OK. I know it's been a looooong 2 months. Thank you for sticking me on this. The truth is that I can feel this story coming soon to it's natural end it I just put it off because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. Hope you love it as much as I do! xx
Chapter 52
Evie POV
"Naneth!"
The Queen on the Elves turned slowly in the warm yellow dress that emphasised her rounded middle as a platinum haired elfling emerged through the chamber door, eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes Honey?"
He was practically bouncing up and down, dressed head to toe in dark green and gold, like the Greenwood warriors he admired so much.
"Are you ready to go?"
Evie was tying off the end of her long red braid as started towards the door with a smile.
"Yes. Have you got the basket?"
"Yes!"
"Then let's go!"
She took comfort in the little hand that now took hers and slowly lead her through the hallways of the palace, their private garden and beyond into the now thriving forrest.
Legolas had been ever so gentle at the direction of his Adar with her and now taken up the proud title of her personal protector, being a little shadow everywhere she went. This had not boded well for his lessons, something Thranduil had been rather vocal about, but she had swayed his opinion on the matter after reminding him it was only temporary.
The day out into the forrest had been Evie's idea. A little treat for the Prince. It had taken some persuasion, with Melui and Thranduil both unhappy with the idea, but after assuring them they wouldn't go far and allowing a discreet escort, including Feren, it had been decided.
And thus here the two of them were, hand in hand as the strolled though the lush greenery and listened to the surrounding birdsong. The further they travelled, the louder the voices of the trees became to Evie.
They 'smiled' down at her, emphasising their delight at having her near and that in turn made Evie smile in happiness, her connection to the earth having never been stronger.
It was at that point that Evie felt some sudden pain in her lower tummy. Breathing through it, she let it go and carried on, not letting on to her little companion.
Their walk to the nearby riverside didn't take much longer and Legolas picked a perfect spot to put the picnic rug for them to rest on, chatting away all the while.
Evie poured the new lemon drink that Amos had created for them to sip while the little Prince pulled out the yummy snacks that were still fresh from the oven that morning: a selection of their favourite little pastries and pies.
Legolas was in the middle of telling her a story about his friend Tauriel on the archery field when Evie felt a particularly strong pressure and had to grit her teeth until it passed. She knew what was happening and what she should do, but she just didn't want to spoil this outing, for he had been looking forward to it for days.
From the corner of her eye, she could see some of the escort in the trees coming closer, all of them having been on high alert and had clearly noticed a change in her comfort levels.
Breathing through another contraction, Evie interrupted Legolas.
"Hey honey, can you help me stand?"
"Yes Naneth, are you alright?"
When she was upright again, Evie bent down and cupped Legolas' face gently.
"Yes. Or I will be. Now, I need you to listen carefully to me, can you do that?"
"Yes."
"Very good. The baby is coming and I need you to go back and get your Adar."
She saw the suddenly concerned look on the elfling's face and tried to smile reassuringly to him.
"No need to worry, just get your Adar. Quickly now!"
As the little elf turned back to the path they had not long ago travelled together, she looked to the trees.
"Feren?"
He was in front of her in an instant.
"Yes My Queen?"
"Can one or two go with Legolas? Discreetly of course. He will want to look like he did it on his own."
"Of course. They've already gone. Can I get you something?"
"No, not right now. I just need to walk a bit. Stay with me?"
"I'm not going anywhere."
And that statement had a calming effect on Evie's panic as it slowly began to rise. She paced slowly and focused on her breathing…in and out….in and out…as each new contraction came and went.
When a particularly painful contraction hit, Evie rested her hands and forehead on a nearby tree and a second later she felt a rush of warmth down below. That freaked her out. She was going to have her baby in the woods. Without Thranduil or Melui to guide her. Her pulse increased and breathing became shallow as she started to hyperventilate, suddenly terrified of doing this alone.
It was then that a deep, ancient voice spoke to her.
"Goddess of the trees, you are not alone."
She knew who that was and it brought comfort. And then singing started. Not just from the tree she was connected to, but all the surrounds, like a symphony of voices rising up, rejoicing in what was to come and what a great mother she would be.
Evie breathed the forrest smells deeply as she worked through contraction after contraction. Time felt like it stretched on and on.
And then with her eyes closed, she knew he was there. The familiar smell, but also the strong bonded connection they shared brimming with emotions. She turned her head, opened her eyes and found the vivid blue she fell in love with.
She saw the conflicting emotions as they raced across his face, joy; worry; hope; love, before gently kissing her forehead.
She took his offered hands and felt the strength in them instantly, drawing on that to help her keep going as she heard the most beautiful words through their bond.
I love you
She smiled at him.
I love you
And then their moment was shattered as Melui was there, in her face and barking orders. Walk like this, rest here, breath like this, etc and all the pain and pressure came back.
All of it became like a blur to her after that, though she vaguely remembers Thranduil and other males being ordered away, only to be replaced by a team of Melui's helpers.
And then came the order to push, so she did. And pushed and pushed. And just when she felt the baby would never come out and her body had reached it's limit, it popped out and a few seconds later came the first cry.
Evie rested her back against the tree trunk behind her, her body sagging in relief, but her green eyes were bright as she marvelled at the little bundle that Melui placed on her chest with a wide smile.
"Well done Naneth. Perfect in every way."
She was gently stroking the mop of platinum hair and pointed ears when she felt a familiar presence next to her, his pride radiating down their bond. Looking up to smile at her elf husband, she had tears in her eyes as she spoke.
"Legolas will be pleased the Valar granted his wish."
The King of the Greenwood's only response was to chuckle and gently place a featherlight kiss on head of his new Princess.
Read and review my lovelies! xx