Disclaimer: I shouldn't have to tell you anymore that I am not Tolkien.

I recently got a review from someone and felt I had to update since I'd let it go so long. So thanks to Wolfy Pup for 'telling' me to get my tush in gear and reading my story.

Chapter 18

Elle walked around the manor lost in thought. She hadn't been able to work properly for some weeks now. Valandil had actually been doing most of the work and, she knew, covering for her lack of productivity. She just couldn't think of what was bothering her so much. And there was a problem; she just couldn't put her finger on it. Elle had tried talking to Valandil about it, but he had told her not to worry too much, they would deal with whatever the problem was when she figured out what it was. She had just given him that look and he had quickly walked away leaving her to think. Haldir would soon be visiting and she had decided to wait to talk to him. Elle was excited about seeing him again. He had left about a week after the wedding, and hadn't returned due to business in Loth Lorien. Haldir also trusted Elle and Valandil to get in touch with him if something was seriously wrong. That had been almost two years ago. She and Haldir had kept up a constant communication. He had said it was because he was interested in what was happening in Limduin, but Elle knew it was because he thought of her as an adopted daughter, without the admitting it. She smiled thinking about him.

A stable boy ran into the house nearing plowing into Gwen who was taking the clean laundry upstairs and looked around. When he saw she was standing next to her study doorway, he slowed down and approached her. "My Lady, Haldir of Lorien was seen at the borders with several other elves."

"Thank you, Bastian. Slow down though, you don't want to hurt yourself or someone else." Bastian smiled nervously. "Yes Lady Elegain." She watched him walk out the front door and giggled when she heard him vault down the manor stairs at a high rate of speed remembering when she was as carefree.

"Shall we meet our returning guests?" Valandil walked down the stairs and held his arm out to her. "Haldir is returning?"

"Yes. He hasn't been here for some time." Elle answered checking her reflection in the mirror.

Valandil watched her. "You are bonded to me and yet you check your reflection for him?"

"It was for you, but if you insist." Elle teased back. She was going to find out who had told Valandil about her crush on Haldir someday, even if it took forever.

The couple moved out onto the stairs and waited patiently for the elves to arrive at the manor. Valandil absently reached for Elle who accepted his embrace leaning against him. Her mind wrapped again around the feeling that something just wasn't sitting right. She was broken out of her revere by Valandil when the riders pulled up in front of the manor.

Elle broke into a grin. "Lord Haldir. Your better have a good reason for staying away from Limduin for so long."

"Lady Elegain." Haldir hugged her tightly. "I would ask why you have not returned to the Golden Woods."

"You know Valandil and I are returning with you for a visit." Elle folded her arms across her chest, waited for a time, then grinned. "I believe you are still without a reason." Elle beamed at seeing Haldir's brothers. "Rumil. Orophin." She hugged each of them.

"Well met, Lord Valandil." Haldir greeted his guardsman with the warrior's arm embrace. "I see you are still unable to keep her under control." The elves laughed musically.

"I heard that." Elle took Valandil's arm and lead the group into the manor followed by more laughter.

LOTR

Haldir paced back and forth across the study in front of the large fireplace. Elle and Valandil sat on a chaise watching him while Orophin and Rumil sat in chairs. The rulers had filled them in on the happenings of the city and any other news they could think of. Everything had been fine until Elle had haltingly told them about her concern she couldn't understand.

"Haldir." Elle watched him in some amusement. When he didn't answer her, she tried again, but a slightly louder tone. "Haldir." He paused to glance at her. "You'll put a track in the rug."

Valandil chuckled quietly, but had started to grow concerned at Elle's insistence that something wasn't right. He had tightened security around the city and started taking rides looking for any signs the guards may have missed. He did not doubt the people, but Elle's fear had caused him to become more concerned. Thus far, there had been nothing out of the ordinary: thieves in the area were not uncommon, and a couple of orc sightings, but there had been no serious problems since the setup of the Limduin guard. He had even taken to teaching an enhanced section of tracking and training in the guard so they would know what to look for in advance.

"My lord, I'm sure the feeling will pass." Elle felt bad about worrying Haldir so soon after his arrival. "It is just a feeling." Valandil looked between Elle and Haldir.

Haldir continued to look at her. "Elle. I would normally agree with you, that the feeling would pass, but the persistence of the feeling is what concerns me. You said it has been several weeks and this feeling is not fading." Haldir creased his brow in thought. "Have you asked Lady Galadriel about this?"

"No. I did not want to trouble her with such trivial nonsense." Elle shook her head.

Valandil reached for her hand. "Elle, if this feeling is so persistent and concerns you so, it may be best to ask for her guidance. If it is not for us to know at this time, she will not reveal it until necessary."

Elle tightened her grip on Valandil. "If you think it is best, I will compose a letter and send it back with when Haldir returns." She looked to Haldir. "Would you take the letter to Lady Galadriel?"

"Compose your letter this evening Elle. I will have one of my guard leave tomorrow morning." Haldir nodded his head.

Elle tried not to show her distress for having mentioned the problem. "Elle, it is time for our evening walk." Valandil glanced over at the three brothers. "Would you like to join us?"

Rumil shook his head and answered for the other elves. "Enjoy the evening." He could see Valandil trying to soothe Elle.

Valandil and Elle walked out of the manor and down the stairs. Elle kept pace with him until she felt they were out of hearing distance. "What do you think?" Elle stopped next to the Pharaohirrim's open paddock. The colt was out at the moment eating grass in the field.

Valandil leaned back against the fence. "I think we should have thought about contacting Lady Galadriel sooner. I'd thought about it, but hoped the feeling would pass."

Neither moved for several minutes then Elle moved closer for comfort. "I don't mean to worry you." She sounded frustrated.

"I am worried only that you are anxious. I wish I could calm your fear." He brushed his hand through her hair before holding her close.

"I worry that you worry too much for me." Elle smiled into his chest.

"I worry that you worry that I worry too much." He laughed into the late evening air.

Elle leaned back. "I think it's been too long since we've sparred. You are trying to best me with words."

"Is that a challenge for tomorrow morning then?" Valandil cheekily grinned down at her.

"It is." Elle's face softened. "Do you know your inner light glows more when you are happy?"

"Really? I never noticed." Valandil shrugged.

"I don't know why you are looking forward to getting bested tomorrow."

LOTR

Elle's letter left early the next morning as the people of the manor were rousing themselves. Elle had just woken up when Valandil bounced into their room.

"Good morning my love." Valandil offered her a warm cup of tea.

Elle rolled her eyes. "Elves."

"We have a date this morning, unless you wish to postpone the inevitable." Valandil sat on the edge of the bed watching Elle move about the room getting ready for the day.

"Ha, ha."

Elle and Valandil retrieved their weapons from the study and walked outside. Elle didn't know it, but Valandil had been watching her closely the last few days. She moved slower than normal and would take naps in the afternoon. To him, she just seemed to be more tired. He began to think the strain of ruling Limduin was beginning to wear on her more than she admitted. He had talked to Haldir last night of his concerns. Haldir agreed with him saying she probably just needed a break. Quietly, Valandil thanked the Valar for their planned trip to Loth Lorien to visit with his family in just a few days.

"Valandil? Are you going to prepare for our spar or daydream all day?" Elle stretched her hands above her head.

"Are you in a hurry to be disarmed?" He teased back removing his cloak from his shoulders. "I have been awake since the sun has risen above Limduin, my love, I have already prepared." That was another issue currently bothering him. Elle and he used to watch the sunrise together at least twice a week. Lately, though, it just hadn't been happening.

Elle placed her cloak on the bench next to Valandil's and moved into the sparring circle. She smiled widely at him. "Shall we?"

Valandil stepped into the circle and both were suddenly on guard. They circled each other slowly looking for an opening to attack. Valandil had to take it easy on her due to his centuries of guarding Lorien's borders. Elle knew he was easy on her, but she always got a great workout so it didn't bother her. Neither had noticed Haldir who was already in the garden eating his breakfast.

"Elle, you're leaving your left side open when you step around." Valandil offered the advice before attacking. The swords clashed in the air as Elle met him and pushed back against his onset. They fought several minutes before Elle stepped backward and fell ending the exercise. "Are you alright?" He offered his hand to her.

Elle swore before pushing his hand away. "Don't." She stood without making eye contact and walked out of the circle leaving her sword and cloak behind. Valandil stood motionless watching her walk away unsure of what had just happened. He heard a shrill whistle from the direction she had just gone, but by the time he had moved to the front of the manor, Elle was riding Pharaohirrim away from the manor at a gallop.

When Elle returned some time later in the late afternoon, she busied herself with Pharaohirrim. Valandil sensed she did not want to be disturbed and respected her wishes by continuing to work on some minor issues regarding Limduin. Haldir, on the other hand, walked across the paddock intending to have several words with her about her behavior.

"Lady Gaealis." Haldir saw her wince at his tone. "Your manner this morning was uncharacteristic of a woman I have watched grow into a ruler, especially against her bonded."

He heard her breath in deeply and raggedly then saw her nod in agreement. She turned her head slightly though she still did not look at him. "Is Valandil very upset with me?"

Haldir raised his eyebrows at the sadness in her voice and the blush creeping into her cheeks. "Elle, Valandil is only confused as to what happened, as am I."

"I don't know myself. I wish I did." She gave a strangled cry. "Haldir, I wish I knew myself."

"Go and speak with him. He is in the study." Haldir took the brush from her taking away her only excuse to sustain the inevitable conversation.

Elle nodded. She moved past him slowly and walked towards the manor. She paused inside the door and decided to change before going to speak with him. Elle opened the door to their room and found Valandil sitting on the bed as though waiting for her.

"Elegain. I had Gwen bring up water for you. I'll leave you to…"

"No. Please don't go." Her voice shook betraying her. "Valandil, I am sorry. I don't know why I behaved as I did." A blush was spreading across her cheeks, but she did not waiver in her eye contact with him. "Please do not be angry with me anymore."

Valandil crossed the room so quickly, Elle thought she had closed her eyes. "I am not angry. Just tell me, what is wrong?"

"I want to move up our departure date to Lorien. I believe we must speak to the Lady of Light. Perhaps she will clear up my confusion… before I hurt you again."

Valandil nodded. "We will leave tomorrow morning. I will speak with Haldir."

Elle held him tighter not letting him go.

LOTRLOTR

Elle and Valandil came down to the study some time later. Haldir watched them and was glad to see they had talked things through. He had grumbled something about the ideas of making up between those bonded which had just caused them to look at each other while stifling laughter. Light rain slapped against the windows as they decided to take dinner in the study. Currently, Elle and Valandil sat comfortably, him reading and her listening to the collected eleven tales. Haldir also sat in the study listening to the book being read out loud. Rumil and Orophin were helping Gwen bring the food in.

Valandil finished the tale he was reading and shut the book as Rumil entered carrying a tray of food. Elle sat up and stretched. "The rain sounds as though it will continue through the night." She began to cut up the food and handing out small plates.

"When was the last time a large storm happened in Limduin?" Rumil seated himself in front of the fire. He had been reading Limduin history lately and found that the writer had written everything down that was even remotely important.

"Some time ago. I remember a thunder storm from when I was a girl. I wasn't allowed out of the house the entire time. We lost several horses from the herd due to rapidly rising water. I think there was one reported to have been struck by lightning." Elle left her plate untouched on the tray. Valandil noticed as well as Haldir. "I'd have to check the records of the city to be sure." She stood picking up the tray. "I believe I will retire for the night. I am tired."

The elves stood up as she left the room. Valandil followed her out of the study. "Elle, are you not going to eat?" Concern covered his face as he watched her.

She smiled warmly at him. "I am just tired my love. It has been a long day." She kissed him softly. "Stay with your friends and talk. It has been too long since you have seen them last."

"I will join you later then." Valandil released her.

LOTR

Elle changed out of her evening wear and put on one of Valandil's comfortable tunics after washing up. She paused by the window looking out into the swirling snow. The night had come on faster due to the darkening clouds with rain. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing the horses and other animals were safely tucked inside the barns. Elle banked the fire for the night and crawled into the warmth of the bed. Her eyes began to feel heavy as she felt the day's worry slip away from her.

Elle opened her eyes a moment later when she heard someone call for her downstairs. She climbed out of bed and wrapped herself in a dressing gown before heading down the stairs. "Valandil?" She looked around expecting to see someone. "Haldir?"

"Elle."

She followed the voice into the library. "Lady Galadriel!" Elle dropped into a bow. "Why was I not told of your arrival? I'm so sorry…"

Galadriel smiled and waved her hand excusing Elle's worries. "I've been waiting to speak with you." Galadriel was seated next to the window outside of which Elle could see the storm had not let up at all.

"My lady, how did you come through the rain and so quickly?" Elle sat across from Galadriel. She paused momentarily.

"My arrival is a trivial matter compared to what we need to discuss." Galadriel poured two cups of warm tea from a pot Elle hadn't noticed before. "I believe you have been sensing something out of the ordinary. Why did you wait so long before saying something to Valandil? Or contacting me?" Galadriel waited.

"I thought the feeling would pass." Elle breathed back the tears.

"You understand that it is not an unpleasant feeling." Galadriel sipped her tea.

Elle nodded still unhappy. "Why do I have this ever persistent feeling? What is it?"

Galadriel laid her hand on top of Elle's.

"Elle." Elle's eyes snapped open and met with Valandil's eyes. "My love, you were talking in your sleep. Was it a good dream?"

LOTR

It had been only hours since her dream the night before, yet Elle had become almost needy of Valandil. He could feel her eyes follow him and she rarely left his side. Valandil wanted to speak to Lady Galadriel as soon as possible, Elle was scaring him in a way he had never felt before.

The next morning he was up before the sun had risen and had everything packed and double checked before the rest of the elves had made their way to breakfast. He was just about to speak to Haldir about the travel when Elle joined him in the dining hall.

"You must be excited to return home, my love. We have not visited in some months." Elle stretched comfortably and leaned against him. "Your family will think I am horrible for keeping you to myself."

He searched her face trying to understand. "They understand I am now a ruler among men and with that comes responsibilities I cannot disregard." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We are leaving soon. Do you have everything?"

Elle thought a moment. "We should return the book we borrowed. I'll go and get it."

"No Elle, go and eat something before we leave. Haldir, will you walk with me?" Valandil rose from his seat as casually as possible.

"Of course." The elder elf followed.

Valandil remained silent until they reached the study where they had left the book sitting on the chaise from the previous night. "Are you sure you don't mind Orophin and Rumil staying behind again?" He picked up the book and shifted it back and forth between his hands.

"Orophin and Rumil would not volunteer if they did not want to stay." Haldir furrowed his brow. "Galadriel will tell you everything when it is time Valandil. Rushing to meet with her will not make her tell you something you are not ready to hear." Haldir watched Valandil's shoulders slump slightly. "You know this."

"Yes."

"Then go to visit your family. When the Lady of Light is ready, she will call for you." Haldir spoke steady and calm. He firmly believed in what he said. They walked into the hall as Elle was coming out of the dining hall. "Lady Elegain, we are ready to ride."

LOTR

The group from Limduin arrived as the sun was preparing to set deep in the Golden woods. Valandil and Elle were greeted by a large group of elves, mostly from Valandil's family as they stopped in front of the stables. Etrania had embraced Elle and the women had begun to talk about happenings since they had seen each other last. Etrania noticed the concerned expression on Valandil's face when the group had arrived and Elle's constant watch over her bonded to make sure he was not far off.

Valstaff had also noticed, but said nothing to his son until they were following the women. "You and Elle are to have a meeting with Galadriel tomorrow eve. She has sent word." He handed a folded piece of parchment to his son. "Are you well?"

"Yes Ada. Something has been troubling Elle for some time and I believe the Lady of Light will aid us in understanding this feeling." Valandil explained for his father. "I confess though. I am concerned for her. It bothers her day and night, relentlessly."

Valstaff watched his son, but could offer nothing on the matter. "Lady Galadriel will know of her troubles my son. All will be well." Valandil just nodded and returned with his father to the group of riders. "You have a guest talan next to the library. We thought you would be comfortable close to home my son."

"Valandil, we must return the book and get another." Elle's appearance had begun to glow in the light of the woods and she looked happier. "Etrania, that book of tales was beautiful. You must recommend something else for us."

LOTR

Elle hummed around the talan she and Valandil were sharing. "Valandil, are you ready?"

Valandil came out of the bedroom straightening his robes. He paused to watch Elle rearrange the vase of flowers he had brought in for her and smiled. "Elle."

"We should be on time." She teased him.

He held out his arm for her and they walked down the stairs to the forest floor. They met other elves as they made their way through the woods. Valandil introduced her to them and they chatted for a few moments, but excused themselves quickly so not to be late for their meeting. They were met at the door of Lady Galadriel's and Lord Celeborn's meeting hall.

"Lord Valandil and Lady Gaealis, rulers of Limduin, welcome. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are awaiting your arrival in the garden." Then handmaid led them through the talan and down a set of stairs opening into a garden Elle had never been in. She bowed to them at the bottom of the stairs and swept her hand to show them which direction to walk.

Valandil nodded to her. "Thank you Eveslyn. It was nice to see you again."

"And you Lord Valandil." The handmaid smiled warmly at them before heading back up the stairs.

Elle watched her curiously. "Do you know her personally? I don't remember meeting her before."

Valandil chuckled. "She is a very good friend of Haldir."

"I did not know he was involved with anyone." Elle blushed thinking about her fascination with him.

"He isn't. They grew up together." Valandil led Elle through the garden. "She has dirt on Haldir from when he was a wild elven child."

Elle giggled at his description of the Lord of the Galadrim. "Haldir?"

"Oh yes. She has some of the best stories about him." Valandil nodded to where Celeborn and Galadriel sat in the garden.

"You really must ask her about the time she and Haldir mistook Celeborn for an orc." Galadriel stood smiling. "Elle, let us walk through the garden. There are some plants I wish to gather." Elle joined her and they moved away from the center of the garden. Galadriel held a basket in her arms. Elle loved to watch the plants reach out to her in an attempt to touch the light of the Lady of the Woods. "Would you mind?" Galadriel held the basket out to her. Elle nodded and took the basket swinging it lightly in her hand. "I believe you are here to ask me about what troubles you and the fears you have about it." Galadriel picked only a few small sprigs to place in the basket. She held up each one to Elle. "This is for strength. This one is for worry, and this last is for energy. Steep these plants together in a tea and drink a small amount at the beginning of each week."

"Why do I feel so afraid?"

"Because you are afraid, and it is normal. I would be concerned if you were not. You will not be able to travel soon so we must say good bye. I will not see you for some time, but if you have questions or run low of these herbs, contact me as always." Galadriel took Elle's hands in hers. "I will think of you often."

Elle blinked back tears. "Thank you."

LOTR

Elle walked back to the center of the garden alone. Celeborn was just getting up from the table where Valandil sat. Before leaving to join his wife deeper in the garden he embraced her. "Good luck Lady Gaealis." He turned to Valandil. "You have my sympathies." He left them alone.

Valandil looked like he was ready to panic. "Elle. Celeborn said Galadriel was giving you herbs for your health. What is going on?"

"We will not be a twosome much longer." Elle let the tears fall down her cheeks. "We are about to become a family."

Celeborn and Galadriel paused to smile at each other when they heard the whoop of surprise and joy come from the garden.

LOTR

Some months later…

Haldir and Valandil walked across the field looking in on the horses. Haldir looked over at his friend as they moved through the herd. Valandil looked tired, even for an elf.

"How does the Lady Elegain fair this morning?" Haldir was looking forward to the birth of the baby. He had been spending more time in Limduin with the permission of the Lady Galadriel. Haldir had never seen a pregnant woman and Elle glowed in her happiness. Unfortunately for Valandil, he was in a constant state of worry about everything Elle did. A few months into her pregnancy, Elle had had to sit Valandil down and explain to him she wouldn't break and he would have to stop trying to restrict her from doing everyday things. Elle had been to see the Limduin's healer, Nanelle and her acolyte Josie, as well as an elven healer, Forsantha, who came to visit with other Limduin elves once a month.

"Elle decided last night that the manor needed a thorough scrubbing. I feel grieved for our house maid Gwen. She has been very understanding of Elle." Valandil ran his hand along the neck of a mare that was following him looking for attention.

"Lord Valandil!" Bastin slid to a stop in front of them and fell onto his butt spooking a couple of the closer horses. "Lady… Lady Elegain…" The boy was panting too hard, but the elves got the message.

Valandil took off at a run back towards the manor. "It's time! Haldir!"

Haldir followed at a walk enjoying Valandil's excitement. "Bastin, please inform the elders of Limduin that the next heir of Limduin will be making an appearance soon." The boy was bouncing along beside Haldir. "There is no reason to rush, I have been told this may take some time."

LOTR

Valandil paced back and forth across the main hall below the stairway leading to the bedroom he shared with Elle. A shrill scream pierced the air. He was about to bolt up the stairs, but he was held back by Haldir who had also begun to pace the hallway.

"She is in trustful hands my friend. Let the healers work their skills." Haldir couldn't blame him, that was the first time Elle had screamed like that.

Valandil looked as though he were going to push his way past him for a moment, but returned to pacing glancing at the door every few feet. "I still do not understand why I am not allowed to be with my wife while our child is being born." Valandil knew he was taking his frustration out on others, but he was beginning to seriously question the decisions of the healers. Minutes later, Elle screamed out again. Valandil swore in elvish as he pushed past Haldir and leapt up the stairs heading towards Elle. Haldir didn't bother to try to stop him, worry was written on his face as well and they hadn't been updated in some time.

Valandil reached the door, but it opened in front of him. Nanell, the healer from Limduin, started in surprise when she saw Valandil, but moved aside to let him in the room. He stalked past her without acknowledging her. The elderly woman turned to smile over the railing at the Limduin elders and Lorien elves. "Lady Gaealis is well, as are the babies."