Title: Reasons to Hope, Reasons to Live
Chapter: Eleven
Beta Oliwiaroot
Warnings: Mpreg, Character Death (later)
Disclaimer: All of LOTR characters belong to the one and only Tolkein, except for any OCs.
A/N: Okay, I practically went through labour in order to finish this chapter. I hope you like it. And just to clarify something, Legolas is in his tenth month but looks like a seven-month pregnant in human standers since elven pregnancy takes a whole year.
(2) Special thanks to a friend of mine who helped with the birth part.
(3) In my other fic "Chains of Gold", I've decided to spare the life of one of Rivendell's dwellers, but I haven't decided which one. So, I'm taking your votes on who would live; your options are Elladan, Elrohir, Glorfindel, or Erestor. (neither Elrond nor Estel is an option), sorry…
===
Days and weeks passed eventless on the royal couple for a while as they found themselves falling into a consistent pattern of living. Most of their days, they would attend to official affairs and meetings, and then when finding the time, they would have a small walk in the gardens with their friends. However, as Legolas' pregnancy progressed into his tenth month, the blond elf found himself becoming more graceless and everything seemed to exhaust him so fast. Soon, he stopped attending royal affairs and spent most of his time in his chambers or in the company of his brother, the twins, and the members of the fellowship, while Aragorn attended to his royal duties with the Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel, who had arrived a month after the wedding.
Legolas' day would usually begin in the late morning. After breakfast, he would take occasional walks in his private garden. Lunch and dinner were mostly held in his private chambers now, since having to appear for official arrangements was becoming pure torture on his swollen body.
Legolas sighed contentedly as he gazed down at the sight of the gardens beneath the living room's balcony. Winter had arrived weeks ago and the lands were all covered with white snow, yet the climate held a slight warmth to it as if it was still reluctant to let go. The sun shone brightly in the sky, although it was now positioned slightly more to the west. A cool breeze softly stroke against Legolas' face as he stood there; one hand caressing his growing belly gently.
A laugh escaped him when he suddenly felt his baby giving him a slight kick.
'Yes, little one,' he whispered. 'It is a beautiful day, indeed.'
It was a rare moment of peace that Legolas was determined to enjoy.
The blond Prince took a deep breath as his mind drifted away. Two months had passed since he was crowned as Gondor's Prince Consort and many things had changed since. After the wedding, Legolas found himself trapped with many sudden obligations. He had never thought that being the Prince Concert would hold many responsibilities. All he wanted was to be left in peace but due to Aragorn's decision to grant him the same privileges as that of the King's, Legolas found himself obliged to attend meetings and official affairs in court. At first, he tried not to interfere much, but after an incident that took place at one meeting, only three days after their wedding, Gondor's Prince Consort decided not to remain silent.
FLASHBACK
Legolas fought the urge to roll his eyes as he listened to the continuous arguments of the council's lords. It was useless, in his opinion, since they couldn't listen to what the other had to say while they all keep talking at the same time. The blond elf truly came to appreciate Aragorn's unlimited patience.
Soon, the yells subsided as they finally decided to move on, much to his relief.
"What's next, Faramir?" the king asked his steward.
"The restoration of Ithilien."
"Yes," Aragorn nodded, before looking at the lords. "My lords, the restoration of Ithilien is a very important matter. Legolas had suggested asking the woodelves for help. They would—"
"I fail to see the reason why we should ask the elves for help." Lord Mortardur interrupted, shooting Legolas an undignified look before continuing. "I, as well as most of the lords, am not eager to allow other races to take over our lands."
"HOW DARE YOU!" everyone nearly jumped from their seats when Legolas' hand made a hard contact with the wooden table as he stood up, glaring at Mortardur.
Aragorn was about to calm down the enraged elf but Legolas' angry tone made him decided otherwise.
"I have never witness such disrespect from a subject towards their ruler in my entire life." The blond elf hissed. "Not only that you have rudely interrupted your king while he was speaking, your implication that Elessar would surrender part of his kingdom to others could be considered as act of rebellion." Legolas breathed heavily as the fire of his anger blazed anew. "I have suggested to lend Gondor the help of the woodelves in hope to create a place when elves and men can live together in harmony. I wanted the elven race to contribute in restoring Gondor's formal glory." Legolas glared at the stunned lords. "When Aragorn and I first joined, I had expressed my wish to never interfere with Gondor's ruling, because I knew that Aragorn is more than worthy to lead his people to prosperity. I had never imagined though, that his own people didn't have the same faith in their king; a king who risked his life more than once for the sake of Middle-Earth, a king that led his troops into victory at the Black-Gates of Mordor." Legolas took a deep breath before continuing. "Every step that Aragorn had taken was for the benefit of his people, yet you," he glared at Mortardur. "dare to imply otherwise. I—"
"Legolas," Aragorn interrupted him quietly. "that's enough."
The blond elf gave his husband a pointed look before lowering his gaze and sitting down.
A small smile forced itself on the king's lips as a distant memory of a similar situation flashed in his mind.
END OF FLASHBACK
After that meeting, Legolas took more active role in his husband's court. He wasn't going to allow some prejudged mortal men to prevent his husband from achieving the glory he was meant to have.
The blond elf was greatly pleased when the restoration of Ithilien began shortly after. His father had welcomed the idea and sent some elven convoys to Gondor. Faramir, Mallorn, and Elrohir were assigned to carry out the process of supervising the settlement of the wood.
Thinking of Mallorn, Legolas smiled to himself. Elrohir surprised them all when he announced that Mallorn and he were lovers. At first, Legolas had his doubts but Mallorn seemed to be doing fine with his relationship with Elrohir. He wasn't madly in love with the dark-haired elf, Legolas observed, and they fought a lot, but in the end, they seemed to get along fine with each other.
Legolas sighed again, thinking of his own relation. After that kiss in the garden, his husband didn't try anything so direct. Yet, Aragorn was more than generous with small gestures of care and affection he bestowed on him even when they were alone.
Legolas was confused with his husband's sudden behaviour. He had always believed that Aragorn's heart belonged to someone else, so why he was behaving like this. Propping Aragorn's feelings through their bond proved futile as the man guarded his emotions very well.
As for his own feelings, Legolas was even more confused. He wasn't sure how he felt about the man anymore. He was—
'Legolas.' The prince's thoughts were cut by Elladan's voice calling. 'Legolas, where are you?'
'I'm here, Elladan.' Legolas replied as he exited the balcony.
'Brooding again?' Elladan asked. 'Estel thought you might be doing that, so he sent me to fetch you.'
'Where is Aragorn?' Legolas asked.
'He just finished a meeting with his lords,' Elladan replied. 'We decided to enjoy a small picnic in the gardens since today's weather wasn't so cold. Aragorn told me to fetch you while he informed the halflings and Gimli.'
'I see.' Legolas said with a smile. 'Allow me a few moments to change first.' Without waiting for a reply, the elven prince headed to his bedroom.
===
Legolas frowned as he stared at his reflection in the full-length mirror. The shirt, tunic, and leggings he chose to wear weren't comfortable. They all pressed tightly against his growing abdomen. Sighing, the blond elf walked back to his wardrobe and took out a light blue robe. He wasn't very fond of wearing robes in general. They restricted his movements very much, but due to his current state, he was forced to wear them and nothing else. After changing into the robes, Legolas proceeded to comb his hair. Since he hadn't left his chambers today, Legolas left his hair fall freely without its customary braids. He wondered, as he looked into the mirror, if he would just leave it as it was or braid it instead.
'Legolas,' Elladan impatiently called him. 'Aragorn and the others are waiting for us.'
Sighing, Legolas decided to leave his hair unbraided and just hold it off his face with a small silver circlet.
===
When Legolas and Elladan arrived to the gardens, they found Aragorn and fellowship members had already settled down and the halflings had already started eating from the food basket in front of them, Gimli was smoking his pipe while Aragorn stared into the nothingness, seemingly enjoying the view of the gardens.
"We're here." Elladan announced as the two approached.
Aragorn held his breath as he saw his husband in front of him. Legolas had never looked so beautiful, except perhaps, at their weddings. The light blue robes the elf wore and the golden tresses that fell freely to his waist, combined with the effects that the snow and sun created around them added an ethereal glow to him. The king found himself unable to swallow at the sight of his beautiful husband.
"Legolas!" the halflings exclaimed happily as the blond prince sat next to them, while Elladan sat next to Aragorn.
"Good day, friends." Legolas greeted, smiling at his little friends. "Enjoying your lunch?"
"Definitely." Pippin replied. "Do you want some? The cooks had prepared such delicious sandwiches of different flavours."
"Yes, I'd like some." Legolas said, accepting the one Pippin gave him. "Would you like some, Aragorn?" he looked at his husband. He was surprised that the man hadn't acknowledged his or Elladan's presence so far. But, seeing how Aragorn was startled when he spoke to him, Legolas concluded that the man wasn't paying attention to his surroundings.
"Yes, of course." Aragorn mumbled softly, taking a sandwich from the basket.
Watching the man eating, Legolas pondered on his previous thoughts about his husband. To be honest with himself, Legolas knew that he was starting to care for the man in a matter that was more than a friend. They had been married for five months and during that time, Aragorn had been the most loving, caring, and understanding person, he had ever known. Not that it was something strange for the man, but as Legolas' companion, he had been the very considerate and sympathetic; not to mention, the fact he had bravely defended him and his child in front of the Gondorian lords. Legolas found himself wondering if Mallorn's words were turning into truth, and he indeed was starting to fall in love with the man.
Legolas snapped from his thoughts when suddenly he felt a pair of hands on his belly. Looking down, the elf found Pippin and Merry running their hands on his stomach.
"Hey, I felt it." Pippin yelled in triumph as the baby kicked his hand away. "I felt the babe's kick."
"I felt it as well." Merry said, smiling broadly.
Legolas couldn't help but to laugh at the hobbits' antics. "Would you like to feel the babe as well, Frodo and Sam?" he asked the two hobbits.
"No, I'd hate to make you uncomfortable, Legolas." Sam replied with a slight blush, while Frodo nodded his agreement with Sam.
"When will you give birth to the child, Legolas?" Pippin asked.
"It's still rather early, Pippin." Legolas replied.
"Has your daughter told you her name yet, Legolas?" Elladan asked.
The hobbits and the dwarf stared at the dark-haired elf before looking back at Legolas.
"Your child speaks to you, Legolas?" Merry asked in wonder.
"Aye," Aragorn replied, deciding to take part in the going conversation. "Elven mothers share a special bond with their children. They hear their voices when they are in their wombs. And when they are born, they could feel their children's emotions. That's how Legolas knew he's carrying a girl."
The hobbits blinked, trying to digest the information.
"And the children name themselves?" Frodo asked.
"They tell us of the name they desire for themselves." Legolas replied. "However, my daughter hadn't named herself yet."
Silence reigned over the company as they enjoyed the nature around them for a while, before Legolas spoke again, addressing his husband. "I forgot to ask, Aragorn. How was the meeting?"
"You were surely missed at the meeting, Legolas. I could've used one of your outbursts today." The King replied.
"Was is that bad?"
Aragorn nodded.
Legolas gave his husband an apologetic smile. "Any news from Ithilien?" he asked.
Aragorn shook his head. "Not of yet, but I think Elrohir and Mallorn will return soon."
"That's if Mallorn hasn't killed Elrohir yet." Elladan remarked jestingly.
"Elladan," Legolas gave the dark-haired elf a stern look. "Don't say another word against my brother."
"I'm merely pointing the obvious, Legolas." Elladan said innocently. "Haven't you noticed how they always fight with each other over nothing. It is bound that either of them will kill the other at the end."
"I suppose it's better than having Aredhel killing them both." Legolas found himself saying.
"He wouldn't have the time to deal with them." Elladan smirked slyly. "I think his hands are full now, dealing with Carameril [Red Rose]."
"Your intended is in Mirkwood?" the blond prince asked.
Elladan nodded.
Legolas blinked before bursting into laughter. Puzzled Aragorn, Gimli, and halflings stared at the blond elf before looking at Elladan for explanation.
"Mallorn reacted the same way when I told him." Elladan said with a shrug. "But he never explained why."
"That's because you don't know what happens in Mirkwood when your betrothed visits her sister." Legolas said as his laughter ceased.
"So, Carameril is a little attached to her sister." Elladan exclaimed with a little annoyance. "It's only natural that she feels jealous of Aredhel."
"Only a little?" Legolas said, raising an eyebrow. Turning to his husband, Legolas explained. "Lady Carameril dislikes Aredhel because in her opinion he had taken her sister away from her. She never fails to show her dislike to him whenever they are in the same place. But when she visits Mirkwood, it becomes more than a display of resentment. She actually forces Aredhel to sleep in another room while she shares the room with lady Tarawiel."
"Really?" Elladan exclaimed, while Aragorn gave his husband an amused look.
"I think that Aredhel would like to hear about the adjacent rooms you have in Gondor, Aragorn." Legolas remarked.
"Indeed."
"I just hope that they won't stress Tarawiel much, though."
"Umm…Legolas?" Pippin spoke. The hobbits were listening to the conversation, feeling rather left out since the two elves and Aragorn were talking about personal matters.
"Yes, Pippin?" the blond elf asked.
"Would you, please, sing for us?" the young hobbit looked at him pleadingly.
"Oh, Pip, I haven't sung in a long time…"
"Please, Legolas. Sing for us." Merry backed his cousin.
"Yes, Legolas, sing, please." The two other hobbits joined their friends in their request. Legolas looked at Aragorn and Elladan, seeking their help but the two merely smiled at him.
"Alright," Legolas sighed in defeat.
Taking a deep breath, Legolas began to sing. His sweet voice rang through the gardens, lush with life, enchanting all the living creatures that heard it.
Suddenly his song was replaced by a pained gasp as a sharp pain ran through his body. He winced his child started to kick restlessly and vigorously against his stomach.
"Legolas, what's wrong?" Aragorn sprang to his feet and rushed to his husband's side while the rest formed a circle around him.
Legolas bit his lower lip as the pain came as a few waves before it disappeared completely.
"I'm fine." He said, looking up at his husband. "It's gone."
"What happened?"
"I don't know." Legolas replied honestly. "I've been having these pains for a while now and the child would start kicking violently before everything disappears suddenly as if it never were."
"Did you consult Dior about it?"
Legolas nodded. "He said some could experience such thing s during their pregnancy."
"May be Adar should look at him, Aragorn?" Elladan suggested.
"Yes." Aragorn said, still unconvinced.
"I'm fine, Aragorn." Legolas reassured him, smiling. "My daughter hadn't said anything to me. It could be just as Dior said."
"Can't you heal him, strider?" Sam asked.
"I'm sorry, Sam." The man shook his head. "Pregnancy is beyond my expertises, however, Lord Elrond would be a perfect healer to consult."
"There is no need, Aragorn." Legolas protested. "Dior told me it's normal."
"Don't be stubborn, elf." Gimli huffed annoyed.
"Besides, a second opinion won't hurt." Aragorn said. "You, on the meantime, will go and rest in your bed."
"I'm not a child, Elessar." Legolas said stubbornly. " And you're not confining me to my bed."
"You're not in a position to argue, Greenleaf." The King of men stated, raising a dark eyebrow.
Legolas was about to retort when a servant came running, informing that the Lords Mallorn and Elrohir had returned from Ithilien.
"Now that your brother is here, Legolas, maybe I should let him confine you to your bed." Aragorn said in triumph.
Legolas just glared at him.
"Elladan, go ask Lord Elrond to come to our chambers," Aragorn said as he stood up. "Gimli, make sure that Legolas makes it to his bed while I attend to Mallorn and Elrohir." With that, the king left, confidant that his husband would go straight to his bed.
===
Unknown to them, a shadow had been watching the royal couple and their friends from afar. He had carefully chosen his hiding place as to stay away from the elves' senses but still close enough to eavesdrop. A smirk lit up his face as everyone left the gardens, heading back to the castle.
'Soon, Prince Legolas. Your songs will be only for my ears to hear.' He whispered to himself. 'Soon…'
===
Two days later, Legolas burst from his bed with the need to relieve himself. He stumbled, half asleep, towards the bathroom and barely managed to get undressed. Letting out a sigh, he rubbed his eyes slowly trying to wake up.
/This is so futile,/ he sighed sleepily.
Every morning, it was the same pattern. It felt like he had a full bladder, but he only delivered a few drops. After washing and redressing, Gondor's Prince Consort walked back to the bedchamber and returned to his bed. His husband apparently had already left their chambers to attend his kingly duties, but he didn't mind being left alone. Slowly, he stretched and felt his daughter wake up as well; kicking downwards and making him wince in pain. Getting up, Legolas struggled to change his clothes into his daily robes.
It was time to start his day.
Summoning a servant, he asked quietly for his breakfast before walking to stand by the window, looking out. The day seemed to be turning out lovely and he looked forward to having a little walk after breakfast.
As the servant returned, he smiled, seeing the appetizing display of a few dishes, just the right size for him to not lose his appetite. He sat down and started to eat some eggs and bread and drink a cold glass of milk that had a faint taste of strawberries. It was quite delicious. He would have liked another glass but thought of having to visit the bathroom too often was enough for him to not call the servant once more. When he had finished, he got up and put on an over-robe, readying himself for his little walk.
Since he had no desire to see anyone in his way, he went to the living room and opened the secret passage that led him to the elven garden. Opening the door, Legolas stepped out into the sun. He inhaled the fresh air of the morning, feeling a bit hot and sweaty. It wasn't unusual, but his heart rate had increased and he panted a bit, which made him uneasy.
Shaking his head, he continued his way down a specific path in the garden he loved so much. Many things had changed since he was here a few days ago and he enjoyed the little changes. The snow was still covering the ground and was glowing under the warm rays of the sun. The wind was calm and slightly warm to his skin, unlike two days ago.
He was passing a bench when suddenly; he had to grab the iron handle because a wave of dizziness invaded his sense, followed by pain … sharp pain!
It was the same pain that had been invading him for the past two months. Legolas waited for the pain to pass as usual, but much to his distress, the pain only got worse. Frantically, he looked around but there was no one else in the garden. No one usually came to this part of the garden, not since Aragorn had specifically consigned this part for his husband's use only.
'AH ! ... ah...by Elbereth...this is... . aw...just typical,' he breathed with much difficulty only to moan even louder as a new wave of pain was unleashed through his body. Feeling the baby's protesting kicks, his stress level went sky high.
'Don't worry, little sweetheart...' he whispered, placing a reassuring hand on his belly. 'We will be fine...just... fi ...' He began shaking and didn't know if he wanted to stand, sit, or lie down. The intensity of the pain almost froze his ability to think. His eyes widened when a thought passed through his mind.
/No, It must not. / he thought, terrified at the prospect of the birth already taking place. /It is much too soon … Too early ! /
Legolas tried to move back towards the secret door but he had to stop every minute as the stabbing pain sent new attacks, leaving him out of breath.
"Some...body...s-some…" He couldn't even call for help. He was tired and completely alone. He tried to rest against a large tree, but his useless legs couldn't support him, and he slid down to the ground, resting on shaking knees.
/Oh no...Oh, ...this is not happening.../ He collapsed completely on the ground. /Please no! Oh, Valar ! / He panted, tears streaming down his cheeks. /I am giving birth. There is no way back. / He sobbed softly. /Please, / he prayed to all the powers above. /Don't let my baby die. Please, allow my baby to be born as mercifully as possible. / It was a fragile hope he clung onto.
Legolas suddenly screamed as the pain returned in full force, feeling some fluids oozing between his thighs. He felt as if his insides were tearing apart.
He turned on his back, looking up towards the sun, which had moved. He must have been lying on the ground for at least an hour.
The blond elf turned his head, barely able to breathe. Everything happened in slow motion; even his screams. Every contraction seemed to last forever and nothing happened. He waited for his body to work for him, but nothing happened.
He tried hard to reach out to Aragorn, but he felt only tremors and then nothing. It was as if the bond between them had been cut.
"Aragorn..." he whispered, sobbing. 'Please hear me.' If there was ever a time in his relationship with Aragorn where he had needed him the most, this was it. 'Saes!'
===
Aragorn was at a meeting with Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel, and his council when suddenly he stopped talking. Everyone stared at him questioningly as the King of Gondor seemingly lost himself into a trance.
"Estel?" Glorfindel inquired.
"Strange," Aragorn spoke more to himself than to the present. "I...I thought I felt pain. It's as if...I felt Legolas is trying to reach out to me. He's in deep pain." Aragorn's breathing increased as he spoke the last sentence.
"Where could he be at this time of the day?" Glorfindel asked in panic, standing up.
"Perhaps in his chambers?" Faramir suggested. "I don't remember seeing him anywhere today."
Aragorn stood up quickly and stormed out of the meeting room, followed by the elven lords and Faramir. The group set off in a hurry only to find the Prince's chambers empty. Aragorn, very terrified by now, sprang past the others trying to locate his love somewhere else. He tried the royal library but Legolas wasn't there either. The king tried to use his bond with his husband to locate him but the intense pain surging through the bond was fogging his senses. There was one last place Aragorn could think of…
In the halls, they ran into Mallorn, the twins, and the rest of the fellowship, who were quickly informed of the distress. They divided into four parties and went to look for the missing Prince in the different parts of the castle. Hopefully, the search would now be more effective.
Aragorn, followed by Elrond and Glorfindel, stopped in the courtyard and concentrated on the faint beacon of Legolas' calls for help, praying to the Valar to reach his husband on time.
===
Legolas drifted in and out of consciousness while the excruciating pain increased and in the end, he just stared blindly into nothingness.
Nothing seemed to matter now.
He had lost even the ability to scream his pain. He hardly registered when he was finally found by Aragorn and his search party.
===
When Aragorn and his company reached the elven garden, they were greeted with the sight of Legolas sprawled on the cold snow, drenched in sweat and his breathing was fast and shallow.
"Legolas!" Aragorn kneeled beside his husband, but no sound came out of the blond elf. Legolas' eyes were blank and unfocused.
Elrond immediately stripped the Sindarin of his clothing, noticing the stains of blood on the white robes. The Elven lord was shocked at Legolas' condition; he quickly reached between Legolas' legs and found that he hadn't opened enough to deliver the child yet.
"We must get him inside immediately," Elrond said. "He's in labour."
Covering Legolas with the over-robe, Aragorn lifted his frail husband into his arms and carried him to the royal chambers through the secret passage.
Their friends were already waiting in the royal living room when Aragorn arrived carrying Legolas in his arms. All of them were shocked to see Legolas in such condition.
Once in their bedroom, Aragorn arranged his love as comfortably as possible on the bed and sat beside him, while the rest stood around the bed.
In the meantime, Glorfindel hurried to summon Dior while Elrond rushed to his chamber to fetch his tools, ordering for water and clean towels to be delivered. On his arrival, the elven lord shooed everybody except Aragorn out of the room.
Dior came rushing inside the room shortly after and confirmed Legolas' condition; the blond elf was indeed in labour. The two Elven healers both agreed that Legolas was in no condition to push the baby through the newly formed birth canal at this point. He was still in the phase of dilating contractions. Second-stage labour pains were still not due; at least, until he had opened sufficiently. However, the two healers noticed something else.
Elrond and Dior looked worriedly at each other.
/Why was Legolas so weak?/ They both wondered.
At this stage, he shouldn't already be this exhausted. Looking closely at him, Dior noticed Legolas' bluish lips. Following a hunch, he sniffed at his breath and glanced silently at Elrond, who frowned. Then he studied Legolas' eyes and saw the evidence; Legolas had been drugged.
'Something is wrong,' he said.
'We know that already!' Aragorn snapped.
'No, no, no - not the birth, which is obvious; I mean with his highness. I think he's been drugged,' Dior exclaimed.
Aragorn felt anger rise inside of him. Drugged?
Who would do this to his beautiful husband?
"It's impossible!" he exclaimed.
It seemed unfeasible to him that anyone would even think about harming the Elf! His Elf … His husband … His beloved.
He looked at the pitiful sight of his pained life-companion.
Someone apparently had!
"Search the room for anything suspicious." Elrond said. "We'll take care of Legolas."
Aragorn quickly searched the room, noticing the remains of Legolas' breakfast, and among them was the glass of milk. Dior came to him and they both noticed the strange colour in the remains of the milk that had turned the substance purple.
'He's in danger, my Lord,' Dior addressed Elrond in alarm, handing him the glass. 'We must get the child out immediately or we'll lose them both.'
Studying the glass, Elrond nodded, radiating calmness. He had a good speculation on the nature of the drug that had been used.
Aragorn watched as his father started to disinfect a few instruments that the king didn't even want to know their purpose.
"Can you save them?" he asked in a small voice. He looked down, knowing how stupid his question must have sounded. Of course, Elrond was going to save his family if it was possible; but he was so scared, his insides felt like a knot of pain.
Legolas watched them through half-lidded eyes. He saw and heard everything around him, but the sights and the words held no meaning. He was numb to the futile contractions; they somehow seemed normal to him. If anything changed now, he knew he couldn't handle it. If he were to die, now, he couldn't care less really and the fact that he was having his child was becoming surreal as well. It was as if the birth was separated from the pain. He didn't care. All that mattered was the pain. This was the only thing that kept him conscious.
Elrond shared a look with Dior, once more thinking the same thing. Both of them recognized the drug and knew exactly its effects.
In Legolas' case, the drug would prevent the dilating contractions to work normally, and thus trapping the baby in the birth canal. There was no chance for Legolas to give birth naturally now.
As if confirming the healers' suspicions, unclear fluids washed down Legolas' thighs all of a sudden, much earlier than they should.
There was only one option now. Elrond and Dior knew it. Without the amniotic fluids, the baby had to be born quickly as the unclear colour indicated how seriously stressed the baby's condition was.
Glancing at the streams of sweat running down the young Elf's face, Elrond swallowed visibly. He would have to work fast but he wasn't sure how much pain Legolas could take at this point. Looking at the small knife in his hands, he closed his eyes. Having to inflict this kind of pain on top of what the Sindarin Elf had been through already was cruel to even think about; but now Legolas' life depended upon it.
The drug coursing through Legolas' body right now would neutralize any pain-relievers Elrond could master. The young prince would have to experience the *chiurgery with nothing to aid him but the relievers his own body produced.
In a monotone voice, he commanded Aragorn to step onto the bed and gather Legolas in his arms, literally pinning him down by his wrists.
Aragorn stared at his father in fear, his grey eyes shining in confusion. His mind was still in the progress of absorbing what was happening around him. The fact that his love was in labour at this early time hadn't fully sunk in just yet.
Elrond shook his head at his foster son, murmuring softly, "I'm sorry, Aragorn, but it's the only way."
Silently, Aragorn did as his father ordered. He rested Legolas' head on his chest and held the elf's hands tightly from behind, strapping him firmly between his legs.
When Legolas was stripped completely, the sight of his naked belly caused Aragorn to groan in terror. Somehow, he only now realized that this could be the last moments he'd ever share with his husband. The thoughts of losing Legolas threatened to consume him so he forced them away. He allowed himself to stretch out one hand and touch Legolas' stomach, feeling the contours of the baby's head under his trembling palms. He gritted his teeth and concentrated on the task. He had to believe the child was still alive. Aragorn's eyes filled with tears as his grip unconsciously tightened around Legolas' body.
"Legolas…" he whispered softly into his husband's ear.
Legolas stared stiffly into Elrond's eyes. Luckily, his stomach was too big for him to see what happened to his nether region. He blinked a few times when he noticed Dior standing beside him and began washing his skin.
Legolas closed his eyes, preventing his tears from falling. It was over … he could feel it. He could feel his end approaching with every wave of pain. He was going to die. But before he did, he had to make sure … he had to make sure that his child lived. His and Haldir's child had to live.
"Aragorn," he heaved with difficultly, looking up at his husband. "If anything … happens … to me, will you … take care … of … my baby?"
"Don't say anything, Legolas," Aragorn said, trying his hardest to remain calm and collected. "You need to save your strength."
"Aragorn, promise me...that you'll...take care of...my baby;" Legolas whispered as he fought another wave of contraction. "Promise me...that you'll take care...of my baby...after my death."
"No," Aragorn snapped. "You will not die, Legolas. I will not allow it."
"Promise me, Aragorn," Legolas insisted. "Please, promise me that you'll take...care of my baby after...my death. That you will...love her as if...she was truly your own."
"I promise you, Legolas," Aragorn whispered as he finally allowed his tears to fall. "I promise you that I'll take care of you both… you and your child. I will not let you die in my arms, Legolas. Do you hear that? I will not let you die. I will not lose you. I will not lose you! " He breathed in despair, holding his husband tightly against his chest.
For a brief moment, Legolas' thoughts were distracted from the pain. Aragorn's powerful emotions surged through their bond and Legolas was overwhelmed with strong emotions of grief, anxiety, anger, concern and … and … love.
Legolas' eyes widened in surprise as he stared up at his husband. It was the first time that Legolas felt such powerful emotion from Aragorn. It was so strong, so pure, so true…
All those thoughts were lost when he, without warning, lost his breath as a new type of pain was added to his misery as a blade cut through the layers of tissue to reach the baby inside. He couldn't even pass out. Something was keeping him conscious and alert. He threw his head back into Aragorn's chest and screamed uncontrollably, tears streaming from his tightly shuteyes.
"ARAGORN!" he cried as he tried to wriggle away. 'NO! It hurts. It hurts...I cannot stand it... SAES! Estel... Saes...'. His exhausted hands crushed Aragorn's with renewed strength he didn't even know he had left. An additional cut was added deeper and, terrified, he realized someone had their hand inside of him…inside the center of his hurting.
'No,' he whimpered weakly as he tried to escape from the surreal feeling of the alien ministrations in his body only to meet Aragorn's strong hands and legs keeping him firmly in place. His screams were heard all over the castle.
Aragorn cried freely now for the cruelty done to his love that caused the birth to take place before its time. The sheer thought of what Elrond had done was close to making him break down. But still he had to look, and seeing Dior's blood-covered hands inside Legolas' body had him close to passing out.
Shortly after, Dior removed a bloody lump and ran to the bathroom to tend the baby, immediately clearing her airways.
Aragorn gasped desperately. "What is happening now?" he asked, looking frantically from Legolas to Elrond to the bathroom. He was desperate for some answers to what was happening, but had to trust that the healers knew what they were doing.
Legolas was close to cramping and Elrond worked as fast as he could to stop the blood. He felt a desperate urge to curse loudly and yell in rage at what he had to do to Legolas now. Again, the drug prevented Legolas' blood from clotting satisfactory so Elrond would have to cauterize the incision or the Elf would bleed to death.
Legolas' semi-inflated stomach gave him visual access to Elrond's hands now. Seeing the hot iron the Lord of Imladris held in his hands had him, despite the pain, buck in protest in his husbands' arms, screaming. Aragorn bit his lip; trying to prevent himself from screaming, in the meanwhile trying to hold Legolas in his place while Elrond disinfected the wound.
As the stench of burned flesh reached his nostrils, Legolas finally passed out.
Taking this opportunity, Elrond cleaned the wound with some salves and bandaged it as fast as he could before Legolas regained his consciousness.
Suddenly, tiny cries of an infant reached everybody's ears and Legolas' eyes shot open, staring wildly into Aragorn's.
'Is...That...?' he heaved with the last resources he had left and this time he sank into a deep, much needed healing sleep.
Aragorn gasped, trying to collect himself. His tears were streaming down his face uncontrollably. Everything had happened so fast. He looked down at his unconscious husband and fought the urge to scream in despair. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he looked up and saw Elrond looking at him in sympathy.
"It's over now, Aragorn," the old Lord whispered soothingly. "Legolas and his baby are safe now. They have been saved."
"Why?" Aragorn whispered. "It was too early. Why did it happen?"
"We will talk about this later, Aragorn," Elrond said softly. "Legolas needs to rest, and so do you."
"Rest?" Aragorn almost snapped at his father for his suggestion. "Do you think after all this; I'll be able to rest?"
"You must, Aragorn," Elrond said calmly. "For Legolas and the baby's sake, you must. You must be strong for them. Legolas will need all the support he can get after what has happened, especially from you. Now, perhaps, if we move Legolas to a cleaner bed?"
Taking several deep breaths, Aragorn finally calmed down. He looked up at his foster father and nodded his head. Dislodging himself from his unconscious husband, Aragon got off the bed and gently lifted Legolas up. The King carried the blond elf to the next bedroom where he laid him down and covered him with the heavy blankets before sitting next to him on the edge of the bed.
Meanwhile, Elrond took the opportunity and picked up the cup the contained the drugged milk. He poured the liquid into an empty vial before slipping it into the folds of his robes and returning the cup to its original place.
At that moment, Dior came in, carrying a towelled bundle in his arms.
Aragorn looked hungrily at the tiny body in Dior's arms as the healer and his foster father entered the chamber he was in.
'Your daughter, my lord.' Dior said softly, handing his charge to Aragorn, who took the tiny body into his arms. A small smile appeared on his face at the sight of beautiful elfling in his hands before closing his eyes as he hugged the precious thing gently to his chest. Tears seeped through his closed eyelashes as he felt that gorgeous feeling of fatherhood filling his soul.
Elrond watched his foster son with a warm smile on his face. If he had any doubts about Aragorn's happiness with Legolas, they had all vanished now.
"Aragorn," he spoke softly. The man looked up at him questioningly. "Stay by Legolas' side, my son. Do not leave him, no matter what happens." Aragorn just nodded before returning his attention to the little bundle of joy in his arms.
Elrond looked at Dior and mentioned to the healer to follow him outside. As they passed it, Elrond made certain that the door that linked the two bedrooms was firmly locked from this side.
'Dior,' Elrond addressed the healer, as the two were about to leave the room. 'Mention nothing about the drug to anyone, do you understand? I don't want anyone to suspect that we've discovered the poison.'
'As you wish, my lord.' With that, the two healers left the room.
===
The situation in the living room wasn't any better from the bedroom. The hobbits sat on the ground crying profusely, fearing for Legolas' life while Gimli sat in one corner with an expression of overwhelming grief on his face; his eyes were glued on the royal bedroom's door. Faramir was standing near the main entrance of the chambers, tapping one foot nervously.
Elladan and Elrohir were sitting on either side of Mallorn, trying miserably to calm the blond elf and prevent him from bursting into the bedroom every time they heard Legolas' screams. Not that Mallorn could've done that. Glorfindel was leaning against the door of the bedroom with his arms crossed in front his chest, daring anyone to even try and get near the door.
Then dead silence befell the place suddenly, which was even more terrifying to everyone.
"Legolas is not dying, is he?" Pippin asked Merry with teary eyes.
"No, he's not." Merry replied sharply. "He's an elf and elves don't die."
Pippin stared back at the door, still unconvinced.
Nine pairs of eyes stared at the closed doors, waiting for either Dior or Lord Elrond to come out but none of them did. The fellowship, along with Faramir, Glorfindel, Mallorn, and the twins were surprised when the two healers came out from the second bedroom instead.
'Lord Elrond,' Mallorn breathed as he stood up. 'Legolas—'
"The Valar has blessed Aragorn and Legolas with a beautiful little princess." Elrond said with a smile. "Both of them are doing well."
Happy cheers were sounded from the young hobbits upon hearing the joyful news. Mallorn's tears of joy streamed uncontrollably as he took Elrohir into a tight hug. Gimli and Faramir exchanged happy smiles.
"Can we see them now?" Pippin asked excitedly. The other three hobbits looked at Elrond with eagerness in their huge eyes.
"I'm afraid not, Master Took." Elrond shook his head. "Legolas is resting after his painful ordeal. Perhaps you can visit them later."
"I'm his brother," Mallorn said demandingly. "I wish to see him now."
"No, Mallorn." Elrond said firmly. "Legolas needs to rest. You'll see him when he's well-rested."
Mallorn wanted to protest but the stern look in Elrond's eyes was enough to silence him.
"Now," the ancient lord spoke. "Lord Faramir, if you please, a servant must be summoned to clean up the bedroom. And of course, an official announcement must be made concerning the birth of the young princess."
"Of course, my lord." Faramir said with a bow before turning around and leaving.
'If you will excuse me, my lord.' Dior said. 'I'll go gather my tools.' With that, the healer hurried back to Aragorn's bedroom as Elrond shooed the rest out of the Royal Wing.
Glorfindel walked to Elrond. 'What has happened to Legolas, my lord?' he asked quietly as soon as Dior left.
Elrond informed the blond lord of the situation. There wasn't any use of hiding anything from him. The blond elf must have at least formed a speculation of what had occurred. Besides, they would surely need the Balrog's slayer's help later.
Glorfindel felt his blood boil in anger. He had suspected as much, seeing the wretched state Legolas was in when they found him. Yet, having his suspicions of a foul play confirmed had enraged the elf beyond words. To use such a cowardly way to take the life of an innocent soul…
'What about Legolas?' Glorfindel found himself asking. 'Are you sure whoever done this wasn't trying to kill Legolas as well?'
Elrond blinked, staring the blond elf in surprise. Now that Glorfindel had mentioned it, Elrond found it strange as he thought of the drug used. Legolas wasn't meant to die, he realized.
'No.' he replied in astonishment. 'Whoever done this, wasn't targeting Legolas.' Shaking his head, Elrond sighed. 'It's no use to discuss such matter now. We'll discuss it later with Elessar. Right now, it's best to leave the three of them in peace.'
Glorfindel nodded. 'I'll stand guard here.' He assured. Smiling, Elrond clasped his shoulder.
'I shall inform the guards not to admit anyone here unless you permit it.' Elrond said before turning around and leaving.
As soon as his lord left, Glorfindel allowed himself to smile slightly as he glanced back at the closed doors of the bedroom where Legolas and Aragorn were.
Making his way to the room, Glorfindel didn't deny himself the small happiness that rose in his chest for his friends' joyous event. Gently, he opened the door and peered inside. The sight that met his eyes made his smile widen. Next to Legolas, a dozing Aragorn was half lying on the large bed, his hands wrapped protectively around the small white bundle in his lap.
'May the Valar keep you safe for all eternity.' The blond lord whispered softly before closing the door.
*Chiurgery: an old term for surgery
To be continued…
*hides under her bed*