Breaking the Barriers

It was during this time that Legolas was helped by Elrond. The Lord of Imladris worked with the young elf of the barrier that was placed in his mind by the Witch-king.

As the weeks went on, Estel stood beside his love watching as Elrond healed him with his healing powers. The moment that Elrond would leave the room, Estel would sit beside Legolas and hold his hand. Legolas would snatch his hand away and turn his back on the man. This brought pain to Estel. He would rush out of the room heading to wherever Glorfindel would be.

It took almost six months for Legolas to recover. These months were hardest on Estel, who had to endure Legolas’ rejection daily. Estel hovered nearby as Elrond employed all his healing powers, and then as soon as his foster father left he would reach for Legolas’ hand, only to have his lover turn away. Elrond had done all he could to remove the barrier that had been placed in the young Elf’s mind. He took Legolas and Estel aside one day and told them that it was now up to them to restore their bond. Only then would Legolas be fully healed.

That night they were together for the first time since the mission began. They made love slowly, feeding each other’s souls and rekindling the light of their bonding. Afterwards they declared their love for one another.

And so they remained together for many long years, traveling through Middle-earth and learning of its peoples. And when the greatest test came, they were ready. The One Ring was destroyed and Legolas and Estel could now enjoy their time together in peace.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This was the last day they would have to be alone with one another. Aragorn had Faramir take his duties(,) and the two lovers took off to their favorite place. It held a pool with a waterfall and a place where they could lie on the ground and dry in the sun after a swim.

Afterwards they unpacked the meal they had brought with them and took turns feeding each other. And when their passion rose they made love to one other. The light that had been inhibited in Legolas burst forth and he glowed more brightly than ever. Finally they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

They each dreamed of a long life together. Legolas dreamt of having a child, and Aragorn dreamt of watching him chase their son around the garden.

At the same time Vairë was weaving a tapestry of a child at play in Gondor. She knew whose it was so she had a smile on her face. It brought her much joy to know that Gondor would have a least one more king after Aragorn left this world.

Lórien was sitting beside her staring off into the distance when something came to him from a vision.

“Excuse me Vairë, but I need to talk with Námo about a vision I just received.”

“Alright, Lórien but come back soon. I have a different tapestry to do later that might interest you,” Vairë said.

“I will return,” Lórien replied. He bowed to the lady and sought out Námo.

Námo was sitting on the side of the fountain in which Ormë had created. Námo turned his head and watched Lórien approach.

“I see you have received word of a dream, my friend.”

“I received a vision from Legolas, mate to Aragorn. He is dreaming of a family that I wish to make come true.” Lórien sat beside Námo on the fountain.

“That is my wish also. Aragorn is to be crowned King tomorrow and he is going to ask Legolas to marry him tonight. He will be consort to the king and tonight I will make his dreams come true. Come, they are asleep right now at the pond. We should make haste and be back before they awaken.” With that said the Valar left the Halls of Waiting and appeared before the two lovers in a wisp of smoke.

Lórien passed his hand over the lovers putting them into a deep sleep. Námo took out a pouch from his robes and opened it. He took a pinch of the powder that was inside and sprinkled it over Legolas, making the skin change back to normal. Then he produced another bag from his robes and sprinkled the dust from it onto Legolas. It made his inner light glow brighter for a few seconds then it disappeared. Námo nodded his head and took his brother's hand and they went back to the Halls.

Legolas and Aragorn woke up from their sleep feeling confused. Aragorn gazed at Legolas and felt that his lover's inner light was different. They both rose into a sitting position looking into each other's eyes.

“Legolas, are you alright?” Aragorn watched as Legolas' hand rubbed his skin.

“Aragorn, my skin is different. It is fair again not the color of that grey tinge that I had before.” Legolas' hand stopped on top of his stomach, sensing something else. “My love, I feel another light inside.” Just then tears escaped his eyes, his stomach rumbled and Legolas turned his head in time to throw up his lunch. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he turned to look at Aragorn.

“Come my love,” Aragorn said standing, “let's get you back to the city and get you checked out. Elves normally don't get sick after eating.” With that said, he whistled for the horses which were followed by the King's guards. “I need to get Legolas back to the city. Could you pack up here?”

“Yes, my lord,” his captain said.

Aragorn got Legolas and they went back together on Brego. They entered the city and made their way to the Houses of Healing. Legolas took his seat on a table and the head healer took a look at Legolas.

“I can't find anything wrong with him. Lady Galadriel arrived this afternoon when you two were out. Maybe she can help us.”

“I will seek out her rooms. She will know what the trouble is.” Aragorn took his love's hand and they went to the guest quarters. When they knocked, Celeborn opened the door.

“Aragorn, come in. What seems to be the matter?” Celeborn shut the door and led them to a couch before a fire. Galadriel, Gandalf, Elrond and Celeborn were the only ones in the room.

“We were at our pond this afternoon and we took a nap.” Aragorn started telling his story. “We woke sometime later and Legolas noticed that his skin has changed back to its original color. Glorfindel told us to watch for this to happen.” Aragorn looked to his love and seeing the nod, proceeded to take his love's tunic off.

"Both Haldir and Glorfindel had told me of these changes but I never knew. Maybe somehow this was to protect you for this stage in your lives." Elrond looked to everyone as he spoke.

Galadriel took a step closer to appear at the skin. She touched him and snatched her hand back feeling a tingle on her fingers. “Something else is at work here. Magic has touched your skin, Legolas. Gandalf can you tell us what is happening?”

“Another thing I should tell you is that Legolas got sick and emptied his stomach. An elf never gets sick.” Aragorn was sitting beside his love rubbing his knuckles, showing his affection.

Gandalf took one look in the young elf's face and noticed a small light in his eyes. “You are right, my Lady, someone has touched him. I think it's the Valar. This magic doesn't seem to belong here in Middle Earth. My Lady, place your hand on his stomach and tell me what you see. Lay down Legolas.”

The young elf did what he was told and laid down on the couch never letting go of his love's hand. He watched as Galadriel trailed her hand over his stomach until she stopped just above his hips. He looked at her and her eyes were wide open.

“Yes, there it is.” Galadriel looked at the two lovers and smiled. “You are with child, Legolas. It is a blessing of the Valar. This is a joyous day. What were the two of you dreaming about when you were sleeping?”

“I was chasing a child around the garden,” Legolas said.

“And I watched you chase him,” added Aragorn. Then it hit him. “I'm going to have a son. I should say we are going to have a son.” Aragorn had the biggest smile on his face. He took his love's face into his hands and lightly kissed him. “We're going to have a child. This is grand news. We will have an heir to the throne.” He kissed his love's fingers showing his affection.

“Yes, my love. But wait! I don't know anything about having a baby. I didn't know that male elves could have children.” He sat upright looking at Elrond.

"I have never seen a male birthing before. I have no records of this ever happening before." Elrond was just as puzzled as Legolas.

“All is well, Legolas.” Galadriel was patting his hand reassuring him. “According to your family history, it is not the first time. Besides, your father is arriving later with his head healer, Lenwë. He is older than your father and he will have all the answers you need to have this baby. But what I can't believe is why you are just now conceiving. Why hasn’t it happened before this?" Galadriel was puzzled over this. "Congratulations, by the way. This is joyous news. Why don't the two of you retire to your rooms and rest before your father shows up.” She watched as Legolas sat up.

“I want to say something first in front of you before we leave.” Aragorn stood up and looked at the three Eldars and the Wizard. Taking a ring out of his pocket he turned and went down on one knee. “Legolas I was planning on doing this later on this evening but now is as good a time as any. I love you. I don't want to share my life with anyone else, only you. You bring light to my life and that is all I need. But since we found out you are with child, it has become the greatest feeling I have ever felt. Legolas, will you marry me?” Aragorn held out his hand and produced a mithril ring with a green stone in the middle in the shape of a leaf. It was customary to have a mithril ring placed on his love's finger before a gold one took its place.

Legolas stared at the ring and felt the love of the man before him. “Yes, I will marry you. You have become my world, Estel. I also love you.” Aragorn slipped on the ring and lightly kissed his love.

The three others in the room smiled. Galadriel shooed the lovers out the door and closed it lightly. She turned and stared at the two males.

“I did not expect that.” Galadriel took a seat on the couch.

Celeborn sat beside her and took her hand into his. “Sometimes the Valar don't show us everything, my love. Sometimes the future is meant to be that, the future. No one knows what happens in the future. Sometimes we see bits and pieces and they don't make sense. We have to take what comes our way. Live each day one day at a time.” Celeborn placed a chaste kiss on her hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Aragorn and Legolas made their way to their chambers. Legolas looked exhausted finding out that he was with child. It had been his greatest dream, well literally. Aragorn led him to the bed, removed his clothes and put a nightshirt on him. They both crawled into bed and rested until dinner was to be served in the Great Hall of Feasts.

Sometime later Aragorn was awakened by a knock on the door. He rose carefully so as not to disturb Legolas. He placed the blanket around his love and closed the door to the bedroom. Making his way to the door, he opened it and there stood Thranduil, King of Mirkwood.

“Come in Your Majesty. Legolas is sleeping right now.” Aragorn ushered in the king and closed the door. They gave each other a hug and made their way to the couch and sat. “How are you? Did you have a good trip? Would you like a glass of wine?” Aragorn proceeded to pour them wine. He never looked at the king.

“Yes I did, Aragorn. Why is my son resting in the middle of the day? He should be out enjoying this beautiful day. Yes, I will have that glass, thank you.” Thranduil looked worried.

“We received news this afternoon from Galadriel that...” Aragorn hesitated. “I'm sorry, it's just hard to believe.” Somehow he couldn't say it. He tried to figure out how to say it.

“What's the matter with my son? He's not fading is he?”

“No, nothing like that. I still can't believe it myself! Galadriel told us that Legolas is with child. We're going to have a baby!” There he said it. Aragorn handed a glass to Thranduil before sitting beside the king.

“This can't be true. It has happened in my family before but that was long ago. How did this happen? I know how it happened but this does not make sense.” Thranduil didn't know what to think, taking a sip of his wine to calm his nerves.

“Gandalf confirmed this afternoon that magic was performed on Legolas while we slept at our private pond. It seems the Valar have intervened and blessed us with a child to continue the line of Kings. There is one problem.” Aragorn looked at the king, checking to see if the information was being accepted. He watched as Thranduil nodded.

“What's that, Aragorn?”

“None of my healers or I know about birthing babies from males. It has never happened in Middle earth before and the books at Lord Elrond's library were vague on the procedures.” They both put their glasses down on the side tables.

“That's alright, my son, I brought Lenwë with me. He is my most trusted healer and he knows how to handle situations like this. He was there when my great grandfather was born. Yes, my great grandfather was born from his father. I thought it would happen with my grandfather, my father(,) and me but it never did. It has been a long time since a child was born from a male. Imagine, I'm going to be a grandfather. This is wonderful news!” Thranduil hugged his law son.

Aragorn didn't know what to do when the king hugged him. He wrapped his arms around his law father and smiled. Breaking off the hug, Aragorn looked into the King's eyes. Just then he heard a door open and Legolas walked into the sitting room.

“Father, what are you doing here?” Legolas ran to his father, sat at his feet and brought his arms around him. “I'm happy to see you. Has Estel told you our news?”

“It's good to see you, too, son and yes he has. This is wonderful.” Thranduil returned the hug. “I was just telling Aragorn that I brought Lenwë with me. He will help when the time comes for you to have this baby.” Thranduil pulled his son to face him. “But you must do exactly as you're told. You never knew this but your great grandfather was the last male to be born from a male. It has never happened since until now. Oh, my son is having a child. Do you know what it is, male or female?”

“No but when we told Galadriel that we both had a dream of a son, I know that is what we will have.” Legolas had his hands in his father's never wanting to let go. “I will be careful, Adar, with our child. There's something else that we should tell you.” Legolas looked to his love and watched the smile grow on Estel's face. “Estel has asked me to marry him and I accepted. I will finally have the family that I always dreamed of.”

Just then Legolas heard a gasp from Estel. “What's the matter, meleth?”

“If we're getting married, how about after my crowning tomorrow? It will be a celebration that Gondor has never seen before. After what has happened, we should rejoice.” Aragorn stood and placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder rubbing it showing affection.

“I think it is a grand idea, love. After we're married we can tell the people of Gondor that I am with child. They will have an heir after all.” Legolas brought his hand up to his shoulder and squeezed the hand there.

“I agree,” Thranduil said. “I found out the hard way to never keep secrets from your people, Aragorn. It somehow backfires later on down the line.”

“Right, I will go to Faramir and inform him about the change. This will give you two time to talk.” Aragorn placed a kiss on the top of his loves head and bowed to the King.

Legolas rose from the floor and sat beside his father. “I'm glad you're here, Ada. How long are you staying?”

“I have to get back to Mirkwood soon. With Galadriel sailing, Celeborn and I have agreed to combine the two realms so there is a lot to do. But I will return for the birth of your baby. I will not miss out on this. I'm leaving Lenwë here to help you with the baby. He knows what to do. Other than that, how are you feeling?” Thranduil was a little worried about leaving his son.

“I'm fine. Now that I know I'm with child, I will have all the love I need. I should tell Gimli about this. He has been a true friend when Estel wasn't there with me. We have become close companions.” Legolas brought his hand to his stomach to feel if it was different. He fell quiet for a bit trying to center his energy. Then he felt it, the extra light within himself.

The king saw the look on his son's face. “What's the matter, son?”

“I can feel the child's light. It is bright inside of me.” A tear slipped from the young elf's eye. He turned to his father and seen the smile.

Thranduil wiped the tear away. He knew it was a tear of happiness. “All will be well, ion nín." He gathered Legolas into his arms and soothed him.

Feeling the arms around him, it made Legolas feel loved. “I love you Ada.”

“I love you, ion nín.” The king pushed a loose hair behind his ear before pulling his son closer. (my son)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Aragorn returned to his chambers. He told Faramir about the change of plans and sent messages to the most important people, inviting them to their quarters after dinner. Upon entering their quarters he saw his love on a lounge on the balcony wrapped in a blanket. He went to Legolas and sat behind him, gathering him in his arms.

“What are you thinking, meleth?” Aragorn asked placing a kiss in his lover's shoulder.

“How much our lives will change now that I'm carrying your child. Before this happened, I thought we would live our lives alone, no children in our future. Now I couldn't be happier, melethron.” Legolas turned his head and kissed his mate. Tears had started to flow down his face but they were happy ones.

“I know what you mean, Legolas. I, too, thought our lives would be just the two of us. Now it's going to be the three of us. I'm so happy. I've asked our loved ones to be here tonight to let them in on our news. I think Gimli will be the happiest knowing that his best friend is going to be an Ada.” Aragorn took his love's face in his hands and asked, “Love, could we make Gimli godfather to our son? It would mean the world to him.”

“I would love that. He is going to be ecstatic when he finds out. This will be great news. How about we get ready for dinner?” Legolas brought his lips to his mate's and kissed him with love.

“That sounds great. We'll dress in our best that we have and go to dinner.”

The two lovers bathed and got ready. Aragorn attended Legolas' hair loving the feel of it going through his fingers. It was like the finest silk. He put warrior braids on the sides and braided the tail into one long braid.

They went to dinner and enjoyed their night with family and friends. Music was played, and women came out to dance, putting on a show for the future king. After a time, Aragorn took his love's hand into his and left the hall. They made their way to their quarters and waited for everyone to show up.

Gandalf was the last person to show up for the little get together. He took a seat by the fire being that it was a little chilly.

Aragorn rose from his chair and cleared his throat. Everyone settled down and waited for the future king to speak.

“Come my love, I want you beside me when we tell them,” he whispered to Legolas. “I've asked you all here to give you two pieces of news.” He looked at his love with a big smile on his face. “A few of you already know so we want to tell the rest. Today Lady Galadriel confirmed that,” he hesitated and looked at Legolas. “She confirmed that Legolas is with child.” He waited for the news to sink into the rest of their friends.

Aragorn watched their friends’ faces and saw as each one grew with smiles and heard congratulations.

“That's not all. I also asked Legolas to marry me. I was planning on doing it tonight, but the news of the baby made me so happy that I just couldn't hold out any longer. Tomorrow after my coronation, Legolas and I are getting married.” Aragorn turned to Elrond. “Father, would it be an imposition to ask that you marry us? You are Peredhil and so will our son so I thought it would be appropriate to ask you to do this for us.” He watched Adar's reaction to the question.

“I would be honored, Estel. This will be my last duty to perform before I sail into the west and I did want to see a king on the throne of Gondor. It would be my honor to do so.”

“Then it's all settled. Within the year an heir to the throne of Gondor will be born.” Aragorn heard a clearing of a throat beside him. He looked at his love and watched as his eyes made their way over to Gimli. “Oh I forgot, my love.” Making his way over to the dwarf, he knelt on the floor and looked into Gimli's eyes. “My friend, I have asked Legolas this request and he has agreed. We would be honored if you would be godfather to our son. You would be the greatest friend our son would ever hope for.” Aragorn watched as a look of shock came over the dwarf's face. Then a single tear made its way down his face and into his beard.

“The honor would be all mine, Aragorn. I would love to be godfather to your son. I could teach him the ways of the dwarves and become his best friend like I did with Legolas. You have made me very happy, my lord.”

Aragorn made his way over to Legolas and saw the tears trail down his face. He brought up his hands and brushed them away, placing a small kiss on his cheeks.

Everyone came over to congratulate Legolas and Aragorn. El and 'Roh were happy to become uncles and to have Legolas as their law brother.

“Legolas,” his father inclined his head, “you are to come with me and Gimli.”

“But why Ada?” Legolas asked.

“Because it is bad luck to be with your future husband on the night before your wedding. We have a lot to do in the morning to get you ready. Now come.” Thranduil held out his hand to his son.

Legolas stared at Aragorn.

“It's a custom for man to do this, my love. We won't be alone for long. As soon as you go to sleep meet me in the field.” He gathered Legolas into his arms and kissed him passionately.

“All right my love. I will meet you in the field.” Legolas kissed his mate back.

Everyone left but the twins.

“What pray tell are you staying for, you two?” Aragorn asked.

“We're to get you ready for the morning,” El stated. “It is up to us to get you into your royal robes that will be delivered in the morning(,) not to mention to keep you from sneaking out to seek your love.” The twins made their way and gave Estel a hug.

“We would like to say that we are very proud of you Estel,” 'Roh said. “We have watched you grow up into a man before our eyes and are pleased at the way you have turned out. You have shown us that you are going to be a great king to this country after all the elves have left Middle Earth.”

“But I don't want you two to leave(,) but I guess I have no choice. I will miss you, my brothers.” Estel brought his arms around the two elves and embraced them.

“Both 'Roh and I have talked and we won't leave until your son takes the throne. We want to enjoy the love of him until he is a man.”

“Thank you. It means a great deal to me. How about we get ready for bed.” Aragorn broke out of his brothers arms. “By the way, where are you sleeping?”

“With you, of course,” El jokingly said. “We did that when you were small. I remember someone that got scared of thunderstorms and would burst into our rooms and crawl into bed with us. You planted yourself between us, under the covers and brought them over your head. You were so sweet.” He kissed his foster brother's cheek.

“I did not!” Aragorn stated. “I just wanted to make sure that you two were all right.” He put on his biggest smile.

“Come,” “Roh asked, “let's go to bed. It's been a long day, and I bet you are tired from all the news that came your way today.” He put his arm around Aragorn's shoulders and they made their way to the bedroom followed by El.

After taking their tunics and leggings off, they all donned nightshirts and entered the bed with a twin on either side of Aragorn. Aragorn curled up to El with 'Roh spooning behind him. They feel asleep quickly. Aragorn, on the other hand had a place to be at that moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Upon entering the field, Aragorn made his way to the blanket that held his love. Upon seeing him, it brought a smile to his lips. He lay down beside his love, putting his head on his chest and wrapping his arm around his waist. They were both dressed in nightshirts.

“I have missed you, my love,” Aragorn silently said.

“I, too, have missed you. I still can't believe I'm carrying your child! This is the greatest surprise to me. I will thank the Valar every day for this miracle.” Legolas was running his hand down his soon-to-be-husband's back. It was making himself relax even further.

“I, also, would like to thank the Valar for this gift. It has been a dream of mine for us to have a family and it has come true. I love you,” Aragorn whispered. He stared at his love before kissing his soft lips.

Feeling the lips caress his made him moan. “I love you, too.” Legolas broke off the kiss before it went any further. He remembered the rule that Aragorn told him about not being able to make love in the field. They were both wrapped around each other and went to sleep. Just being this close brought peace to Legolas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The day of Aragorn's coronation was here. He stood before the mirror dressed in his royal robes. Even he himself was impressed with how he looked. El and Roh took him out of the room and down to the Citadel where he knelt in front of Gandalf at the bottom of the stairs that led to the seat of the King.

All that stood before the throne witnessed the actions more than the words of Gandalf. The people of Gondor watched his lips move as the crown was placed on his head. He rose from the floor and took a breath. He turned to greet his people and applause filled the room. A smile came across his face at the acceptance of Gondor. It was then that he heard the door to the Citadel open and in came Legolas behind his father.

Legolas was adorned in white pearl silk with his princely crown above his brow. He moved forward until he came to the steps. His father stood aside and presented his son.

"Your Majesty, I present to you my son, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. He was bonded to you many years ago in a ceremony of the elves. Do you accept him as your betrothed in a man's realm?"

Aragorn watched as his love's face lit up from the happiness that shone in his eyes.

"Yes. I accept him as my betrothed. He will sit beside me when I rule these great lands." Aragorn reached out his hand and Legolas placed his hand into his. He brought up the elf before him.

Then Lord Elrond took his place where Gandalf had stood.

Aragorn and Legolas pledged their love to one another. They turned to Elrond and he concluded the ceremony.

As Elrond stood to the side, Aragorn stood in front of Legolas. "Legolas, will you kneel before your King?"

"Yes." Legolas knelt before his king and all of Gondor.

"People of Gondor, I, Elessar, descendant of Isildur, your King, will now place a crown on the Prince of Mirkwood and my husband. This crown represents him to be Prince Consort to the realm. He will take my seat in my absence and will sit at my side until the crowning of the next King." With that said, Aragorn placed the crown on Legolas' head.

Legolas stood after the crown was placed and took his place by his husband. He took the hand of his King and followed him to the dais where stood two chairs. Aragorn took the King's chair and Legolas took the one next to it. The Prince Consort took his seat after his King.

All the people that stood in the Citadel bowed before their king and his consort.

"Hail, King Elessar and the Prince Consort." As the crowd said this the people of Gondor on each level bowed even if they were not seen.

Everyone congratulated the married couple and their new King and Consort. When this was done, all left the Citadel and entered the Great Hall of Feasts. There was plenty of food and good wine and ale for everyone. Everyone had a great time as the newly married couple said their goodbyes to the Eldars and their counsel.

Aragorn and Legolas made passionate love that night. Being married in the human way had made their fëar stronger. It brightened the room ten fold and made them more complete than they ever were before. They had agreed to tell the people of Gondor about the child Legolas was carrying. It might be a day late but the people wouldn't know the difference.

As they woke the next morning, they proceeded to make their way to the Great Hall of Feasts to carry out his first morning meal as King.

Upon entering the hall, Lords and Ladies and anyone of importance watched and rose to the royal couple as they ascended the steps to the head table. Before they sat, Aragorn took his husband's hand in his.

"Will everyone take a seat." He watched as everyone sat again. "I would like to thank you all for being here this wonderful morning. The Prince Consort and I would like to say something else to you." Aragorn looked at his husband and saw the nod. The King faced his people again. "This morning we found out that the Prince is expecting a son. You will have a prince born again in this realm by this time next year."

Cheers went up from the people. Some of them had shocked looks on their faces knowing that a Prince of Mirkwood could carry a child. But none the less, there was going to be a child born of royalty after so many years.

News of the Consort's pregnancy spread like wildfire to the lower levels. Everyone rejoiced at the news.

Thranduil stayed for another two weeks and said his goodbyes to his son and law son. Legolas was saddened by this but Thranduil agreed with his son that Lenwë would stay for the coming year until the child would be born.

The year had gone on and King Aragorn ruled and learned about Gondor from his counsellors and his Steward. Legolas stood by his husband's side and helped Aragorn where help was needed.

Thranduil arrived one month before Legolas gave birth. He had kept his promise.

Then came the day of the child's birth. Everything went according to plan. An opening had shown itself just below the sack of Legolas' private area. Their son was born and then he watched as a second child came into view. The healer gave the boy to another healer. It was then that Legolas screamed again. Lenwë told the Prince to push and out came another baby. He placed the child on Legolas and introduced a girl to his Ada. The healer cleaned up Legolas and watched as the opening closed and disappeared. The children were placed in each arm of the prince.

Legolas could not believe his eyes. He had carried twins and did not know it. He looked at Aragorn. The elf watched as tears came down his face at the sight of two children, not just one.

As the years passed, the King and his Consort watched as their children grew and became well educated. The children grew up differently. Eldarion grew up being Peredhil which gave him a longer life. His sister, Nieniella, grew up to be human. So as the twins grew, they were of different sizes. Nieniella looked more like an older sister to her brother. Their son, Eldarion, became the next king of Gondor when his father could no longer rule. Their daughter, Nieniella, married Elfwine, son of King Éomer and Queen Lothíriel of Rohan. And all was well in the land.

*****

THE END