Thanks to all of my reviewers....I'm sorry, but I'm too lazy to write you all personally....:-D

Author's Notes: FINALLY BACK. I admit that I have definately put this off way too much. To all of the reviewers that have stuck with me through my long ordeal of problems, thank you. I couldn't do this without you! I also have to warn you that I am starting final tests and summer holiday is less than 3 weeks away. I also have marching band a lot and summer volleyball league. I am QUITE busy. I wil try my best, but, if another problem screws up my life again (God forbid) then just try and stick with me, no matter how bored you are of my stopping and starting.....and stopping again.....and starting again. Ah well. Just let me get this over with....

Chapter Nine

~Legolas! You are up!~

Aragorn stood up and hugged Legolas, careful not to jar his shoulder, which was still sensitive.

We've only waited for a day or so. You gave him too much sleeping potion, Aragorn.

Calm yourself, Gimli. Estel knows what he is doing. Legolas assured him.

Legolas turned his head when he heard footsteps running down the hallway that connected to the sitting room they were in.

~Sir Legolas!~ An elf-boy yelled as he ran. Legolas went to the hall and waited for him to explain.

~Prince Legolas. It's Armirendur. She's in labour.~

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As they neared the chamber, Armirendur's screams were apparent. Linduial was also heard, speaking soothing words to Armirendur in her pain.

~Breathe, my love, breathe~

Legolas' brother and sister, Galenhil and Celebanna, were waiting outside, sitting on benches.

~Legolas. Welcome back to reality.~ Legolas knew Galenhil would never let him forget his foolishness in letting a human slip a sleeping drug in his drink.

You three may want to take a seat. It will take a while. Celebanna stated, and all believed her because of her ability to heal.

So they sat, waiting for the baby to arrive. Legolas couldn't wait.

I will not be the baby in this family any more.

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After nearly an hour of waiting, a child's cry could be heard. A few minutes later, Linduial came out, a bundle in his arms. The three siblings stood anxiously, waiting to see their neice or nephew.

His name is Curuedhel.

Legolas looked down at his new nephew. Curuedhel's bright emerald eyes shone back at Legolas.

Curuedhel, I'd like you to meet Uncle Legolas, Aunt Celebanna, and Uncle Galenhil.

Legolas nearly burst into tears. UNCLE Legolas.....he was an uncle.

We hope that Curuedhel will be a strong, brave king for Mirkwood. Linduial said.

With a name meaning Skilled Elf, how could he not? We are very proud of you, Linduial. Celebanna said, hugging her older brother.

Legolas, in his excitement, did not even notice the tears that still lingered in Linduial's eyes. These were not tears of joy. They were tears of sorrow.

What is wrong, Linduial?

His older brother looked at Legolas, fear in his eyes about what he was to say.

It's Armirendur. She's......not well. The birthing proccess was very difficult on her. They do not know if she'll make it.

Silence filled the room. All were worried, but for one, it brought back too many painful memories.

It will be all right, Linduial. Armirendur is strong. She can make it. Galenhil clasped a hand on his brother's shoulder.

Linduial looked up, his eyes connecting with Legolas's.

Do not worry, Legolas. I will not hold Curuedhel responsible if, Valar forbid, she does pass.

Legolas paused, trying to figure out if this should be a joyful or sorrowful moment.

Thank you, Linduial. I am glad to know that Duruedhel will not have to go through what I have. Although I could never imagine an elf like you being an abusive Ada.

Aragorn and Gimli inconspicuously exchanged glances. They knew this was a side of Legolas that few had ever seen.

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Legolas, are you sure you are well enough to travel?

Aragorn, trust me, I am fine. You do not need to treat me as a child.

If you are a child, then what am I, being millenia younger than you?

The two friends both laughed.

Come, Baby Estel, Gimli, we must be off.

They turned to leave, but were stopped by a galloping from behind them. Legolas looked over his shoulder to see his brother.

Galenhil, what are you doing?

Well, I cannot leave you to get nearly killed again, little brother. I need to protect you. It's a big brother's job, after all.

Job or not, you're risking your life. Galenhil, go home. Stay with Linduial. He will need the company.

He has Celebanna. Besides, Armirendur is doing much better, I have heard. Please let me come, Legolas. I want to kill some Orcs too. You can't have them all to yourself. Galenhil put on his biggest puppy-dog face he could muster.

Legolas looked over to Aragorn.

He is right, mellon nin. He can protect you. Likewise, we could use the extra help.

Legolas rolled his eyes. Estel was a whole lot of help right now!

Fine. But you must promise me you won't get hurt!

When have I ever lied to you?

Legolas looked at him as if exasperated.

Don't answer that. And stop telling me what to do! May I remind you that I am the older and exalted being amongst all of you.

You cannot say that. Just age does not define one's stature. If we placed us by fighting ability, I would top you with fifty fold below me before your name even appeared on the list. Legolas gave his brother a slight punch in the arm

Oh, now you've done it. Galenhil returned the punch. You're going to get it. Be ready, my fine-egoed friend. No one degrades the Great Galenhil without paying the price.

I'm quivering with fear.

Aragorn and Gimli glanced at one another. Gimli silently prayed that this trip would not last long-he had dealed with one blasted elf the whole trip, and now there were two.

*Oh boy. FINALLY I've written something I like. This is my favourite chapter so far. A little bit of angst, a little humour, and more. It's got a lot of ideas packed into a short little chapter. I hope you liked. Please don't kill me! lol Reviews welcome!