19
Chapter Fifty-One
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SUMMARY: Daeron has finally seen Rhian, and after an inauspicious beginning, plans are made for later. He runs into another close friend, who offers the young couple some good advice and guidance.
The next day he heads to the Healing Hall, where he meets up with Ermon and Elénaril, and gives the expectant mother some surprising news!
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"Maybe we needed to break a little, so we could put ourselves back together more beautifully than before."
― Leah Raeder, Cam Girl
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City of Dale, 29th August 2943 T.A.
After kissing Rhian one last time, he tore himself away to Tur's horse, who was eager to get out of the rain.
She loves me!
Impulsively, the Elf threw his arms around Sandastan's neck and buried his face in the horse's fur as he laughed. As the rain began to fall in earnest, he finally lifted his face. "Ánillo avatyare, málo," he stroked the Dun-colored horse's neck. "Let us get you dried off and fed." He quickly mounted the horse and took him to the stables and settled him in, then quickly made his way to his apartment, with the same thought running through his head over, and over again:
She loves me…
He knew he must look ridiculous with such a wide grin on his face, not to mention his occasional bursts of joyful laughter, but did he honestly care?
She loves me…
It was all worth the wait, long and agonizing as it had been. Rhian had come to this freely, on her own, and when she looked at him with her beautiful green eyes, and said those words, Daeron felt a joy he'd never known could exist. The loneliness that had haunted him for all these months, for so many years since he lost Sellwen, was…
…gone. It was just gone.
Daeron ducked under the awning of the sidewalk, and stopped, to let that sink in. His breath caught, and his hand unconsciously went to his chest. He had lived with this pain for so long, it became a part of him. Then Rhian kissed it away, leaving warmth and fullness in its place.
"Daeron?"
He turned toward the voice that was calling his name, to see Hannah hurry across the street toward him.
"Oh, my stars! It's you!" She opened her arms and they tearfully embraced each other. "Oh, my boy, my boy! I thought you weren't coming for another few days! It's so good to see you, love! Just let me look at you!" She pulled back and gave him the once-over. "You're a mess!" She laughed. "And you smell like... cinnamon?"
"Yes, well," he self-consciously smoothed back his hair, which was stiff from the dried cake batter. "I accidently startled Rhian when I went to see her, and she… defended herself."
"Oh, my lands…" Hannah covered her mouth and began to laugh. "Is she all right?"
"She is more than all right." He smiled down at her. "Everything is wonderful!" He laughed and picked the woman up and swirled her around. "She loves me, Hannah! She loves me!"
"Oh, put me down, silly boy!" The midwife laughed, then once her feet were planted. "Of course, she loves you; she'd be a fool not to!" she hugged him again. "I'm happy for you, pet. Where are you headed now?"
"I must go clean up, then Rhian wants me to come back for supper. I have not seen little Darryn yet."
"Well, he's not so little anymore, love. You'll see." She tilted her head. "Tell me, did you speak to Ben, yet?"
"No; only spoke briefly to my family, then Turamarth practically threw me on his horse, and here I am!"
"I'm glad of it, really I am," she gave him a careful smile, "but I think I should tell you that Ben is an old-fashioned sort of Da, and he's going to want to be asked formal permission to court her. Rhian is his pride and joy, and he wants to make sure her reputation is not sullied in anyway."
"Ai!" Daeron blew out his breath. "I forgot about that in my excitement to get here… Of course, I want to show all respect; I am sorry."
She considered. "Tell you what; I'll act as chaperone, until Ben gets back. I've got nothing really going on this evening, so I'll head on over there and when you're finished cleaning up, you come, all right?"
He leaned down and kissed her on both cheeks. "Thank you!" He grinned. "I am told you and Lord Ben are courting as well? Do you need chaperoning?"
"Don't be impertinent," Hannah giggled, and smacked his arm. "Yes, we are, and no we don't. In any case, it'll mean a lot to Ben if you seek him out and follow traditions."
"Does he know about us?"
"Rhian told him weeks ago, and he's happy with it. Still, I think he'll worry, when he hears you came early."
"But I would never take advantage! Elves do not do that!"
"I know that, and you know that, and if it was anybody else but his daughter, Ben would know that too." She smiled. "But that girl is his jewel, and Da's can be... overprotective. Remember, he nearly lost her last May."
Daeron kissed her hand. "He nearly lost you, too. I am happy you are safe and well, Mellon nîn."
She lost her smile for a moment, then nodded resolutely. "Thanks, love. Just be sensitive to my Ben, yeah? He'll need a little time to get used to things changing." She looked at him carefully. "You do plan on asking her to marry you soon?"
"Yes. My intentions are completely honorable, Hannah."
"Well, then; I'll see you at Rhian's then." She kissed him again, pulled her shawl over her head, and rushed into the rain.
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As Daeron stepped into the bath and began to wash the cake batter out of his hair and the grime from the day's ride, he considered Hannah's words. She was right to insist upon a chaperone, and though he hated to admit it, he was grateful, too.
When Rhian had kissed him, really kissed him, when he was holding her so close and their mouths opened, he was not prepared for the surge of desire that welled up in him. Elven customs or no, he had instantly become aroused, his cock was hard and aching, his ears thundered from the excitement, he was surprised at how difficult it was to control himself! .
He lay back in the tub and smiled, thinking of it.
Never, in all his years, had he kissed anyone like that. Rhian had helped him discover something entirely new, and it took all his strength of will not to gather her in his arms and carry her off to her bed and join with her right there and then. Never, in all his years, had he lacked control over his own body, and never, did he want something as badly as he wanted her. It was terrifying. And exciting and agonizing and completely wonderful!
Just thinking about it made him grow hard and aching again, and he could do little else but grab the lavender oil, take himself in hand, and think of her, as he worked himself through his release.
As soon as he came back to himself, he laughed wryly. Daeron would be doing a lot of that before their wedding night.
Because, as much as he wanted her, he wanted to honor her, and her family.
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"Knock, knock!" Hannah called when she opened Rhian's front door.
"Hi! Come in!" Rhian called from the kitchen.
Hannah followed the voice to see Rhian on here hands and knees, scrubbing dried cake batter from the floor.
"You're glowing, my dear," she said with a knowing smile. "I don't think I've ever seen you so radiant,"
"I feel radiant!" Rhian sat back on her knees and grinned up at her. "Daeron was here!"
"Yes, I saw him. He told me what happened," she tried to hide her amusement. "I sent him along to get himself a bath, and he'll be here directly. Now, what have you got together for supper?"
"I bought a roasted chicken this morning at the Market, so we'll have that, plus some green beans and a salad." Rhian looked up at her. "Are you staying?"
"Yes, I am." She raised her eyebrows. "Your Da would want me do, don't you think?"
"You're right. Da would have a fit, otherwise. I had no idea he was coming, so that's not my fault!"
"Oh, of course you didn't; the boy was so anxious to see you, he didn't think of it either." She smiled down at her. "So? How was it?"
The girl looked thoughtful. "I kissed him, Hannah. I wanted to. He's loved me for so long, I wanted to prove to him that I really mean it, you know?"
"And?" Hannah helped the girl stand. "Was it everything you dreamed of?"
"Oh, my stars!" Rhian mooned. "I had no idea it could feel like that! I can't even describe how wonderful it was!" She sighed with sheer happiness. "I… after everything that's happened to me… I want him, Hannah. I didn't think I could ever feel this way, but I do!"
"I'm so happy for you, love!" The midwife threw her arms around the girl. "You deserve every joy and happiness, Rhian.
"Thanks to you, I know I deserve to be happy." Rhian smiled and nodded her head. "I deserve him, only because you showed me I could."
Hannah just held her again and whispered. "I love you like a daughter; you know that, don't you?"
"And I love you like a mother."
"Good," she held her at arm's length, "because your father's not here at the moment, and it's only proper that a courting couple have a chaperone, so I've got the job." She raised her eyebrows.
"You're right," the girl agreed, albeit reluctantly. "We've got things to talk about, but tonight is just about me and him and Darryn."
"Well, then, you let me finish up dinner, while you change and get Darryn ready, love."
Rhian didn't need to be asked twice and was off like a shot. Hannah took care of the bucket and dirty water, then put the beans on the stove to cook and washed and dressed the salad with oil and vinegar. Then she carved the rather large chicken and set the carcass in a bowl with a towel, to be boiled later for soup.
By the time she had the table set, there was a knock on the front door.
"Could you get that, Hannah?" Rhian called from the back. "I'm just getting Darryn's leggings on. Come on, you; cooperate, please!" Hannah chuckled at the irritated sounds from the toddler who hated to get dressed.
"Sure thing, love!" Hannah wiped off her hands and rushed to the door, to find the Guardian standing there looking nervous, excited, and completely free of cake batter.
"Well, you don't smell spicy, but you'll do," She grinned. "Come on in."
His hair was still wet from his bath, and he was wearing a simple blue tunic and black moleskin leggings and boots. He wiped the mud off his boots, then kissed Hannah's cheek. "Where is Rhian?"
"She had to clean herself up and was just getting the baby ready for you."
"He's awake?" Daeron's breath caught, and he smoothed down the front of his tunic nervously. "What if he does not like me? I do not want to scare him…"
She shushed him and put her hand on his arm. "Just relax, and let him come to you, love. It'll be all right; I promise." She gave him a reassuring smile.
She led the Elf into the house, just as Rhian came from the back hall, carrying her son, who was wearing a green shirt and tiny brown leggings. His feet were bare, and his hair was a tumble of dark waves, and he held onto his mother's hip with one hand and chewed his fingers with another.
Hannah looked at Daeron whose eyes filled with tears and he covered his mouth. "Oh, he is so beautiful…" he whispered softly. "Look at him…" He struggled to get his voice under control, as he got down on one knee.
Rhian smiled, and set the baby on the rug, so the two of them could size each other up.
"Hello, little one." Daeron said, softly. "Hello… I am Daeron."
Darryn stood there for a minute and held his blankie. Then he took a step towards him, then looked up at his mother.
"That's right, love. This is Daeron. He helped your Mam when you were born. Can you say 'Hello?'"
Darryn smiled and held out the hand that wasn't gripping Blankie and wiggled his fingers into a fist several times. Then smiled, when Daeron repeated the gesture. He took another step toward the Elf, and chewed on his finger. "Dahro?"
"That is right. I am Daeron, and you are Darryn," he pointed to the little boy. Darryn looked down at his tummy, where he thought the Guardian was pointing, then lifted his shirt to show the Elf his belly button.
"That is a very nice belly button," Daeron smiled, and the baby laughed, as he looked between his mother and the Elf.
Hannah crossed her arms and looked between Rhian, whose face was shining, and Daeron's who was completely focused on the little boy. She saw him swallow a few times, his eyes fill.
"You have grown…" He murmured, with eyes full of wonder. "And you are walking, and talking…"
Hannah decided it was time to keep things from becoming too emotional. She went over and picked the baby up. "Tell you what, Little Man; why don't we get something to eat, then maybe Daeron can play with you, yeah?"
During dinner, the Elf sat beside him, with Rhian on the other side. Darryn was fascinated by this tall, auburn-haired stranger but decided he liked him. Daeron helped cut up his chicken and they fed each other the green beans, while they made funny faces at each other.
When they were finished, Rhian stood and started to gather the dishes.
"No, you don't, love. I'll take care of these and you tend to your men. I'll put the kettle on, and be out in two shakes of lamb's tail."
Rhian gave her a quick kiss. "Thanks, Hannah!" she whispered, went into the Sitting room.
When Hannah got the tray together and joined them, Daeron was sitting on the floor playing with the baby. They were making a tall tower of colorful wooden blocks, then Darryn could knock them down.
"Uh oh!" he giggled when they scattered on the rug.
"Uh oh!" the Elf repeated and clapped his hands. "Do you know what color this is?" He held up a block. "It is red; can you say that?"
"Wed," he pointed.
"Very good! Now, what color is this?"
"Boo!"
"That is also right; it is blue. You are very smart boy."
Hannah sat down beside Rhian and handed her a cup. "Isn't that a beautiful sight," she murmured softly.
"It is," Rhian leaned against her and whispered. "I'm loving it." She quickly wiped her eye. "I don't want to miss a second of it."
Just then the Elf looked up and met Rhian's eyes, and Hannah saw the same depth of feeling in them, as she held for Ben, and she knew they would be all right.
"What's the matter, Hannah?"
"Oh, I just…" she laughed a little, as she held her handkerchief over her nose. "I just remember back when we all first met. Look how far we've all come!"
Rhian put her arm around the midwife's shoulders. "Aye. It all feels like another life, but from the first, you were both so kind to me." She looked over and Daeron, who was still going over colors with the baby. "Did you know he used to visit my tent right after the Battle?"
"You were staying with Enid and Gladys, weren't you?"
"Aye, and he would come, but he knew I was nervous, so he didn't even try to talk to me. He chatted up the ladies, who ate it up, and was just… there, you know?"
"You must realize I was there to visit them, not you," Daeron deadpanned, as he brushed off his leggings and sat on the chair to face them. "I thought they were rather sweet."
"Sweet on you, you mean! You were quite the charmer." Rhian laughed, as Darryn crawled up into her lap. "Anyway," she turned to Hannah again, "he never tried to push at me, he just was there, and nice and kind…"
The Elf lost his smile, "I had no idea you had been suffering so much physically. You had broken ribs, and that one that had not healed correctly."
"My lands, that's right!" Hannah shook her head. "When I heard Lord Thranduil had to re-break it and set it right, I nearly fainted! You could have died when you were giving birth!"
"I would not have let you die, Hind Calen." Daeron assured her. "But I did feel terrible, when I heard."
"I barely remember having Darryn…" Rhian mused. "I was in the wagon with you two and Sigrid, and… the pain was terrible… then I woke up in a room in the Healing Hall and it was over."
"Oh aye," Hannah reminded her. "Daeron put you to sleep, then helped you the rest of the way, remember?" 1
"Well, no; I was asleep?" Rhian quipped with a smirk. "But I think I'm glad I missed that."
"I am glad, as well." Daeron laughed, as smiled at the baby, who was leaning his head against his mother and sucking his thumb.
"You know, in a way, we both gave birth to him." Rhian mused.
"I've got no argument with that," Hannah smiled. "He was doing all the work, and wore himself to to a thread to make sure Darryn would be all right. He was choking, you know."
Rhian looked at Hannah in alarm. "He was?"
"Oh, yes, love. Remember?"
"No… I know we talked right after he was born, but I was so out of it; it was hard to concentrate on anything." She looked at her Elf. "I do remember Lord Thranduil helping you into my room, you looked just as worn out as I felt."
"I remember that, too," he said. "I was exhausted."
"I believe it!" Hannah shook her head. "The minute Darryn was finally born, he turned white as a ghost, and passed out! When Lord Thranduil rushed into the room, I'd never seen him so worried!"
"I didn't know you were that bad off," Rhian frowned, at the Elf, "I'm sorry."
"Do not be, Hind Calen." His eyes softened, as he smiled at the baby. "It was worth it." Then he looked up and met Rhian's gaze, and smiled. "It was all worth it."
Hannah got up, "I think you and I need to switch places, don't you?" she laughed. "Go on, pet; go sit with your sweetheart."
Rhian had the grace to blush, as Daeron sat beside her, and put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head against him and looked up, and he gave her a quick kiss. "This is nice," she whispered up to him.
"It is very nice," he smiled down at her. "Thank you, Hannah."
"Dahro!" Darryn reached up and grabbed the Elf's nose.
"And thank you, too!" Daeron laughed, and made a goofy face at their boy, then started to play pat-a-cake with him.
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The evening was spent with easy laughter and loving looks, and when Rhian asked Daeron if he wanted to help put the baby to bed, the Elf jumped at the chance. He read Darryn two stories, insisted he needed a lullaby, then tucked him in with a goodnight kiss.
"I hate to say it, but I must go; it is getting late." Daeron sighed.
"I know," Rhian put her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. "I still can't believe you're really here!"
"I cannot either," he kissed her brow. "If this is a dream, I do not want to wake up."
"They're planning a huge feast for when the Guardians come back."
"I will be delighted to attend," he smiled, "but this welcome is better."
"Even when I tried to kill you?"
"It would take much more than that to kill me, Hind Calen."
"Go on then," Hannah gave them both a mischievous smile. "Walk your young man to the door and say goodnight. I'll stay here in the sitting room…" she winked, "just in case the baby calls out. But don't be long."
Hannah enjoyed another cup of tea and tried not to listen to the murmurs of love and the sounds of kissing, and when Rhian came back and sat down, her face was flushed, and her eyes were dancing.
"You were right, you know," she smiled up at the midwife.
"I'm always right," she joked. "Which pearl of wisdom are you talking about this time?"
"To relax. Things didn't go how I thought they would, but… it feels so right; like we've been together for years. I'm still excited, but it still feels so natural, you know?"
"Oh, believe me," she gathered the girl to her. "I know."
"I'm glad you were here, tonight."
"Really? I was afraid you both might resent my intrusion."
"Not at all! You're family; you belong with us, and…" the girl looked down and blushed. "I've never really felt so..."
"You 'want' him?"
Rhian nodded shyly. "When he kisses me, my knees go weak, and all I want is… I mean, I'm not a virgin, but in a way, I feel like I am, because I think it will be different with Daeron. Does that make sense?"
"It makes perfect sense, love. And I know you'd regret plunging into something before you're both ready." She smirked at the girl. "Daeron wants you just as badly, you know."
"You think so?"
"Oh, my girl; he loves you, but he's… hungry for you. And," she raised her eyebrows, "I have it on good authority that Elves… well, let's just say it really will be different with him."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll have to speak to Elénaril to learn about the Elven birds and bees. In the meantime, what I said still stands, pet. Get to know each other again. Get used to how different things are with him and relax; don't rush into anything just because you have a hard time keeping your hands off of each other. When you do come together, you want it to be right, and beautiful, not an impulsive act."
"You're right," Rhian sighed.
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City of Dale, 29th of August 2943 T.A.
Daeron felt the light warm his face as he blinked awake. For a second or two, he was puzzled; the window in his room at Haldir's talon was on his right, not his left…
He was home.
He sat up, as the memories of last evening flooded through him, and he threw back the covers and was on his feet in an instant. After stretching, he looked around the room, and saw it was neat and dusted, and ready for his things again.
The tunic and leggings he borrowed from Tur were in a heap on the floor, so he picked them up an put them in the basket in the bathing room, then fished out some more clean clothes from his cousin's closet. Once he was dressed, he walked through the quiet apartment, taking in the familiar sights. There was a new end-table by the sofa, and the chairs were reversed, but otherwise, it was just as he remembered it.
The kitchen looked much the same, so he started the fire, made himself some tea, then settled on the sofa to reflect on the events of the last sixteen hours. He didn't ponder for long, because his stomach was growling, and there was little food in the house. He rinsed out his cup and went out to the Market, and into the baker's shop.
"Daeron!" the Baker and his wife rushed up to greet him. "When did you get back?"
"Last evening. The others will be along in a few days, but I am a bit early. I have missed it here!" he grinned. "I have also missed your lemon scones. Would you happen to have any?" he asked hopefully.
The Baker's wife ran into the back and returned with a small bundle wrapped in paper. "Here you go, lad. Three of them, on the house; welcome home!"
He thanked the Baker, kissed his wife's hand and ate the scones as he walked around the Market, with a smile on his face.
Then he went to visit his friends in the Healing House.
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Ermon woke with a yawn and a stretch and rolled over to look at his sleeping wife. Poor Elénaril was getting bigger by the day. Normally Elves didn't even really show until the last two months, and even then, not all that much. If he were honest with himself, he wasn't entirely sure; what few births there had been in the Woodland Realm were usually looked after by Daeron, or another Healer who specialized in such work. Still, she was healthy, and the babies were very active, though mostly at night, despite their efforts.
He propped himself up on his elbow, and smiled, as he looked at her face, which had filled out without looking puffy, and though she disagreed, she really did have a beautiful glow. He reached out and stroked her cheek. "Niphredil nîn…" he whispered, as he touched her full breasts, then ran his hand over her belly.
"Aur galu, hîn," Ermon whispered, and leaned down to kiss the swell of Elénaril's stomach. Then he threw back the covers and grabbed his robe, to go make some breakfast for his wife.
She was stirring when he came back with a tray with tea and some eggs and toast.
"You let me sleep in," she chided, as she tried to sit up. Ermon quickly set the tray on the end table and propped some pillows behind her. "Thank you, Meleth. It becomes more and more difficult. I will miss them, after they are born, but it will be wonderful to move around again. I have no idea what my feet look like anymore."
"Your feet are just as beautiful as they always were." He settled next to her with the tray in his lap. "I thought we could enjoy a quiet breakfast, while we still can." He speared a forkful of egg, "Open up, Nana!"
She laughed and let him feed her, as she leaned against his shoulder. "I am very happy, Ermon."
"As am I." He smiled down at her and lifted his arm to put around her. "I do not know what you saw in an ancient Elf like me, but I thank the Valar you did." He grinned. "I have a surprise for you."
"Which is?"
"I have decided to take some time off when the babies are born, so we can enjoy them together."
"You can do that?" She looked thrilled. "However did you manage it?"
"I spoke to Lord Thranduil, and told him I deserve a respite, after so many years of serving our people, and he agreed. I will be home with you for two months after the children are born. Are you as glad as I am?"
"Yes!" She was delighted, then suddenly burst into tears. "I am sorry," she laughed sheepishly. "I have such mood swings..."
"Nonsense; there is nothing to be sorry about," he kissed her hair. "How many times have you told expectant mothers that this is normal? Now, finish your tea, and we will get you up and dressed."
He got up and offered his arms, supported her to a standing position, then helped her get her clothes, stockings and shoes on. Then they walked together to the Healing Hall for their shifts.
"Meriel will arrive with the Kings and their guests in three days, so that will give you plenty of time to introduce her to your patients before you stop working next week."
"And Dior does not mind?" She asked. "I am happy to see her, of course, but they only married last year…"
"It is all taken care of. Dior will also come, and work at the Castle. Daeron will not be returning to his Guard duties right away; he will be taking over my patients, while I discover the wonders of fatherhood." He patted her hand. "You and I will have plenty to keep us occupied."
They turned the corner, to the street where the Healing House was located, and saw, up ahead, a familiar-looking Elf approach the front steps, wiping crumbs off his hands.
"Is that…" She wondered aloud, then gasped. "It is! Daeron!" She called out with excitement and waved. "Daeron!"
The auburn-haired Elf turned and widened his eyes, as a grin spread across his face, and he ran over.
"Suilad, Daeron! Êl síla erin lû e-govaned 'wîn!" Elénaril opened her arms and embraced their friend, as Ermon clapped him on the shoulders with delight.
"Ae! Mae g'ovannen, Mellyn nîn!" The Guardian stepped back and took Elénaril's hands. "I can barely get my arms around you! Let me look at you…" then he laughed. "Ai! You are enormous!"
"Yes, I am," Elénaril put her hands on her low back. "And I am eager for this to be over with, and to meet our children."
The Guardian's brows furrowed. "Are you all right?"
"I am fine; I am in no pain, but it is awkward to walk – waddle – with this," she smiled. "I have never felt so clumsy."
"And for an Elf, that is saying something," Daeron winced. "But normal for one who is carrying twins, though you are bigger than I've ever seen..." He regarded her bulging middle thoughtfully. "I was just heading inside to say hello, but I can examine you, if you like."
"Would you? Ermon and I cannot 'see' them like you can, and I am anxious to know more."
"I would be happy to." The Guard grinned.
They each took an arm and escorted her up the steps, and after a cursory wave to his friends with a promise to visit later, Daeron helped Ermon lift his wife onto an examination table, with a pillow under her head, and one under her knees.
The Guardian checked her, then lifted the sheet to expose her large belly, then began to feel around for the babies' positions. He did this for several minutes, and the look of concentration of his face made Ermon nervous.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked Daeron.
"Well, not exactly…" he felt some more, then looked at him with a puzzled look. "You examined her yourself?"
"Yes. We are having a boy and a girl, but that is all I can tell. I hear heartbeats, which seem good."
"So, do I; but it is difficult, with two of them." Elénaril confirmed. "Daeron, I don't like the look on your face—"
"Shh!" Daeron said suddenly. Then he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to prepare himself then placed his hands on her belly, again. After a few moments, her belly jumped.
"Ooh!" Elénaril gasped. The babies, or one of them at least, responded to him with some hard kicks.
"Who else has examined you?" Daeron looked serious.
"Well, no one. Why would we?" Ermon answered. "Daeron, what is it?"
The Guardian stepped back and pulled the sheet up to her waist. "Ermon, I think you should sit down."
"I am fine, I assure you," he squeezed his wife's hand and remained standing. "I am a fully-trained professional, with five thousand more years' experience than you, so just tell us, and end this suspense!"
"You may be more experienced, Mellon nîn, but you do not have my gift." The Elf raised his eyebrows. "I would like to point out that you are bond-mates, and sometimes that can hinder these things."
"I do not understand," Ermon felt a gnawing apprehension. "Why do you say this?"
Daeron raised his brows. "It seems that your children have been a bit mischievous."
"How so?"
"Well, apparently one of them was hiding, when you examined them."
"What in the world do you mean?"
The Guardian smirked. "Mellyn nîn, you are not having twins; you are having triplets."
"What?" Elénaril yelped.
"What?" Ermon's breath caught.
"You are about to be the proud parents of two daughters and a son." Daeron studied him. "Triplets are rare among humans, and I have never heard of this among Elves, have you?"
The couple shook their heads.
"Never," Ermon whispered, weakly.
"It was always possible, of course, but since it never happened, I understand why it never occurred to you."
"Never," Ermon said weakly, and let go of his wife's hand and staggered over to the wall. "Three babies…" He turned as his knees gave out, then he sat cross-legged in a daze.
"Three babies." Daeron repeated. "It appears they have enjoyed playing a cat-and-mouse game with you. Even Elves can be surprised by a 'surprise' at the birth." Daeron looked down at Elénaril who had suddenly become pale. "You must remain calm, Mellon. Take some slow, deep breaths..."
She burst into tears. "I have not been able to take a deep breath in a month!" she sobbed. "I am enormous, and I still have to carry all three of them for four more weeks, and have someone else dress me and… I just…" she was completely overcome. "I can barely move now; how can I do this?" she cried in earnest.
"I promise, it will be fine," Daeron patted her hand then turned to her husband.
"Are you all right, Ermon?"
"I am fine… I am just going to sit here… for just a moment…" Ermon tried to stop his hands from shaking and irritated to admit he was losing his equanimity. Was he not an ancient Elf, one of only a few who actually lived in Doriath? Did he not train under the great Lord Elrond himself? What was wrong with him?
Daeron handed him a glass of water, which he accepted gratefully. Then he supported her back to help her get down, then he took her to the nearest chair, and handed her one, as well.
"Are the babies all right?" she asked, still sniffling.
"They are fine. And you will not be carrying them for four more weeks; I would estimate their birth this week; next week, at the latest, so we will be watching you very carefully."
"Oh, praise Varda!" she sighed with relief.
Daeron laughed. "It was fortunate I came when I did, yes? As of now, you are finished working. I want you to go straight back home, and you will stay in bed, with your feet up. The babies will be early, yes, but we still want them to wait as long as possible."
"But the babies are healthy?"
"They are, but their placenta is larger, and a bit too low for my liking, so you cannot put pressure on it. In fact, I will order a carriage to take you home. I want you on your left side as much as possible; have Ermon help you use pillows to make you more comfortable. Ermon I think your leave should begin now, too. After we get her settled, I will come back and see to your patients."
"I would appreciate that."
"Triplets…" The Elleth said softly. "Three babies…"
"Yes, three babies; two are heads-up and one is head-down, and your cervix has already begun to dilate." Daeron became serious. "I want someone with you at all times, and I should warn you that I will likely want to deliver them through surgery, if I deem it safer for the babies."
"But…" Ermon stuttered, then babbled nervously. "Our home is not prepared; we were going to do that next week! There are no clouts, or clothing or blankets...we have not gotten the…" he struggled for the words.
"Cradles?"
"Yes!" he snapped. "And we only ordered two, Daeron! We are not ready! This was carefully planned, and now… I do not think we can do this…" he was feeling panicked. "This is not what we were expecting!"
"Welcome to parenthood." Daeron shrugged. "Relax; you do not have to worry about the furniture for a while, yet." His friend soothed him. "You will only need one crib for a couple of months; the babies will do better if you can keep them together. A couple of rocking chairs would also be handy."
Elénaril seemed to calm down. "We can do that."
Daeron couldn't keep the mischievous grin off his face. "Your children love you very much, and are eager to meet you. I think they like it when you sing to them."
"They do?" Elénaril smiled.
"Not you, I am afraid." he smiled at her. "For some reason, they prefer their father to sing."
"That is because my wife has a terrible singing voice."
"I do not!" Elénaril scowled. "I manage the songs at the ceremonies, just fine!"
"'Manage' is the correct word, Mellon," the Guardian smirked. "I have heard you sing. You are awful!" He laughed, as he dodged the pillow that Elénaril threw at him, then stepped out to order the carriage.
Ermon finally recovered and went to his wife. "I cannot believe I did not know this." He shook his head. "I should have known!"
"What about me? I am their mother and even I did not…" she began to cry again. "I am going to be a terrible mother, Ermon!" she buried her face in her hands and sobbed. "I did not even know my own babies! How can I do this? What if I—"
"Shhh... Niphredil nîn," he leaned down and kissed her white-blonde hair. "Perhaps we cannot be objective when we are dealing with ourselves." He lifted her chin and smiled. "One of the things that I love about you is your strength and determination. You will – we will – be the best parents we can be, to all these children, yes?"
"You are right," she shook her head and sighed. "What is the matter with me?"
"There is nothing wrong with you that has not happened to every new mother on Middle Earth." He leaned down and placed several soft kisses on her lips. "And the good news is, you will see your feet again, sooner than you thought." He gave her an encouraging smile, and began to recover from the shock himself.
"But this is not what I am used to; I am usually the calm one, Ermon!" She wailed. "And look at me; I am a blubbering mess! My hair needs washing, I need a bath, but I cannot get into or out of the tub… how am I going to look after three babies!"
"I will hire someone to help you." Ermon promised. "And I will bathe you myself. In fact, I think I would enjoy it."
That calmed her down a bit, and she gave him a small smile. "I do love it when you wash my hair." She held up her hands for him to lift her up. "Now, take me home; we have to make some more plans."
Daeron rode with them in the carriage, then helped get her settled in bed with her feet propped up. Ermon brought her several books to read, and a pitcher of fresh water.
"Drink plenty of liquids," the Guardian ordered, "and do not try to get up yourself; you could strain a muscle; now that we know there are three babies, we need to keep them as long as possible, yes?" The Guardian kissed her cheek. "I will check in later."
Ermon winced. "Could you send an Assistant over to stay with her today?" he looked at his wife apologetically. "If my leave is going to start early, I must make arrangements and get things settled. I am sorry, Meleth nîn, but there are too many loose ends to clear up."
"No, I understand. See if Hannah can come, if she's available, would you?"
"Of course." Daeron waved. "I will see you soon."
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888888888888888
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Daeron had to laugh, as he went to find Hannah. It was wonderful how seamlessly he fell into his old life! And triplets! What a blessing, from Eärendil's blessing! He wondered how many other multiple births he'd be attending in the coming years.
As he walked he thought about how Eärendil's blessing changed everything, for him. He fell in love again, he was about to marry a child of Man, yet still enjoy many years with her! And the children from their union would also enjoy a long life, free of illness and disease… He was at peace with losing his place in Valinor with his family. He loved them all very much, but somehow, he'd always sensed his destiny was different than theirs. No, he wanted to be with his Hind Calen, and if that meant following her beyond the bounds of Arda, Daeron was at peace with that.
He would become Mortal - after a fashion, and Rhian would gain years and years from their union, but would she gain anything else, such as Bard had? The King of Dale now possessed new strength, agility, sight and hearing. But Bard and Thranduil's union was a different situation entirely, according to Lord Thranduil.
A thought occurred to him, that stopped him in his tracks.
If Rhian gained something, did that mean Daeron would lose anything, when they joined?
What if he lost his powers to heal, when he married Rhian?
He swallowed, and ran his hands over his face, as he thought of something else.
What if he married Rhian, and lost the special gift he had been given, from the Valar?
What if he could never "connect" with babies like that again?
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Ánillo avatyare, málo - (Quenya) Forgive me, my friend
Aur galu, hîn – Good morning, children
Suilad, Daeron! Êl síla erin lû e-govaned 'wîn! – Greetings, Daeron! A star shines on the hour of our meeting!
Ae! Mae g'ovannen, Mellyn nîn! – Hello! Well met, my friends!
Niphredil nîn – my Snowdrop; a pet name Ermon calls his wife (because of her white-blonde hair.
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NOTES:
[1] From "What Makes a King," CH 29: /works/10838010/chapters/26920293