Disclaimer: I don't own them; I'm just torturing, abusing, and generally turning them inside out.
A/N: I had said that I would not be writing anything more on this fic until after I had finished 'Sun and Shadow', but immediately after an IM'ed conversation with another writer, the plot bunny bit again with a vengeance and would not be denied. So, Ebathory, this chapter is dedicated to you since you helped spawn it. Hope you like it!
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Thranduil was dreaming. He knew this, but the dream was much more pleasant than reality had been for the last few days so he lost himself in it. Valilis lay on their bed, her brow furrowed in concentration as she fought through yet another contraction. Her hands gripped his, squeezing much harder than he would have thought her capable. The pain eased, and she relaxed and closed her eyes in relief. Thranduil ran a cool, wet cloth across her face and she smiled gratefully at him. He had heard stories from other elves of wives cursing their husbands while in the throes of childbirth, but Valilis had not once done so in all the long hours of her travail. Elrond had assured them both that they had not much longer to wait until she would be able to begin to push their child from her womb, but for Thranduil seeing his beloved in pain the most difficult experience he had yet endured.
Thranduil looked up to see Elrond enter the room laden with towels and a basin of clean water. He set the basin on the floor at the foot of the bed, and laid the towels on the bed so that they would be close at hand. His healer's calm demeanor was still tinged with the strain that had marked him in the years that had passed since his wife had sailed to Valinor. Greenwood's king felt a bit guilty for insisting that Elrond attend the birth, but in truth the lord of Imladris was best healer he knew of and it eased Thranduil's mind to know that he was present. Seeing Thranduil's eyes on him, Elrond smiled briefly and then set to his task.
"Valilis, I need to check your progress. Can you roll onto your back and shift down the bed a bit?" She winced, but complied without comment. A moment later he raised his eyes back to her and smiled. "It seems that this little elf wants to see Naneth and Adar. I can feel the top of the head. Push with the next pain." Valilis nodded.
"Yes, now." Elrond chuckled in response. He had assured them both that the birth was going well, but it did little to dispel the Adar-to-be's nervousness.
"Then push and you shall soon be holding your child." He looked back down. "Very soon indeed, it seems. Your child has quite a bit of hair." He grabbed one of the towels and laid it on the bed between himself and Valilis. "One or two more pushes should do it. You are quite good at this, Valilis." She gave him a brief grimace and began another push. "Stop a moment, the head is out."
"Ai, I cannot! Elrond, I have to!"
"Go ahead, it is all right. Ah, here are the shoulders." Her cry rent the air as the child's shoulders cleared then she groaned with relief as the rest of the baby's body was delivered. Her head dropped back onto the bed and she lay breathing deeply for a few seconds. Elrond meanwhile cleared the child's mouth and nose and the baby began to wail.
The wailing increased in volume, penetrating the cushioning fog that surrounded Thranduil. He tried to hold onto the dream, but it slipped from him as reality came crashing back. He shook the last of the fog from his senses, but the wailing continued. He pushed himself to a sitting position and oriented himself, viciously clamping down on his grief. His son was crying. Thranduil grabbed his robe from the chair Luinloth had draped it over and moved to the door that separated Legolas' room from his parents'.
The nursemaid walked back and forth across the room, the howling child cradled against her chest. It was obvious from the look of anguish on her face that she had done everything in her power to comfort her charge to no avail and Thranduil felt a brief stab of pity for her. He closed the distance between them quickly, and stopped her with a touch to her arm. She started at that and began to stammer an apology. He forestalled her with a brief gesture and took his son from her arms. The elfling calmed immediately at his father's touch and snuggled into his neck.
"Caranwen, I know you have done all you could. Go to your bed now, I will see to him." The elleth bobbed a curtsey and fled. Thranduil simply stood there for several minutes, holding his son and swaying slightly while patting the elfling's back. Legolas was sniffling, but the tension was gone from his small body and if he was not already asleep, he was not far from it. Thranduil sighed and passed back through the door into his own chamber. Evidently neither of them wished to sleep alone and Thranduil was far too drained to enforce the 'elfling in his own bed' rule. He was also oddly comforted by his son's presence. Legolas had always tended to gravitate toward his father, a fact that Thranduil now blessed as it might make the adjustment to Valilis' absence a bit less stressful for both of them.
Thranduil arranged the pillows on his bed to accommodate a more upright position and settled himself. He adjusted Legolas' limp form on his chest and pulled the covers over both of them. He had fully expected not to rest further that night, but the combintaion of the elfling's weight and regular breathing and the herbs in the wine he had consumed lulled him back into reverie.
Luinloth peered around the slightly open door once again and a sad smile crossed his face. He turned to Sindadur and motioned the other to join him at the door. The seneschel rose and moved to his side. An identical sad smile graced his face at the sight of their king and prince.
"I told you the child would anchor him here," Sindadur stated softly, closing the door. "Dawn is still a few hours away, do you still intend to remain here?"
"It is my place to, but I think that you should seek your bed. You will be the one that has to see to things as I doubt the king will be in any shape to deal with anything more than absolutely necessary. You will need what rest you can get." Luinloth grimaced at his friend in sympathy. Sindadur merely nodded and bade him good night.
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The wizard stood on the bluff, waiting. He had had an inkling that he would be needed in Lorien and had made haste to the Golden Woods. He was always glad to assist his elven friends, but this time his heart was heavy for the reason behind the need for his assistance. He had met the queen of Greenwood several times and was very fond of her for many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that she had a positive effect on her husband. Thranduil was a good elf and a good king, but he could be maddeningly stubborn at times and he possessed quite a temper when roused. The Istari winced at what he must be going through now. His next thought was for the little prince. Mithrandir had no doubt that Thranduil would do whatever was necessary in order for his son to survive, but he worried at what that might cost the proud Sindar. He, Celeborn, and Elrond would have to be very canny when providing assistance, as it was likely that Thranduil would refuse any overt offers of aid.
A motion in the sky caught his attention and he smiled briefly, seeing the one he waited for. The great eagle back winged to land easily on the bluff, the strokes of his wings stirring up swirls of leaves and debris. He inclined his massive head politely at the Istari as the wizard approached.
"Gwaihir, my friend I thank you for coming. I would ask your assistance in bringing aid to Greenwood's king in an hour of dire need." Mithrandir's expression hid nothing of his sorrow.
"I am always willing to lend assistance to you. How can I and my kin help?" Gwaihir replied without hesitation. The Istari gave explanation of the situation to the lord of the eagles and Gwaihir not only agreed to take the travelers from Lorien, but offered to meet the group from Imladris and transport them as well. As soon as all was ready, the Lorien group departed. Gwaihir and two of his kin sought out Lord Elrond's group and conveyed them to the point closest to Thranduil's home that they could reach by air while their fellows did the same for Lord Celeborn and his companions.
Arwen was still flushed with excitement from her ride on the eagle's back when she gravely returned her grandfather's greeting. Young though she was, she comported herself in a manner that was appropriate to the seriousness of the situation. He embraced her briefly, and then the two groups began the walk to Thranduil's stronghold.
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Sindadur met the arrivals at the open gates. He was shocked that they had arrived so soon, but was also profoundly grateful. Rooms were swiftly prepared and they all went to change and wash the grime of their journey from their bodies. Celeborn and Elrond were the first to enter the throne room.
Valilis lay on a bier that had been covered in flowers and ferns. Her wound had been covered with a garland of yellow flowers and her hair woven with the same. Her beautiful face was serene. Her hands lay at her waist and she was dressed in a lilac gown. Had her eyes not been closed, it would have been easy to assume that she was merely sleeping. Thranduil stood at the foot of the bier, expressionless, his son in his arms. The elfling was sleeping, nestled into his father's neck. Thranduil's eyes darted up momentarily at their approach, but he made no further acknowledgement of their presence. Belegdur and Teluial entered the room next, holding each other tightly for support as they drew near the bier. Teluial began weeping softly as she reached out to stroke her daughter's cheek. Belegdur made no sound, but tears coursed freely down his face. Thranduil abruptly turned and strode out of the room without a word. Celeborn and Elrond exchanged a concerned look and Elrond exited the room after Thranduil.
Thranduil had disappeared from sight by the time that Elrond reached the door. He hesitated a moment, considering where the king might go. As he stood there, Arwen arrived. He gave her a brief, reassuring smile and bade her accompany him. Father and daughter made their way towards Thranduil's private chambers as Elrond had surmised that that location was his most likely destination. Luinloth answered their knock with a relieved smile and directed them to the bright chamber that was Legolas' room.
Thranduil had placed the sleeping child in his bed and tucked the light coverlet around him. He stood looking down at his son, one hand lightly stroking the elfling's hair. He turned his head in their direction at their approach but remained silent. Elrond crossed the room and laid a hand on the king's shoulder.
"Mellon-nin, I am truly sorry. Come into the other room with me. Arwen will stay with Legolas." Thranduil frowned and appeared to be about to refuse when Arwen spoke up.
"I promise I will bring him to you the moment he wakes." She met his gaze solemnly. He nodded and stepped aside to let her move to the elfling's bedside. She settled herself in a chair by the foot of the bed. Thranduil motioned for Elrond to precede him into his sitting room.
A/N: I had said that I would not be writing anything more on this fic until after I had finished 'Sun and Shadow', but immediately after an IM'ed conversation with another writer, the plot bunny bit again with a vengeance and would not be denied. So, Ebathory, this chapter is dedicated to you since you helped spawn it. Hope you like it!
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Thranduil was dreaming. He knew this, but the dream was much more pleasant than reality had been for the last few days so he lost himself in it. Valilis lay on their bed, her brow furrowed in concentration as she fought through yet another contraction. Her hands gripped his, squeezing much harder than he would have thought her capable. The pain eased, and she relaxed and closed her eyes in relief. Thranduil ran a cool, wet cloth across her face and she smiled gratefully at him. He had heard stories from other elves of wives cursing their husbands while in the throes of childbirth, but Valilis had not once done so in all the long hours of her travail. Elrond had assured them both that they had not much longer to wait until she would be able to begin to push their child from her womb, but for Thranduil seeing his beloved in pain the most difficult experience he had yet endured.
Thranduil looked up to see Elrond enter the room laden with towels and a basin of clean water. He set the basin on the floor at the foot of the bed, and laid the towels on the bed so that they would be close at hand. His healer's calm demeanor was still tinged with the strain that had marked him in the years that had passed since his wife had sailed to Valinor. Greenwood's king felt a bit guilty for insisting that Elrond attend the birth, but in truth the lord of Imladris was best healer he knew of and it eased Thranduil's mind to know that he was present. Seeing Thranduil's eyes on him, Elrond smiled briefly and then set to his task.
"Valilis, I need to check your progress. Can you roll onto your back and shift down the bed a bit?" She winced, but complied without comment. A moment later he raised his eyes back to her and smiled. "It seems that this little elf wants to see Naneth and Adar. I can feel the top of the head. Push with the next pain." Valilis nodded.
"Yes, now." Elrond chuckled in response. He had assured them both that the birth was going well, but it did little to dispel the Adar-to-be's nervousness.
"Then push and you shall soon be holding your child." He looked back down. "Very soon indeed, it seems. Your child has quite a bit of hair." He grabbed one of the towels and laid it on the bed between himself and Valilis. "One or two more pushes should do it. You are quite good at this, Valilis." She gave him a brief grimace and began another push. "Stop a moment, the head is out."
"Ai, I cannot! Elrond, I have to!"
"Go ahead, it is all right. Ah, here are the shoulders." Her cry rent the air as the child's shoulders cleared then she groaned with relief as the rest of the baby's body was delivered. Her head dropped back onto the bed and she lay breathing deeply for a few seconds. Elrond meanwhile cleared the child's mouth and nose and the baby began to wail.
The wailing increased in volume, penetrating the cushioning fog that surrounded Thranduil. He tried to hold onto the dream, but it slipped from him as reality came crashing back. He shook the last of the fog from his senses, but the wailing continued. He pushed himself to a sitting position and oriented himself, viciously clamping down on his grief. His son was crying. Thranduil grabbed his robe from the chair Luinloth had draped it over and moved to the door that separated Legolas' room from his parents'.
The nursemaid walked back and forth across the room, the howling child cradled against her chest. It was obvious from the look of anguish on her face that she had done everything in her power to comfort her charge to no avail and Thranduil felt a brief stab of pity for her. He closed the distance between them quickly, and stopped her with a touch to her arm. She started at that and began to stammer an apology. He forestalled her with a brief gesture and took his son from her arms. The elfling calmed immediately at his father's touch and snuggled into his neck.
"Caranwen, I know you have done all you could. Go to your bed now, I will see to him." The elleth bobbed a curtsey and fled. Thranduil simply stood there for several minutes, holding his son and swaying slightly while patting the elfling's back. Legolas was sniffling, but the tension was gone from his small body and if he was not already asleep, he was not far from it. Thranduil sighed and passed back through the door into his own chamber. Evidently neither of them wished to sleep alone and Thranduil was far too drained to enforce the 'elfling in his own bed' rule. He was also oddly comforted by his son's presence. Legolas had always tended to gravitate toward his father, a fact that Thranduil now blessed as it might make the adjustment to Valilis' absence a bit less stressful for both of them.
Thranduil arranged the pillows on his bed to accommodate a more upright position and settled himself. He adjusted Legolas' limp form on his chest and pulled the covers over both of them. He had fully expected not to rest further that night, but the combintaion of the elfling's weight and regular breathing and the herbs in the wine he had consumed lulled him back into reverie.
Luinloth peered around the slightly open door once again and a sad smile crossed his face. He turned to Sindadur and motioned the other to join him at the door. The seneschel rose and moved to his side. An identical sad smile graced his face at the sight of their king and prince.
"I told you the child would anchor him here," Sindadur stated softly, closing the door. "Dawn is still a few hours away, do you still intend to remain here?"
"It is my place to, but I think that you should seek your bed. You will be the one that has to see to things as I doubt the king will be in any shape to deal with anything more than absolutely necessary. You will need what rest you can get." Luinloth grimaced at his friend in sympathy. Sindadur merely nodded and bade him good night.
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The wizard stood on the bluff, waiting. He had had an inkling that he would be needed in Lorien and had made haste to the Golden Woods. He was always glad to assist his elven friends, but this time his heart was heavy for the reason behind the need for his assistance. He had met the queen of Greenwood several times and was very fond of her for many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that she had a positive effect on her husband. Thranduil was a good elf and a good king, but he could be maddeningly stubborn at times and he possessed quite a temper when roused. The Istari winced at what he must be going through now. His next thought was for the little prince. Mithrandir had no doubt that Thranduil would do whatever was necessary in order for his son to survive, but he worried at what that might cost the proud Sindar. He, Celeborn, and Elrond would have to be very canny when providing assistance, as it was likely that Thranduil would refuse any overt offers of aid.
A motion in the sky caught his attention and he smiled briefly, seeing the one he waited for. The great eagle back winged to land easily on the bluff, the strokes of his wings stirring up swirls of leaves and debris. He inclined his massive head politely at the Istari as the wizard approached.
"Gwaihir, my friend I thank you for coming. I would ask your assistance in bringing aid to Greenwood's king in an hour of dire need." Mithrandir's expression hid nothing of his sorrow.
"I am always willing to lend assistance to you. How can I and my kin help?" Gwaihir replied without hesitation. The Istari gave explanation of the situation to the lord of the eagles and Gwaihir not only agreed to take the travelers from Lorien, but offered to meet the group from Imladris and transport them as well. As soon as all was ready, the Lorien group departed. Gwaihir and two of his kin sought out Lord Elrond's group and conveyed them to the point closest to Thranduil's home that they could reach by air while their fellows did the same for Lord Celeborn and his companions.
Arwen was still flushed with excitement from her ride on the eagle's back when she gravely returned her grandfather's greeting. Young though she was, she comported herself in a manner that was appropriate to the seriousness of the situation. He embraced her briefly, and then the two groups began the walk to Thranduil's stronghold.
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Sindadur met the arrivals at the open gates. He was shocked that they had arrived so soon, but was also profoundly grateful. Rooms were swiftly prepared and they all went to change and wash the grime of their journey from their bodies. Celeborn and Elrond were the first to enter the throne room.
Valilis lay on a bier that had been covered in flowers and ferns. Her wound had been covered with a garland of yellow flowers and her hair woven with the same. Her beautiful face was serene. Her hands lay at her waist and she was dressed in a lilac gown. Had her eyes not been closed, it would have been easy to assume that she was merely sleeping. Thranduil stood at the foot of the bier, expressionless, his son in his arms. The elfling was sleeping, nestled into his father's neck. Thranduil's eyes darted up momentarily at their approach, but he made no further acknowledgement of their presence. Belegdur and Teluial entered the room next, holding each other tightly for support as they drew near the bier. Teluial began weeping softly as she reached out to stroke her daughter's cheek. Belegdur made no sound, but tears coursed freely down his face. Thranduil abruptly turned and strode out of the room without a word. Celeborn and Elrond exchanged a concerned look and Elrond exited the room after Thranduil.
Thranduil had disappeared from sight by the time that Elrond reached the door. He hesitated a moment, considering where the king might go. As he stood there, Arwen arrived. He gave her a brief, reassuring smile and bade her accompany him. Father and daughter made their way towards Thranduil's private chambers as Elrond had surmised that that location was his most likely destination. Luinloth answered their knock with a relieved smile and directed them to the bright chamber that was Legolas' room.
Thranduil had placed the sleeping child in his bed and tucked the light coverlet around him. He stood looking down at his son, one hand lightly stroking the elfling's hair. He turned his head in their direction at their approach but remained silent. Elrond crossed the room and laid a hand on the king's shoulder.
"Mellon-nin, I am truly sorry. Come into the other room with me. Arwen will stay with Legolas." Thranduil frowned and appeared to be about to refuse when Arwen spoke up.
"I promise I will bring him to you the moment he wakes." She met his gaze solemnly. He nodded and stepped aside to let her move to the elfling's bedside. She settled herself in a chair by the foot of the bed. Thranduil motioned for Elrond to precede him into his sitting room.