Chapter 30 ended with:
Aragorn looked at the young man with interest. If someone could understand Hadrian, it was him. He had been raised in Imladris, he was the adoptive son of Elrond, he knew of the jealousy mortals experienced when comparing their faith with immortal beings'. He promised himself to keep an eye on the young Greenwood warrior. They could become great friends.
Chapter 31 – The Secret Oath
The people of Minas Tirith were standing at the ramparts and near the great gate that had been repaired by now. All eyes were directed at the elven delegation they could see at the horizon. Many banners were floating in the wind, dark green, grey or blue, announcing the elven realms the guests were from. Some said that in the group was their future queen, a female elf who had chosen to become mortal to be wed to their future king, who would be crowned in a few days. They even said she was the most beautiful of all ellith, a dark-haired beauty that was called the Evenstar by her people. The people who knew of her informed the others that she was the daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell and the grand-daughter of the rulers of Lothlorien. What a lady she must be, deserving to become their queen!
The ladies in the crowd were wondering what the elven women would look like, the youngest and unmarried women even wondering if the men of Minas Tirith would neglect them in order to try to seduce these enchanting and strange females. The most forward of them were even hoping to seduce elven men themselves. There was a rumor that once you married an immortal man, you became immortal yourself. Lord Faramir had once talked about a woman he had met who had become immortal after marrying an elven prince.
Meanwhile, the men of Minas Tirith were trying to look uninterested, but truly, they could not wait to see the immortal and formidable warriors. They had met Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and the lords Elladan and Elrohir of Rivendell, and wondered if all elven men were as fearsome. They too, were curious about the female elves they would see, but they were sure that the elves would jealously protect their females.
The colorful delegations eventually arrived near the gate and Aragorn moved forward in their direction. He bowed deeply in front of a beautiful couple, a regal ellon and a mysterious blonde elleth in whose eyes you could read the wisdom of hundreds of life times. He then turned to another elven lord, dark-haired this time, who was holding the hand of the most beautiful being any of them had ever seen. Aragorn bowed in front of the lord, who smiled to him and put the hand of the dark-haired elleth into the future king's.
Then Aragorn surprised them all by kissing her hand gently, before grabbing her quite fiercely and kissing her on the mouth in front of the entire population. The elleth returned the embrace with equal passion before she realized she was making a spectacle of herself in front of her future subjects. She blushed quite violently and hid her face against Aragorn's chest. The couple blushed under the enthusiastic acclamations of their people.
The prince of Mirkwood was standing close to the couple with his human son and his warrior daughter. The sons of the Lord of Rivendell were with them. Prince Legolas was impatiently searching through the rest of the delegation, without a doubt looking for his family, which they all knew was fairly large by all standards. Little cries and voices were heard in the elven crowd, and four small children got out of the group and ran to the prince, speaking to him quickly in the melodious elven language. They hugged him as a group, and then shared embraces with one of the sons of Lord Elrond, who they seemed to know very well.
The people of Minas Tirith were watching the children eagerly when the elven crowd opened to allow passage to a tall and haughty ellon, wearing a crown of twigs and flowers. Beside him was a beautiful and very pregnant elleth, who was pulling by the hand a pouting dark-haired child, obviously not happy about the whole situation.
Prince Legolas swiftly made his way through the crowd and after bowing to the Elvenking, he took the elleth in his arms. They remained embraced for long minutes, as close as possible when one was so pregnant, kissing and holding each other's faces and whispering without stop, in a language that no citizen of Minas Tirith could understand. The people closest to the delegation could see that this elven woman's features were less refined than the elves around her, and some even whispered that this might be the famous elleth that used to be a woman that had become an immortal after marrying a prince. They simply didn't know the prince in question had been Lord Aragorn's friend!
"I missed you," Legolas murmured to his wife. "I missed you so much! All these months, I kept thinking about you, during our long days of walking, while I ran for three days after the hobbits, while I was trying to sleep at night, all this time, Valerie, all I could think of was you."
"I missed you too."
"I am so glad that we are having a baby! I had been wondering when I left, I was hoping that you were pregnant. I missed the entire pregnancy because of the quest."
"You missed the pregnancy thanks to your hasty decision of leaving on this quest! You could at least have sent word before you decided to be part of the fellowship, you would have known that I was pregnant!" Valerie stopped her whispered rant when she felt Elros pull on her hand.
"Naneth, I want to leave. I do not like it here. There are too many people watching us."
Legolas looked at the only one of his sons who had not greeted him when they had seen him.
"How are you, Elros?" Legolas knelt in front of him to ensure Elros would see him properly.
"Not good. I do not want to be here. And I do not want to see you."
"Elros!" Valerie cried. "I asked you to be nice with your adar!"
"Please, not in public," the Elvenking said from beside them. "We must present a united front at all times!"
"Please, let Elros express himself," Lord Elrond said beside them, only to draw Thranduil's attention upon himself. He stopped talking when he saw the iciness in the king's glare.
Elros avoided Legolas' disappointed gaze and soon saw Elladan standing beside his sister. "Elladan!" The elfling left his parents to run into the arms of his sister's lover, who was in fact his nephew. But he did not know that. Not yet.
Legolas watched him go with great sadness. "Elros missed you terribly," Valerie explained. "He was waiting for you to come back for many months. And when you did not, he somehow started thinking that you do not love us. I am sure he will have forgiven you by the time we are back to Greenwood."
Immediately after she said these words, Valerie felt discomfort in Legolas' fëa. She tried to read his mind but he seemed to be guarding his thoughts. She wondered why he was keeping secrets but she assumed that he wanted to share important information with her once they were alone.
"It is a pleasure to meet you again, Sire, Princess," Aragorn said to the Elvenking and his daughter-in-law. "There will be a feast within the hour. We have many guests that have been waiting for your arrival. Legolas can bring you to your rooms."
OoOoO
"You have not changed one bit, my dear! I cannot believe it!" Gilrin repeated for the tenth time in the past five minutes.
Everyone was gathered in the Hall where a feast in honor of the arrival of the elves was being held, barely two hours after their arrival. Valerie only had had time to complete the sleeping arrangements of her younger children when Legolas and Thranduil had appeared, already wearing their ceremonial attire and ready to go to the feast. Phoebe had appeared soon after, wearing a gown created by Valerie that was both splendid and very revealing. But contrary to her habit, Phoebe had not seemed self-confident when she had entered her parents' bedroom. Valerie had sent Thranduil and Legolas to the feast, knowing she would be late. And as Phoebe was helping her to get ready, Valerie had been able to make her confess what she was worried about. Phoebe's dress had caused a bit of a stir in the noble population of Minas Tirith, with many people frowning at her exposed arms and back, revealing her warrior tattoos. In a show of support for her only daughter, Valerie had selected a white gown that also exposed her arms and a portion of her back, even if it was a little tight around her round stomach. The people of Minas Tirith would have something to talk about!
And so Valerie was now standing in the Hall, meeting Gilrin's family for the first time in 12 years. Prince Imrahil had changed physically, but it was Gilrin who had changed the most. She now had many wrinkles and her hair had turned completely white. Over the years, they had kept corresponding and since Gilrin's style had remained lively and sarcastic, Valerie had not realized that years were passing very fast for her friend. And as Gilrin marveled at how Valerie looked absolutely the same, Valerie's heart was aching for her aging friend.
"Do not be sad for me, my dear friend," Gilrin said, seeing Valerie's distress. "I am at peace. I had a good life and still have many long years in front of me… And see? All my sons are married and they gave me grandchildren to cuddle. And my Lothiriel, look at her!"
Valerie looked at Gilrin's daughter who was now a beautiful young woman. Anything not to look at her son Erchirion who was waiting to cross gaze with Valerie.
"Lothiriel, how good to see you!"
"Lady Valerie, I am so glad to see you again. I have thought of you many times in the past weeks."
"And why is that?"
"I have met a Rohirrim!" she whispered so only Valerie and her mother would hear. "You had said they were interesting men. That is so true as compared to the boring men of my father's realm!"
"And she does not talk about any Rohirrim," Gilrin whispered too to tease her daughter. "She is in love with the future king of Rohan. And he returns her feelings."
Valerie's eyebrows flew to her hairline. "Really? I never thought Eomer would be the kind of man to fall in love so quickly. But mind you, I only stayed once in Rohan after coming back from your realm, the war might have greatly changed him."
"The death of his uncle and the strange disease that affected his sister after her killing of the With-King of Angmar changed him greatly, I am afraid," Gilrin sighed. "Poor young man. He will need all the support that he can get."
"I am sure that Aragorn will be very close to him."
"Look! He is here!" Lothiriel murmured, straightening her back and adopting a seductive pose. Eomer had just entered the Hall, his sister holding his arm. Eowyn still looked unhealthy, even if many weeks had passed since her courageous battle against the king of the ringwraiths. But even with this sickly appearance, any man who would look closer would know that she was a beautiful woman. And it was clear that Faramir, who had spent time with her at the infirmary in the early days after the victory, had stated a claim on her.
Valerie looked at all these people whom she had seen 12 years before and who were now adults that had seen war and death. All of them were trying to forget the past and build a new life after losing so many loved ones.
"I have to go see them," Valerie told Gilrin and Lothiriel. "And I will make sure to send Eomer your way," she told the young woman, laughing when Lothiriel blushed violently. "I will see you later, Gilrin. We have so much to talk about!"
But as Valerie made her way in the direction of the three people she had not greeted yet, she felt a hand on her naked arm.
"Do not think you can escape me all evening, my Lady," Erchirion's voice said close to her ear, way too close for comfort.
"Will you ever leave me alone?" Valerie whispered back angrily before anyone noticed that she had stopped near the man who had, many years before, almost succeeded in making her betray her vows to Legolas.
"Are you still scared of me?" he asked smugly in a low tone.
"You really are shameless! How can you still pursue me right under my husband's nose?"
"You are more beautiful than ever, even if you are pregnant. You are absolutely delightful, a sight for sore eyes. You gave your mate many children, all males I might add, but you remained as stunning as before. Unlike my wife, who gained so much weight after her second pregnancy," he commented, his eyes going in the direction of the poor woman who had married him.
Valerie could not help herself and looked in the same direction, seeing a woman of average beauty who was a little overweight, but not fat by any stretch of the imagination. She was looking at Erchirion like he was a Vala. It made Valerie sick to know he was so disrespectful to his own wife who loves him deeply.
"You might not respect your wife, but I respect my mate. I love him. Leave me alone."
"And do you think he respects you too?" he asked in a suspiciously sweet tone that immediately put Valerie on her guard.
"Of course! Why would you say that?"
"Maybe you should ask your war hero if he has been transparent with you since you arrived."
"I arrived two hours ago, we did not have time to discuss any serious matter."
"Oh but if I had news of such importance to tell my wife, I would have found a few minutes within these two hours to have a conversation with her. But that is just me! Who knows what goes on in the head of an elven warrior who gets too close to his travel companions…"
Valerie turned her back on him, determined to disregard Erchirion's words. But the third course was being served and Valerie had to return to her place at one of the honor tables, between Thranduil and Legolas. Her mate stood as soon as he saw her and helped her sit on her chair as if she was made of crystal.
Erchirion is an idiot, she thought. Legolas loves me. He respects me.
She smiled to her father-in-law who had always been perceptive and somehow knew she was troubled.
"I am tired," she whispered, hoping it would be enough for the Elvenking's attention to be transported on someone else. It was very unlikely, since all her younger children were not in attendance to distract him. He would spend most of the evening trying to understand what was bothering her.
Nothing is bothering me, she lied to herself. She smiled in Legolas' direction, a smile he returned immediately, but with a bit of nervousness. Legolas seems anxious. She turned her eyes to Phoebe and Elladan who were sitting nearby, while she tried to discreetly read her husband's thoughts. She just could not resist, the temptation was too great. How long since the last time they had truly been together? Aragorn had rushed the feast so much that she did not have the time to have a decent conversation with Legolas after being months apart!
Legolas' mind was surprisingly closed to her. He was guarding his thoughts again. Why? Why would he do that? Erchirion's words came back to haunt her. Legolas had something important to tell her, and he had not done so. Something that Erchirion was aware of. And if Erchirion was aware of it, many other people knew. While she did not.
She became nervous. She created many scenarios in her mind, fearing the worst, while maintaining a straight face in front of the people of Gondor. Only years of training under Thranduil's observant gaze allowed her to keep graciously talking to the people around her.
Sometime after the fourth course, Legolas seemed more relaxed and Valerie was able to catch a few thoughts while he was distractedly gazing at a painting on the wall.
…Vow to Aragorn… announce it to Valerie and Father… Aragorn needs my support… might only live a few more decades… Valerie might not like Minas Tirith...
Valerie blanched. She was afraid, afraid that Legolas had vowed to stay in Minas Tirith for a few decades. That could not be possible. Legolas knew that his father wanted to sail to Valinor as soon as the war was over. No! She was wrong! Legolas would never make such a decision without discussing it with her or his father first. But then again, he had decided to go on the quest without asking for their opinion. Could Legolas really have decided…?
She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Stay calm, she told herself. There must be someone else who knows about this. And who knew better than her despicable source? Erchirion was sitting too far away, it would be impossible to discern his thoughts in the crowd. Maybe Aragorn, who was sitting closer, a beaming Arwen at his side?
Valerie concentrated on reading Aragorn's thoughts and soon perceived how much he loved Arwen. She also read how he was fascinated by elves. He was actually congratulating himself for having secured the counsel of four elves for his future reign over Gondor.
Four? Valerie thought. Arwen, maybe Elladan and Elrohir, they were always so close to their adoptive brother. No doubt that Elrond's twins would guide him during the first years of his reign. But who is the fourth elf? Elrond, his adoptive father? No, he wants to sail soon. So is Lady Galadriel. Who could it be? Legolas?
Unable to remain silent any longer, she turned in her mate's direction, and leaning closer to him, she started to whisper in his ear: "Please tell me you did not vow to remain here with Aragorn for many years to come." She straightened and putting up a show for the people around them, she looked at him as if she had just told him that she liked her piece of venison.
Legolas' stricken expression was very telling. Valerie felt like a weight of hundreds of pounds had been put on her shoulders.
"How could you?" she murmured, looking straight ahead.
"How could I what?" Thranduil asked, thinking she was speaking to him.
Valerie turned in his direction. "I was not talking to you, Father. But you might want to ask your son what other endeavor he has undertaken. I am sure you will like it!"
Valerie turned back in her mate's direction. "I do not have words… Twice now you have made an important decision about our future without even having the courtesy of asking for my opinion."
She could barely talk. She just wanted to burst into tears. In fact, she was going to cry any second now. She had to leave. She stood hurriedly, her chair making a loud noise in the Hall. Everyone stopped talking to look at the princess of Mirkwood who seemed agitated.
Valerie gave one last look to Legolas. "Do not presume that I will follow you in this!" she warned.
She swiftly walked out of the Hall, not missing the smug look on Erchirion's face. She barely made it outside before she started to cry. The night had gotten very cold, and Valerie shivered in the thin gown. She ran to her room and locked the door behind herself. She just sat on the bed, thinking of all her discussions with Thranduil as they were on their way to Minas Tirith. Thranduil who thought they would all sail to Valinor as one big happy family, and who thought his wife had been reborn by now.
Valerie was facing a difficult choice. Leaving Legolas behind and sailing with all her children, who would live happier in Valinor? Or stay here, in Minas Tirith, a few elves in the middle of suspicious humans. She was married to Legolas, she could not live apart from him. The past few months had been hell. But she had become so close to Thranduil! How could she be apart from the ellon who had been like a father to her for almost two decades? And what was the best option for the children?
Feeling trapped by Legolas' vow, trapped in this city while she was so used to the dark caves of Greenwood, Valerie reacted like she always did when feeling overwhelmed: she fled. Not even bothering to change or to bring a cape, she rushed to the lower levels of the city, relieved that no one was following her. Thranduil and Legolas must have been in the middle of a fight not to care about her wanderings. Valerie eventually ended up on the lowest level, near the stables. Her stallion was there. She spent time caressing his back, talking to him about her disappointment in the silence of the stables.
Taken by a sudden impulse, Valerie mounted her steed and passed the main gate of Minas Tirith right before the guards closed it for the night.
OoOoO
"I cannot find her, she is not with the children," Sean reported after having visited the bedrooms of his five younger brothers. Even the governesses had not seen her, which was highly unusual considering Valerie always spent time with them at the end of each day to discuss how her sons had behaved that day.
"She is not anywhere on the top level of Minas Tirith," Thranduil said. "We have met everyone she knows, and no one has seen her. We have to organize a search of the entire city," he commanded.
Aragorn bowed, knowing the Elvenking would not be satisfied until his daughter was returned to him, preferably safe and sound. There would be hell to pay for Legolas and him if something had happened to the princess of Mirkwood. He looked at his friend who was sitting beside him.
Legolas was immobile, completely shocked by the disappearance of his wife and by her last comment to him before her departure, when she had stated that she had no intention of staying with him while he remained with Aragorn for the duration of his reign. He was also devastated by the strong negative reaction of his family when they had heard about his decision to remain in Gondor. Had he not been Thranduil's only son, he might have been excluded from the Greenwood succession. The wrath of the Elvenking had been spectacular to behold once they had been alone in the quarters allocated to the Greenwood royal family. And he would never forget the disapproving looks of his older children, ranging from Sean's silent incomprehension to Phoebe's blatant hostility. Liam and Hadrian's reactions had been somewhere in between. Everyone's emotions had been replaced by worry when they had discovered that Valerie was not in her room or anywhere else they could think of.
They heard steps in the hallway and Phoebe barged in in her usual direct manner. "She left the city," she cried, arriving in the room where everyone was impatiently awaiting news about Valerie. "She took her stallion and just left, that is what the guards told me. She was still wearing the gown she wore at the feast! She will freeze to death!"
The night was much colder than usual, and although they all knew Valerie would not die, she could still be found in a severe state of hypothermia, with the cold rain that had started to fall almost at the same time than they had begun the searches.
"I am going to look for her. I am not waiting for the morning!" Phoebe announced. "I will change my dress and leave."
All the ellyn decided to be part of the search party and started getting ready for many hours of research in the cold, rainy night. Legolas stood from his chair to join them, but his father stopped him before he had time to say anything.
"You will stay here, Legolas. You and your foolish vow are the cause of this situation. I do not wish for you to participate in this search party." The king's tone was aggressive, and both Legolas and Aragorn remained silent, knowing the king of Greenwood was right.
Gimli put a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Let them look for her, you are too distraught to be of any help. You will speak to her when they bring her back. She will come to accept your decision."
Thranduil sneered in the direction of the dwarf, and putting his blades and his bow on his back, he took the lead of the search party, leaving behind Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn, the three members of the fellowship who has sworn to each other to remain in Middle Earth until Aragorn's passing.
OoOoO
She was cold, so cold. The darkness and the strange noises around her scared her. She was regretting her impulse to flee Minas Tirith to avoid discussing the extent and consequences of Legolas' vow to Aragorn. She had pushed her stallion without a specific goal in mind, just wanting to vent and think without anyone around her for once. But when the rain had started, she had noticed that she was close to Osgiliath, the abandoned and half-destroyed former capital of Gondor, and she had directed her horse's steps in that specific direction. She had been completely drenched and frozen by the time she had reached the city. The walk under the rain and in the dark to find a house that still had a roof had been creepy, with the small wild animals and the odd noises all around her.
She had eventually found a house less destroyed than the others, and she had tried to attach her stallion outside but the horse had escaped, probably scared by his environment. Despite the fact that she now had a roof above her head, it was now hours later and her thin, revealing gown was still damp.
"How stupid can you be?" she asked out loud to herself. "You are pregnant, for the Valar's sake, and here you are, cold, in the dark with nothing to make a fire!"
She suddenly realized that she could give birth anytime now. How imprudent she had been! How could she have left the city without thinking of her unborn child?
"I am sorry, Baby, I am so sorry. I fear your mother was a coward once again! But you must understand, your father has made the vow to remain here, with the future king of Gondor, while I wanted to sail to Valinor with your grandfather and your siblings!"
She held her belly while she talked. Talking to her baby brought her comfort, strangely, if only to cover the sounds of the rain and wind on the walls of the house she was in.
She felt miserable, abandoned by her husband. How could he have made such a vow without thinking about her? Why did he think that Aragorn's needs were more important than the ones of his own wife and children? Did it mean that Legolas loved her less than before he had left for his journey with the fellowship? Had his love for her faded, after facing death so many times? She had heard that many people changed their priorities after having been close to dying. Was it the case for Legolas? Had she become a weight for him, like Erchirion's wife had become to Gilrin's son?
Shaken by this unbearable prospect, Valerie's spirit and self-esteem sank lower than ever before. She cried for a long time, speaking to her unborn baby, until hypothermia made her lose contact with reality.
OoOoO
Thranduil was riding swiftly, holding against his chest the body of his daughter-in-law. They had found Valerie after less than three hours of search; Elrohir had been able to follow Valerie's tracks to the city of Osgiliath. The difficulty had been to find her in the abandoned city.
It had been Hadrian who had found her, in a severe state of hypothermia, lying on the floor of a house that had been less destroyed than the others. A debate had followed, considering the various options between building a fire and taking care of Valerie in Osgiliath or bringing her back to Minas Tirith.
It had been Thranduil who had made the decision. He had removed his cloak and wrapped Valerie carefully in it. Unfortunately, the cloak was also damp, but at least Valerie's arms and back were no longer exposed to the elements.
The ride to Minas Tirith was a silent and tense one. The king was angrier than ever at his son for his foolish decision. So furious was he that when they reached the highest level of the White City, he had decided to take care of his daughter himself and not tell Legolas that his wife had been found.
But Legolas, exasperated by the wait, had decided to organize his own search party, mainly with people of Gondor, along with Gimli and Aragorn. They were ready to leave when they saw of group of elves discreetly walking in the direction of the Greenwood quarters. They all understood that Valerie had been found when they saw that the king was carrying a body in his arms, carefully wrapped in his cloak.
Legolas' blood froze in his veins. Was it Valerie? What had happened to her? Why was she unable to walk? He ran in the direction of the elves and pushed a few people out of his way until he faced his furious father.
"Valerie? What is wrong with Valerie?" He could tell that it was his mate wrapped in his father's cloak, her wet hair coming out of the hood.
"You stay out of this. I can take care of my daughter. I will let you know when you will be allowed to see her," the king replied haughtily, turning away to hide Valerie from Legolas. Blinded by his anger, he completely forgot that ellyn could turn violent when not being allowed to be with their fëa-mate.
Legolas lost contact with reality and failed to remember that it was his father facing him. His mate was unwell, maybe grievously injured, and someone was standing between her and him, preventing him from caring for her and hold her. The screeching noise made by the unsheathing of his blades was heard by everyone in the vicinity. Soon after, one blade was applied to Thranduil's throat.
"Let go of my mate," he said in a deadly voice. "Give her to me this instant, or I will not hesitate to hurt you."
All recognized the speech and attitude of an ellon protecting his mate. Legolas, turned half-mad by the guilt and the wait while others searched for his wife, was turning against his adar who was denying him the right to have access to his fëa-mate.
"Father, no!" Liam pleaded, taking a few steps in Legolas' direction before being stopped by Brethilon, who made a silent gesture not to intervene.
"Grandfather, please give him Mother!" Phoebe whispered to Thranduil.
Everyone held their breath, hoping that the Elvenking, the cause of Legolas' current state, would realize how dangerous his game was and stop deprive Legolas of his mate's presence.
But the king hesitated despite the blade against his throat, as he was himself overwhelmed with worry for Valerie. No one spoke or moved after this, waiting to see who would give in first, until a feeble and trembling voice was heard under the hood of the cloak.
"Please do not fight."
The king looked down, the only one who could see Valerie's face. He must have read in her expression something that made him change his mind, because the next moment, he made a cautious movement to give Valerie to Legolas.
The Captain of Greenwood put back his blades on his back and possessively but delicately took his wife from his father's arms. He did not even look at her, he simply turned around and quickly left the hallway, going to his private quarters where he could assess the situation without witnesses. The elves heard his door being locked and a piece of furniture being dragged in front of the door.
"What is Father doing?" Phoebe asked the people who, like her, had followed Legolas.
"He will not let any of us around her now," Glorfindel predicted. "Not after being threatened of not seeing his mate," he continued, throwing a look full of resentment to the king of Greenwood. Although he was not in agreement with Legolas' decision to remain in Gondor, no one had the right to separate two mates that needed each other. The king had only made the situation far worse than it was before.
"But she needs to be seen by a healer!" Liam insisted.
"Legolas knows what to do in a case of hypothermia," Elladan told them. "Let us pray that in his state, he will remember what to do."
"Not good enough! Someone needs to make sure that he is properly taking care of her!" Thranduil thundered. He knew he was the cause for his son's feral reaction, but they could not simply pray the Valar that Legolas would come back to his senses and give Valerie the care she needed!
"Maybe he would allow my mate in his rooms?" Glorfindel suggested. Legolas would probably grant Allison access to his quarters since she had not been part of the search party and had not been involved at all in the discussions about Legolas' vow to remain in Middle Earth with Aragorn.
OoOoO
Legolas gently put Valerie on the bed and opened his father's damp cloak, wondering what was wrong with Valerie. But he soon realized that her dress was also damp with cold water, and that she was very cold also. He swore in a low tone, knowing his wife, unlike true elves, was feeling the cold like a human. She was showing all the symptoms of severe hypothermia.
Her lips, hands and feet were blue, and her skin was swollen in many regions. Her heart rate was low and her breathing was too slow. Valerie was more or less conscious, and she was not talking anymore, not even realizing who she was with. He needed to get her warm, but he knew it had to be done in a manner that would not warm her blood too quickly.
I should not have given her the space she wanted. I should have followed her when she left the feast so we could discuss.
He removed her damp dress and tried to dry her body with the bed sheets. He removed his own clothing, and taking a heavy blanket, he wrapped himself in it before taking her in his arms. Even if he was not bothered by the cold, he could feel how low her body temperature was.
She hardly recognizes me.
He started rubbing her hands and feet, then her stomach. His heart stopped when he thought about what could happen to the baby. Was the baby still alive? He almost interrupted his treatment to check if he could make a fëa contact with the child, but decided that the best chance for the baby to survive was to make sure that Valerie got warm quickly.
He soon realized that her body temperature was increasing, and he decided to bring her closer to the fire. He sat directly on the stone floor, still holder her against his chest. He searched her eyes, to see if she was more coherent than before. There was recognition in her eyes. She knew who he was. There was also resentment in her eyes, proving that she also remembered the reason behind her escape. He remained silent, pleading for her to remain silent too, to just remain there, leaning against him, recovering from her hypothermia. Against his chest, he suddenly felt a movement in her stomach.
The baby is fine. He closed his eyes, relieved. Everything would be alright. He tried to make contact with the child, like he had been able to do with his sons. He immediately felt the connection of one elfling.
Hi baby, I am your father. I am sorry that I was not able to be with you before. But I swear that I will be there for you from now on. I will love you, protect you until you are an adult. And even after that, I will always be there for you.
He felt the gentle touch of an innocent fëa on his. The baby was responding to him. Marveled, he spent the next half-hour caressing Valerie's stomach and trying to maintain the contact with their unborn child.
He was interrupted by a knock on the door, becoming insistent when he decided to ignore it. It had woken Valerie, who watched him with interest, but still did not say a word.
"Legolas?" Allison's voice pleaded through the door. "Please let me in! I need to see Valerie."
"She will be fine," he said softly, knowing she would hear him.
"I want to see her!" Allison insisted.
"Listen, she is getting warmer. All she needs is to be with me."
"Please be reasonable. I am no threat to you or to your relationship," Allison pleaded. "I just want to help my sister."
Legolas looked at Valerie, torn between his desire to be alone with her and the need to be reassured by a healer that Valerie and her child were well.
"Let her in," Valerie whispered. "Otherwise, she will not leave us alone."
"You... you want to be alone with me?" He knew she was still angry with him. Was she not with him presently because she could not get away in her current state? Did she not want to be away from him?
"I do not wish to see anyone. The sooner she gets in, the sooner she will be gone."
Legolas observed his wife who was not even looking at him. Obviously, Valerie really wanted to be alone. But he could not allow that, not when he felt so possessive, not when he needed to be close to her, to ensure that his mate was fine. He slowly caressed her cheeks, hoping to catch her attention.
"I love you," he murmured.
Her eyes turned to his face and searched in his eyes, as if trying to read his feelings. Could she doubt that he loved her?
"I would like you to remember your feelings for me more frequently."
Legolas stared at her, but Valerie's gaze was already back to staring at the wall. He swore under his breath. His mate was truly mad at him. He took a few deep breaths to gain his composure back. He needed to let Allison in, so she could be out of their room quickly and leave them alone to discuss. That is, if Valerie accepted to talk to him. She might give him the cold shoulder for a few days…
He put Valerie on the bed, put his leggings back on and walked to the door. He knew that Allison was listening to the noises inside, and that many people were on the other side of the door with her, worrying about Valerie.
He put a cold expression on his face, not willing to let people know how desperate he was about this fight with his mate. He opened the door quickly and glared at everyone he could see in the hallway. His entire family was there, along with Elrond' family and a few Lothlorien people. Even Valerie's friend Gilrin was there, a worried expression on her face. She was supported by her son, the one who had tried to seduce Valerie a few years back. Something in his expression told Legolas that the man had something to do with the current situation. He was worried, but smug at the same time. Had he attempted to seduce Valerie again? Had she listened to him? It was intolerable!
He stopped himself right before he was about to attack the man. It would do no one any good if he created a diplomatic incident without proof. At this moment, people were disappointed with him for having vowed to remain in Gondor, and he would not add to that disappointment by attacking Prince Imrahil's son for no reason. Very few people knew of the events between Valerie and Erchirion, and it had to remain that way.
He grabbed Allison's arm and pulled her in his room, closing the door behind them without sparing a glance at anyone.
Allison swiftly went to the bed in the middle of the room, and gently removed the blanket that was covering Valerie's naked body. The healer attentively examined her sister to ensure all sign of hypothermia were gone and that her baby was fine.
"You will be alright," Allison told Valerie.
"I know, Legolas took good care of me," was Valerie's reply.
"Did you wish… to talk about something with me?" Allison asked tentatively, sending an uncomfortable glance in Legolas' direction.
Valerie turned her head in her sister's direction. "I would rather not."
Allison knew that Valerie's mind was in turmoil. But as usual, she wanted to face her problems alone, without external help. If she did not want to talk, Allison would not be able to get anything out of her. For the first time in years, she wished she could read minds like her sister could.
"It is a rather unpleasant ability most of the times," Valerie whispered. "Without it, Legolas might have been able to break his important news in a different manner, right, my love?" she asked her husband sarcastically.
Allison felt the tension rise in the room, and knew she had to leave before she found herself in the middle of domestic fight.
"I will tell the good news to everyone. Will we see you at breakfast?"
Legolas realized that it was now close to the first meal of the day. The entire family had spent the night up, searching for Valerie, and now worrying about her health.
"I do not think so. Tell everyone we will remain here for a few hours."
Allison nodded and left the room. She closed the door behind herself and looked at everyone gathered near Legolas' quarters.
"She is fine," she whispered. "Legolas did what he had to do, just like a healer would have done. I do not think we will see them for a while. They seem to have… a lot to discuss."
"My son has a lot to discuss with me too," Thranduil replied.
"Leave them alone for a while, Grandsire," Phoebe told him. "You know my mother. Whatever you wish to discuss with him, she will cover all your grievances in a worst way than you would."
"Somehow I doubt that. But I will give them some time alone."
Legolas was listening to the people outside of his apartment. They all left after a few minutes, finally giving Valerie and him some privacy. His mate was obviously exhausted, and she needed to sleep for a few hours. He decided to allow her this much needed rest before discussing the issue at hand with her.
He went back to bed and lied beside her. She had her back to him, ignoring him completely. He just watched the ceiling, listening to her regular breathing, neither of them able to sleep despite their exhaustion.
I should never have made that promise to Aragorn. Or at least, I could have waited until Valerie arrived and discussed it with her. I am sure she would have accepted to stay in Gondor for a few decades with Arwen. She could have helped the new Queen get used to the mortals living in Gondor.
Gimli's mind was so set on this course, and we have grown so close Aragorn, Gimli and I during our quest. It seemed like the right thing at the time. But what are the consequences for my family? My adar will have to remain here, separated from my mother for decades, or he will sail and leave us behind, the family he has grown to love passionately. How will the children react to the departure of their grandsire?
And Valerie? I have seen how people are watching Elladan, Elrohir and I. They are suspicious of elves. But it seems to be worst for Phoebe, Valerie and Allison. The mortal women in Minas Tirith seem to feel some jealousy and angst when they are in the same room. It seems that not all mortal women are open-minded like Gilrin. And men? They watch them with a glint in their eyes that is not acceptable for bound ellith. What will happen to Arwen, only the Valar know. Aragorn will have to protect her, and she will have to strictly respect the Gondorian customs if she wants to be accepted. This will be easier for Arwen than for Phoebe or Valerie. No, my mate and my daughter will be rejected here, just like they have been when they first arrived in Greenwood. Except that people here will never accept them.
I have taken a decision that will most negatively impact my loved ones.
Legolas took Valerie in his arms, forcing her to turn in his direction. He needed some contact, he needed some comfort, just realizing now the extent of the consequences for his family. Valerie allowed to be turned, as she had probably read his thoughts in the past minutes. She must have known how distraught he currently was. Legolas put his head on her shoulder and his arm around her round stomach. Valerie made no gesture to embrace him, but it did not matter to Legolas. He was finally touching her, finally smelling the familiar scent of her hair and feeling her skin that was still slightly cold, but as delicate as he remembered.
I cannot do this to them. I have put them in this situation, and I must find a solution. I cannot think of another solution than bring the situation back to what it should be. My family should be able to sail, my father should be reunited with his mate… The reborn kings we were given must be raised in Valinor amongst their people… Come morning, I will go find Aragorn and let him know that I wish to take my vow back. I am sure he will understand. Gimli might not. So will the people of Gondor who know of my oath. But I care not. Valerie is more important to me than what people say about me.
He felt Valerie's arms around him. Not a strong embrace, but she had initiated contact, some form of comfort.
"I will not let you become an oath breaker," Valerie whispered. "You would lose the respect of our people and of your father. Even our children would lose the respect they have for you. Breaking your pledge is not an option."
"What else can I do?" he asked, hoping she had another idea.
"There is nothing that you can do. You have made an oath and must respect it. Our family will have to live with the consequences." Her tone clearly indicated how unpleasant the prospect was for her.
"You do not wish to live in Minas Tirith," he said, not even asking the question.
"No, I do not. I have spent many years in Greenwood, in the forest and in the caves. I no longer feel like living in a town, with too many people. The customs, the rumors, the judgements… But I will get used to it," she sighed.
"What if… we started a colony of elves in Ithilien? The forest has been greatly damaged, it needs healing, healing that only elves can provide. We could build houses in the trees, like in Caras Galadhon. Maybe some of our people who do not wish to sail will stay with us. And the children would be raised in the forest, not in a city of mortals…"
He could tell she was listening to him, weighting the pros and cons of this possibility.
"Hadrian could stay with us," he added, knowing this argument would have a great impact on her decision.
"Would that be respecting your oath? You would not be living with Aragorn."
"But I would be one day away by horse, and would be working to heal a region of his kingdom that his in dire need of elven care. It is a situation in which we all win. What do you say?"
She was silent for a long time before she simply promised to think about it.
He knew he was not forgiven. But at least, he had provided a solution that would turn the situation to their advantage. It does not solve the matter of my adar.
"No, it does not," Valerie said darkly.
They remained silent for the rest of the night, until they both fell asleep near dawn.
OoOoO
Valerie woke up before Legolas. He was deeply asleep, exhausted by the almost sleepless night they had spent. But Valerie had slept a few hours, and it was enough for her. She was hardly sleeping at night now because of the weight of the baby, preferring to nap during the day.
She slowly stood, careful not to wake her mate and went directly to the chamber pot behind a little decorative paper wall. She got dressed in absolute silence, knowing she had to take care of her sons. They must be driving Miniel and Gwelwen insane by that time, and she had promised to practice archery with them that morning. She watched Legolas for a long time before deciding to leave the room. He was breathtakingly handsome and looked so innocent in his sleep. She had followed all his thoughts last night, from his unbearable guilt to him making contact with her unborn child. He was still her Legolas, the mate she thought about every minute of every day. He was her world, her everything. But twice now he had carelessly taken decisions against her wellbeing, and that, she found difficulty to forgive. Truth be told, he had given her the night before a solution that would make his oath more bearable for her. But she would not tell him that right away. He needed to do some more groveling before she forgave him for good.
She took her bow and her quiver and left the room, leaving Legolas behind. He opened his eyes as soon as she closed the door, slightly encouraged by the time she had spent observing him. He had felt her love through their bond. It was only a question of time before she forgave him. And you would never make important decisions before consulting her ever again.
Valerie picked up her five younger sons in their room, and surrounded by overexcited elflings, she made her way to the lowest levels of the city where the archery field was. Of course, Brethilon and Brannor were following them. After her disappearance the day before, these two would not leave her alone for a long time to come, she could sense it. People were stopping to stare at the pregnant elleth carrying a bow, who was speaking animatedly to all these young elflings. They knew who she was and talked about her as if she did not have elven hearing and could not hear all their comments about her. Not even her bodyguards' angry expressions were able to stop them.
She ignored them the best she could and eventually arrived at the archery field where Gondorian soldiers left enough targets for her to train with her sons. She could read their interest about her physical looks and obvious fertility (one of them even thought she was the ideal breeder of princes), but also about her ability at archery. They all had seen Phoebe train in the past few days and they wondered if she was as good as her daughter.
Thank the Valar, Legolas wanted to create a colony of elves in Ithilien! She would never have survived decades of such blatant interest!
Brethilon and Brannor made sure her sons were training seriously with their child bows, and she concentrated on her own training, trying to ignore the stares as she hit the target dead center with each arrow. Brannor went to retrieve her arrows, making sure that she did not tire herself at such an advanced state of pregnancy. She was due now, in fact, she was probably a few days late.
There was a commotion behind Valerie, and she turned around to see that Lady Galadriel and Allison were walking in her direction. Valerie sent a questioning look to her sister, who gestured discreetly that she had no idea why the Lady of Light was bringing her to the archery field that morning.
"My dear Valerie, what a relief it is to see you completely recovered this morning," Galadriel said to Valerie. "Why do you not join your sister and I on this bench? I wish to talk to you urgently."
Valerie made sure her sons were behaving and sat down on the bench, Lady Galadriel between the two sisters.
"It is such a blessing to see my uncle Fingolfin reborn. He was such a courageous ellon, dueling with Morgoth himself to protect his people. The sorrow created by his death cannot even be described. The Noldor will forever be grateful for you to have cared for him and loved him like a real mother."
"I am his mother," Valerie said stiffly. She knew that in Valinor lived a queen called Indis, second wife of Finwë, who was Fingolfin's original naneth. But they were in Middle Earth, she had borne Fingolfin in her womb and was raising him like he was her true son. Maybe staying in Middle Earth for additional decades would not be so bad – she would be able to raise her reborn sons without the interference of their first mother. She mentally added that to the list of benefits of staying in Middle Earth with Legolas.
"Your sons have two mothers, Valerie. But until they are adults and regain their memories, they are completely yours. See how they love you," Galadriel said, referring to the constant calls they made for her to watch their feats with their little bows. "You can read their hearts as well as I do," the lady continued. "Do not be scared of the future. I know their mothers, they will all be grateful. Except maybe… Oropher's naneth."
"I have heard of her," Valerie said. "My father told me she was the cause for his adar's almost constant dark mood."
"Yes, Thranduil is probably right. But I am sure that between the Elvenking, Legolas and you, Oropher will become the ellon he should always have been."
"We will make sure of that," Valerie said with confidence.
"Now, let us discuss the matter at hand. I have looked for you both because I have some news of great importance to share with you. Last night, in my dreams, I have seen Nienna, the Lady of Pity and Mourning. She told me that the Valar granted you the opportunity to go back to your world."
"No!" Allison cried. "I am not going back! I have my mate and my daughter, they cannot send us back to our world now that Sauron has been defeated!"
"They are not sending you back for the rest of your lives. Just for a few hours, and then you will come back here."
"Why?" Valerie asked, suspicious. They had been gone for almost 18 years. It was more than likely that no one remembered the family that had disappeared so long ago. Many people must have passed away too, as it was probably the case for her parents.
"Lady Nienna did not share her reasons with me. She only told me that it must be done today, at twilight. Mithrandir will create a portal if you wish to go."
"But why would we need to go?" Allison insisted.
"There must be something that we left behind, something that requires closure," Valerie assumed. "Although I cannot think of what it is. It has been so long…"
"I must speak to Glorfindel about this. Can he come with us?"
"I am sorry, the invitation was only for the two of you. No one else was mentioned by Lady Nienna."
"I will ask him nevertheless!" Allison claimed.
"I will go," Valerie decided. She was very curious to see what was awaiting them on the other side of the portal.
"Will you not ask Legolas before?" Allison asked.
Valerie gave her a sarcastic look. "You think I feel like asking for his opinion on my decisions nowadays?"
"Probably not," Allison admitted. "But… if you go, I cannot let you go alone. I will go too."
"You do not want to ask your mate for his permission?" Valerie grinned.
"I do not need his permission! I only wanted… to advise him. But it is decided, I am going with you!"
"Very well, I will advise Mithrandir to get ready to create a portal tonight. I will let you… inform your mates of your decision."
Galadriel stood and took the time to give a kiss to all the reborn elves before leaving the archery field.
"Oh shit!" Allison swore under her breath. "Glorfindel will be so mad! He will say you have a bad influence on me!"
"Legolas better not say a word to comment this. Not one!"
"More than likely he will not have to, your father-in-law will give you a tongue lashing you will remember until the end of time!"
At twilight that day, a group of elves were on the highest level of the city, grouped around the White Wizard. Valerie and Allison's families, some people from Imladris and Greenwood, the rulers of Lothlorien and their Marchwarden were in attendance. Aragorn, Imrahil and Gilrin and their children were also there.
Valerie was standing beside Thranduil who had, as expected, very badly reacted to her newest adventure. Legolas on the other hand, had kept his mouth carefully shut. She had read his mind nevertheless, but could she blame him for his unspoken thoughts? At least, he was keeping them to himself!
Phoebe was trying to convince her to bring her bow, at least, if she did not want to bring a firearm. Tired of her insistence, Valerie took the bow from her hands and turned her back on her daughter. Honestly, what dangers could be waiting for her on the other side of that portal? She was not going to the Far West!
"It is a good thing that you were able to convince your naneth to bring her bow. Do not feel affronted by her attitude," a voice said behind Phoebe. She gritted her teeth. Would this ellon ever leave her alone? Ever since their arrival in Minas Tirith, Erestor had kept bothering her with his unsolicited attentions. Thank the Valar, Elladan had not noticed how Erestor was always in her vicinity! Where was her lover right now? She realized he was within earshot, but paying attention to the wizard chanting the spell to create the portal.
"I am not offended by my mother's behavior. It is understandable under the circumstances."
"True. I never understood the warriors' way of thinking. It seems that they act before reasoning. Your father should never have taken such a decision before discussing it with your naneth. Such crises are also bound to happen to you. Maybe you should… reflect more on your desire to bond with a warrior. Scholars can be very passionate as well, and are, thank Eru, more attuned to their mate's logic."
"I am a warrior myself, Lord Erestor. Maybe I am the one who will make the impulsive decisions."
"You are making my case even easier to plead. Two strong-willed warriors cannot live a peaceful life. On the other hand, with a scholar…"
Phoebe felt his warm breath against her ear. She kept staring ahead, keeping a tight control on her reaction. The ellon was now so close to her, she did not know how to move without bringing everyone's attention on them. She did not want to have bloodshed on her conscience.
"I love Elladan with all my heart," she whispered, hoping he would leave her alone. "It is with him that I wish to spend my life. Please understand that at once."
"You have barely known anyone else," Erestor continued to argue. "Since your tender years, he has been hovering above you, making sure that no one was able to approach you. He made sure that outside of your family, he was the only ellon you could trust. And once you became of age, he was your obvious choice for bed play. But you have not known anyone else. What if he is not truly your mate? What if he is just your first lover? Should you not try to be with another ellon, just to make sure that you do not want to be with someone else? Maybe you will discover that he is your mate, and maybe… you will discover that he is not."
"And are you applying for the honor of bedding my fiancée, Lord Erestor?"
Both Phoebe and Erestor froze. Although his question had been whispered, it was clear that Elladan was beyond enraged. Phoebe turned her head around and saw that Elladan was standing behind them, his hand menacingly caressing the hilt of his sword. To make matters worse, his father and brother were standing behind Elladan, and their expressions told her that they had also heard their conversation. Could she be more humiliated? Everyone would think that she was listening to Erestor and considering his suggestion.
She turned her head back in the direction of the portal that had now appeared in front of their group. Her mother was about to disappear in their original world for a few hours. She had other things to worry about than an ellon who could not take no for an answer and her jealous lover. "Even if he was," she said to Elladan with an indifferent voice, "it would not change the fact that I am not interested. Do as you please with Lord Erestor. I could not care less. Please leave me be with my mother."
She left them and walked towards Valerie, who was saying goodbye to her family. Thranduil was trying not to show his concern but failed miserably at it. Everyone could see how worried he was about Valerie crossing the portal. Phoebe kissed her mother and backed away to stand beside her grandsire. She leaned against the Elvenking, who let her display her support in public without saying a word.
Valerie turned to Legolas last, and people who knew her very well could tell she was nervous despite her courageous attitude.
"I will be back soon," Valerie told Legolas.
"I will be right here waiting for you," was her mate's reply. "Please be careful."
She almost made a move to hug him, but stopped at the last minute. Phoebe rolled her eyes while Thranduil sighed. Valerie was still sulking. What would Legolas have to do to earn her forgiveness?
Valerie called Allison, who was hugging Glorfindel one last time. Allison walked to her sister, obviously terrified. Valerie nocked an arrow and took a defensive stance, before slowly walking in the portal. She disappeared and Allison, after one last hesitation, followed her.
Many people decided to leave the area, intending to come back two hours later. The close families of the two ellith remained, uncomfortable with the idea that Valerie and Allison were currently in a different world.
They remained in front of the portal for about an hour, before Phoebe suddenly felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry for the scene earlier," Elladan whispered.
"What happened?" Phoebe noticed that Erestor, Elrond and Elrohir where nowhere to be seen.
"I… forced Erestor to go to his quarters, where we exchanged a few words."
"Only words?"
"No. I must admit that I lost control a bit," he said shamefully. "But Adar stopped me before I hurt the scoundrel too much. But I should never have hurt him in the first place, he is only a scholar."
"A scholar using his tongue like a weapon. He knew what he was risking, Elladan. He got what he deserved, in my humble opinion. I was tired of his attentions."
"And I am tired of ellyn watching you like you are still available. You are not. I want to bind with you as soon as your mother is back. I want to make things official between us. I have waited too many years for the war to end. Now that it is over, I want you to respect your promise to marry me."
"Yes, I will marry you. We will have to speak to my grandsire first. I am unaware of his expectations in regards to the binding of a Greenwood princess. Maybe we -"
Phoebe was interrupted by screams originating from the other side of the portal. Everyone froze for a second, before they distinctively heard Allison's voice screaming for Glorfindel. Much further away came Valerie's voice, desperately calling for Legolas. Both ellith seemed to be in life-threatening danger.
All the elven warriors reacted immediately. They took their weapons and rushed to the portal. Legolas was the first to cross it, closely followed by Phoebe. Glorfindel hit the portal hard as if it was a wall of bricks and fell on his back, groggy. The same fate happened to Thranduil and Hadrian. The three warriors stared at the portal in amazement. Why had Legolas and Phoebe been able to cross it? Elladan came closer to the portal and tried to put his hand through it. It felt like a wall despite the fact that it looked like a veil of water suspended vertically in front of them.
They heard shouts and understood a fight was taking place. Liam took Glorfindel's sword, a decided expression on his features.
"Only the ones that have already been to our world can cross the portal. I must go. I will take care of your mate," he promised to Glorfindel before disappearing in the portal.
Sean swallowed hard, wondering if he was also expected to cross the portal. He had always been a musician and had never actually learned how to fight. Thranduil calmed him down by telling him no one expected him to go fight, that between Legolas, Phoebe and Liam, the ellith should be safe enough. Sean nevertheless promised himself that he would at least try to learn to swordfight, just in case a situation like that happened again. He really was not feeling like a real man right now, with all these warriors staring at him questioningly. Brannor nodded, understanding the silent plea. He would make sure Legolas' second son received a minimum of training sooner rather than later.
All the ellyn and ellith started pacing anxiously in front of the portal, trying to hear what was happening. Lady Galadriel was berating herself, telling Celeborn that she might have been the cause of Valerie and Allison getting hurt.
This one was a long chapter! The next one is almost ready, and the following is being written as you are reading this update. We are getting closer to the end of the story, there will probably only be another 5 chapters before it is over.
The next chapter will cover what happened to Valerie and Allison when they went back to their world. It did not quite go as planned….
WMaldonaldo89: Legolas is in the dog house indeed, but I think Thranduil is even more disappointed than Valerie. But Valerie's adventures back in her world will put things back into perspective.
Gginsc: As you can see, he didn't quite get enough time to explain himself. But Valerie will eventually understand why he did it and the solution of living in Ithilien is a good one that will remove many obstacles.
World-classgeek: I am glad that you enjoyed reading the last few chapters. Unfortunately, Hadrian will need to remain in Middle Earth. Valerie and Legolas staying in Gondor will make things better for him. As for Cad… you will see!
Angel: did you like the new Erestor scene? And yes, Hadrian will have to remain in Middle Earth. I am not sure about a sequel – I am planning to write about the children being adults before the story is over…
Faye50free: they were hoping to leave soon – but with Legolas' oath, they will remain longer in Middle Earth. Thranduil and Valerie will have to accept the consequences…
Ljuhl: glad to hear you liked the last battle scene. There might be a bit more action in the future, but most of the story will be about wrapping up the various plots from now on…
Natasya Ivashkov: this was my longest chapter ever. Hope you liked it and that it was worth the wait!
Hannahhobnob: did you like Erestor's approach, and more importantly, Elladan's reaction? So Haldir now has his mate, I will write about him and Rosswen more in the next chapters.
Aralinn: yes, there will be a wedding for Phoebe and Elladan soon, especially after Erestor's latest attempt to seduce her!
Airbender42: the elfling will be born in two chapters, since the next one will be about what happened in Valerie's world. Stay tuned! Want to make a guess about the gender?
Cecilia2985: glad to hear you liked the battle chapter. Believe it or not, it is very hard to put battle details in writing!
Peridot Eyez: don't worry, you will see Haldir's happy ending. Not sure about a sequel, since I will end the story once the elflings are adults, a bit like in the Haldir sequel. The baby will be born in two chapters - just a little more patience!