Elvenson: Mithlin,( the wife) is pregnant...for some reason I really hate using that word so I never wrote it!

Chapter 2

"Quick."

The word had been lowly whispered, though urgently. Outside was too cold; the figures stood from their warm home motionless in a small huddle, before they moved. Ushering their families towards a group of women and children being herded to safety, Celeglin and his brother drew their swords. Luckily most of the enemy had charged past, only keen to get what they sought from the forges, yet some tried to hinder the small escape party out of amusement.

Women clasped tightly on to their children as their husbands and sons fought off the threats around them. Mithlin tried to keep to the outside of the group so she could see Celeglin, too many times her heart jolted with panic when it seemed Celeglin had been snuck up on. Yet always at the last minute he would turn and dispose of the attacker.

The small and partially hidden path into the thick holly trees was finally reached; with some to protect them on the journey to Lorien the women and children were ushered down the path. Mithlin stayed close with Tathariell and her young niece, andsuddenly she realised that Celeglin was not with them, that he and his brother, as members of the Gwath-í-Miridain, had stayed to protect the forges.

No. We cannot be parted like this – I haven't said farewell!

Turning around and forcing her way through the tightly knit group she brushed past the rearguards as they tried to stop her. Running back down the path as fast as her body could manage in her condition, she received a few scratches from the holly trees as she skidded to a halt in the opening between the trees. Not far away she saw Celeglin, his sword shining in the moonlight and fire, his unbound hair flying about his face as he dodged, parried and slashed. Before she could stop herself, Mithlin found she was calling his name.

Celeglin knew it was her and his eyes saw her standing between the trees, and a mixture of annoyance and love rose in him ashe fought his way towards her.

"I told you to leave!" he muttered angrily as he reached her "It is not safe here!"

"And I will leave, but not without any words of parting!" Gently she wiped blood away from a small cut on his cheek.

Taking hold of her hand Celeglin kissed her softly and then moved her back down the dark track "Now go!" he said desperately.

There was a scream from behind him, realising the sudden danger her and her unborn child were in, Mithlin let go of Celeglin's hand. Celeglin gave her a brief and small smile before she turned and ran to catch up with the others. He watched her disappear around the corner and then swiftly turned and rejoined the battle with renewed strength.

Flecks of lingering dust shone gold from the sunlight streaming through the window. Mithlin sat on her bed gazing at them, but her mind was too preoccupied with thought to be looking at them. Lorien was truly a beautiful place, delicate woodwork and the beautiful trees...but it definitely was not home. There had been little word of the war, fighters having left Lorien to aid in the defence of Eriador. It seemed Sauron was determined to gain control. It did not seem that the small war would be won, andMithlin ceaselessly fretted for Celeglin, hoping that he had escaped. It wasn't right for them to be separated whilst she was with child...but she couldn't be selfish, others were suffering too.

Her young niece had refused all other names apart from the one which her father had often called her affectionately: Tinwë. Mithlin and Tathariell were both touched and grieved at the gesture of love towards her father.

The sound of hooves outside her window broke Mithlin from her thoughts, there was only one horse from the sounds of things and Mithlin ran down the steps of her talan, eager for news. Recognising the messenger as one from Eregion, Mithlin ran towards him along with other women and children desperate for news of their loved ones.

"Our land has fallen," the messenger began and there were gasps and mutterings from the crowd "I regret to tell you all, only a few survived the attacks and brutality, Celebrimbor was killed and those who survived joined forces with that of Lord Elrond, they now reside at Imladris where Lord Elrond is constructing a refuge and stronghold."

Immediately the refugees from Eregion set about preparing to leave and see if their loved ones had survived.

They eventually reached the beautiful valley where Lord Elrond was establishing a stronghold, after some searching with Tathariell and Tinwë, Mithlin spotted Celebros and they ran over. Celebros greeted his family with a large embrace then looked over Tinwë's head at Mithlin who stood expectantly looking around for Celeglin. Sombrely he stood and moved towards her shaking his head slowly.

No.

A horrified gasp escaped her lips,and hurriedly turning away she grasped blindly for something to hold. Such raw pain she had never imagined; Mithlin closed her eyes tightly to keep the tears back

"Mithlin," her brother in law began to speak gently to her. Not bothering to look at him or speak any words back, Mithlin ran blindly back the way she had came.