Celebrian awoke early the next morning. Elrond still lay asleep beside her. She smiled at the peaceful expression on his face as he snored softly into the pillow. Climbing up caefully so she didn't wake him, she got out of bed. She walked out onto the balcony and stepped into the murky sunlight. Subtle heat washed over her like a fountain as she stood there watching the sunrise. After some time she felt Elrond's arm close around her waist. She allowed him to scoop her up in his arms and hold her against him. For a single heartfelt moment, they stood there together. He kissed her and drew away. Celebrian suddenly felt nauseous. She vomited over the side of the balcony. Elrond pulled her hair out of the way and held it behind her, gently patting her back. She rectched again, coughing painfully. Her knees gave out and she collapsed in his arms. He lifted her up and carried her back inside.



Lissiriel sat beside Celebrian's bed, petting her hand. She smiled when she saw that Celebrian was awake.

"What happened?" she asked vapidly.

Lissiriel beamed. "You are again with child."

Celebrian sighed in relief. "I was afraid that I was sick."

Lissiriel shook her head pleasantly.

"Where are Elladan and Elrohir? Do they know?"

"No. Only you and myself know. Master Elrond has not yet been told."

"Bring him to me."

Lissiriel nodded and left the room. She returned a moment later with Elrond at her side. He sat on the bed beside her and gingerly touched her cheek.

"Elrond, I've got something to tell you," she said slowly.

He looked nervous, almost scared. "What? What is it?"

"I'm expectant again."

Elrond grinned brightly. "I am tickled," he said.

He leaned down and kissed her. She purred and took his hand.

"This is great!" he said joyously. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, kissing her ardently.

"I hope it's a girl," Celebrian said thoughtfully. "But it really matters not. I shall love it no less if it is a boy."

Elrond looked at her curiously.

"I've always wanted a daughter." She said. Elrond kissed her on the forehead.

"Rest, my beloved." He turned softly and walked out of the room. Lissiriel followed. Celebrian lay back against her pillow and fell asleep.



Elladan and Elrohir looked at their mother, delighted expressions on their faces. They were excited about having a younger sibling. Celebrian's stomach was well round with the pregnancy. Any day, the new addition to their family would be born. Celebrian had taken to staying in her room very late into the morning. The nausea spells were becoming very frequent. Elrond helped his wife stand up and walk into her room, where he sat beside her on the bed. She looked at him happily as he placed his hand on her stomach. A calm, serene look passed through his eyes as he felt the baby gently kicking.

"You are a good father." Celebrian said.

Elrond looked at her, surprised. "You are a good mother."

At once, Celebrian winced.

Elrond leapt to his feet. "What is it?"

"This child is coming! Get Lissiriel and Tindomiel!" She said the last through gritted teeth.

Elrond ran out of the room. Celebrian cried out in pain as another contraction hit her. Elrond, Tindomiel, and Lissiriel ran into the room. Lissiriel laid Celebrian back onto the bed, and helped her relax. The labor pains were getting closer together, and more violently painful.