Surprise update! Ok, sorry to end on a cliffhanger but the words seemed naturally to stop.
Ponytail goddess: you're so sweet, thanks for the comment. I'm so sorry for ending the chapter the way I did, but you'll see in chapter 20 why it had to be!
Katia0203: thanks for your kind words. I wanted to give Lara and Haldir a moment of passion and love at the end of chapter 18 because this story has been heavy and there has been much struggle between them. I hope you enjoy!
Lara's back was aching, yet she continued to smile and chat with the guests. They were there, after all, to celebrate Lara and Haldir's child. Inaya had gone all out for the blessing ceremony. The place looked like the baby theme had thrown up. Lara suppressed a giggle that morning as she saw the shocked expression on Haldir's face when Inaya arrived at their flet carrying bags of decorations. Pastel colors, bows, flowers were now festooned on every possible surface. Even though Lara's personal style was far more understated, she smiled warmly. Neither she nor Haldir had thought they would ever be at another blessing ceremony for their child again. She was going to enjoy every moment of it.
She felt Haldir's hand on her back, strong, reassuring. "If you are tired, we can take a break" he whispered, concerned for her health.
"I'm fine, meleth. It's our party after all" Lara answered.
The marchwarden placed a protective hand over her pregnant belly. "Your health is all that matters, if you need to lie down…" he offered.
Lara flashed him a disarming smile. "Hal, really, I'm not going to break." Her husband nodded, understanding she was really fine. He put his hands up in surrender, "I know better to upset my pregnant wife." Lara could not help but laugh.
"Mary!" Lara exclaimed, spotting the human couple in the crowd.
"Lara, you are glowing. I'm glad to see you are well" Mary said warmly.
"I'm so glad you came" Lara reciprocated.
The woman and the elleth stole away, to a private walk in the gardens surrounding the flet. "Are you tired? Is your back aching?" Mary asked, always so maternal.
"Both" Lara laughed, "but I am so happy that I'm wife child again. I- I wasn't at the beginning. I was scared and I thought about…" she trailed off, suddenly serious.
"Don't berate yourself too much Lara. Fear makes us unreasonable. What's important is you and Haldir have worked your way through it. His eyes have been on you all day, making sure you don't over exert yourself. It's sweet" Mary said.
"We've found our way back to each other" Lara agreed. They chatted happily away.
"A toast, marchwarden!" Luke said jovially, handing Haldir a glass of ale. After a large gulp, Luke continued. "Do you wish for another son or a daughter? If you want my opinion, sons are much simpler. I was positively terrified when my girl was born. Didn't know what to do with myself!"
"Lara wants a daughter" Haldir offered. She wanted a girl badly. It was obvious to her husband. He had seen how her gaze lingered over the pink blankets, tiny dresses when they went shopping. She would never admit it, insisting they buy gender neutral baby things. They opted not to find out the gender of their child. Haldir had no preference for a son or daughter, they were equal in the eyes of the elves. Lara did not want to know the gender to save herself the disappointment. Haldir hoped she would love their child regardless, for he knew he would.
"Meleth, let me clean up" Haldir insisted, taking the dishes from Lara. The last guests had left and the couple didn't have the heart to ask their family to stay any longer to clean up (though Inaya had tried).
"Perhaps I should be pregnant more often" Lara said slyly.
Haldir only smiled and shooed her out of the kitchen. Before she turned around, she raised her voice and took on a stern tone. "Toberion, you better NOT be playing with your Ada's bow. You KNOW you are not supposed to touch Ada's weapons!" Her eyebrows raised in satisfaction as she heard Haldir's bow be noisily set down by her son.
"Sorry Nana" the guilty elfling said.
"Go do your reading in your room" Lara ordered. Haldir chuckled. His wife was most definitely not to be trifled with at this stage of pregnancy. Lara sighed and went to put her swollen feet up on the sofa.
Haldir put the dishes away, Shyly, the marchwarden reached into his pocket. He had been waiting for a chance all day. He walked in front of her and got down on one knee. Lara was wearily rubbing her belly and looked up in surprise. He produced a small box, warm from spending the day so close to him.
Carefully, she took the box from her husband. It opened easily. She caught a glint of silver before the object came in to view. A small charm, in the shape of the infinity loop lay in the box.
"It's not a grand as your other jewels" Haldir said uneasily, "but I thought you'd like the symbol. The mortals use it…"
"It means eternity, no endings and no beginnings, like our love" Lara finished for him. He knew she was well educated in the languages of men and would understand.
She kissed him, putting all her love into it. He wove his arms around her, eventually resting them over her abdomen, cradling her bump. "I love you. I love our family" he promised. She knew he meant it completely.
Their moment was brought to an end with a knock on the door. Haldir groaned breaking the kiss, helping Lara settle in a comfortable position on the sofa before going to the door. Lara heard the deep voices speak briskly, with military precision. She had been married to the marchwarden long enough to know it was a sentry, and the border patrols were the topic of discussion. Slowly, she got to her feet and waddled to the front door. She arrived just as Haldir closed the door with a heavy sigh.
"You're needed at the borders" Lara said, without having to ask. She eyed him as she leaned against the wall.
Haldir nodded curtly, "Aye, the northern patrols engaged a small band of orcs this morning. They were dealt with easily but orcs usually travel in larger packs. There is concern there may be more. The guards in those parts are new, untested. I need to go and inspect the defences myself."
"When do you leave?" she asked.
"Tomorrow" he answered. It was short and honest, no frills, no untruths. Just as he was.
With Lara also, there was no drama, no complaining. "How long?"
"A few days at the most"
She simply nodded, "I just had your travel cloak laundered. I'll help you pack." She was already getting his travel satchel out of the closet. They were an efficient team, working quickly to ensure all of his provision were made ready.
"Lara, are you alright? Is the baby coming?" Orophin asked, for what seemed like the tenth time. He had only been at the flet for an hour. He seemed to think that any movement on his sister in law's part was a sign she was in labor. This last time though, she had winced at some false labor and Orophin had practically jumped out of his seat to rush to her.
"Phin, when I'm in labor, rest assured I will inform you and I won't be subtle about it" Lara replied. Orophin's face visibly relaxed.
"Sorry Lara. I promised Hal I would look after you while he's away. He'll have my hide if anything happens to you" he said sheepishly.
"You plan on staying here the whole time?" she asked.
"I'll sleep on the sofa" Orophin reasoned. She sighed, who was she to stand in the way of an ellon carrying out a promise to his brother. It would crush him if she didn't let him. At least it was very temporary, Haldir was only supposed to be away a few days. But with Lara so close to her due date, he was obviously not taking any chances. She knew he had left very reluctantly. She didn't begrudge him for leaving, and she made sure he knew it. He was carrying out his duty, protecting Lorien – protecting her and Toby.
Three days later, Lara would be glad Orophin had been camping out at her flet. She was washing dishes at the sink while Orophin tidied the living room. The contraction was sudden, catching her off guard, causing her to drop the plate as she doubled over. The shattering of the china in the sink caught Orophin's attention.
"Phin, that was a contraction" she said through gritted teeth. She breathed deeply, willing her tense muscles to relax.
Her brother in law's eyes widened. "Right, I'll take Toby to Rumil's and I'll take you to the healing flets when I return."
"If you could hurry" Lara said slowly, in between deep breaths.
Soon, the elfling had been bustled out of the flet by Orophin. Lara sank onto the floor, still clutching her bump. The elfling was kicking regularly, reassuring its mother. Orophin returned to the flet in a full out panic, bursting through the doors.
"Lara! I'm here" he said breathlessly, helping her to her feet.
"Phin, my bag" Lara reminded him.
"Can you walk?" he asked.
"Yes, I think so. The contractions are intense but far apart" she bit back "for now" so as not to scare him.
Thankfully, there were no contractions on the walk to the healers. Once they arrived, Lara was led into the birthing room. Orophin made for the city gates immediately. Haldir was due back imminently, his brother would meet him upon his return.
Lara took a deep breath as she looked around the room. She hadn't been there since Toby arrived. She shook the memories of her lonely, painful birth from her mind. She had expected to return to welcome her second child. She tossed those sad memories out too. No, today would be a day of joy. She would complete her third pregnancy in this room today (or more likely tomorrow). She groaned as a contraction worked its way through her. She was shaking in pain, gripping the blanket on the bed in her fists.
"My lady Lara" the healer said, entering the room. He knew at the look on her face that labor had started. "How far apart are the contractions?"
"I'm not sure, quite far still, but very painful" she breathed. Her brow was already beaded with sweat. The healer was accompanied by a midwife, who had already begun unpacking the necessary supplied.
The healer directed her to lie down and she spread her legs so he could check her progress. "5 centimeters, head down" he reported.
She smiled in relief. A breech birth would have been much harder. "Try to relax Lara, you still have a long ways to go. Your membranes have no even ruptured yet."
"Yet it feels as I am being ripped apart" Lara reported, grunting.
"It is childbirth, my lady. You will forget it all as soon as you hold your elfling" the healer said.
Haldir knew something had happened the moment he arrived at the city gates and saw his brother awaiting him instead of his wife. Before the marchwarden could open his mouth, Orophin relayed the message "Lara's in labor. Just started about an hour ago." His brother did not have the chance to say more as Haldir took off towards the healers flets.
"Lara, focus on your breath. Breathe deeply" the midwife said patiently. Lara leaned against the wall, willing herself through the contraction. Not only was she dealing with labor pains, she was also incredibly nauseated. A slight wind from the doorway was all it took for her to vomit. Luckily, the midwife was ready with a basin. Unable to handle both contractions and an upset stomach, Lara sank to her knees, tears streamed down her face.
"Meleth, you're alright" her husband's voice floated in to her mind. She would have thought she was hallucinating had she also not felt his cool hands rubbing her tense back.
"Hal, you're back. I'm quite a mess" she said feebly.
He laughed. "Nay, you're beautiful. Come, let me help you back to bed" he said, catching the silent directions of the midwife.
"You came straight from the patrol?" she asked, noticing for the first time her husband still had his uniform on. "You should go home and clean up, get some rest. I'll be fine. This is going to last for hours."
Haldir raised his eyebrows. "There is no way in middle earth I'm leaving you Lara. You're stuck with me, the ellon who did this to you."
Lara would have laughed had another contraction not caused her to scream and bring her knees towards her midsection. Haldir winced and looked helplessly at the midwife.
"Marchwarden, good to see you again" the healer said, as he re-entered the birthing room.
"Is there not something she can have for the pain?" Haldir asked, distressed at his wife's agony.
"No, captain. Unfortunately, the numbing agents used in the battlefield cannot be used in childbirth for the little ones would be greatly affected" the healer declined regretfully.
Lara was expecting another exam, and she had already parted her legs. "Closer, 7cm" the healer announced. "Lara, I'm going to break your waters. This will speed things up."
She took a deep breath and found Haldir's hand to clutch. It was quick, a small pin prick sensation and a gush of warm fluid flowed from between her legs.
"Better use the washroom while you still have a chance" the midwife suggested.
"I'm not sure I can walk" Lara said.
"Let me help you up, I'll take you" Haldir said automatically.
"Are you sure?" Lara asked, hesitating. "It might be, rather messy"
"You're my wife, I could never mind Lara" he answered easily.
The pressure in her bladder was unbearable now, the baby was so low it was pressing hard upon it. Lara was past all self dignity and didn't care what her handsome husband might see. They slowly made their way to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she duly threw up again. Haldir didn't even flinch at the various unpleasant body fluids emerging from her. He patiently pulled her hair back, wiped her mouth and helped ease her back into bed.
Another contraction began to work its way through her, but this time it was different. Lara felt an urge to bear down. "I need to push" she reported breathlessly.
The healer and midwife positioned her legs for this very effort. "Go ahead and push with the next one, my lady"
Lara did not have to be told twice. She vaguely noted her husband keenly counting along with the midwife as she pushed. Finally, the healer calmly informed her that her baby's head could be seen.
"Blond hair, just like his brother" Haldir murmured. Lara found his excitement endearing. Gathering her strength, she mustered one last push. She knew it was over as she felt the child slide out of her. The infant began to cry almost immediately. The sound was a relief to her as she collapsed back onto the bed.
"Marchwarden, would you like to cut the cord?" the healer asked, practically shouting over the baby's indignant cries.
Haldir cast one last glance at his wife, making sure she was well before walking towards the foot of the bed. With tears in his eyes, he cut the cord that separated his child from his beloved. The elfling was quickly swaddled and then handed its mother.
"A son my Lady. Congratulations" the healers said, smiling for the first time.
Lara looked at her second born son in wonder. The infant had his father's blue eyes, shared with his older brother. His head was covered in fine, light hair. The child regarded her for a moment and then yawned, tired for the great ordeal of being born.
"Meleth, I know you wanted a daughter" Haldir said carefully.
Wiping a loose tear from her cheek, she looked at her husband. His eyes shone with joy. "It matters not. He's so beautiful. So perfect" she gushed, placing a gentle kiss on the baby's brow. The sun had set, it was deep in to the night now, but the light and energy in the birthing room seemed strong and bright.
The afterbirth was removed with Lara hardly noticing. Then, the parents were left alone to bond with their new baby. The child started to fuss, sensing his hunger, Lara brought him to her breast. He began to suckle immediately and enthusiastically. "Just like Toby" she murmured, smiling. Haldir chuckled and watched with amazement as his son fed.
The couple decided to get a few hours of sleep before the rest of the family would arrive in the morning to greet the new addition. Haldir had refused to leave them, preferring to sleep on the cot in the room while the baby dozed in a bassinet.
Lara awoke in the very early hours of the morning with a terrible throbbing headache. She could barely keep her eyes open as the first rays of sunlight peaked across the horizon into the room. Inexplicably, the nausea was back. Casting a glance at her peacefully sleeping husband and newborn, she carefully got to her feet and crept out of the room. The attendants at the station looked up in surprise.
"My Lady, is something wrong?"
"I'd like something for pain, I have a terrible headache" Lara said, slurring her words a little as the pain was so intense. She reached out to steady herself at the station.
The attendant, alarmed at how pale the patient seemed hesitated. "Let me fetch the healer, my lady."
"There's no need…" Lara could not finish the sentence for she felt the rising tide of nausea. Panicked, she reached for the nearest basin and threw up again. She could only lock eyes with the newly arrived healer before she fell to the ground.
Haldir awoke bleary eyed to commotion from outside the room. He leaned over and checked on his newborn son, who was beginning to stir from the noise. Suddenly, the door banged open.
"Get her into the bed" the healer ordered. The marchwarden watched in horror as his wife was carried into the room.
"She's seizing. Bring me the herbs in box 631 – the anticonvulsants" the healer called out urgently.
"Lara! Lara, can you hear me? Open your mouth Lara" the healer shouted. "Come now!" But Lara was not able to cooperate.
"Force it open if you have to. We need to get the medication into her" the healer demanded.
The baby was crying now, sensing the distress in the room. "Marchwarden, you need to take the elfling out of the room. It's not good for the infant" one of the attendants said. She moved to urge Haldir to do so quickly. He had to be practically pushed out of the room. As the door closed, he heard a voice call out "she's not breathing!"
