NOTE: "Well, I'm back"! Missed me, huh, huh? sticks out tongue in teasing manner I have practically no time now for anything, so thank your lucky stars, Elves, Hobbits, Men, or whatever that this is up. This story will be quite dramatic, so be prepared. For those who do not know, this is a sequel to For the Love of a Half Elf, and it is necessary that you read it before reading this. For those who have read it, I must warn you that dark times are soon ahead. If I say any more I will give away what happens. I tried to be cautious in the summary. "Can't be too careful." Anyway, I returned, and hope you are satisfied. Miriellar, you can leave your corner now! And to everyone else, ENJOY, and loved your reviews! Hope this is good!

Chapter One: Pregnancy Hidden no More

Síriel did not look back as they rode out of the gates. She knew that if she did she would wish to stay, and this she could not do. The maiden tried to control her sadness, knowing that if it became extreme she could harm her unborn child. Yet the tears coursed down her face.

She felt a hand on her arm and saw that it was Legolas' hand.

"Weep not, meleth nín (my love). It makes my heart grieve." he told her.

She nodded, biting her lip.

"I…I am trying not to weep." she replied.

"I understand that it is hard for you, but think of the wonderful life that awaits you in Ithilien with me forever at your side." he said to her in a soothing tone. "And our child, when he or she is born."

"Our child…" she repeated softly. "Our child…"

She was quiet afterwards and did not speak for some time.

When evening fell, the Elves decided to stop and set up camp for the night. They had noticed that Síriel was unusually weary, so the first tent they pitched was for Legolas and his wife. Celebrindal set about making some food while the others prepared their tents for the night.

"How do you feel?" Legolas asked Síriel in their tent.

She was resting with her hands clasped on her abdomen.

"Celebrindal just came by with this food for us." he said.

He showed her a bowl of stew.

"I do not desire food." she said.

"But you must eat." Legolas insisted gently. "For me."

She smiled lovingly up at him.

"Of course, anything for you." she consented.

He smiled warmly at her and raised her into a sitting position, one hand around supporting her, the other spooning the stew in her mouth. In this way he managed to feed her half the bowl before she said she could take no more. He tried a few more times, but she persisted.

"Very well, my dear. I shall finish the remainder." he said.

As he ate, he noticed his wife's emerald eyes upon him, watching his every move. There was deep and utter love in them for him.

"Legolas, gerich veleth nín (you have my love)." she whispered to him.

He placed the bowl on the ground and smiled intimately at her. Taking hold of her bronzed hand and kissing it, he replied:

"And you have my eternal undying love, always and forever."

The following morning the Eryn Lasgalen Elves were up before dawn. After a light meal, they mounted their horses and set off at a faster pace than they had pursued the previous day. Síriel appeared to be in much better spirits. She did not weep or look sad, and if she was, she hid it well inside of herself, and even joined the Elves when they sang. They managed to go even further than they had the day they left King Thranduil's palace, twice the distance, in fact. By nightfall, all were in a cheery mood due to the good progress they had made.

"You are not feeling pain?" Legolas asked Síriel that night.

She was undressing as he spoke to her.

"Not today." she answered.

He watched as she studied her reflection in a small mirror, passing her hands lightly over her abdomen. It was now entirely noticeable that she was pregnant. Her stomach was clearly swollen.

"Ai, how plump I look!" she said with a small chuckle.

Legolas went and stood behind her, placing his arms about her.

"You are not plump, my beautiful one. It is merely a natural part of pregnancy." he said soothingly into her ear as he placed his hands over hers. "To me you are much lovelier than ever before."

She smiled to herself and turned so she faced him.

"You always have a kind word to say, Legolas." she said, cupping his face. "I am quite fortunate to have wedded you."

He smiled at her.

"It is I who am quite fortunate that you agreed to wed me, Síriel. There is no maiden I would have ever desired but you." he told her.

He ran his hands up her body, caressing her breasts carefully. She moaned in response, her lips parted in anticipation of his awaited kiss. When he did kiss her, he did it passionately, yet somewhat aggressively, the way she always desired it. Her arms went around his neck. When he broke their kiss, he trailed his lips to her left ear, which he bit gently. In turn, Síriel nipped the back of his neck tenderly.

When Legolas awoke the following morning, his wife's body was draped lazily over him, her arms still around his neck. He had spent the night making passionate love to her, she submitting herself to him. He did not wish to rise, but rather to remain as he was with Síriel's warm body on him, her scent making his head swim, idly tracing her curves. Yet he knew he could not do so, though he desperately wished he could. Quite reluctantly, and with a great sigh, he waked his sleeping Síriel.

"Síriel…" he whispered, planting kisses on her lips. "Awake."

She stirred and murmured something incomprehensible.

"Síriel, awake…" he said, nuzzling her neck.

This time she opened her eyes.

"I do not feel well." she said quietly.

No sooner had she said this than she became violently sick.

"Oh, I am so sorry!" she whispered.

"It is alright. Perhaps it is time the others knew." he said. "I will go and call Celebrindal. I am sure she will know how to help you."

She nodded weakly, her face crimson in shame.

He washed himself before dressing and stepping out of the tent. The warm sun greeted him, as did his companions.

"We will remain here today. Síriel is pregnant." he announced.

The Elves gave a cry of joy, and rushed towards their Prince, giving him their congratulations. From the corner of his eye, he saw Celebrindal shake her silver head and smile to herself as she went to tend to Síriel. He decided to join the others in their morning meal. They accepted him amongst them with many smiles and fair, smiling faces.

"Then that is the reason she was acting strangely." one Elf said.

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked, somewhat alarmed.

"The day we left the palace she was unusually weary." another said. "We all wondered what the reason was."

"Ah, indeed." Legolas said. "I myself wondered."

"I wonder for how long she will carry your child. Mortal women carry for nine months, and elven women for a year." a maiden mused.

"I myself do not know, but we shall find out."

"Indeed, ernil (prince)."

After the meal, Legolas decided to write to his sire and 'inform' him that Síriel was pregnant. He knew his sire would read it to their people, and that way everyone would know. Legolas also felt this was a wise thing to do in case some had carefully glimpsed her slightly swollen abdomen and were suspicious. He sent the note with a messenger hawk.

Afterwards, he decided to check on his wife but found her asleep.

"That was a wise thing you did."

Legolas turned to find Celebrindal behind him.

"I knew it could not be hidden for long." he told her.

She nodded.

"How is she?" he asked anxiously.

"She is fine, just resting. I think the past few days have gotten to her, especially leaving her home and sire forever." Celebrindal replied. "I also think the riding took toll on her as well."

Legolas nodded.

"I feared so." he said.

Later that night, as Legolas lay beside Síriel, he informed her that he had sent a letter to his sire and explained to her the reasons.

"Wisely done, Legolas." she said.

He smiled, knowing she would tell him that. After undressing, Legolas took her into his arms before slipping into deep elven rest.