Chapter 26 ended with:
"And in the meantime," Thranduil declared as if he was reading her mind, "it would help if we were all praying the Valar, and especially the Valier, to help Valerie through this ordeal."
The voice of reason had spoken.
Chapter 27 - Rivalry
Allison removed the bloody apron she was wearing and washed her hands quickly. She was late for dinner, and there was little that she hated more than showing up late in the hall for the most important meal of the day. She always felt like everyone was watching her when she walked from the entrance of the hall to the main table where she was entitled to sit as the mate of the Imladris Captain. Today in particular, people would certainly not make comments since everyone in the realm knew that guards had come back from an expedition with serious injuries, from deep cuts to arrows still embedded in their bodies.
She quickly brushed her hair in front of a mirror and made sure that her dress was still presentable. She had adopted the Imladris fashion to blend more easily in the crowd, and her new dresses were considered more appropriate than the ones Valerie had been designing for her over the years. No more low necklines or bare shoulders. She had only kept her alluring, almost transparent night gowns since Glorfindel had been a great fan of those. She smiled to herself in the mirror. They had a passionate relationship, but they simply did not put it on display in the same manner than Legolas and Valerie were in the royal aisle of the Greenwood fortress. To this day, they had never been caught frolicking in the hallways of the Last Homely House (a common occurrence for her sister in Greenwood) or saying barely disguised innuendos during meals (something Valerie was frequently doing and that Legolas seemed to appreciate).
No, she was too shy and Glorfindel too much of a gentleman to behave that way. She had to admit that the Noldorin elves, the vast majority of the people living in Imladris, were calm, patient people that liked debating for hours about the history of Middle Earth. They were very different than their Silvan kin, who were action people. This is why Valerie was happy with Legolas in Greenwood, while Allison felt more at home with Glorfindel, even if she had only been in Imladris for five months.
Looking one last time at her reflection in the mirror and knowing that she could not do anything to look as good as the beautiful ellith living in Imladris, she made her way to the hall where dinner was usually served. She walked to the main table where Lord Elrond was in a passionate (for Noldorin elves) discussion with Lord Erestor about the potency of Dorwinion wine as compared to the one they were currently drinking, and the impact of the month of harvest on its potency.
Allison curtsied in front of the lord, his daughter Arwen and his son Elrohir. Glorfindel stood and helped her to her usual seat beside his.
"I have heard that there were many injured today," Arwen told Allison. "Any serious injuries?"
"No, we have been lucky, once again. A few arrow injuries, some cuts and bruises, no broken bones," Allison sighed. The injuries were very frequent in Imladris and she was as busy as she had been in Greenwood.
Glorfindel put his hand on hers. "The Valar are protecting this vale," he said. "We have not had a death in many years. Let us pray that their protection will remain as complete for a long time."
"How many deaths occurred in Mirkwood in the past few years?" Elrohir asked Allison.
It was clear that the ellon was worried for his brother's safety, and for that reason, Allison was not upset by his use of the improper name for her sister's realm. "We had a few, but none that I know of since the death of Cadworon. But I do not know what happened since I have been here…"
"The next time a great eagle comes near Imladris, we will send a missive to your sister in Greenwood," Arwen promised her. "I wish Elladan would write also. He is such a pitiful correspondent!"
"Your brother spends most of his time in the forest," Allison told her. "He wishes to train Phoebe in real combat situations. She will be a better warrior for it."
Elrohir snorted. How could an elfling, and a female at that, truly become a warrior?
"Princess Phoebe is very tall and agile for her age, and she follows the growth pattern of a mortal. You would be surprised at how competent she already is with her blades. And her archery skills are outstanding. Your brother is very proud of her," Glorfindel added seriously.
Elrohir decided not to argue with the captain, and left the table to go talk with one of the ellith that regularly shared his bed.
"Excuse my brother," Arwen murmured to Allison. "He has no idea what love is."
Allison nodded and finished her plate.
"You miss them?" her husband asked her. It was not really a question. It was clear that she was missing them dearly.
"I do. But I prefer to be bound to you and live here in Imladris than to be alone in Greenwood."
"Do you wish to spend time listening to the minstrels tonight, or do you wish to retire early?" Glorfindel whispered in her ear, his breath caressing the tip of her ear.
"And pray tell, what would we do all evening in our apartment?" she asked with perfectly feigned innocence.
He started playing with the mithril band she was wearing since their binding. "I have thought… that maybe we could have… and elfling of our own," he tentatively said.
She blushed immediately. She had not wanted to push him so early after their binding, but having children was definitely in her top priorities. She was happy that she did not have to breach the subject first and sound pushy.
"And you want to practice tonight? Or you want… to try for real?" she asked, a bit ashamed by her lack of eloquence. But this conversation was so unhoped-for, she had not been prepared to have it at all, and in the hall during dinner to make matters worse!
"For real, Allison. I want you to give me a child. If it is agreeable to you, I would have one as soon as possible. I have been waiting for millennia to find you, and now that I have you, I want it all. Now. Everything I have been dreaming of."
"Then let us go work on that, my love, so I can give you what you have hoped for."
OoOoO
Glorfindel cleared his throat to get the attention of the people around the breakfast table. "My Lord, Lady Arwen, I would like to announce that my mate, as of yesterday, is with child. We will soon be welcoming the first heir of the House of the Golden Flower."
Allison smiled shyly when Arwen cried in delight. "We will have an elfling in Imladris!"
Lord Elrond congratulated them warmly. Lady Allison, like her sister, seemed to be an elleth who would not be scared to give life in a darkening world.
Their small celebration was interrupted when a servant delivered a message to the Lord of Imladris. Elrond read it and looked at his family and close advisers. "Our scouts are telling us that a delegation of elves has passed the mountain last week. They should be here the day after tomorrow. They are wearing unidentifiable cloaks."
Elrohir stopped eating and looked at Arwen. "Did our grandmother intend to visit us?"
"No, she did not. Could it be people from Greenwood?" Arwen asked.
"Certainly not!" Erestor assumed. "We have not seen anyone from Greenwood in Imladris since the last age."
"Glorfindel? Please take some of your warriors and go meet these unknown folks," Lord Elrond ordered. He was certain that the strangers were not dangerous, but a lord had to protect his people against every possible threat.
The following day passed very slowly for the Imladris elves, who were impatiently awaiting their mysterious visitors who they thought were probably from Lothlorien.
The next day was dark and rain was pouring heavily on the valley. There was mud everywhere in the courtyard and no one dared to go outside unless there was absolute necessity. But when a servant announced that Glorfindel and the visitors were about to arrive, curiosity got the better of them and many went to stand in the manor's external stairs. Fortunately, most of them managed to remain under the protection of the roof. Lord Elrond and his children were in the front row while Erestor and Allison were standing behind.
Glorfindel and his warriors entered the courtyard first, followed by another group of warriors wearing dark cloaks, their hoods hiding their identity. One of the warriors had another elf sitting sideways in front of him, and was actually maintaining that elf against his chest as if he was injured or exhausted. Had the group been attacked in the mountains?
A relatively small warrior was part of the group, and his wet, dark auburn hair was coming out of his hood. Beside that small warrior was another elf who had the same hair color. The elf that seemed injured also had the same hair. All the other warriors but one were sporting the hair color that characterized the silvan elves from Greenwood.
Allison took in all these details within a few seconds and immediately understood the severity of the situation.
"Valerie! What happened to Valerie!" she cried, pushing people around and running down the stairs in the heavy rain. Elrond and his family followed her swiftly, understanding that their visitors were from Greenwood and that only dire circumstances would have made them attempt such a journey.
The leader of the group removed his hood, revealing his identity. The very few people who had met Legolas in person stared at him in disbelief. "Lord Elrond," he told the Lord of Imladris who was now standing near his stallion, "please help us."
"Valerie!" Allison cried again as she pushed Lord Elrond aside for the second time in less than a minute and almost attempted to climb on Legolas' stallion to have access to his charge. "Oh gods, Valerie!" She successfully grabbed Valerie's hands and caressed them frantically.
"Hello, Allison," Valerie murmured tiredly, her face still hidden by her hood.
By that time, most of the people of Imladris were standing in the rain, staring at the prince of Greenwood and attempting to have a look at his infamous wife. Why were they here? Why had the prince asked for their lord's help?
Lord Elrond and Arwen's attention remained on Legolas, Valerie and Allison, while Elrohir and Erestor were watching the rest of the Greenwood escort. They were wondering if Elladan had made the journey.
"What is wrong? What happened to you again?" Allison asked her sister.
Legolas slightly opened Valerie's cloak and the people near them saw Valerie's huge stomach.
"How did that happen? You did not want children again!" Arwen said.
"The Valar has forced their decision on you," Elrond suddenly realized. How foolish they had been to think that the Valar would not impose the accomplishment of the prophecy on Valerie and Legolas! "How many?" he asked Legolas.
"Three," the prince replied grimly.
Only Elrond's years of practice allowed him to hide his dismay behind a cold mask. He had only helped one woman pregnant with triplets in his entire life. Only one child had miraculously survived, the biggest of the three, the other two having been too small to live.
"Please dismount so we can bring her to the healing rooms," he told the prince. He held up his arms to receive Valerie, but the prince flinched at the gesture. Elrond put his arms down, understanding that Prince Legolas had once again been pushed in protective mode by another event affecting his mate. How would the prince dismount then?
An elf in their escort cleared his throat and removed his hood. Elladan dismounted and walked to his sire. "Adar," he said, "I wish we were reunited under more pleasant circumstances." He then greeted his twin brother and Arwen. He finally turned to Legolas, holding his arms up to receive the prince's precious charge. Legolas gave him Valerie without hesitation and quickly dismounted to take her back, carrying her bridal style. Everyone standing in the rain understood that Elladan was now considered family by the Greenwood royal family, a status that many would envy him in the future.
All the Greenwood warriors started dismounting and removing their hoods despite the rain. The two warriors that had auburn hair walked to Legolas.
"You remember my daughter Phoebe and my son Liam," Legolas presented them to the lord of Imladris.
"Lord Elrond, it is a pleasure to see you again," Phoebe said politely. Liam nodded and started watching the city with fascination.
All the Imladris elves eagerly observed Elladan's future mate, who was now 11 years old. She had her bow and her blades on her back, and under her cloak, they could see that she was wearing the uniform of the Greenwood warriors, a green tunic and leggings. She walked to Elladan and stood beside him, the top of her head almost reaching his shoulders. She was already as tall as many adult ellith despite her young age. How tall would she get? people wondered.
Lord Elrond invited everyone to follow him in his manor and he asked Erestor to make sure that everyone had proper lodging while he went to the healing rooms with the prince and his wife.
Erestor gave orders to prepare rooms for the Greenwood warriors and then turned to Prince Liam and Princess Phoebe. His eyes lingered on the elleth for a moment too long to Elladan's taste.
"I will take care of Phoebe and Liam, thank you Erestor," Elladan cut, greatly displeased. He walked to the stairs and Phoebe and her brother Liam escorted him, both of them whispering questions to their older friend.
Elrohir watched the scene with resentment. His brother had been turned into a babysitter! How could he tolerate such dishonor?
OoOoO
The next morning, Elrohir, Erestor and Glorfindel went to the training grounds to observe the Greenwood warriors fighting with their blades. It was interesting to see the techniques used by these warriors renowned for their savagery in combat against orcs or spiders. As they approached, they noticed that Elladan was already there, training with the little princess that he was attempting to turn into a warrior. Elrohir snorted and Erestor raised an eyebrow. Glorfindel decided to let them see for themselves how great a warrior Phoebe would soon become.
Elladan was fighting with her while Brethilon was standing aside, giving her advice and yelling at her when she did not perform as he expected. They watched as Elladan was attacking her with his sword, and every single time, she was able to avoid his blade or block it with her twin blades. She was blocking him with all her strength, but Elladan was obviously the stronger one of the two.
"He is stronger! You know what to do!" Brethilon shouted at the child.
Phoebe gave Elladan a forceful and quite vicious kick in the stomach, one the ellon did not see coming. He groaned and attacked again, but she had benefited from a precious second to move aside and try to hit his left side. She slashed his tunic but he had moved on time to avoid a cut on his skin. The three Imladris elves watched in shock as the elleth fought with competence, demonstrating unparallelled speed and agility. Was it her lean form and female body that allowed her to make such quick recoveries and stretching moves to avoid Elladan's blade?
They finally took a break and Brethilon gave a water skin to the elleth while speaking to her about some improvements he thought were required in her technique. Elladan saw the three observers and walked in their direction.
"What do you think?" he asked with pride, watching Phoebe at the same time. "Should we take her out next time we go hunt some orcs in the valley?"
"Has she seen battle already?" Erestor asked, concerned.
"She has killed many spiders, mostly with her bow. She has seen orcs a few times, but Legolas never allowed her to actually fight against one. It is the desire of her mother that she does not fight with orcs until we deem her ready. I think she is. She is only lacking strength, but that will come as she keeps growing."
"I must apologize to you, brother," Elrohir said. "I thought the idea of the elleth becoming a warrior was absolutely ridiculous, but... after witnessing her training! I must admit that you were right. She will be a good warrior."
Elladan watched him with a twinkle in his eyes. "You mean that she will become a great warrior?"
"Yes, she will."
The conversation was interrupted when Legolas arrived on the training grounds with his weapons.
"How is Valerie?" Elladan asked after Legolas had greeted the four ellyn.
"She is sleeping. Your adar does not think she will give birth for another month, two if she rests a lot. The longer the better for the elflings."
"I believe Phoebe would be ready for a little excursion in the valley," Elladan said to change the subject. Better not let Legolas think too much about Valerie's state.
"Do you?" the prince asked, watching his daughter who was still speaking with Brethilon. "Let me be the judge of that. Phoebe, get ready!" he called.
"Captain!" Brethilon said for afar. "Should I go guard our princess?"
"Brannor is with her, you can stay with us."
Phoebe bowed respectfully in front of the Greenwood captain, ignoring the fact that he was her father. They realized that Legolas was also disregarding the fact that Phoebe was his daughter as he tested her readiness to fight with orcs. He attacked her mercilessly for almost an hour, and despite her tiredness, she kept up with him. She avoided his most vicious strikes, stomached his kicks and gave him quite a few in return, both of them fighting like they were enemies.
"I do not know how he does this," Elladan whispered. "I cannot train her like this. I am always being cautious not to hurt her, I do not fight as viciously as I should with her. But... she is his daughter. How can he be able to disregard his love for her and be merciless?"
"Only a good captain can do it," Glorfindel said, speaking from experience. "I have trained you in the same manner," he said, speaking to Elladan and Elrohir. "I had to make sure that you would be ready. Your father could not do it. He could never forget that you were his sons and always gave you a chance..."
Finally, Legolas stopped attacking his daughter and they bowed to each other. He put his hand on her shoulder and whispered something in her ear. The elleth started smiling and gave him an enthusiastic hug. Brethilon joined them and they talked for a few minutes, the bodyguard's hand resting on Phoebe's shoulder all this time.
"You do not mind?" Glorfindel asked, referring to Brethilon touching his future mate.
"No, I got used to it. He is a mentor for her, he was training her before I arrived in Greenwood. Most of her progress is due to his efforts for many years."
The elleth suddenly appeared beside them. "Elladan! My adar said that he will authorize me to participate in your next expedition in the valley!"
"That is great news!"
"Can we go today?"
"It is up to Glorfindel to decide, he is the captain here," Elladan informed her.
Phoebe turned to Glorfindel. "Can we go today, Uncle Glorfindel?" She batted her eyelashes, knowing people could not refuse her anything when she did this.
"Later this week, sweetheart," Glorfindel promised to his niece by marriage.
"Would you like to visit the garden?" Elladan offered Phoebe.
"Brother! I thought we would train together?" Elrohir said to his twin.
Elladan looked as his brother, unsure of what to do. He had not been with his brother for months, but he really wanted to spend as much time as possible with Phoebe.
Said elleth was observing Elrohir with interest, noticing the latent frustration in his tone. "It is alright, Elladan, I promised my mother that I would spend time with her today. She is stuck in bed for the next few weeks, you can imagine how bored she will be. I will see you later tonight!"
She smiled to the warriors and left the training grounds to go in the direction of the manor. Elladan realized that Erestor was watching Phoebe with a little too much interest. Again.
OoOoO
The dinner was over and no one from the Greenwood royal family had attended. Everyone knew that Princess Valerie was still very tired and that her family probably wanted to spend time with her, but it did not diminish their disappointment not to see them for the entire evening.
People moved to the second hall where minstrels started playing their public's favorite songs. Elladan and Elrohir were siting with a group of friends, including many ellith who were glad to see the older twin back home. Although he had not slept with any of them in the past six years, they assumed there was still a chance for them, after seeing how young Princess Phoebe was.
The Prince Liam and Princess Phoebe of Greenwood were announced by the chamberlain, and everyone discreetly observed the brother and sister as they entered the hall. The prince was wearing a scholar tunic in the Greenwood dark green while the young princess was wearing a burgundy dress of a strange design, like the dresses Lady Allison used to wear when she had first arrived in Imladris. The waistline was right underneath her developing breasts, and the sleeves, made of a thin burgundy veil material, were showing her muscular arms through delicate openings closing with pearls. Her hair was gathered in a big bun and she was wearing a pearl necklace. She looked mature for an 11-year old, and many elves realized why Lord Elladan was interested in her, or more precisely, interested in the future elleth she would become. It was obvious that she would become a magnificent elleth, one that every male would look at with fascination.
It was already the case for Lord Erestor. He observed her features with his usual attention to details, noting the tone of her flawless skin, her long neck, her piercing green eyes. She looked innocent enough tonight, but he had seen how courageous, how determined she could be this morning as she fought with her father. She was an incredible elleth. He could easily imagine the pleasure to mate with the adult version of this child. However, he knew that Elladan was jealously guarding her for the future. The twin was convinced that Phoebe was his fëa-mate. But was the young princess feeling the same? After all, mistakes had been made in the past and some people had not properly determined if their spouse was their true fëa-mate before it was too late. Elladan could be mistaken and Phoebe led to believe that she was his mate while in reality, it could be someone else entirely.
Following her brother, Phoebe made a quick tour to greet all the important lords and ladies in the room, but she soon left her brother with Lady Arwen, who had promised to introduce him to her minstrel friends. Phoebe decided that she had seen enough of her boring older brother for the evening and looked for Elladan. She frowned when she saw him with many ellyn and ellith, in a group that was whispering and laughing and looked like they were having a merry time. An elleth in particular was sitting on the couch beside him and kept whispering words in his ear. That would not do. She slowly made her way to the corner where the twins were sitting with their friends.
"Elladan, Lord Elrohir," she said politely to greet them both. She was clearly making a distinction between Elladan and his brother, showing to all the elves around that Elladan and her were intimate friends and on a first name basis. She smiled to everyone, and putting a hand on Elladan's shoulder, she murmured something in his ear. His face lightened like a child receiving a gift.
"Of course, my sweet," he said. "Let me make room for you." He moved on the couch to leave enough space for her to sit beside him. The elleth who had been sitting at his side could not believe her eyes nor her ears. Was the lord really making room for this child to sit between them? Phoebe sat gracefully beside him and put a hand on his shoulder, marking her territory in a surprising way for one that was still an elfling. She glared at the elleth who had been sitting beside Elladan until the elleth looked elsewhere.
For everyone around, and especially the ellith, the message was clear. Elladan was Phoebe's dear friend and she was very possessive of him. Even if there was no sexual attraction yet between them, he was dedicated to her, and her, to him. They shared something that they did not share with anyone else.
Phoebe listened to the conversations around her, only giving her opinion when it was solicited. After an hour, she caught Elladan's attention by taking his hand, "Elladan," she murmured. "There is an ellon who does not stop watching me. He was at the training grounds this morning with you and Uncle Glorfindel."
"Who? Erestor?"
She nodded. Elladan discreetly looked in the direction of his father who was with Erestor, Glorfindel and Allison. As soon as he saw Elladan watching him, Erestor turned his gaze to Allison and stopped observing Phoebe.
Elladan felt his blood freeze in his veins. Was the First Councilor taking a particular interest in Phoebe? Erestor had an official lover, but he did not love her. He looked back at Phoebe, his future mate. She was at the dawn of puberty and her facial features were already remarkable. She only had seven years left before she became an adult. Every male could easily imagine what she would look like by then. A more elvish version of Valerie, who was striking herself. Phoebe would become a true beauty, who would be solicited by all available males meeting her. But she was his fëa-mate, it was one of the few certainties he had in life. It was not attraction to her future looks, of that he was sure. He would love her even if she looked like an ordinary mortal. He loved everything about her, from her moody personality to her choice of becoming a fearsome warrior.
His relationship with her, although still on a mentor and friend level, was already very strong. She trusted him, liked him, as if she could feel that they had a connection but that she was unable to give a name to what it was. He was, after her mother, father and grandfather, the most important person in her life. She had told him so many times.
Would some ellyn or men try to steal her from him before he could tell her that he wanted to bind with her? Before he had the chance to tell her that they are fëa-mates? Would Erestor try to seduce her when she was older? Would he immediately try to become friends with her, to plant the seeds of interest in her heart and soul?
"I do not like the way he looks at me, but tell me, why is it worrying you so much?" she whispered in his ear, knowing this was not a conversation for everyone to hear.
"We are friends, Phoebe. I do not wish for anyone to try to separate us."
"How could he? He is not even living in my home! And you promised me to come back to Greenwood with us after our visit. Tell me you did not change your mind?" she asked louder, worry clear on her beautiful features.
"No, I did not. I will stay with you in Greenwood until your warrior training is over. We will be together for many years, that I promise you."
"I will hold you to that promise," she said in an imperious way that clearly reminded him of Thranduil and Valerie.
Beside them, Elrohir was unable to believe he had heard that conversation. His brother was going to live in Greenwood for years! And for what? To be with a little elleth that was capricious, demanding and acting like a male. How could Elladan be happy in that situation? He must have lost in mind!
OoOoO
"I am glad to have seen the sunrise," Valerie whispered to Legolas. Her mate had carried her to a private garden and they were both sitting in a long chair, holding each other in the most comfortable way considering that her belly was now bigger than it had been when she had given birth to the twins. Lord Elrond was expecting her to give birth within the month, which would make her children a month and a half premature.
They had been in Imladris for what seemed like forever to Valerie, since she had spent a few weeks in her bed. The healers had been visiting her many times a day and Legolas, Liam, Phoebe and Allison were spending many hours with her every day. However, this was not enough distraction and she was still bored to death.
She had been tired for weeks and the journey to Imladris had been exhausting to say the least. After recovering from the journey, she had discovered that she was still weak despite all the sleeping and resting. And the previous night, after weeks of threats, persuasion and cajolery, she had finally convinced Legolas to renew their bond to give her more strength. Her mate had been terrified to hurt her in any way and had refused for a long time. This had brought Valerie memories of six years before when he had refused to make love to ensure she would not become pregnant. At least this time, Thranduil was not around to comment on her attempts at persuading her own mate to make love with her! Their mating had been soft and gentle, and the renewal of their link had given her enough strength to come out of her bed and go in the garden the following morning to watch the sunrise.
"Lord Elrond will be unhappy when he sees you out of bed."
"He will not care when he sees how good I feel today. He might even thank you, for all I know!"
"How mortifying that he will know the reason behind your recovery!"
"He will keep it to himself, I am sure. Legolas, I am so glad to be here with you! The air is refreshing, the garden beautiful. I am even getting ideas for your mother's garden!"
Immediately, Legolas' expression fell.
"My beloved," Valerie told him, "for the millionth time, I am telling you that I have no intention of dying while giving birth. My sister and Lord Elrond are ready for every imaginable possibility."
"Mithrandir and Lady Galadriel are not here," Legolas reminded her.
"But Elrond is here, and his healing powers are stronger than Lady Galadriel's. Legolas, look at me!" she said when he hid his face against her neck. "I will not die. We will be on our way back home sooner than you can imagine, with our three babies, and then I will plant seeds of this flower," she said, pointing a beautiful blue flower she had never seen, "and of this yellow and pink flower over there in your mother's garden. It will piss off your father tremendously, and all will be back to normal."
Legolas chuckled against her neck, but still kept his face hidden. "Six years ago, I almost lost you. I do not know if someone ever told you, but I was... half-crazed. I could not do anything else than lie beside you and hold your hand as I felt your life slowly leave your body... The feeling was absolutely dreadful. I know what it is to almost lose you... And I do not want to lose you. You are more precious to me than anything. I cannot continue without you. I am not like my father who survived the death of my mother. I do not want to live without you. I would join you in the Halls of Mandos and our fëar would spend centuries, millennia together, waiting to be reborn..."
"I love you, Legolas." She gave him a kiss on the lips. "All this talking is very romantic, darkly romantic I might add, but it is absolutely useless. I am not going to die. I have too much to live for. And in order to go through the birth more easily, we need to talk about strengthening my body."
He looked at her questioningly. "I think we should renew our bond twice a day for the next month. I would be able to run a marathon on the eve of the birth!"
Legolas smiled. "Only you can talk about sex during such dramatic times."
"I have never heard you complain about my needs before," she lightly said, knowing he was quite pleased to have bonded with an elleth who appreciated the pleasures of the flesh as much as he did.
Legolas kissed her softly. "It can be arranged," he whispered. They remained silent for a little while, just enjoying the quietness of the early morning.
"Liam came to see me yesterday," Legolas murmured. "It seems that our son is interested in ellith now."
"It was to be expected! He is 16 years old!"
"Can you imagine that he is fascinated by dark-haired ellith, after having been surrounded by golden-haired ellith for many years?"
"This is the last thing I thought a man would be attracted to! Hair!"
"I am very attracted to your hair... That is one of the first things I noticed about you."
"And is there a particular elleth that he appreciates?"
"It would seem so... A scholar he sees regularly in Elrond's library. They have spoken many times."
"And does this elleth knows that he is not an adult yet?"
"Do not concern yourself with this, Vanima, I already had a conversation with the elleth in question. They only took long strolls under the moonlight..."
"I am somehow doubting this has been enough for our precocious son!"
"It seems that it was! Now, if it were Sean we were talking about..."
"Then we would have found him naked in her bed!" Valerie laughed. Sean had grown into quite a passionate teenager and had started admiring ellith of Greenwood before his older brother did so. "Do you think Thranduil is watching him properly?"
"I have no idea. I am certain that between his duties, mine and yours, with the twins and Hadrian, he has little time to guard Sean's innocence..."
Phoebe had woken up early that day, planning to train with Brannor. She had gotten dressed and gone to her parents' room only to find it empty. Panicking at the thought that her mother was in labor, she went to the healing rooms, but her parents were not there either. She looked for her parents everywhere, and eventually went to the dining room that was overseeing the garden. Many elves were having breakfast, including the lord of Imladris and his family.
"Elladan!" she cried, "my parents are gone!"
"They are not gone, my sweet, they are right there," he said, pointing at the couple who was sitting in the garden. "It looks like your naneth felt well enough to go outside this morning."
The Greenwood royal couple had been a subject of conversation during breakfast. Many elves were seeing the princess for the first time. Something that was also a first was to see the usually aloof Prince of Greenwood act tenderly with his mate. They were used to see him with his usual worried frown.
"Oh! I will go see them!" Phoebe decided.
"Maybe you should leave them alone," Elladan suggested, seeing that her parents seemed to be whispering quite lovingly to each other.
"Why?"
"Because they might want to be alone," Elladan argue.
Phoebe stared at him, seemed to evaluate his statement, and quite rapidly and clearly dismissed it as nonsense. She turned around and left the dining room. She reappeared to their eyes when she arrived beside her parents, who welcomed her with pleasure. And this is how the Imladris people also discovered that the Greenwood royal couple was extremely loving and close to their children. Phoebe spent a few minutes in her mother's arms, talking without stop while her adar answered her questions. She then switched from her mother's arms to her father's and they kept talking while Valerie was caressing her hair.
"Sometimes, I forget that she is still a child," Elladan mumbled, watching the family.
"She spends much time with the warriors," Lord Elrond said. "She hears adult conversations all day. I am very impressed by how mature she already is."
"This is impressive," Lord Erestor commented. "She will become a very favored elleth once she is of age. She will have no shortage of choices when the time comes for her to choose a mate."
Elladan's blood started to boil. "What are you suggesting, Councilor?" he asked coldly, wondering if Erestor would dare make some sort of future claim on the young elleth he already had considered his for many years.
"I am simply suggesting that she is too young to know what eternity entails. She cannot be expected to make a choice in mate at such a young age, not when she knows nothing about mating. A mature ellon would give her a chance to get to know other ellyn before stating his claim."
Elladan violently stood, his chair hitting the floor behind him, and searched for his sword at his side. Fortunately for Erestor, Elladan had left it in his room. But everyone had seen his instinctive gesture and understood that he had felt threatened by Erestor's comment. And a threat it had been, everyone around the table knew this, even if Erestor had not named Elladan in particular.
"Lord Erestor," Elrond spoke stiffly, "these would be words of wisdom should my son not be absolutely persuaded that he has a fëa-mate connection with the young elleth. My son has never been foolish or impetuous. To respect his certainty would be wise."
"The elleth is only a child. As mature as you think she is, she cannot yet discern the subtle difference between a dear mentor and a fëa-mate," Erestor argued. "With all due respect, my Lord, I believe we should research how to act in such a situation. This is not the first occurrence and we -".
"There are precedents, Erestor," Lord Elrond cut, "I have witnessed a few cases while I was at the court of King Ereinion. The older fëa-mate, male or female, is usually involved in the raising of the elfling, and the binding occurs in the months following the coming of age of the elfling. Prince Legolas and his wife have allowed my son to be part of their daughter's life and respect his claim. They trust him. I trust him."
"Should you decide to... impose yourself in Phoebe's life, you will find me in your way," Elladan stated to his father's councilor. He left the room before his threats became less pleasant and more descriptive.
His brother followed him to his room. Elrohir put a hand on Elladan's shoulder. "She is very possessive of you, she feels the connection also. Do not mind Erestor. He is a thousand years older than you are and still has not found his fëa-mate."
"With his charming personality, I do not wonder why!" Elladan replied with sarcasm. Elrond's son had little love for the cold-hearted, demanding and harsh counselor that had been their preceptor during their childhood. Why he would show interest in Phoebe was a mystery.
"We need to keep her away from him," Elladan started to plan.
"Are you sure that she is your fëa-mate, brother?"
"Absolutely!"
"Then you are overreacting. Act normally, as if his comments had no effect on you. You will leave soon, and do not come back until she is officially yours. Forget Erestor."
There was a knock on the door. "Elladan?" Phoebe's voice was heard through the wooden door. "I know you are in there. Please open the door! I can feel you are not happy, I want to know why! Open the door, please!"
Elrohir looked at his brother. "What more proof do you need?"
OoOoO
Valerie was quietly reading a book on the history of Gondolin. The pages were so ancient and fragile that she was scared to turn each page. But the details about the fall of the Hidden City were absolutely scary and the description of the Balrog attack horrific. Valerie was distressed to read how Glorfindel, her own brother-in-law, had died falling down a mountain while fighting a balrog, the injuries sustained in the fall and the burns proving fatal. She knew he was a reborn elf and that he had died in battle fighting some sort of terrible creature, but no one had ever told her the specific details!
"I never knew about Glorfindel," Valerie murmured to Arwen who was reading beside her.
"He does not like people to talk about it," her friend explained. "He hopes his best friend Ecthelion, the Lord of the Fountain, has been reborn in Valinor by now."
"I read about him, he is mentioned in this book too. It says he killed three balrogs before killing the lord of the balrogs with the spike on his helmet. They both drowned in the Fountain of the King. Was he not reborn when Glorfindel lived in Valinor before sailing back here?"
"No, he was not."
"I will never see Glorfindel the same way," Valerie said pensively. "I thought Thranduil was a complex, tormented ellon, but I am sure Glorfindel beats him in that regard!"
"Allison and him are well matched. She understands his mental trauma, and will help him heal over the next few years. Hopefully, his nightmares will decrease in number and in intensity."
"I will ask Allison if there is anything I can do -" Valerie stopped suddenly, feeling a suspect wetness between her tighs. "Damn it!" she murmured, knowing she had probably ruined the beautiful couch in Arwen's room.
Arwen looked at her friend, and seeing liquid flowing from her couch to the floor, immediately understood what was going on. "Do not worry about my couch! Valerie! This is the day that your babies will be born. Are you ready?"
"No, I am not ready. I am scared, Arwen! So scared!"
"Stay here and remain calm. Panicking will not help you in any way. Your destiny is in the hands of the Valar. Have faith."
"I do not know if I can have faith!"
"Well I do. I have prayed them for your safety every day since your arrived in Imladris. Your mate and his father have prayed since the day they realized you were pregnant. I know you will survive."
"I pray that you are right."
"I will advise my adar and your sister, and I will be back with Legolas. He will carry you to the healing rooms."
Valerie nodded and watched Arwen leave with apprehension. Despite knowing that this day would arrive for months, the uncertainty was unbearable. Would all go well, or would she live a repeat of the birth of the twins?
Sorry for the late update, my life has been very busy lately. I will try to have the next chapter published quickly – it is already written and only needs to be reviewed by my wonderful beta reader.
The next chapter will all be about the birth... And an elleth we didn't like makes a return in their lives, seeking vengeance...
I would like to thank WMaldonado89, Glory Bee, Airbender42, Angel, Natasya Ivashkov, Aralinn, gginsc, hannahhobnob, Cathael, The Savvy Sleuth, Gryps and Aureleis for their review of the chapter 26. I really like reading your comments, it helps me a lot through my writing process to know that people appreciate my story!