Chapter 13 – Epilogue
Lûthamar.
A boy. We were blessed with a son.
I watch as Thranduil tosses him up into the air and catches him. He's the last piece we all needed. I know I'd do anything for him and that physical manifestation gives me the assurance that whatever comes, I'm strong enough to face it.
He also restored a piece of Thranduil. He broke through his mask the moment Thranduil laid eyes on him. Thranduil smiles up at Lûthamar and I have a feeling this is how he was when his wife was alive, and Legolas was young.
I think Lûthamar distresses Legolas more than helps him. I hold back a laugh as Legolas moves to intervene every toss Thranduil does. Legolas loves that kid more than anything I've ever seen. I think he can already see Lûthamar's impulsive nature, which he got from me, and therefore has become overprotective.
From his vantage point over Thranduil's head, Lûthamar spots his forgotten wooden sword laying on the ground and points to it excitedly. Thranduil lowers him and Lûthamar bolts for the sword. With it extended in front of him, he charges Thranduil. He dodges a few attacks but lets Lûthamar catch his leg on the third try. He falls dramatically and I roll my eyes. He's going to make my son want to be a guard.
The urge to pee hits me suddenly and I pace a hand on my round stomach before trying to stand. Legolas abandons his watch, rushing over to help me stand. Poor guy can't catch a break. Legolas during my pregnancies is something else to see. I thought he was attentive after I ran away to Mordor? He's more so now.
"I'll be fine. Go away, you don't want to see this." I say hunched over my bucket again. This baby really does want me to starve. Without fail, food triggers the little bundle of joy inside me. It doesn't matter what it is. If it's edible, they want no part of it. My stomach rolls and I grip my bucket.
Legolas startles to my side and collects my hair. He ties it with a ribbon out of the way. Once satisfied, he rubs my back soothingly and kisses my shoulder. I can't put it off any longer and the contents of my stomach empties.
I turn to tell him to go again but he's distraught. As gross as this is I think the idea of being away from me would be actual torture for him. He's just itching to do something to ease my suffering. I guess elves' superior bodies help them deal with the troubles of pregnancy and this is unusual for them to deal with, even if it is normal for humans.
"Thank you, you bring me much comfort." I manage a small smile for him. I watch a fraction of the distress melt from his face and body.
"Do you need something?" He asks quickly, helping me stand. I shake my head.
"No, just the washroom." His expression flashes through concern, disgust, and then lands on resolute. I laugh. "I'm not going to be sick." I assure. "I might even grab a snack on my way back out here." He grimaces at the thought of my snacks.
I'm in the middle of the kitchen crying. I miss home and all the artificial processed foods we had, and takeout. I miss easy food. Everything here takes so long to make. They started making and keeping pickles on hand after my first few meltdowns but now I want peanut butter to dip them in.
"Meleth nin?" Legolas callas and cautiously approaches me. A sob escapes me and he rushes the last few steps to my side. "What is it?"
"We don't have peanut butter." I wipe at my running nose.
"Peanut butter?"
"Yes, you take peanuts and crush them until they become a smooth paste that you can spread on things or dip things in." I say through a sob.
The next day I wobbled into the kitchen to find Legolas with one of the cooks.
"Keep going. She said it should be a smooth paste." Legolas instructs as the chef grinds something in his mortar and pestle.
They both are focused on the bowl and I move closer to see what's got their devotion. The smell of nuts assaults my nose and tears burst out of me. They both look up alarmed. I hobble over to Legolas before he can truly panic.
"Thank you." I say and kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you too." I say and trap the chef in a side hug.
"You're welcome my lady." He says surprised.
I release him and move to the shelf holding my jars of pickles. Smiling I bring a jar back and sit beside the cook. He works the paste a few more minutes before turning the bowl for my inspection.
Perfect!" I say opening my pickles and fishing one out. The watch in fascination and horror as I scoop some of the nut-butter on the pickle and pop it into my mouth.
After doing my business and grabbing an apple, I make my way back outside. Legolas meets me and helps me back to the bench I was previously sitting on. He would probably have carried me if it weren't for the commotion I put up every time he tries.
Legolas holds me princess style on our way to Lord Elrond's guest chamber. He's come to stay for a while until our newest blessing decides to join the outside world. We know I'm pregnant again, that much is clear from the morning sickness, but I don't have the superior senses that elves do so Elrond graciously came back to help us.
"Put me down, I'm too heavy." I complain.
"You are not." He says and continues down the hall.
"I weigh as much as a horse." He represses an amused smile.
"I assure you, you do not." I try to argue with him again, but he beats me to it. "You are forgetting elven strength meleth nin. You are truly no trouble to carry."
I huff but lean my head against his chest. I really am sore and would rather not walk. If he wants to struggle, who am I to stop him. When we get to Lord Elrond's rooms Legolas gently settles me flat on the bed.
"How are you today dear?" He asks.
"Heavy apparently, as a horse." Legolas answers for me, amused with himself. I shoot a glare in his direction.
"Alright," Lord Elrond says trying, and failing, to remain professional. I shoot a glare at him too. "Let's see how the baby is doing." I wait patiently while he scans down my body and stops over my stomach. His brows knit in consideration. "Perhaps I should say babies."
"Really?" I ask in surprise and a hint of excitement. He gives me a small smile and a nod.
"Are you certain?" Legolas asks taking my hand.
"Most definitely." He looks to his palm still hovering over my stomach. "I get the same sense I felt with Elladan and Elrohir. Thought, I think you will be blessed with girls." Twin girls. An image of two blue eyed, blonde haired toddlers fills my mind.
Since then, Legolas has gone around glaring at all the male elves in the kingdom. May Eru be with you two. I wish the twins in my belly luck. Still, it's quite humorous. Aragorn, Arwen, and Audrey came to visit, and Legolas glared at Audrey, a child. I quickly explained our news and Aragorn looked torn between offering congratulations and worry for his son.
When I woke up on Middle-Earth all that time ago I was angry, and even though being dropped here was incredibly difficult, I wouldn't change it for the world. I finally have a place I belong, with people who love and care for me.