Never without you
Chapter 21: One less
Pairing: Legolas/Haldir
Disclaimer: I don't own so don't ask
W A R N I N G: This is about male pregnancy and male/male relationships. If you have a problem, than I suggest that you hit the back key now.
Notes: This is not beta-read. Any and all mistakes are mine.
Special thank you to: Haldir's Heart and Soul, Mizuki hikari, mz psycho, and to those who have read and didn't review thank you for reading thus far. I hoped you enjoyed it.
/ Thoughts /
: Mindspeak/Telepathy :
Enjoy!
oOoOoOo
Fleeing past servants and guards and down the stairs of the main gates, Legolas left the secure comfort of his home. He went to his favorite spot – a place where he would hide from all his responsibilities as Crown Prince.
Legolas entered a groove of trees. He walked further in past the tree line until he reached a clearing. This was the only place in all of Greenwood that Anar touched with its gentle caress. A small spring of warm water babbled along the north-west section of the glade. Butterflies and moths shimmered in small swarms throughout this majestic place.
Slates of smooth stone had formed steps to enter into the relaxing pool. Bubbles percolated to the surface in a steady stream. The water was heated from small crevices on the bottom forcing air to the top. Over time, some of the trees moved to create a solitary burrow for the prince, which was where he was currently in, since he always fell asleep in their high branches.
The burrow was covered with moss for a lofty feel against the tough bark of the trees. Hillside grass also grown inside to make the 'bedding' comfortable to lie on. In addition to Arda's natural personal touch, Legolas had stored everything that he could possible need for the entry of his children.
Small sets of clothes were stacked in a curved corner. Changing cloths were folded next to the clothes. For the last several weeks, Legolas had been bringing (sneaking actually) things for his babies to his secret place. Elrond asked him numerous of times if he had been nesting, and at every single exam he would tell the half-Elf no. The healer wanted to know about his place, but Legolas was not going to reveal the location to any one not even his mate.
One day the prince over heard a conversation between Elrond and Haldir. The lord of Imladris told the Galadrim to keep track of his activities especially since he began cleaning like a mad elf.
Legolas got comfortable on his 'bed' – it wouldn't be too much longer now as he deeply breath through his nose and slowly exhaled out his mouth. His contractions were coming closer together. He cried anew with grief. He would have one less child to care for.
oOoOoOo
Elrohir slipped on a patch of water in the middle of Thranduil's sitting room. Unfortunately, everything he had been carrying flew up into the air, which included white bed linen, all landing on top of him in the clear puddle.
Helping his son to his feet, Elrond noticed a footprint trail leading out of the room.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Adar. I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
"That is quite alright, non-nin. Can you keep an eye on Thranduil for me? I need to find Haldir."
"Aye, Adar."
Elrond dashed out the door glancing up the corridor leading out of Thranduil's wing following the wet path. With strength he hadn't called upon since his days fighting as a warrior in the Last Alliance, Elrond sprinted through the hallways of Greenwood's palace.
oOoOoOo
At the main gate, Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir, Erestor, and Glorfindel stood by the Lórien Elves who were departing for Caras Galadhon.
Glorfindel and Tinion was away form the group so the others could not hear their argument.
"You knew that this would happen, Glorfindel, so do not act as if our break-up is not something you didn't foresee."
"I know meleth-nin…"
"Saes, do not call me that, my lord," Tinion whispered with tears in his eyes.
"Glorfindel, you may call me by my name for I am no longer a lord – just another warrior as yourself," he said wanting to reach out and take Tinion into his arms and not let go.
The Galadrim held his tongue about his ex-lover's station. No matter what, Glorfindel of Rivendell will always be Glorfindel of Gondolin, Lord of the Golden Flower.
With one last look, Tinion mounted his horse, his head hung in sorrow. "May the Valar protect you," he said as he nudged his mounted forward.
"Namárie," Glorfindel responded watching his ex-lover's retreating form.
A group of soldiers accompanied Rumil and Orophin as they followed their broken hearted friend out of the wrought iron gates and out of sight, into the darkness of Mirkwood's forest.
Before any of them could comfort the Balrog-slayer, Haldir swayed on his feet, stumbling back into the passageway as Lord Elrond rushed out just in time to catch the guardian.
The others watched as Elrond gently laid Haldir on the marble steps leading in the foyer. Celeborn took a step toward them but halted. The realm (at least the forest) was dead quiet. He turned to the trees asking them why they were silent, but he received naught an answer.
Then an anguish cry disturbed the eerie quietness.
Again the high-Elf asked why there was no life echoing around them again he was only met with stillness. The forest, it seems to want to keep a secret.
"Legolas," Haldir gasped. "He's in labor."
Erestor aided his lord with the Galadrim. Meanwhile, Glorfindel with sword drawn headed into the towering Greenwood but was stopped by Celeborn. His blue eyes burned with fire. None of them never ever had seen the lord of the Golden wood so angry. He then turned to his mate, not even when Serégon was trying to cause problems.
"Meleth-nin," he said giving his attention to his beautiful wife. "Unbind me-"
"Celeborn, no, if I do that…" Galadriel couldn't finish. Her words died on her quivering pale lips. Water gathered in her eyes. Her family was falling apart and there was nothing she could do to prevent it from happening.
The Lord took his Lady's delicate soft hands into his larger ones – rubbing gently circles on the back with his thumbs.
"Galadriel, our son, our other son is out there alone, trying to bring elfling into the world. Elrond and I must help him. The forest will not speak and refuse to tell me where Legolas is hiding – there is no other way."
Galadriel stared into smoldering silver-blue orbs. "May the Valar protect us from this great and terrible power beholden unto you, Celeborn, son of Caladhon."
Light engulfed him. Celeborn's eyes glowed. Liquid blue melted into icy white just as his hair. A small tunnel of wind whipped up out of nowhere sending specks of energy into the sky like Gandalf's fireworks. The explosion caused those present to shield their eyes from Celeborn's awesome release of power. As the wind blew it stirred the dust at his feet making his silver-grey robes bellow from around his lithe form.
The Elven lord took a step in the direction of the forest. The ground rumbled. The earth cracked – a fissure tore through into the edge of the tree line. The trees groaned and bowed before the lord, apologizing for not giving the knowledge he asked for; however, the forest realized its mistake too late. The First born walk among them, livid beyond all repair for their silence, and now the ancient trees must do what it can to repent for its calamitous transgression.
Celeborn's wrath was unleashed.
"WHERE.IS.PRINCE.LEGOLAS?"
oOoOoOo
An hour passed.
Then another.
Two hours since Legolas contractions began and still no babies to show for all the pain he was now going through.
/Haldir is going to paying for this/ Legolas thought with venom as another contraction laced up spine.
Now the prince was wishing he didn't leave the security of the palace or his mate. Oh, by the Valar! Haldir must be worried sick? But Legolas couldn't face him.
Especially after the bargain he made with Námo. Legolas just pray that his husband would forgive him, someday.
The Vala stood quietly in the middle of the clearing hearing the anguish cries of Legolas. /Not much longer pen-neth/ he thought as he sensed Celeborn moving swiftly though the dense column of tress with Elrond the others following close behind him.
oOoOoOo
Subtle movement from the prone elf caught Aragorn's attention s he was helping a servant change the bed linen.
After dismissing everyone from the room, Aragorn went to his brother's side.
"Elladan, can you hear me?"
"Saes, stop yelling," Elladan croaked. It had been nearly three weeks since the attack and his throat was dry and rough from the lack of use.
"Praise the Valar that you're all right."
"Wh-what happened?" Elladan managed weakly.
Aragorn startled a look at his brother. "I was hoping you could tell me."
"I'm sorry Estel but my memory is somewhat…cloudy."
The king of Gondor nodded mutely as he helped the Peredhil drink a cup a tea. The tea was of Elrond's making with a sleeping draught and pain-killer blended together.
"Ugh! What in the name of the Valar is this crap? It tastes like warg piss."
Aragorn gave a hardy laugh. "It's called tea and it helps your body heal. This is what we've been giving you while you were unconscious."
"Well, whoever made this stuff need to do something about the bloody taste," Elladan argued, gagging on the bitter foul tasting liquid.
"I'll make sure to inform Adar to try to improve on the taste," Aragorn replied wiping the tears from his eyes.
"You…do…that."
Elladan yawned. His eye lids heavy with sleep again – letting Aragorn know that the potion was fast working.
And the older Peredhil twin was asleep.
oOoOoOo
Elrond ran past Celeborn when he heard Legolas' pained sob with Haldir close on his heels. They reached the open lit clearing with no sign of the prince.
"LEGOLAS!"
"Prince Legolas!"
The elf in question grunted in response to his name being called. Haldir felt the bond between them pulse before fading.
Námo watched with curious eyes as the First borns search for the royal. His breath caught as he spotted the Silvan elf Lord. He couldn't leave because he needed to collect the child; however, if you stayed Celeborn would see him without a doubt. The elder was gifted to see any of the Valar while they were on Arda. What was Erü thinking when he was passing out that particular gift?
The Vala eyes went back to burrow.
The half-Elf found Legolas his in cubby. There was enough space in it for him and Haldir to fit. The small living place was set-up like a miniature bedchamber. Branches extended out to hang things from. Small little holes in the trunk of the trees could hold items.
Quickly, Elrond went about preparing for the delivery of new life for he didn't have time to admire the work and care the trees went into making the prince comfortable.
While Elrond left to collect other items around the groove that will aid him with Legolas' labor, Haldir maneuvered himself behind his husband, gently stroking his swelled stomach and kissing his temple.
"Why did you leave, meleth-nin?"
"I don't need you here, Haldir."
Since the Marchwarden was sitting behind his mate, Legolas missed the hurt expression on Haldir's face.
"Females birth alone all the time, meleth," Legolas continued talking not knowing how much his earlier statement hurt his mate.
"Aye, but you're no female," Haldir said still upset.
Elrond returned just in time as another contraction began.
"Ahh!" Legolas cried. "Saes, I want them out. Now!"
"Elrond, help him!"
The Lord of Imladris ignored both elves. He helped birth both of them into the world and their mother's acted the same way. Elrond propped Legolas' knees up and pushed back his robe in order to see the birthing canal.
Surprised couldn't describe the look on Elrond's countenance as the first baby was all ready crowning.
Moving into position between the prince's bent legs, the healer turned up the cuffs of his dark blue robe and called out for Erestor to stand by to receive the first efling.
oOoOoOo
Too much in a daze to notice Celeborn or anything else, Glorfindel simply stood next to the entrance of Legolas' hidden alcove. Námo stayed in the shadow of the trees for as long as possible but it didn't do any good.
Celeborn glanced back to others only to realize that they couldn't see what he was seeing and right now he was seeing the Doorsman: Námo. He walked right up to the Vala.
"Since I am the only one who can see you, I am to assume you've come for my son's mate?"
"You mortals assume too much, but no, I am not here for the prince. I am here for one of his children."
"You can't," Celeborn argued.
Námo smiled. "You have no authority in this matter, Silver Tree."
"But why? This will devastate them."
"The prince agreed to my terms-" Námo looked up when he heard the cries of the second elfling in the distance. "If you will excuse me now, I have a feä to collect."
The Vala faded from view as Celeborn briskly walked back to his sons. He had to let them know of the Vala's will.
oOoOoOo
"Okay, Legolas, the only thing I want you to do is push one last time for me," Elrond instructed.
Legolas huffed. Sweat beaded down his face from his strenuous ordeal. Silently, Haldir held his hand, wishing that this was over. However, the Marchwarden felt through the bond that something was wrong – his husband was still in far much pain. He opened his mouth to question Elrond, but a bright blinding glow made Haldir and Legolas close their eyes. They could no longer see Elrond, yet they could still hear his calm, gentle voice.
Not knowing about the light behind him, Elrond helped the next elfling into the world. He was about to announce arrival of the couple's last child until he realized that the babe was not breathing. The healer was prepared to revive the elfling but another figure reached out for her.
"Your efforts will be wasted, pen-neth." Námo cradled the child to his chest from unresisting hands keeping a spell on the royal couple not to notice what was happening. "As far as they know they only had two children."
"I knew and yet…" /I said nothing/ Elrond thought remembering the third heart beat when he examined Legolas a few months back.
"They were to never know of this, Elrond. I made sure the third elfling was never revealed to them."
Just then Celeborn stood behind the Vala, but he was too late. Before any one of them could protest, Námo vanished from sight with the elfling.
"Elrond?" Haldir called out uncertain of the light that had blinded him.
The healer simply went about disposing of the afterbirth. "Legolas is fine as is your sons," Elrond whispered unable to look the guardian in the eyes.
Haldir suspected that the half-Elf was keeping something from him but decided to investigate it later, once Legolas and his children were back at the palace and properly settled.
oOo TBC oOo
A/N: Wow! Can you believe that? The babies are finally here! But what's this? Námo took one. Did anyone guess what happened? No? Well, stay tuned for the next chapter to find out.
Nemesis
oOoOo Teaser for Chapter 22 oOoOo
"Don't become to attached, my dear" Námo warned his wife as they walked together.
"Oh, but she's joy!" Sadden that she couldn't keep the babe.
"Weep not, meleth-nin," Námo said bending down to kiss his mate. "Tears does not suite you."