Legolas looked into her cold hard face with fear in his heart, he didn't know what to say, he thought the safest place for himself at that point was away from Aireromen, but he knew he could not leave her, even if she was threatening to end his life as soon as this was over.
Aireromen pushed with all her might, she let out a low scream through her gritted teeth, and then felt the pain lesson, the long and difficult labor was over.
Legolas did not look to the baby this time. Instead, he looked at Aireromen. "Are you all right my love?" His face was full of concern. Yet he feared what she would say. Aireromen looked up at him, her eyes no longer threatening; a simple nod was his answer. He could not understand, one minute she was ready to rip him to pieces and now she was acting as happy as usual.
Aireromen looked at Findel who held the baby in a blanket, with Narawien at her side hopping up and down, trying to get a good look at her new sibling. "What is it?" Aireromen asked, craning her head from the pillows. Legolas looked at the midwife, waiting impatiently for the answer as well.
Findel smiled at both eager parents. "A boy, a beautiful green eyed boy." She walked to Aireromen and Legolas, and gave the child to his mother.
The baby's emerald green eyes stared up at his mother; he blinked, but did not cry. His eyes then moved to Narawien, who leaned over her mother's shoulder's looking at her newborn brother with curiosity. Then, his eyes met Legolas, and his gaze locked upon his father.
"Here" Aireromen whispered to her husband. "Take him" she placed the baby gently into Legolas's arms.
Legolas took his son gladly, kissing his tiny forehead. "Hello little prince" he whispered. A tear fell down his face. "My son"
"Why don't you name him Legolas" Aireromen said softly, Narawien was now lying on the bed, with arms wrapped around her mother, both staring at father and son.
Legolas looked softly at Aireromen and smiled, he returned his gaze to the baby, staring with amazement at his son's green eyes. "Celilldur" he finally whispered. "His name shall be Celilldur"
"A beautiful name my Lord" replied Findel.
"Yes, very beautiful" Aireromen agreed, holding Celilldur's small, pale hand in hers.
* * * * Morwing stood tense and still. His nostrils flared, and his red eyes were wide. He craned his neck out and in, his ears were perked. He was not quite sure what to make of the drooling, babbling thing that crawled towards him.
Aireromen watched with careful eyes as Celilldur laughed and came ever closer to her horse, Morwing looked very confused. Celilldur made happy baby noises.
"It's all right Morwing, he won't hurt you." Aireromen laughed as Morwing looked from her to the baby, his eyes desperately pleading for her to rescue him from this hairless creature.
Celilldur stopped at Morwing's black hooves; he stared up at the giant horse in amazement, his green eyes shinning. He laughed and clapped his hands together, then reached up, trying to touch the horse. Morwing's curiosity got the better of him and he slowly lowered his head to smell the odd looking creature.
He stuck his nostrils on Celilldur's head, huffing loudly, blowing the baby's silver-blonde hair into a mess. He then blew hard into the baby's face, Celilldur fell backwards. Aireromen stood, ready to pick him up when he started to cry, but to her surprise, he did not. He simply blinked and righted himself, smiling up at the black horse.
Morwing cocked his head to one side, moving even closer to the baby, until their noses touched. Celildur stared in wonder at the giant red eyes, he reached out a hand and with a tiny finger, he poked Morwing's eye.
The horse snorted and jerked his head up suddenly, but he did not get angry, he only shook his head and blinked a few times before lowering his head again to Celilldur's level.
"I think he likes you Morwing." Aireromen commented.
Morwing looked up at her, and then back down at Celilldur, the baby extended his arms and embraced the horse around the muzzle in a hug. Morwing closed his eyes and breathed in; it was hard to believe from the way he was acting that he was really a vicious and dangerous animal. 'I think those two are going to be life long friends' Aireromen thought.
* * * *
Aireromen stood in a flowing white dress, her sword out in front of her, slowly moving it as she practiced, at her side, Celilldur stood, holding a much smaller sword, his hair braided like his father's and wearing grey leggings with a silver tunic. He mimicked his mother's every move studying them carefully.
Aireromen looked down, at the little elf that only came up to her knees; she smiled at the little green-eyed face than stared back at her. Celilldur was a stunning look-a-like to Legolas; she was sure Legolas looked much the same way when he was 100 years old. (4 in human years)
An arrow that came whizzing by and striking a tree close to Aireromen interrupted the lesson between mother and son.
Narawien (who was now 295, or 11 in human years) came running out of the bushes, in leggings and a bow in her hand. "Ah ha! There it is!" she exclaimed, rushing past her mother and reaching up for the arrow, pulling it out of the tree. "I told you Ada! Right where I said it would end up!"
Legolas walked out into the clearing, as Narawien skipped up to her father, holding up the arrow triumphantly.
"Well done sweet heart, you will make a great archer yet!" He bent down and kissed his daughter's forehead. Legolas looked up at Aireromen. "Sorry my love, we did not mean to disturb you." He smiled.
"Not at all." She raised a hand, then turned her gaze to Narawien. "I think you are going to be a better archer than your father." She bent down and embraced Narawien in a hug.
Celilldur walked over to Legoals, who picked him up and kissed his son on the cheek. "And how are you Tarenelle?" (Little Prince)
"Amme is teaching me how to sword fight!" Celilldur exclaimed with pride.
"Is she? Well, that's wonderful. You shall be an excellent swordsman under her teachings." He looked wryly at Aireromen who smiled back at him.
"Amme can I go see Morwing?" Celilldur asked, turning in Legolas's embrace to face his mother.
"Yes, of corse you may, as long as Narawien goes with you to the stables." Aireromen answered.
Legolas placed Celilldur on the ground.
"Seler' will you come with me?"(Sister) Celilldur's emerald green eyes pleaded.
"Of corse elle tororelle'"(little Brother) Narawien placed a hand in Celilldur's and together they walked down through the trees to the stables.
Legolas looked at Aireromen, who bent down and picked up Celilldur's sword, gathering it up with her own and sheathing them both.
"I have something for you melamin" (my love) Legolas came closer to her, reaching out for her hand.
"What is it?" she asked, starring into his lucid blue eyes.
Legolas raised Aireromen's hand to his chest and kissed her mouth, at the same time, placing an object in her hand.
Aireromen drew away, and opened her palm to see a beautiful silver ring, with a brilliant blue stone in it's center. She recognized the ring at once to be hers. She looked up at Legolas, her eyes misty with tears. "Where did you find this?" she asked him. Remembering the last time she ever saw it.
"You gave it to me once, long ago. Well, not to me directly, you had someone bring it to me for you.do you not remember?" Legolas studied her face.
Aireromen shook her head.
"It was...it was after you died, you gave it to Sam, and told him he must bring it to me..along with a letter. I have treasured it for so long, in hopes that I might once again be able to return it to you." Legolas smiled down at her.
Aireromen placed the ring upon her finger, staring at it. "I remember the night you gave this to me, as a pledge to me of your love." She laughed. "I love you Legolas" Aireromen fell into Legolas's arms and he kissed her head, stroking her hair.
"And I love you Aireromen." Legolas held her hands in his.
They heard the laughter of Narawien and Celilldur at the stables, along with the joyful whinnying of Morwing. Aireromen and Legolas smiled at each other, and took off through the trees towards the stables.
That night, Aireromen sat on a chair by the balcony, writing in a book, when she had finished, she read the words over to herself:
It has been many years since in the waking hours of dawn I said farewell to my earthly life, and yet I am not saddened. It has come back to me now, why I came to this world. How long I have been waiting. I remember who I am, and who I love.
She closed the book and placed the quill on top of it, rising and setting it down on the floor by her and Legolas's bed. Aireromen crawled under the covers and closed her eyes, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist, and felt a soft kiss on her neck.
"Good night my love" she heard Legolas's voice whisper into her ear.
She turned around to face him. "Good night, lisse' verno amin'" (My sweet husband) she sank into his chest and fell asleep.
Legolas kissed her forehead and lay awake in the dark, he could not ask for more than this. He raised his gaze to the night sky outside the balcony. He looked intently at the stars. "Thank you" he whispered softly to the heavens.
THE END
Author's note: *Well my friends, this is the end of the story...or is it? HAHAHAHHAHA!
No, seriously...since most of you ROTP fans are probably going: "NOOOOOOO!" (and for those who are reading this story for the first time)
You may be very happy to know that I am writing a prequel to Return of the Princess!!!
Now for those few people who might not know what a prequel is....
A prequel is a story of events that happened before another story..like The Hobbit before Lord of the Rings.
Anyways, I've already begun working on it and have finished a chapter. So that will be posted eventually, the tittle of the Prequel is called AFTER THE GLITTER FADES. Be sure and look for it sometime. This story will cover a lot of things that were touched on in Return of the Princess..The ring that Legolas gives to Aireromen in the end of this story hints at events in the prequel. It will cover more about Aireromen and the events and things that happened before her death. It's going to be a lot of fun to write.lets just say Legolas and Aireromen did not get along well originally. HE HE!
Also an EDITED version of ROTP will be up too...there are A LOT of typo's and some misspelled words..stupid spell checker doesn't really do it's job now does it?
Anyways.I look forward to having you guys read AFTER THE GLITTER FADES I think you will love it as much as you loved this story.
I LOVE YOU GUYS!
~Squijim~
"It's okay Aire, scream all you want to, I know it hurts." Legolas cooed softly into his wife's ear, stroking her sweaty head with one hand and the other resting on the bulge of her stomach. He winced, as Aireromen gripped hard onto his arm, he looked to the midwife, who gave him a reassuring glance.
"Just one more push my love, just one more." Legolas pleaded. He could see the pain in her face and it made him upset for there was little he could do to stop it. His heart ached for his wife; never did he wish for her to go through this much agonizing pain.
Aireromen looked up at him, tears flowing down her face, her jaw was clenched shut, she gave a small whimper. "I..can't." she breathed. She was exhausted and didn't know if she had the strength to push.
"Yes you can." Legolas said firmly. Looking hard into her face. "You must."
Aireromen gave a slight nod and breathed in deeply, pushing with all her might, she heard a soft cry, and it was over.
Aireromen's head fell heavily to the pillow; she closed her eyes, taking quick deep breaths.
The midwife took a blanket and wiped the little baby clean, then she wrapped it in another blanket, this one was thick and warm. Legolas looked eagerly at the little bundle in the elven women's arms. His arms itching to hold his child.
The midwife walked to the head of the bed. "Here you are my Lord, say hello to your new daughter."
Legolas stood up quickly from the bed, his arms outstretched. The midwife placed the small form in Legolas's strong, lean arms. A look of complete bliss washed over his face as he looked down into the dark blue eyes of his daughter. He smiled warmly at her, cradling the baby close to his chest protectively, his eyes glistened with tears of joy. He looked over to Aireromen, who smiled exhaustedly up at him. He lay down on the bed next to her, placing the baby in Aireromen's arms. She smiled up at Legolas, and Legolas smiled back at his wife. He placed a hand on top of the tiny head, feeling the soft baby skin, and running his fingers along the small pointed ears. He kissed Aireromen's forehead.
"Thank you" he whispered to her.
Aireromen kissed him back and returned her gaze to the now sleeping form on her chest. "My little Narawien" she whispered.
Legolas smiled brightly at his wife. "Narawien." He repeated. "Yes, I like that name." He looked down at his daughter and kissed the baby's cheek. "Narawien."
* * * *
"Ada! Go faster!" (Daddy) Narawien's small child like voice came softly to Legolas's ears. Her silver-blond hair mixing with Legolas's.
Legolas held onto the tiny arms that were wrapped around his neck. He squeezed them a little tighter to make sure she was secure, and took off running down the halls of Mirkwood palace. Narawien let out a high pitched giggle. Causing Legolas to smile.
Aireromen walked gracefully down the hall, almost as if she were floating, running her hand along the cool stones. She heard the laughter coming ever closer, and stopped, smiling. Soon, she saw Legolas turn the corner, Narawien sitting proudly on his shoulders. She shook her head, Narawien was only 150. (Or 6 in human years) It seemed like only yesterday that Aireromen was holding her in her arms, a newborn baby.
Legolas slowed down as he neared Aireromen, he came to a complete stop mere inches from her.
"Awe, don't stop Ada! I wanna go faster." Narawien protested, sticking out her lower lip.
Legolas laughed. "But Ada is tiered little one." He raised his arms, sliding Narawien off of his shoulders, placing her down on the floor. Narawien tugged on Aireromen's dress looking up at her tall mother.
"Pick me up Amme'." (Mommy) Her big dark blue eyes pleading.
Aireromen smiled down at her daughter and bent over, lifting her up, holding her in her arms. "Would you like to come with me Narawien?" she said kissing her daughter's cheek.
"Where?" Narawien asked.
"To the stables." Aireromen replied.
"HORSIES!" squealed Narawien.
Aireromen laughed. "Yes, sweet heart, horsies."
Legolas watched proudly as Aireromen and Narawien went off down the hallway.
* * * * *
The stars glittered and shimmered, the trees swayed in the wind, creating a soft, soothing rustle in the air. Legolas sat cross-legged on the bed, Aireromen sat upon her knees behind him, braiding a little piece of his hair. Legolas reached out a hand and grabbed one of Aireromens arms, pulling her around to face him.
"I wasn't finished" she smirked, trying to free her arms from his strong grip, but Legolas held her fast and would not let go.
"Yes you were." Legolas placed his hands around her face, pulling her head to his, kissing her softly on the mouth.
There was a soft giggle at the door, Legolas and Aireromen turned to see a little crack where light from the hall came in. Legolas stood up and walked swiftly to the door, pulling it open.
"Ah hah!" he said triumphantly. "We seem to have a little spy my darling, and I've caught her red handed!"
Narawien was kneeling on the floor outside the door looking up at her father innocently. "I wasn't spying." She corrected.
Legolas laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then what may I ask were you doing?" he folded his arms.
Narawien stood up, brushing the dirt off of her dress. "I was watching." She said as if it made complete sense.
Legolas rolled his eyes and smiled, sweeping down fast and picking his daughter up. "Well Aire my love..what should her punishment be?" He walked over to Aireromen, who took Narawien from Legolas.
"Oh I don't know Legolas, something..torturous." She smiled, her eyes glittering
"Like what?" Legolas looked at Aireromen.
"Oh..like maybe...TICKELING!" she swiftly placed Narawien on the bed, and began the worst tickling of Narawien's life. She writhed and squirmed, her high-pitched laughter ringing around the room. Legolas dove in for the kill as well, going for the worst place Narawien could think of.her feet.
"No!" she gasped between laughs "Not..my feet! It's...not..fair!" Her face was red and tears rolled down her face before the merciless torture ceased.
"Now, off to bed with you!" Legolas picked his daughter up and walked her down the hall and to her room. He placed her gently into her bed, pulling the covers up over her chest.
"Goodnight little one" he whispered, bending over to kiss her.
"Goodnight Ada, I love you" Narawien whispered back.
Legolas smiled, stood upright and turned to leave.
"Ada!"
Legolas turned back around. "Mani?" (What?)
"You forgot the hug!" Narawien demanded, stretching her arms out towards him.
Legolas chuckled and bent back down, squeezing his daughter in a tight, warm hug. "Now go to sleep." He blew out the candle by her bed and shut the door of her room behind him.
Legolas walked back into his room; Aireromen lay upon the bed, reading a book.
"Did you put her to bed?" she asked, her eyes glancing up from the page to look Legolas up and down.
Legolas slipped off his silver tunic and crawled under the covers, scooting next to Aireromen. He rested his head upon her chest, looking at her book. "Yes, the little monster is asleep" he joked. "She's trouble that one." He laughed, running his hand along her arm.
"Yes, you'll certainly have your hands full when the other one arrives." Aireromen said softly.
Legolas rose from her chest, propping himself up by his elbow. He looked into Aireromen's crystal blue eyes. "The other one?" his eyes searching her for answers.
Aireromen smiled at him. "Yes." Her own eyes glittered with a secret.
Legolas stared intently at her face. "Are you saying we're-"
"Going to have another baby? Yes, I believe that's what I'm saying." Aireromen laughed.
Legolas breathed in and smiled, he pulled her too him and kissed her. "I love you" he said holding her chin in his hand.
"I love you too." She whispered.
She lay down and blew out the lit candle in their room, Legolas wrapped his arms protectively around Aireromen's stomach, and the both of them fell asleep.
* * * * * *
Aireromen awoke in the middle of the night to a sharp pain in her lower back; she slowly pulled herself into a sitting position, rubbing her lower back with a free hand. She muffled out a groan.
'It can't be time..can it? The baby isn't due for another two weeks, I can't be going into labor now.' She thought silently. Placing a hand upon her outgrown stomach. She felt a hard kick in the lower part of her abdomen. 'Easy little one' she said to herself rubbing the spot where the baby had kicked. She had felt this same way right before Narawien was born, but this was too early...or was it? She was sure that not all babies arrived on their due date, she herself was born a week early. She moved her legs, and felt the wet spot. "Oh sweet Eru" she groaned. It looked like the baby had made its mind up..it was coming tonight.
Legolas awoke from his sleep, he thought he heard Aireromen speaking. His eyes opened and he blinked in the dark, focusing on the figure sitting up in bed next to him. "Aire? What is the matter? Is something wrong?" he rubbed his eyes and sat up quickly, studying her face in the dark.
Aireromen calmly turned to her husband. "No, everything is fine...I think I'm in labor, but other than that everything's just fine." She answered, as if it were no more important than dropping a book.
Legolas shot out of bed, throwing the covers about, he ran to the closet and swiftly pulled on a blue tunic, then he rushed back to Aireromen's side of the bed. "Are you sure?" his eyes darting swiftly from her face to her stomach and back again, a panicked look upon his face.
"Yes, my water broke." She said easily.
Legolas rushed around the room, he gathered up pillows and ran back to the closet looking for extra sheets. Aireromen stood slowly and padded her way to the closet, casually reaching up and pulling some white sheets down, handing them to Legolas.
"Aire! What in the name of the elven stars are you doing up? You must lay down!" Legolas scolded her, grabbing her by the arms and pushing her gently over to the bed.
"I was getting sheets, what did it look like I was doing?" Aireromen joked.
"How can you be joking at a time like this? Your going into labor early, what if there's something wrong with the baby?" Legolas lifted her legs up and over onto the bed where Aireromen was now sitting. He lit the lamps and the candles in the room, filling it with a comforting orange glow.
The door to their room opened slowly, Narawien walked in, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her silver-blonde hair falling around her face. "Ada , Amme? What's all the noise about?"
Legolas was darting around the room, Aireromen wasn't quite sure as to what he was doing...other than just going insane. She looked over at her daughter. "Narawien, go and wake Findel, tell her that the baby is coming early."
Narawien's face brightened. "The baby's coming!!!!!!" she clapped her hands and took off out the door and down the dark hall.
"Legolas calm down." Aireromen looked to her husband, who now stood in the middle of the room, bewildered, breathing heavily. His eyes seeming vacant. Aireromen stood slowly and walked to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Legolas?" she said softly. 'What in the world is wrong with him' she thought, shaking her head.
Legolas slowly turned his eyes to meet hers; he seemed to be in a state of shock. Aireromen laughed and took his hand, leading him to a chair.
"Now sit here and rest." She told him. Placing him down in a chair, she walked back to the closet and grabbed the sheets, placing them on the bed. She felt a sharp quick pain.
"Ai!" she winced. "Easy there little one, let me lay down first." She rubbed her stomach.
Legolas shot out of his daze, and stood quickly, walking to Aireromen, he placed his arms around her waist and guided her gently to the bed.
"Now you must lye down Aire, let me get things ready." Legolas said softly. Helping her into the bed.
Aireromen laughed, "Let you get things ready? You're the one running around like a lunatic, I'm calmer than you are, and I'm the one in labor!" She laughed again but the laughter was cut short as another sharp pain corsed through her body. She winced; Legolas placed a hand on her forehead.
"This is the part I hate" she joked, her face scrunched up from the pain.
Narawien came running in, and following close behind her was Findel.
"Are you all right My Lady?" she asked coming to Aireromen's side, she still wore her nightgown, and her dark hair was in a tangled mess.
"She's in a lot of pain" Legolas answered for her.
Findel shooed Legolas out of the way; he went to the other side of the bed and crawled over to Aireromen.
"Will she be all right?" Legolas asked, his face filled with worry.
"I do not know, the baby is coming much earlier than we thought, but I don't think it will effect either of them." Findel tried to make Aireromen as comfortable as possible.
The night passed slowly, morning came and was soon gone, the daylight faded into darkness again, and still Aireromen was struggling. This labor was much longer and harder than when she was having Narawien.
Aireromen was drenched with sweat, Findel continually dried her off, the contractions were so painful now that Aireromen had to bite her lip hard so as not to scream. Narawien sat in a corner by the balcony, playing with a piece of fringe from the drapes. Legolas paced around the room, constantly running his fingers through his hair, literally pulling on the ends. He was worried and scared, he was afraid that he was going to lose them both.
Aireromen let out a shrill scream. Findel tried her best to calm her down. Aireromen breathed heavily.
"My Lord, you must stay calm, for Aireromen and for the child." Findel looked to Legolas. "Now come over here and be with her, talk to her, anything to try to take her mind off of the pain. Come my Lady, you must push, the baby is ready to come..it will all be over soon.
Aireromen glared, it was easy for them to say, they weren't the one's in labor..they weren't having to go through so much pain. Not even Narawien's birth was as complicated, as long.and defiantly not as painful as this one. She was tiered and wanted this to end now.
Legolas crawled back onto the bed and picked up Aireromen's hand. He allowed her to squeeze it with all her might, thought it hurt him greatly. 'Sweet Eru she's strong' he thought, flinching, as her grip grew tighter.
"The baby is coming my Lady! You must push, it's not much longer now!" Findel called to her.
"Aire you must push, come on, I know you can do this, just try a little harder." Legolas should have chosen his words a little wiser. Try harder? As if she wasn't trying enough? This was his entire fault she thought, he talked her into doing this again.
Aireromen shot daggers at Legolas, his eyes widened at the deadly look she had given him. Her blue eyes steeled over. With incredible strength she grabbed him by the collar of his tunic and pulled him down slowly until his face was an inch away from her face. "How about I hold YOUR hand and YOU can have the baby!" she said coldly through gritted teeth.
Legolas looked into her cold hard face with fear in his heart, he didn't know what to say, he thought the safest place for himself at that point was away from Aireromen, but he knew he could not leave her, even if she was threatening to end his life as soon as this was over.
Aireromen pushed with all her might, she let out a low scream through her gritted teeth, and then felt the pain lesson, the long and difficult labor was over.
Legolas did not look to the baby this time. Instead, he looked at Aireromen. "Are you all right my love?" His face was full of concern. Yet he feared what she would say. Aireromen looked up at him, her eyes no longer threatening; a simple nod was his answer. He could not understand, one minute she was ready to rip him to pieces and now she was acting as happy as usual.
Aireromen looked at Findel who held the baby in a blanket, with Narawien at her side hopping up and down, trying to get a good look at her new sibling. "What is it?" Aireromen asked, craning her head from the pillows. Legolas looked at the midwife, waiting impatiently for the answer as well.
Findel smiled at both eager parents. "A boy, a beautiful green eyed boy." She walked to Aireromen and Legolas, and gave the child to his mother.
The baby's emerald green eyes stared up at his mother; he blinked, but did not cry. His eyes then moved to Narawien, who leaned over her mother's shoulder's looking at her newborn brother with curiosity. Then, his eyes met Legolas, and his gaze locked upon his father.
"Here" Aireromen whispered to her husband. "Take him" she placed the baby gently into Legolas's arms.
Legolas took his son gladly, kissing his tiny forehead. "Hello little prince" he whispered. A tear fell down his face. "My son"
"Why don't you name him Legolas" Aireromen said softly, Narawien was now lying on the bed, with arms wrapped around her mother, both staring at father and son.
Legolas looked softly at Aireromen and smiled, he returned his gaze to the baby, staring with amazement at his son's green eyes. "Celilldur" he finally whispered. "His name shall be Celilldur"
"A beautiful name my Lord" replied Findel.
"Yes, very beautiful" Aireromen agreed, holding Celilldur's small, pale hand in hers.
* * * * Morwing stood tense and still. His nostrils flared, and his red eyes were wide. He craned his neck out and in, his ears were perked. He was not quite sure what to make of the drooling, babbling thing that crawled towards him.
Aireromen watched with careful eyes as Celilldur laughed and came ever closer to her horse, Morwing looked very confused. Celilldur made happy baby noises.
"It's all right Morwing, he won't hurt you." Aireromen laughed as Morwing looked from her to the baby, his eyes desperately pleading for her to rescue him from this hairless creature.
Celilldur stopped at Morwing's black hooves; he stared up at the giant horse in amazement, his green eyes shinning. He laughed and clapped his hands together, then reached up, trying to touch the horse. Morwing's curiosity got the better of him and he slowly lowered his head to smell the odd looking creature.
He stuck his nostrils on Celilldur's head, huffing loudly, blowing the baby's silver-blonde hair into a mess. He then blew hard into the baby's face, Celilldur fell backwards. Aireromen stood, ready to pick him up when he started to cry, but to her surprise, he did not. He simply blinked and righted himself, smiling up at the black horse.
Morwing cocked his head to one side, moving even closer to the baby, until their noses touched. Celildur stared in wonder at the giant red eyes, he reached out a hand and with a tiny finger, he poked Morwing's eye.
The horse snorted and jerked his head up suddenly, but he did not get angry, he only shook his head and blinked a few times before lowering his head again to Celilldur's level.
"I think he likes you Morwing." Aireromen commented.
Morwing looked up at her, and then back down at Celilldur, the baby extended his arms and embraced the horse around the muzzle in a hug. Morwing closed his eyes and breathed in; it was hard to believe from the way he was acting that he was really a vicious and dangerous animal. 'I think those two are going to be life long friends' Aireromen thought.
* * * *
Aireromen stood in a flowing white dress, her sword out in front of her, slowly moving it as she practiced, at her side, Celilldur stood, holding a much smaller sword, his hair braided like his father's and wearing grey leggings with a silver tunic. He mimicked his mother's every move studying them carefully.
Aireromen looked down, at the little elf that only came up to her knees; she smiled at the little green-eyed face than stared back at her. Celilldur was a stunning look-a-like to Legolas; she was sure Legolas looked much the same way when he was 100 years old. (4 in human years)
An arrow that came whizzing by and striking a tree close to Aireromen interrupted the lesson between mother and son.
Narawien (who was now 295, or 11 in human years) came running out of the bushes, in leggings and a bow in her hand. "Ah ha! There it is!" she exclaimed, rushing past her mother and reaching up for the arrow, pulling it out of the tree. "I told you Ada! Right where I said it would end up!"
Legolas walked out into the clearing, as Narawien skipped up to her father, holding up the arrow triumphantly.
"Well done sweet heart, you will make a great archer yet!" He bent down and kissed his daughter's forehead. Legolas looked up at Aireromen. "Sorry my love, we did not mean to disturb you." He smiled.
"Not at all." She raised a hand, then turned her gaze to Narawien. "I think you are going to be a better archer than your father." She bent down and embraced Narawien in a hug.
Celilldur walked over to Legoals, who picked him up and kissed his son on the cheek. "And how are you Tarenelle?" (Little Prince)
"Amme is teaching me how to sword fight!" Celilldur exclaimed with pride.
"Is she? Well, that's wonderful. You shall be an excellent swordsman under her teachings." He looked wryly at Aireromen who smiled back at him.
"Amme can I go see Morwing?" Celilldur asked, turning in Legolas's embrace to face his mother.
"Yes, of corse you may, as long as Narawien goes with you to the stables." Aireromen answered.
Legolas placed Celilldur on the ground.
"Seler' will you come with me?"(Sister) Celilldur's emerald green eyes pleaded.
"Of corse elle tororelle'"(little Brother) Narawien placed a hand in Celilldur's and together they walked down through the trees to the stables.
Legolas looked at Aireromen, who bent down and picked up Celilldur's sword, gathering it up with her own and sheathing them both.
"I have something for you melamin" (my love) Legolas came closer to her, reaching out for her hand.
"What is it?" she asked, starring into his lucid blue eyes.
Legolas raised Aireromen's hand to his chest and kissed her mouth, at the same time, placing an object in her hand.
Aireromen drew away, and opened her palm to see a beautiful silver ring, with a brilliant blue stone in it's center. She recognized the ring at once to be hers. She looked up at Legolas, her eyes misty with tears. "Where did you find this?" she asked him. Remembering the last time she ever saw it.
"You gave it to me once, long ago. Well, not to me directly, you had someone bring it to me for you.do you not remember?" Legolas studied her face.
Aireromen shook her head.
"It was...it was after you died, you gave it to Sam, and told him he must bring it to me..along with a letter. I have treasured it for so long, in hopes that I might once again be able to return it to you." Legolas smiled down at her.
Aireromen placed the ring upon her finger, staring at it. "I remember the night you gave this to me, as a pledge to me of your love." She laughed. "I love you Legolas" Aireromen fell into Legolas's arms and he kissed her head, stroking her hair.
"And I love you Aireromen." Legolas held her hands in his.
They heard the laughter of Narawien and Celilldur at the stables, along with the joyful whinnying of Morwing. Aireromen and Legolas smiled at each other, and took off through the trees towards the stables.
That night, Aireromen sat on a chair by the balcony, writing in a book, when she had finished, she read the words over to herself:
It has been many years since in the waking hours of dawn I said farewell to my earthly life, and yet I am not saddened. It has come back to me now, why I came to this world. How long I have been waiting. I remember who I am, and who I love.
She closed the book and placed the quill on top of it, rising and setting it down on the floor by her and Legolas's bed. Aireromen crawled under the covers and closed her eyes, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist, and felt a soft kiss on her neck.
"Good night my love" she heard Legolas's voice whisper into her ear.
She turned around to face him. "Good night, lisse' verno amin'" (My sweet husband) she sank into his chest and fell asleep.
Legolas kissed her forehead and lay awake in the dark, he could not ask for more than this. He raised his gaze to the night sky outside the balcony. He looked intently at the stars. "Thank you" he whispered softly to the heavens.
THE END
Author's note: *Well my friends, this is the end of the story...or is it? HAHAHAHHAHA!
No, seriously...since most of you ROTP fans are probably going: "NOOOOOOO!" (and for those who are reading this story for the first time)
You may be very happy to know that I am writing a prequel to Return of the Princess!!!
Now for those few people who might not know what a prequel is....
A prequel is a story of events that happened before another story..like The Hobbit before Lord of the Rings.
Anyways, I've already begun working on it and have finished a chapter. So that will be posted eventually, the tittle of the Prequel is called AFTER THE GLITTER FADES. Be sure and look for it sometime. This story will cover a lot of things that were touched on in Return of the Princess..The ring that Legolas gives to Aireromen in the end of this story hints at events in the prequel. It will cover more about Aireromen and the events and things that happened before her death. It's going to be a lot of fun to write.lets just say Legolas and Aireromen did not get along well originally. HE HE!
Also an EDITED version of ROTP will be up too...there are A LOT of typo's and some misspelled words..stupid spell checker doesn't really do it's job now does it?
Anyways.I look forward to having you guys read AFTER THE GLITTER FADES I think you will love it as much as you loved this story.
I LOVE YOU GUYS!
~Squijim~