Chapter 32 ended with:
Legolas spent the following hours listening to her quiet breathing, caressing his child and kissing Valerie's skin. He could not get enough of her, and would never accept to be separated from her again.
Chapter 33 - Victoria
Aragorn's coronation was taking place that afternoon. The entire city was in uproar, and everywhere, nobles and merchants were running around the city levels, getting ready for the event. Faramir, the new Steward of Gondor after the dramatic passing of his father, had organized everything, from the coronation itself, to the king's wedding and the feast that would follow. The elven delegations had little to prepare, their only worry being to ensure their formal dress was impeccable. Arwen was nervous and slightly terrified, knowing she would get married and be crowned a few minutes after Aragorn became king under the name of Elessar.
Valerie had visited her friend earlier and had helped her calm down as much as she could, but she had had to go back to her own quarters to get her entire family ready. Fingolfin, Ecthelion and Gil-galad were ready and were quietly playing together, while Oropher was nowhere to be found. Elros was being difficult with Legolas who was trying to put a golden circlet on his ebony hair. The elfling kept repeating that he did not want to have anything to do with Legolas and he was moving all around the room trying to avoid his adar. Despite Legolas' multiple attempts to break the wall Elros had put between them, the child was still angry with his father for leaving them for many months.
Valerie was wearing her gown but her hair was not done yet when Phoebe entered the room, carrying Oropher on her shoulder like a sack of potato. The elfling was hysterically laughing.
"Again!" he screamed in delight when she roughly threw him on the bed. His brothers all ran to her, jumping around her and asking for the same treatment. Before Valerie could react, Fingolfin had been lifted from the floor and thrown on the bed, his mithril circlet falling off his head. His laughter could probably be heard up to the lowest levels of Minas Tirith.
"Phoebe! We are due in the courtyard in less than ten minutes, and here you are, disheveling their clothes and hair! Why do you not make yourself useful for once?"
"What can I do?" Phoebe asked, feeling no guilt whatsoever. Her little brothers adored her, she loved them, she would never refuse them anything. Who cared if the little kings showed up disheveled at the coronation? They were children after all.
"I am not sure your grandsire will share your opinion," Valerie answered her daughter's silent question.
"What about?" Legolas asked, curious to know what Phoebe had thought about that Valerie had been able to read in her mind.
"She does not care if her brothers look messy while they attend a coronation."
Legolas snorted. "Make sure Oropher gets dressed immediately, and put Fingolfin's circlet back in place," he asked his daughter. "There you go," he told Elros who was now wearing his circlet properly. "Will you give your adar a kiss?"
"No!" Elros pouted.
"Come on, just one. A small small small one," Legolas insisted. "Anywhere you like."
"Anywhere he wants?" Phoebe repeated wickedly. "Elros, why don't you kiss him on the elbow or on the nose?"
Elros giggled. "On the knee?" the elfling suggested.
"Or on the chin!" his sister suggested. "Or on his bot-"
"Phoebe! Seriously!" Valerie cut. Her daughter was shameless!
"You can kiss me anywhere you want," Legolas insisted. "But I would prefer on my cheek, with a little hug. I like your hugs, you hold me strongly and I feel your love for me."
Elros stared at Legolas for a few seconds, before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
"And my hug?" Elros sighed as if he was being asked an insupportable task and slowly put his little arms around Legolas' neck. Legolas stood and held him against his chest. "I missed you, little one. I missed you so much."
"Truly?" Elros asked. "You missed me? Why did you not come back home earlier then?"
"Because I had to protect many people, you included. I stayed away so today, everyone can be safe in Middle Earth. Everyone is happy now, and it is a little bit because of me."
In the meantime, everyone had gotten ready, and Thranduil arrived at their door. He inspected everyone and seemed satisfied with his family. "Valerie, your hair is not done?"
"I did not have time!"
"She does not have time for an elaborate hairstyle. A golden circlet on her hair will suffice," Phoebe said, taking it out of the velvet box she had been holding. After this, Valerie was deemed ready by her father-in-law, and the family walked to the lower levels of the city, up to the field in front of the gate where the coronation and wedding would take place. Legolas would not sit with them as he was going to be Aragorn's best man during the wedding.
Their appearance caused a stir, once a chamberlain announced their arrival, naming them one by one. He was reading a paper that had no doubt been written by someone in their entourage, and shouting their names to ensure the crowd would hear him.
"King Thranduil Oropherion of the Woodland Realm, the Princess Valerie of the Woodland Realm, the High King of the Noldor Ereinion Gil-galad Legolasion, the High King of the Noldor Fingolfin Legolasion, King Oropher Legolasion of the Woodland Realm, the King of Numenor Elros Legolasion, the Princess Phoebe Legolasiel of the Woodland Realm, the Prince Sean Legolasion of the Woodland Realm, the Prince Ecthelion of the Woodland Realm, the Prince Liam Legolasion of the Woodland Realm, and Lord Hadrian Legolasion of the Woodland Realm."
Valerie shot a look at her father-in-law, wondering why Hadrian had been singled out as not being a prince but only a lord. Thranduil's expression told her that it had been a decision taken by the chamberlain and not by himself. He must have been aware that Hadrian was a man and not an elf and had assumed that the list had been mistaken.
Under the stares of the crowd, the Greenwood delegation walked in the path until they reached their chairs and they all sat down. Valerie prayed the Valar one last time that her children would behave during the ceremony. When Aragorn appeared, Legolas next to him, she had to hush her youngest sons who were trying to get his attention by calling him and waving at him. A stern look from their grandsire quieted them down more effectively.
Valerie was able to catch Hadrian's attention. "It is okay, Naneth," he silently mouthed to her, referring to his title. It would be best for him if everyone in Minas Tirith knew him to be a man, because this was what he was. Aragorn had spoken to him the day before, assessing if he would be interested in working with him as a close adviser. His knowledge of elves would be precious in the future dealings with the elven realms, and truthfully, Hadrian was happy to know he could make a life for himself without the help of his family. He knew some of his siblings might sail, and his parents would eventually sail too. He did not want to be left behind without purpose in Middle Earth.
Valerie looked around and saw that everyone she knew was there, noting the absence of Erchirion and his wife. They must have left the city at dawn, as promised to Aragorn. Gilrin crossed her gaze and smiled at her, proving that she was not angry at all with Valerie. Imrahil on the other hand, was not as warm in his silent greeting. Lord Elrond was standing near his daughter, and close to him was Lord Erestor, who had a small bandage on his nose, both his eyes bluish and swollen. He stood proudly and looked straight ahead of him, avoiding everyone's gaze. Valerie heard behind her Elladan's snort when Phoebe commented on the appearance of the First Counselor of Imladris.
Soon Faramir was asking the crowd to remain silent as the ceremony was about to begin. The coronation was relatively expeditious. Once Faramir had announced the return of the king to the cheering crowd, Frodo Baggins, who was carrying the crown, gave it to Mithrandir who placed it on Aragorn's head. Faramir declared that Aragorn was beginning his reign as King Elessar Telcontar. The crowd cheered once more, for many long minutes, many people crying, unable to believe that the king had finally returned.
The whole thing was done in 15 minutes, including the cheering of the crowd.
"That was quick," Valerie murmured to her father-in-law, dumbfounded. "How long did your coronation last?"
"Three hours. But us elves, we know what decorum is," the Elvenking replied smugly.
"You think he will be a good king?"
"I hope so. But to tell you the truth, the time of the elves in Middle Earth is ending. Now is the time of the dominion of Men. We will be gone, Valerie, when Elessar's descendants will be reigning on the reunited kingdom. Do not worry about Middle Earth, for our time here comes to an end."
"I have no idea how long I will remain here. You will more than likely depart before me…"
"It will only be decades, a few seasons in the life of an immortal…"
Valerie felt a slow wave of pain in her back, which recessed half a minute later. She tried to sit differently on her chair, uncomfortable. She remained vigilant and waited until she felt the same pain again a few minutes later before she whispered to her father-in-law that her labor had more than likely started.
"Let us go back to your apartment," he said.
"It is not too painful yet. I will not be missing Arwen's wedding! Only after she is bound and crowned will I leave. Alright?"
Thranduil looked at the Evenstar, almost glowing under the sunlight in a silvery dress. The new king only had eyes for her, and it was clear that both of them were in a hurry to complete this bond later that evening.
"Fine," the Elvenking grumbled, worried. "With your luck, her wedding will last two hours! I almost wish your waters break so I can force you back to the city."
The wedding took in fact longer than Elessar's coronation itself. Arwen and the new king vowed eternal love to each other, in front of a beaming Mithrandir and a deeply sad Elrond, who was officially losing his daughter as an immortal elf. Legolas was also drawing attention, standing beside Aragorn in his Greenwood ceremonial tunic. He paid attention to the wedding, but kept discreetly watching Valerie with worry. After the renewal of their bond the night before, he was very aware of her current feelings and thoughts.
"I am sure my son is wondering why I am not bringing you back to your room," Thranduil whispered to Valerie. "That is what I would do if you were my wife."
"Luckily for me, I am only your daughter, so I can still do what I want."
"I am your king also. You owe me obedience," he reminded her quietly.
"Oh please," Valerie almost laughed. "You have not served me that argument in years. It never worked before and it will not work today either." She took his hand nevertheless, squeezing it each time she had a contraction. He seemed to appreciate being able to follow the progress. He could see for himself that she was absolutely not about to give birth in public during the king's wedding!
Arwen's crowning followed, and it was a joyful event, the people of Minas Tirith hoping that the new king and queen would soon have heirs to ensure that the line of Isildur would not be broken.
By the time both ceremonies were over, Valerie was very uncomfortable and was wondering how she would climb back all the levels of the city to reach her room without everyone realizing that she was in labor. This was Arwen's day, and she deserved all the attention.
Valerie was soon surrounded by all her children, the youngest speaking all at once about what they had just witnessed. The older ones were standing near Valerie and Thranduil, waiting for them to stand up and follow the procession of people going back to the city.
"Your naneth will wait until the crowd is gone," Thranduil explained.
"We might be late for the feast," Liam mentioned. He wanted to make sure that he would be seated near his lady friend.
"Why do you not carry Mother to the Hall running, while you are at it," Phoebe interrupted with little patience. "It will take the time that it will take. We will not rush Mother to the feast. She is pregnant and deserves not to be treated like she is an inconvenience."
"Your mother will not be attending the feast," Legolas said, having been able to leave the newlywed couple. "She will be with me in her room. She is in labor," he specified when all looked at him questioningly. He turned to his father. "I cannot believe you allowed her to remain here for so long."
That is when all of Valerie's older children realized that she was breathing heavily and her complexion was paler than usual, as if she was in pain.
"I will tell Elrond you will need him," Legolas decided.
"No!" Valerie stopped him. "His daughter got married. Just let my sister know that I need her."
"We should have another elven healer with you. I do not trust these Gondorian healers," Elladan said. "I can be there for you."
Valerie looked at him as if he had grown a second head. "With all due respect, Elladan, you are my future son-in-law, I am not very comfortable with the idea of giving birth in front of you."
Elladan seemed to have expected her argument, because he had another suggestion ready. "Then I insist that my brother attends. Please, humor me!"
"Fine!" she sighed. "Can we leave now?" Her contractions were not getting any easier to bear, and she wanted to be in her room instead of in the middle of a crowd watching their every move and trying to understand their conversation even if it was in Sindarin. Elladan left to find his brother.
"I will inform Faramir that the seating arrangements must be changed," Hadrian said. He had met the new Steward of Gondor the day before and found him an interesting man. "Will anyone attend the feast?"
"We cannot have no one from Greenwood attend the feast," Thranduil said, "some of you will have to attend and represent our realm."
"Liam, Hadrian and Sean can attend," Phoebe suggested. "I am not leaving Mother."
"Send us news. As soon as the baby is born, let us know and we will leave the feast," Liam asked.
The three designated sons walked swiftly to the city, while the two governesses were now taking charge of the five elflings. Legolas lifted Valerie from her seat, and followed by his father and daughter, slowly climbed all the levels leading to their quarters.
Thranduil remained in the boudoir while Legolas and Phoebe brought Valerie to the bedroom, where a cradle had already been placed, a gift from Aragorn. Allison and Elrohir arrived soon after, followed by Elladan who sat with Thranduil, prepared to wait many hours before the arrival of the newest prince or princess of Greenwood.
Both ellyn listened to what was happening in the bedroom, trying to imagine the scene with only the conversations and noises they could hear. It seemed that Allison and Elrohir were getting on each other's nerves, having different opinions about almost everything, from the best position to push to the length of time each push should last. Many times, Phoebe asked if she should fetch Elrond, but both healers were adamant that they were competent and did not need the lord's help. So the annoying comments kept being heard, and it only ended when Legolas threatened them to kick them out of the room so Valerie could give birth alone. After this threat, the cooperation between the two healers improved significantly, at least from what Thranduil and Elladan could hear from the boudoir.
Legolas and Valerie seemed to have settled their disagreements, if the whispered words of love they exchanged between the contractions could be trusted. The couple did not seem frightened by this birth, following the easy birthing of the triplets 11 years before. Legolas came to see his adar and Elladan after an hour to inform them of Valerie's progress, but he was soon called back by his mate who wanted his presence with her at all times.
Valerie was now in a lot of pain and was very pleased when Elrohir told her she was fully dilated.
"Now get this baby out so we can all go to the feast," Phoebe jested.
"I will do my best so you do not miss the third service," Valerie promised sarcastically.
"That would be appreciated," Elladan said from the next room.
"Shut up, Elladan!" Valerie cried with humor. She liked the atmosphere around her. It certainly was not serious, and it helped her deal with the pain much better than the silence and whispers that had come with Elrond's presence when she had given birth to the triplets.
Supported by Legolas in her back, she pushed with all her might, encouraged by her sister and daughter who were each holding one of her hands, and by Elrohir, who was sitting between her legs at the end of the bed.
"The baby is small, it will be easier and quicker," Elrohir promised.
"And there is only one," Allison added. "Before you know it, it will be over. You might even attend the end of the feast yourself if you want."
Valerie laughed between two pushes. "What is it that is so important about this feast that everyone absolutely needs to attend?"
"I heard that Mithrandir will have some of his fireworks after dessert," Elrohir said. "Keep pushing," he commanded. "There you go… I start seeing the head. The baby has lots of hair!"
"What color?" Legolas asked, wondering if all of Valerie's blood children would have her red hair or if he would ever sire an elfling that would resemble him or his family. The fact that even Allison had given birth to a red head was a strong indication that it would probably be the former.
"The hair looks pale, as far as I can tell," Elrohir assessed. "It is not clean right now, but I believe it is golden blonde. Yes, I am sure of it, the baby has Legolas' hair color."
"You heard that, Adar?" Legolas asked out loud, extremely proud.
"Yes," Thranduil replied, very emotional. He had always considered all of Legolas and Valerie's children as his own grandchildren, but this one was very special. The first one of his bloodline. He kept listening closely to what was happening in the room.
"She is doing great," Elladan reassured him.
"I hope. I barely hear any screams or groans. Is it normal? When she gave birth in Greenwood… They must have heard her in Lake-town."
"Valerie has a high tolerance to pain. And she is probably trying her best not to worry Legolas and you, by making sure that she does not express her pain too much. Worry not, if the birth was not going well, Elrohir would have told me by now."
In the room, the joking was continuing. "Do you have a problem with red hair?" Phoebe asked her father with a straight face after seeing his expression of pride about the baby's blond hair. Legolas was not sure if he had insulted her until she started smiling. "I was kidding! If this child can attract less attention than we do, good for him!"
Valerie kept pushing as hard as she could, and Elrohir told her the head was finally out. He was breathing deeply, trying to remain calm, as if something was wrong.
"Is something amiss with the baby?" Allison asked, voicing everyone's concern. "The shape of the baby's head, or the facial features? Please, tell us!"
"She is beautiful," Elrohir said, starting to clean the baby's nose and mouth to ensure the baby was breathing. His hands were trembling and everyone noticed.
"How do you know it is a girl?" Phoebe asked suspiciously. The rest of the baby's body was still in Valerie's body, there was no way that Elrohir could know it was an elleth at that moment.
"Breathe, lovely one, breathe," Elrohir encouraged the child, ignoring the people around him, including the birthing mother, who did not know if she had to push or not.
"Move aside," Allison commanded to the ellon, desiring to take over since Elrohir displayed such peculiar behavior.
"I am not stepping aside," Elrohir adamantly stated. "Push her out, Valerie, one last strong push! Then I will be able to help her breathe on her own."
Valerie pushed once more at the next contraction, and the baby's shoulders passed the birth canal quickly. Immediately, Elrohir took the baby in his arms and started to massage him. It only took a few seconds for the baby to start crying, but it felt like hours for the worried parents. Everyone relaxed.
"Take care of Valerie," Elrohir asked Allison while he brought the baby with him in the corner of the room where a small table had been prepared with some cleaning sheets and water.
"But I was supposed to take care of the child!" Allison protested.
"Not anymore," Elrohir replied distractedly. "Not now, not ever."
"Elrohir," Valerie pleaded. "Is my baby alright? Is it an ellon or an elleth?"
Legolas left Valerie under Phoebe and Allison's care and walked in the direction of the small table.
"It is an elleth, I told you already," Elrohir said while cleaning the child. "She is perfect. An absolutely perfect little elleth."
Legolas stood beside him by then, and could only agree when he saw the perfect little face, the fuzzy blonde hair and his own blue eyes. "She looks so much like me!" he marveled. There was something of Valerie in the elleth's face, but she had a feminine version of Legolas' striking features. She reminded him greatly of his mother. "Do you mind if my father comes in?" he asked Valerie. "He has to see her!"
While Elrohir had tenderly bathed the child, Valerie had been quickly washed with a cold cloth by Allison and Phoebe, and was now comfortably sitting in her bed, ready to meet her new daughter.
"Yes, your father and Elladan can come in. Valar, how strange is it to have another daughter! I am so used to having ellyn!"
"I loved being your only daughter," Phoebe jested. "It will require some adjustment on my part."
"You hardly ever acted like an elleth," Thranduil said as he appeared in the room with Elladan. "Let us enjoy a little elleth who will like to sing, dance and wear dresses for once!" Both ellyn walked to Valerie first to see if she was well.
"You look good, it seemed like an easy birth," the Elvenking told her while he kissed her forehead. "We barely heard any screams of pain."
"Yes Father, it was not painless but it was an easy enough birth."
Elrohir was done with the bath and had wrapped the child in a warm blanket after having put a little diaper on the child.
"Can I take my daughter now?" Legolas asked with a point of irritation. He was thankful to Elrohir for his help during the delivery, but was starting to find his attitude strange. The healer had not allowed anyone to touch the baby in the past ten minutes, and the Valar knew how many people in the room were eager to hold her. Thranduil was already beside them, almost waiting in line to hold his granddaughter after Legolas.
Elrohir reluctantly gave the child to Legolas, attracting the attention of the Elvenking and Elladan. Legolas did not notice, as he started cooing to his daughter while bringing her to Valerie. Elrohir tried to follow him but could not move away from the table, cornered between a grinning Elladan and a frowning king of Greenwood.
"Please tell me you are jesting," the Elvenking pleaded gloomily. "Please tell me you are only overreacting as a healer who faced an elfling who took a little too long to breathe."
"Oh no, I see it in his eyes, I can feel it in my twin bond with him. My brother will turn into a babysitter for her!" Elladan burst out laughing, using the insulting terminology Elrohir had used in the past to describe his relationship with a young Phoebe.
Legolas was now sitting beside Valerie and delicately transferred his little charge to her. "What are you talking about?" Valerie asked distractedly while she was admiring her daughter.
"Sweet Elbereth! This is absolutely priceless! Elrohir believes the baby is his fëa-mate!" Phoebe guffawed along with Elladan. Allison stifled a laugh. She had spent many years in Imladris hearing Elrohir complain about his brother's relationship with her young niece, and thought the Valar had played a trick on him by making her new niece his fëa-mate. The pendulum had swung back completely!
"Elrohir?" Legolas inquired. "Please speak up. Is it really the case?"
The healer looked at the prince of Greenwood and his mate. They had always been very respectful of Elladan's relationship with Phoebe, encouraging them to get to know each other better and giving Elladan access to his little fëa-mate as much as he wanted. Elladan had practically lived in Greenwood most of Phoebe's life. He now understood how his brother had felt. He could feel a link with the newborn, a link he had felt since he had pulled her out of her mother. She had suddenly become the center of his world, the most important person in his life. She was a few feet away from him, but he was wondering if she was well. She seemed to be, with Valerie cooing to her and telling her that she was the most beautiful little elleth in the world. His attention went back to Legolas, who was still waiting for an answer. The prince did not seem angry or disappointed, just curious. The Elvenking seemed less than pleased, watching him intently with growing impatience.
"Phoebe, please go tell your brothers that we have welcomed a new daughter in our family," Legolas said. "Please bring Elladan with you."
"Absolutely not! I am staying right here. I am not missing a minute of this drama!" she replied with a naughty smile.
"I will go," Allison said. Her work was done here, and she could join the Imladris delegation and tell everyone the good news. She wanted to leave before the situation took a dramatic turn. Elrohir seemed nowhere near being able to explain what was happening. She left, closing the door behind her.
"Come on, Elrohir," Phoebe encouraged the ellon. "Is she, or is she not your fëa-mate? I am dying to know!"
"I am not sure what is going on," he whispered. "I cannot describe this. I do not know what you want me to say."
Valerie lifted her head and looked at him coldly. "Elrohir, leave our quarters right now! I do not want you close to my baby at any time and under any pretense. I am forbidding you to seek her presence, and would appreciate if you left Minas Tirith to go back to Imladris as soon as possible. When my daughter is of age, you will be allowed to visit us. Only then."
Elrohir looked like he had been struck. His skin had paled considerably and his expression took a desperate turn. His gaze went from the child in Valerie's arms to Valerie herself many times, his breathing picking up quickly.
No! he thought. No! Why is Valerie doing this to me? I cannot be separated from her, miss her entire childhood! I need to see her, I want to know that she is well at all times. She will need me with her, like Phoebe needed Elladan! I cannot let Valerie separate us!
Valerie was following his thoughts, and snorted loudly when Elrohir started wondering if he could not simply steal the child away from her parents. "She is his fëa-mate alright!" she said with a sarcastic smile. "Elrohir, please calm down. We will not be asking you to leave. I was testing you."
Her attention went back to the child, as if there was nothing more to talk about. Was this all? Would there really be no questions, no conditions, nothing at all stopping him from being with the child?
"Come, Elrohir," Legolas offered. "Let us enjoy her a little, then my father, and then you can have her back."
"I am holding her too before he gets her back," Phoebe protested.
"I am sure Elrohir will accept to share with the rest of the family, right, Elrohir?" Valerie asked.
"He will have to get used to it," Thranduil commented haughtily. "We are a big family. Newcomers adjust to our family, it is not the other way around."
It was definitely a warning that even if he was the child's fëa-mate, the family would still make the decisions about the child and he would simply have to comply. Elladan smiled encouragingly to Elrohir.
OoOoO
Valerie was sitting on a blanket near the fountain on the highest level of Minas Tirith, Victoria in her arms and her niece Rosswen with them. Brethilon was standing nearby, keeping an eye on the two princesses of Greenwood. After much debating, Valerie had decided to give her daughter her mother's middle name, as it was also fitting with the times, right after the war had been won by their side. Legolas and Thranduil had not seemed disappointed that she had not chosen an elvish name.
Victoria was five days old and Valerie had recovered enough to be planning to attend the binding of Phoebe and Elladan later that day. Thranduil, Phoebe and Allison had organized everything since Valerie was spending most of her time with her youngest children.
Valerie was rocking her daughter while Rosswen was quietly chatting with her. She liked spending time with the child while Allison was organizing Phoebe's wedding. The little elleth was so different than Phoebe at that age!
"Why am I looking like you if you are not my mother?" the child asked her.
"Well, you see, your grandfather had red hair and green eyes. When your mother was born, she did not get his hair or his eyes while I got both. But even if your mother has brown hair, she was able to give you your grandfather's traits."
"No one in Imladris looks like me," Rosswen whined.
"It is not because you are different that you are not good-looking! Look at how beautiful Phoebe is. Unlike your mother and I, she really looks like a true elleth. I am sure you will be as dazzling when you are older. You are already very, very adorable!"
Valerie noticed that Haldir was standing further away, trying to look busy and failing miserably at it. He was simply there to watch the elleth he thought was his fëa-mate. Valerie sighed. Between Haldir and Elrohir, their extended family would be very busy dealing with adult fëa-mates watching over their children. It had gone relatively well with Elladan, Valerie admitted to herself. Only because of this good experience were Legolas and Valerie able to deal with Elrohir in such a philosophical manner. But she had a few concerns. Where Elladan was serious and responsible, Elrohir had always been volatile, irritable and generally less mature than his older twin. What would the next 50 years be made of, she had no idea. She would not worry about that, not today of all day, the day where Elladan would finally bind himself to the one he had been waiting for for millennia. But his lot was better than Elrohir's, since Phoebe had become an adult quite early, while Victoria would probably only come of age after five decades.
"Marchwarden, why don't you join us?" Valerie called to the ellon. Haldir did not even try to hide his excitement. He probably had been waiting for this unhoped-for invitation. He quickly joined them and sat beside them.
"Rosswen, this is Haldir, the Marchwarden of Lothlorien. He is the Captain of that realm," she explained to the child.
"I remember you," Rosswen told Haldir. "You were with us when we traveled here. You are a captain like my adar?"
"Yes, although as a soldier, your father is incomparable."
"Haldir is also well-known for his exploits," Valerie commented. "He is a very courageous and strong warrior." She suddenly felt like she was a matchmaker, and decided to let them talk without interfering in the discussion.
Rosswen looked at Haldir with interest. "Have you ever killed orcs and gobelins? Because my ada has killed many of them to protect Imladris."
"I have killed orcs and gobelins, yes."
"Have you killed a balrog?"
"I am afraid I have not. Very few people have fought balrogs." Haldir almost sounded regretful.
"My adar fought a balrog. He says my cousin Ecthelion killed three. How is that possible for one so little? He is my age!"
"I will explain it to you later, when you are older," Valerie said, kissing her niece on her forehead. "Now, would you like to hold your cousin Victoria for a little while?"
Completely forgetting about her questions, the little elleth nodded, opening her arms to receive the precious child. Valerie made sure that she was holding her daughter properly before looking at Haldir.
"You will have to... make your claim, sooner rather than later, Haldir. Do not let them find out by themselves, their reaction might be different than if you are honest about it from the start."
"I am not sure that the parents will be as comfortable with the situation as you have been yourself... twice I might add."
"They are familiar with the idea, since they have seen it happen in the family. Ask for the support of Lady Galadriel if you think it might help."
"I love Lady Galadriel. She is beautiful!" Rosswen said. "Victoria is beautiful too, do you not think, Haldir?" She already seemed comfortable with Haldir, something remarkable considering how aloof he usually was.
"Yes, Victoria is very beautiful."
"She has blonde hair. Do you prefer blonde hair or red hair?"
Valerie smiled wickedly, defying him to tell the truth.
"I actually... like red hair very much." Haldir was avoiding Valerie's gaze.
"Oh, so you find Aunt Valerie and Cousin Phoebe beautiful?"
"They are... attractive, yes."
"On this mortifying note for you, Haldir, we must take our leave. We have to get ready for the binding. Will you be attending?" Valerie asked.
"I will be there with my lord and lady. I have known their grandsons for a long time; I would never miss Elladan's binding."
"We will see you later, then. Rosswen? Are you ready to go?"
OoOoO
"If you or I had been in charge, this wedding would have been much different."
Valerie rolled her eyes. Thranduil had spent the last half hour complaining about the organization of Phoebe's wedding, blaming Allison and Phoebe for their lack of judgment and taste. It was a miracle that his tirade was not waking Victoria, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms.
"The lack of splendor that should have been present when a Greenwood princess gets married…"
"She is a warrior before being a princess. At least she was wearing a dress."
"A simple one."
"But it was a dress, Father."
"There should have been more people invited to witness their binding, their vows."
"They have been lovers for many years. It was hardly a secret. And they invited the people who are dear to their hearts. I personally do not believe that inviting Gondorian nobles was the way to go."
"You better get used to these Gondorian nobles," the Elvenking said darkly.
Valerie looked elsewhere, knowing he was right. She hated the attention she attracted, but if she were to remain in Gondor for many years, she would end up with very little elven friends around her. She would have to somehow find a way to connect with these people, who were suspicious of elves.
"When… when will you be leaving?" she asked her father-in-law.
"Within the week. I need to get back to Greenwood. I do not suppose that you will come back with me?"
"I better not. If I got back, it will be much harder to come back here. Probably impossible. I have grown… very attached to the fortress. It is breaking my heart to know I might not see it again."
"Why not? Will you not visit me?"
"Father, in how many years will you be sailing? Five? Six at the most? It was so hard to travel down here with the children, and now, with Victoria…"
"I understand."
"But you will come back to see us, right? Please!" she pleaded. "I need to know that you will come back to see us at least once before… before you sail."
"Valerie, I would never leave Middle Earth definitively without seeing you once more. And I might even try to stay longer than 5 years… But I cannot promise anything. The call of the sea is getting stronger with every passing day."
"Will you send me my belongings, the kids' and Legolas'?"
"Legolas can come pick up his belongings himself," the king replied with humor.
"I would rather keep my husband within my eyesight. Who knows what foolish decisions he could make if he went on such a long trip without me again!"
"You are right, I will send his belongings along with yours, but only for your sake. Now you must go get Elros and Ecthelion. They seem to have set their minds on sleeping in Phoebe and Elladan's room tonight. Watch Elladan's expression. It is obvious that he will not indulge them, not tonight of all nights."
"Elros is still difficult with Legolas. Maybe I can offer him to start the night in my bed instead."
"They can come into my room. It is my last chance of spending some time with them before I go."
"Good idea. They will not understand why you leave us behind."
"You have not told them yet?"
"I know not how to tell them that you are leaving and that we are stuck here. I feel like letting Legolas tell them himself since it is his decision, but I doubt he will find the right words. And Elros will be so angry with him again."
"We should do it together. Tomorrow, at breakfast. They also need to know that Phoebe and Elladan plan to go to Imladris for a few years, preparing for Elrond's departure."
"Liam told me last night that he is considering going with them. He wants to spend time with Erestor before he leaves, and with Helethil."
"What do you think of her?" A few days before, Liam had finally officially introduced them to the dark-haired Imladris scholar that was now his lover. She was the one he had met when he was still a teenager.
"She is a scholar," Valerie sighed. "We have very little in common. But Liam and her seem to connect. They talk for hours about matters of little interest to me. He seems very taken with her."
In fact, she could not understand Liam's infatuation with her. Helethil was very serious, solemn and full of wisdom. Valerie, who was used to being surrounded by warriors in a realm in constant survival mode, found she had little to discuss with her. Helethil was extremely knowledgeable about elven history and only on that subject did she start showing some passion. But the elleth did not seem to like being around so many children, could not understand why Valerie liked archery and even told her once that she thought it was disgraceful for an elleth to walk around with a bow. Hearing this, Phoebe had immediately started to dislike Helethil. As a result, for the first time since her older children had become adults, Valerie had experienced the unpleasantness of family quarrels.
"I feel like my family is falling apart. We are all going our separate ways."
"Only two of your children are leaving you. I am losing my only son."
"He spent almost 2,200 years with you! This is hardly comparable!"
"I am teasing you. Things are changing, Valerie. The world is changing. Soon, elves will no longer be welcome here. Prepare yourself for this. Your children will leave you to sail one after the other, until we all are reunited in Valinor, only the Valar knows when."
"Hadrian will not be there."
"No, he will not. Prepare yourself for this too, Valerie. The Valar would have made him an immortal by now if it had been their intent. It clearly is not. You might have another four to five decades with him at the most. Do not waste them worrying about Helethil and Liam. You will have an eternity to worry about this. Concentrate your energies on raising your youngest children, Elbereth knows how busy you will be with six of them and no governess, and on spending as much time as possible with Hadrian. You will regret it later if you do not."
"I will follow your advice, Father. I promise."
In the next chapter, people start leaving Valerie for various reasons, and some departures will be harder than others. I will also do another time jump. Prepare yourself for a sad chapter...
Natasya Ivashkov: John never really liked Valerie, he was ready to do anything to be ever-young like her and commercialize that – even hurting her... Are you happy with Elrohir's mate?
Glory Bee: John Junior cannot disappear without extensive researches being done very quickly. His car is that Valerie's house... for sure Valerie's mother was found quickly. I never thought of implying she would die alone and her body left for days to rot... Sorry if I gave you that impression!
WMaldonaldo89: I am not sure I understand your comment about the instruction manual... Valerie would never have killed her brother. She did not like him, but she is not like Phoebe, who barely knew John and had no problem with him being dead... You guessed that Elrohir's mate is the baby! Poor him, he always hated how Elladan was with Phoebe, and now... He is in the same boat!
Glassary: I hope you enjoyed the birth! It was a positive scene. But in the next chapter, Valerie starts saying goodbye to people she loves...
hannahhobnob: Legolas would never hesitate to kill for Valerie, even if it is her own brother. Poor Erchirion who was in his way right after John's death though!
Gginsc: I have a few more chapters for you to enjoy before we say goodbye...
Airbender42: we have a few more chapters, but in the next one, Valerie start seeing people she loves leave. It will not be easy.
Celbereth: I admit that I have put Valerie in danger quite frequently in this story. It shouldn't happen so much anymore... :-)
Aralinn: I have a few more chapters to come, I will drag the story a little more. Did you like this chapter?
Angel: do you like Elrohir's mate? He will suffer as much as Elladan. It thought it was a sweet revenge for all his comments about Phoebe and Elladan!
Faye50free: there will be more of Arwen and the elves in the next chapter, as Valerie's life become quieter. I will probably have a long chapter in Valinor...
Guest: thank you for your comments. Yes, I think no one will miss John Junior!
MissShayla: thank you for following the story. I don't think there will be a sequel, since I am planning to cover every possible angle before it is over... But who knows if I won't be inspired by something else soon?
Peridot Eyez: I like throwing Erchirion in the mix regularly. We will see him again a few more times before the story is over...