This takes place, -what?- about four years after the War of the Ring. So Bilbo is very, very old. And I am so unhappy to say that in a few short years, Elrond will sail to Valinor to be with his beloved Celebrian. I refuse to write that story! But I know it will come. I will miss Elrond ssssoooooo much. But he has waited so long to see his wife again, that is one part of Tolkien's work I cannot rewrite, even for Fanfiction! But, I wanted to Elrond to stay long enough to see Aragorn and Arwen marry, and each of them have their first child. So, yes. Elrond isn't going yet!
I am not going to write every single month of Alasse's pregnancy. After Legolas and Arwen's wedding, I'm planning to skip ahead a bit when Alasse is further along, so I can get to the main plot of the story rolling so I can keep my word that this fic won't be as long as Rise or Fall!
It had been ages since Thranduil had had so many guests stay in his halls. Gimli and the hobbits, including Bilbo were there. Even Gimli's father Gloin had come! Gandalf had come, as had Galadriel and Celeborn and Haldir and his brothers. Elrond, his sons, and Glorfindel and Erestor were also present. As was Faramir and Eowyn, and King Eomer. They had all come to witness the union of their friend Prince Legolas wed to Arwen Evenstar, the daughter of Elrond.
Thranduil was not used to having so much company, and he complained often that his peace had been severely disturbed because it was too noisy. How did Elrond do it? How did he put up with so many guests, and from far off lands too? Thranduil and Gloin were stiff with each other at first, ugly memories from Gloin's capture during the Quest of the Lonely Mountain. The only thing that had convinced Gloin to attend, was Gimli's promise that Thranduil would have the best wine in Arda served. Gimli 'casually' brought up the subject when Thranduil first 'greeted' Gloin. Thranduil smiled at the mention of his fine wine and told Gloin he was most welcome to it, as long as he did not consume it all before the wedding proceedings. That seemed to do the trick of breaking the ice, not to mention Gloin was once again happy to visit with Bilbo and the hobbits.
As Aragorn, Alasse, Tatsu, and their soldiers marched through the forest toward Thranduil's palace, Alasse breathed in deeply as millions of nostalgic memories flooded her mind. Ahh, it was good to be back home! She had not visited Eryn Lasgalen since she and Aragorn had been married! How she'd missed it. And the trees sang with delight as they welcomed their princess back.
"My lord Thranduil," Feren approached Thranduil as he stood at the entrance of the palace doors to greet his guests, alongside Elrond, his sons, Arwen, and Legolas.
"Speak, Feren. Who approaches now?" Thranduil asked.
"Your daughter, my lord. And King Elessar of Gondor." Feren smiled.
Thranduil's eyes widened. He had not seen his daughter since he visited Gondor a year and a half ago, hardly any time to en elf. Thranduil's heart sped up happily.
"Alasse? She's here with Aragorn?" Legolas asked excitedly. Instead of waiting at the front doors like proper princely decorum required him to, Legolas clasped Arwen's hand and tugged her outside the gate to meet them.
"Wait for us, Legolas!" Elrohir called and followed his sister and future brother-in-law, as did Elladan. The guards standing at the doors could not help snickering.
"Shall we join them, Thranduil?" Elrond asked.
"No. I shall wait here." Thranduil said stubbornly. Elrond rolled his eyes, shaking his head and began to march out the doors. "Wait for me." Thranduil interjected, in tow.
"Ahh, seems our welcoming committee awaits us outside the palace halls." Aragorn grinned as they rode up on the gate. Legolas, Arwen, and the twins were eagerly waving to them. The horses immediately halted at Aragorn's Elvish command. Alasse began to swoop down from her steed, but Aragorn dismounted quickly and managed to catch her at the waist and gently bring her to her feet. She panted a little bit, clinging to his arms. "Are you alright, Alasse?" He asked.
"Yes, just...a little dizzy." Alasse gulped hard, trying to suppress the sudden nausea rising up in her throat.
"Darling, you're traveling for two now." Aragorn reminded her, cupping the back of her head. "You're going to need to take things a little easier."
"I know. I'm not all that used to it yet." Alasse breathed deeply. "I suppose in the excitement of being home and seeing Legolas, I forgot."
"Will you be alright?"
"I think so. Come!" Alasse nodded bravely.
"You're here, sister!" Legolas called happily as he appeared suddenly and grabbed his little sister into a hard hug. She laughed on his shoulder and returned the embrace warmly. Granted, with Legolas residing in Ithilien with Gimli and Faramir and Eowyn, he and Alasse got to see each other more than Thranduil did. But Legolas was so happy that now his entire family was here for his wedding.
"Oh, Legolas, it's good to be back." Alasse said.
"Estel." Arwen beamed as she hugged Aragorn. He sweetly kissed her cheeks and the top of her head.
"Arwen." He murmured. "You look dazzling, dearest. It's good to see you again."
"You too. It's been too long." Arwen smiled. "Alasse." The two elleths hugged as did Aragorn and Legolas.
"Estel!" The twins exclaimed and both swallowed Aragorn in a brotherly hug. "We have missed you, little brother. You look fine. Marriage agrees with you!" Then Elladan began poking Aragorn in the ribs, making the king jolt and slap at the elf's hands. "You've put on a bit of weight, haven't you?" Elladan teased.
"Stop, 'Dan." Aragorn scolded.
"Are you two goons ganging up on my husband?" Alasse crossed her arms playfully. She noticed with secret glee the way that Aragorn twitched when they touched his ribs. She knew he was very ticklish there.
"Alasse, you don't look half bad, little sister." Elrohir smiled innocently.
"Oh, thank you." Alasse retorted.
"That should be other little sister." Elladan corrected him. Alasse laughed and jerked both of them by their arms down to her height so she could hug them.
"Legolas," Aragorn grinned at his gwador, "Arwen, you two look so happy, you appear as if you could float into the sky at any moment."
"I feel as if I could." Legolas said proudly, gazing at Arwen, throwing his arm around her. "Of course, Ada would have a fit, but it just might be worth it."
"Aragorn, Alasse." Elrond opened his arms to them. "My children, welcome." Aragorn and Alasse both wrapped their arms around him. Then he broke away. "Ahh, you both look wonderful. Alasse," He kissed the top of her head, "you are positively shining, my dear."
"And why not?" Alasse grinned cheekily. "My brother is getting married! Finally. And I am getting the sister I've always wanted."
Elrond narrowed his wise healer eyes. She wasn't fooling him one bit. Thousands of years of experience had left him 'lethally observant' as his children liked to put it. "Nay, there is something more to your spark, little one." He smiled warmly. Alasse blushed, but he noticed how she 'subtly' covered her middle without realizing it. His smile widened.
"Well, I opened my home to all these unruly guests who insist on prattling non-stop in every single hall, every hour on the hour. And what thanks do I get? It's reassuring to be so appreciated." Thranduil grumbled, lingering behind them, sulking.
"Come now, Ada. The place is filled with life." Legolas said cheerily.
"Your idea, no doubt. Just how many friends did you make on the quest for the Ring, Legolas? You have invited half of Middle Earth to your wedding!" Thranduil retorted playfully, keeping his expression as emotionless as ever.
"Well, I only wanted to show them what a treasure I am being joined to." Legolas looked lovingly at Arwen who blushed.
"Legolas," She gave his chest a small shove.
"Ada?" Alasse stepped forward. All of the Elven king's cold mask melted away when he gazed at his daughter, his baby girl, his little princess. She was now a married woman, and a queen. But in his eyes and heart, she would never fully grow up. Not ever!
"Alasse, Iell nin." Thranduil murmured with his deep voice. Alasse ran to him and he caught her in his arms tightly.
"Ada...ohh, Ada! I've missed you so much!" Alasse laughed tearfully.
"Not as much as I have you." Thranduil whispered. Alasse stood on her toes and kissed his face. "Let me look at you, my love. Ohh." He frowned.
"What? Is something wrong?" Alasse asked, worriedly.
"Yes. You seem so...happy. Obviously, too happy to miss me that much." Thranduil pouted.
"Ohh, Ada. Stop." Alasse giggled.
"I guess I don't have to shoot what's-his-name after all."
"I'll know you'll never forgive him for it, but he has a name, Ada." Alasse scolded lightly.
"So he does." Thranduil sighed in defeat.
"Aragorn, Alasse, come. I am sure you want to see who all has arrived!" Legolas announced. He led his bride-to-be, and his siblings, and siblings-to-be inside the palace. Thranduil greeted and kissed Tatsu as she followed the children.
Thranduil and Elrond watched as the young ones went inside. "They look well, Thranduil. Very well." Elrond said.
"Too well." Thranduil pretended not to care.
"Oh, shut it." Elrond frowned.
"Alright, alright. I haven't seen my daughter for ages. Give me a moment to get used to the idea." Thranduil huffed in exasperation.
"Ai. I know the feeling, my friend. I do." Elrond sighed.
"Forgive me, Elrond. I know what you're going through." Thranduil said kindly. "I assure you, mellon nin, I am here for moral support at the unsettling proceedings tomorrow."
"I feel I am going to need it." Elrond bit his lip. Tomorrow, he would give his little girl away in marriage. While he was glad for Arwen's happiness, it still saddened his heart to have to let her go at all. "How did you do it, Thranduil? Letting Alasse marry a man, a mortal?"
Thranduil hung his head. "It wasn't easy, my friend!" He replied, still feeling a tug at his heart. "But, what else could I do? Every time I tried to dissuade the idea, fate reprimanded me.
'And, if I didn't accept the inevitable, I don't doubt that my own dearly beloved would've come to haunt me 'til I gave in.'"
"Mmm-hmm." Elrond agreed. "Well, Alasse certainly seems very happy."
"Indeed." Thranduil mumbled.
Alasse greeted her old friends and servants, then went about the palace and the grounds, taking in the beautiful wedding decorations. The color themes Legolas and Arwen had chosen were gold, silver, and lavender.
"Darling, I think you should take a rest. It's been a long journey." Aragorn whispered to Alasse as he pulled her aside.
"I can't argue with you. I am rather tired." Alasse agreed, holding her stomach.
"Are you alright, sister?" Legolas asked with concern. She had to be! Her scar was gone, forever, they had said. What was the matter?
"I am fine, Legolas. Just weary from our trip." Alasse smiled.
"You need rest, child." Tatsu said firmly. "Come, I will assist you."
"May I join you?" Arwen asked. "We have so much to talk about."
"Of course." Alasse said. The three elleths marched up to the royal chambers.
"Is she really alright, Aragorn?" Legolas asked worriedly.
"Trust me, Legolas. She is absolutely fine." Aragorn smiled proudly. "Couldn't be better."
"Sorry. I suppose I am rather skittish after...you know."
"I do." Aragorn replied quietly. He smiled again as he thought about the baby.
"What's the big secret, little brother?" Elladan asked slyly.
"Secret? What secret would that be?" Aragorn blushed.
"Are you hollow-headed, Muindor?" Elrohir groaned. "He's in love. Are you blind?"
"No, no. That isn't just any smitten smile." Elladan said.
"Ahem. Shouldn't we all be teasing Legolas at this time, instead of me?" Aragorn cleared his throat.
"Oh, thanks." Legolas huffed.
"Good point." The twins smirked.
Alasse and Aragorn were to reside in her old room. After she freshened up and changed her clothes, she sat on the bed as Arwen sat on the window seat. "Just think, tomorrow we will be sisters!" Arwen smiled brightly.
"Ai. I'm so thrilled. Are you nervous?" Alasse asked cheekily.
"Not at the moment, but I probably will be right before the ceremony." Arwen admitted.
"I can't imagine Legolas marrying anyone else. He's always been a bit of a loner, but he's always liked you. All these years, I thought it was only friendship, though I will confess that many times, I hoped it was more!"
"Oh, really?" Arwen cocked her head in surprise. "You never mentioned that."
"I did not wish to give you false hope. I can't wait to see what blessings the Valar has in store for you and Legolas."
"Ai. You and Aragorn seem to be very happy."
"Oh, we are!" Alasse's eyes sparkled. "I miss everyone, of course. But as long as Aragorn is with me, my home could be anywhere."
"Mmm." Arwen smiled sadly.
"You are thinking of your mother, aren't you?" Alasse asked. Tears filled Arwen's eyes.
"Yes." Arwen's lip trembled. Alasse stood up to come and sit by her friend. She wrapped her arms around Arwen, and started crying herself.
"It's alright, my dear friend." Alasse swallowed. "It's okay. Go ahead and cry. I've been there. Now it's your turn."
"This is the one day I would give anything to have her here with us!" Arwen sobbed.
"I know." Alasse's voice quivered.
That night, there was a feast with family and friends before the families and closest friends of the bride and groom were to move to the sitting room together to be alone. There were many toasts of blessing and jokes of passed times. Thranduil stood up. "I am relieved to finally be celebrating this moment." He began. "Legolas, you certainly took your sweet time finding a bride." He playfully scolded.
"I was, uh...busy at the time." Legolas blushed.
"Well, it paid off, my son. Arwen, I cannot tell you how proud and honored I am to welcome you into my family." Thranduil beamed warmly at Arwen. "You've grown into a dazzling woman. I could not be happier for Legolas." Arwen blushed deeply. "And to Legolas, my favorite son." Everyone laughed. "But truly, Legolas. You have been my pillar and light since you were born. I love you, son."
"You too, Ada." Legolas raised his glass. After the applause, Alasse nodded to Aragorn and he stood, holding her hand in his and raising his glass.
"Legolas has always been like another brother to me." He said. "He's my best friend. I am so blessed to be here and rejoice with him and my sister Arwen. They deserve it, and I can't wait to see how they turn the world upside down with their love."
"You can say that again!" Gimli piped up, and laughter filled the room.
"Well said, Gimli." Aragorn grinned. "Arwen, you've been so supportive and loving to me, even though I was not born into your family. I thank you, and I am grateful for the family I was given when my father passed on. To Legolas and Arwen!" All raised their glasses.
"Oh, one more thing." Aragorn exchanged smiles with Alasse then he faced the audience again. "Since everyone is here, we thought it would be a good time to share with you all that Alasse and I are to be blessed with a little prince or princess next year."
The room erupted in gasps and cheers. Thranduil was frozen. How did he not know this? He should've! Aragorn and Alasse were swarmed by a mob of hugs and kisses. Elrond hugged them both warmly. "You knew, didn't you?" Alasse asked.
"Of course, child." Elrond chuckled.
"I thought you did. But thank you for not telling anyone."
"This is wonderful. I am gaining a sister and new niece or nephew all at once!" Arwen cheered with tears.
"We're going to be uncles, brother!" Elrohir told Elladan.
"You're growing up on me, Tithen Muinthel." Legolas said as he gripped Alasse tightly. "Your joy shows. I am so happy for you!"
"Thank you, Legolas." Alasse tried to bite down her tears.
"Bless you, lassie!" Gimli clasped Alasse tightly. She giggled. Gimli and Legolas nearly choked Aragorn in a brotherly hug, followed by the twins.
Thranduil made his way through the crowd of well-wishers. Tears were in his eyes. Alasse met his eyes and ran to him. He pulled her to himself and spun her around. "Iell nin, I...I..." He gulped.
"Are you happy, Ada?" Alasse asked.
"Oh, I am, my love. Very happy!"