Elves Make For Strange Bedfellows

All was quiet and time seemed to stand still as everyone waited patiently inside of Lord Celeborn’s study for any word on Kimber’s condition. Kimber had been taken straight to her bedchambers where the Lady Galadriel had some of the best healers in Middle Earth waiting to tend to the poor fairy’s wounds. Kimber’s mother, Queen Titania was the only one allowed to remain with her daughter as she was being treated.

Upon seeing her sister bruised and battered body being brought back, Felicity had become hysterical.

“Haldir! My…My…Sister! Look what he has done to my sister!” she cried out as Legolas quickly hurried by cradling Kimber’s limp form in his arms.

Haldir looked away from them, pulling Felicity into a tight embrace, so as to shelter her from the sight any further. He began to feel for Legolas and what all of this must be doing to him. Though soon those feelings of anguish gave way to feelings of guilt as his concern was for Felicity and not Kimber. Haldir looked down to his wife who now was crying hard into his chest. What if had been Felicity? Would he have been able to handle it?

Haldir slowly caressed Felicity’s hair, trying to console the one he loved and cared for so deeply, “Felicity, my verna, I know that you have been through quite a lot today and are very upset over your sister, but you must try and calm down. It will be no good for the baby.” he whispered to her, leaving soft kisses on her forehead, “In fact I am going to go now and arrange to have one of our best mid wives check in on you to make sure that you and the baby are alright.” Haldir stood back from her and looked into her dark, teary eyes, “please my love, go now and rest. I will be there shortly and will make sure that you are notified immediately on Kimber’s condition."

Felicity, though not wanting to give in, decided that maybe Haldir was right. Slowly she nodded her head in agreement and was then seen back to her room by Orophin.

*********

After laying Kimber to down in her bedchambers, Legolas stood silently outside on the study’s balcony. He had not spoken a word to anyone since ordering Puck to go notify the others of their return. His feelings were mixed as he began to feel lost and saddened for his beloved and then at the same time hatred and bitterness toward the wicked being that had violated her. If he only had been there sooner, it would have been him and not Boromir who dealt out the mor’s r’s fate! Though instead of ending his life as quick as Boromir had, Epoloven would have been made to suffer a long, slow, and agonizing death.

Looking back up at the evening sky, Legolas tried to rid himself of the horrible images that flashed through his mind.

“Please Kimber, come back to us, come back to me” he whispered softly into the night wind.

**********

Queen Titania stood back and looked on as the healers finished wrapping Kimber's wounds. Tears slowly trickled down her cheek as she bestowed upon her daughters' weakened state.

“Your highness” Douside, head healer, had now walked up to her, “We have done all that we can do. It is up to your daughter now.”

“Thank you for all you have done,” Titania replied with a half-hearted smile.

Douside returned the smile and gently placed a hand on the Queen’s arm, “My lady, if it comforts you any, please know that I do believe that your daughter will win this battle. She seems to have a strong will. The best you could do for her now is talk to her; encourage her. Let the one’s that she holds most dear to heart be near her, for love far exceeds any medicine we can offer to her now.”

Titania smiled lightly at the words of wisdom that she had received, “Yes, and I will make sure that it is done.”

***********

The study remained unnervingly quiet with the exception of a bit of rumbling noises that could be heard coming from the tummies of four little hobbit tummies every now and then. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had made several attempts to get their grief-stricken guests to eat, but were regretfully turned down on their hospitality. Even the hobbits refused, filled with guilt at thought of filling their growling stomachs whilst their friend lay on in such a darkened state.

Aragorn, concerned with Legolas’ welfare, stood up from his seat and made his way to his friend, who still remained on the balcony.

He stood in the doorway and remained motionless for a moment as he heard Legolas’ pleas being spoken into the cool, dark night.

“Legolas…” Aragorn approached him, placing his hand on the elf’s shoulder.

Legolas let out a strained sigh, “What shall I do Aragorn? What if I lose her?” Legolas turned to look at his friend with distressed look upon his face, “I do not think I will be able to bare the pain…”

“My friend, all we can do now is pray that Kimber will come through. Do not give up on her just yet…You must keep faith in yourself and Kimber if you wish her to come back.” He tried in offering him words of encouragement knowing that if Kimber did not make it the elf’s heart would be broken and he would soon fade from the grief that he felt.

“I want to be with her now…by her side” Legolas paused as he looked down to the ground with a frown, “But I know her father would not let me near her! And I am certain that he is probably blaming all of this on me!”

“Legolas, I am surprised to hear such words from you,” Aragorn looked at him intently, “You have been through so much, and all in one day, that I believe it is making you see things not as they are.”

“And what am I not seeing Aragorn?” Legolas quickly spun around and began to pace back and forth, “Am I not seeing the one that I love is being taken away from me!”

“You are speaking nonsense Legolas, Kimber is not dead. Do not bury her while she still draws breath,” Aragon stated in a soft tone, trying to calm him down.

Legolas stopped short, “I am not burying her! For I know even if she does make it, we shall still be apart just as her father wishes!” Legolas voice raised slightly as he looked to Aragorn with anger. “And the reason why we are apart, is because he believes that I am after his magnificent throne! Well he can keep his throne and his precious kingdom!”


“I am sorry that I have upset you so, for it was not my intention,” Aragorn let out a long sigh as he saw how all of this was now tearing Legolas apart. He offered him a encouraging look before heading back into the study to join the others.

“Aragorn…” Legolas called after him, regret now filling his eyes, “I should be the one apologizing my friend. You were just trying to help and…”

“Legolas, ” Aragorn interrupted holding up his hand, “There are no apologizes needed. I can only imagine what you are going through. But please always remember I am here for you whenever needed.”

Legolas gave Aragorn a small nod before watching him walk back into the study; grateful for the friendship they held between them.

**********

The Queen made her way slowly down the corridor to the bedchambers where she and her husband resided. The King, hearing of what Epoloven had done to his daughter, had remained locked inside their room, staring aimlessly into space. Titania knew the guilt he was now feeling for not only had he let his guard down and allowed Epoloven to manipulate him, he had almost lost his daughter because of it.

“My Queen…” she heard Haldir’s voice call to her, “If I may ask, how is Kimber?” She turned to see the tall Warden descend the steps behind her; his expression was somber.
Titania looked to her future son-in law and gave a small sigh, “The healers have done all that they can. We now must wait and see…” she stopped as she could feel her heart breaking once more for her daughter.

“I am sorry, I did not mean to upset you…” Haldir replied remorsefully.

“You have nothing to apologize for my son,” she offered a small smile, “For I am happy to see that Felicity has found such a thoughtful and adoring husband,” she paused “and soon to be father,” she added.

Of all the things he had been called never before had he heard those words in utterance. He, the March Warden, thoughtful ? adoring ? a father ? Haldir felt a small grin form upon his lips as he replayed each word the Queen had spoken to him

“Oh and speaking of Fity,ity, How is she feeling?” the Queen inquired.

“She did not take the news well,” Haldir replied, “And though she did not want too, I sent her to her bedchamber to rest. I also made sure to have her looked at by a midwife to make sure that she and the baby were well.”

“Oh my…is everything okay?” The Queen was now a little shaken, as she now grew worried for her second daughter and grandchild.

Haldir sensed the Queen’s distress, “Oh I did not mean to worry you, your majesty. Felicity and the baby are doing just fine. In fact, I have just looked in on her and she was resting peacefully.”

“Thank you Haldir for taking such good care of her. I shall peek in on her myself on my way to see the King, that is if it is alright with you?”

Haldir stood silent for the moment. She was asking his permission to see her own daughter? That was the last thing he thought he would hear, especially from a Queen.

“Your Majesty, I would never deny you the right to check in on your own daughter!” he spoke quickly.

“I thank you Haldir, and it would please me from now on if…” Titania paused.

“Anything your Majesty,” Haldir interrupted and slowly bowed down.

“Let me finish” the Queen laughed lightly as she lifted Haldir’s head up to look at her, “as I was saying, it would please me very much if you would call me Mother instead.”

**********

It was mid-evening when Lady Galadriel entered the study where only a few of the Fellowship members remained waiting for any word on Kimber.

A sad smile came upon her face as she saw the four hobbits sitting close to one another on an oversized chair that was placed in front of the large fireplace, the four of them stared almost in a trance at the blazing logs set in the stove.

“My lady,” Gimli bowed when noticing her presence.

The hobbits quickly turned to see the Lady in White standing before them.

“Though I see most of your group has departed, I wanted to inform you on Kimber’s condition before it became too late,” the Lady of the golden wood spoke evenly.

All four of the hobbits eyes grew wide in anticipation of hearing how their friend was faring.

Gimli quickly walked over to Galadriel, taking her hand in his, “My lady, please do tell, for the wait has been taking its toll on all of us,” Gimli half-pleaded looking into her eyes.

“Ah Gimli, son of Gloin” she smiled brightly down at the dwarf before looking to the four hobbits, “and brave hobbits of the Shire, your friend has been healed to the best of our capabilities…”

“Did you hear that Mister Frodo! She has been healed…” Sam blurted out.

“Sam, I do not think that Lady Galadriel was finished with her explanation,” Frodo looked to Galadriel , his blue eyes questioning her, “Please excuse my friend. He is very anxious as are the rest of us.”

Galadriel lightly bowed her head to him, acknowledging his apology before beginning once more, “As I said, she has been healed to the best of our capabilities, but her fight is not over just yet, for she still remains in a deep sleep.”

“Oh my!” Gimli gasped hearing the news.

“My healers have informed both myself, Lord Celeborn and Queen Titania that it remains to be seen if she will awaken.” Galadriel now saw the look of despair upon her guest’s faces, clearly this was not the news they had hoped for “Please, go now and rest your weary hearts and minds, for tomorrow shall bring a new day and the hope of a new future for all.”

“We thank you my lady for your words,” Gimli bowed to her once more before watching her leave the study. He turned to see the halflings, heartbroken and full of much grief, “Come now hobbits, and let us take the Lady’s advice, for it has been a long day for all of us.”

The Hobbits nodded their heads in unison before standing and making their way back to their sleeping tents, with the exception of Frodo, who was also worried about Felicity and proceeded to head to her room to check in on her before retiring for the night.

**********

“Boromir?” Aragorn approached his comrade who now sat tucked away in a secluded section of a garden just below the great flet. He did not look up, only stared down at the ground.

“Boromir,” he whispered once more.

He looked up, his face flushed and stained with tears, his sword still drenched with the blood of evil lay on the ground beside him.

“Have you seen Kimber?” Boromir sighed.

Aragorn shook his head, remorsefully.

“Aragorn, it was him all along, he had haunted my dreams, my steps and I did not see it,” Boromir’s tone was filled with disgust, “and Kimber,” his voice trailed off.

“Boromir, Kimber’s injuries did not come from your hands” Aragorn spoke softly.

“Aragorn,” he stood up now thinking of her pleading eyes and her small voice as she begged him for mercy, he had been so clouded by that demon that he almost killed her himself; he took the dagger, that he had held to her throat from his belt and threw it to the ground.

Aragorn picked it up, “Boromir, do not blame yourself everyone knows that you had nothing to do with this you were noble you acted on her behalf; you saved her.”

“Aragorn I am no hero, were it not for Frodo, “ he began standing to his feet so disgusted at himself that he didn’t want to face Aragorn. “I am but a disappoint, a disappointment to everyone,” he sighed heavily before walking away slowly through the lush garden back to the main quarters.

**********

“Merry, “ Pippins voice was quiet as he sat on his bed cushion. He drew his legs into a folded position and looked to his friend the walk back to the tent had been a quiet one as all of them were consumed by all of the events that unfolded since they had arrived in Lothlorien.

“Yes Pip?” Merry lifted his eyes from the floor; the rims of his lids were reddened and his mouth a bit pouty, as he fought back his emotions.

“What do you suppose will happen to Kimber?” Pippin wondered, hoping that Merry could offer him some kind of reassurance.

“I don’t know Pip,” he spoke with uncertainty and it pained him to do so as he looked at his friend then to Samwise who was sitting quietly at the farther end of their tent; of all of them, he had the most hobbit-sense and Merry had hoped he could offer a few words of encouragement, though Sam could not. He didn’t want to offer any false hope to his friends. He thought of Frodo and all that he had been saying to him; how it was going to be okay and how nothing bad was going to happen. Suddenly he wasn’t so sure of himself. He sighed heavily and offered Pippin a weary smile.

“She’ll be okay won’t she?” Pippin looked to Merry once more, hoping once again for a positive word.

“I dunno Pip” Merry replied somberly, wishing he could’ve said otherwise, “I don’t know.”

“Oh young lads she’ll be well,” the three of them looked over to see Gimli standing in the entranceway of the tent, offering them half a smile.

“How do you know Gimli?” Merry raised his brows in anticipation.

“Yes Gimli, how can you be so sure?” Sam looked over his shoulder at the dwarf eyes, soft and uncertain.

“How can I be sure laddie?” Gimli paused “Why she’s a fairy and you know there is something special about them,” he continued offering the three of them a quaint smile.

**********

“You stay in bed, I’ll get that,” Frodo motioned to Felicity as he headed toward her door, though he didn’t have the opportunity to open it as the door slowly inched open and Queen Titania peeked her head around the corner.

“Mother!” Felicity jumped out of bed and ran over to her, “How is Kimber? Is she okay? Can I see her?” she was talking a mile a minute.

“Felicity,” the Queen was taken aback by her daughter.

“Miss Felicity!” came a voice from the adjoining washroom; all eyes turned to the elf maiden as she ran over to the three of them; with a stern look on her face. “Back to bed,” she insisted pulling her arm; Felicity yanked it away.

“I am talking to my mother, Ariella, do you mind?” Felicity insisted as the midwife took her by the arm once more.

“You need your rest, dear,” she replied curtly, “It had took me quite a while to get her settled down, I didn’t even want to let the little boy in here but she started wailing, so I had to,” Ariella offered the mother who was glaring at the way she was leading her daughter by the arm.

“I will see to it that she stay in bed, please give us a moment alone,” The Queen now spoke in a tone indicating that she was not making a request, but giving an order, “and he is not a little boy, Ariella, he is a hobbit,” the Queen smiled at Frodo who was now standing by the door. “And he may stay,” she continued.

“Very well, my lady, but before you take your leave, might I have a word with you?” Ariella bowed as she gathered a few towels and headed for the washroom.

Felicity waited for the door to close before leaning into her mother, “I don’t like her at all Mother! She was kneading my stomach like she was making bread…I thank goodness Frodo came when he did. Haldir just left me here as soon as she came,” she sighed.

“Felicity, that’s what midwives do, dear, she is just looking after you and the baby to make sure that all is well,” the Queen replied leading Felicity back to bed.

Frodo followed the two of them, “Your majesty?” he offered the Queen a chair to sit down, she took a seat next to her daughter and smiled at the halfling.

“Here,” Felicity patted a spot next to her on the bed for him to sit; he looked at the Queen and she nodded to him.

“Mother, please do not keep me waiting for news of my sister, whatever it is I can handle it. I will be fine. I must know, it worries me more to not know her condition,” Felicity sighed heavily.

“The healers have tended your sister Felicity and I have no doubt that she will recover,” the Queen replied thinking of her conversation with Douside, the head healer, “though she will need time and the nearness of her friends and loved ones,” the Queen continued thinking once more of the healers words and the difficult task that lay ahead of her having to speak to Oberon regarding such matters.

“If father hadn’t had his ass perched upon his shoulder’s this never would’ve happened,” Felicity sat up in her bed.

“Felicity,” The Queen laughed through her nose, “I wouldn’t say that the blame rests solely with your father, thankfully his influence is no more,” Titania continued, standing to her feet and smoothing her daughters tresses.

“Will you be seeing Kimber, Mother? Can I come too?” Felicity got out of bed once more.

“No Felicity,” The Queen had intended to go back to see Kimber but did not want Felicity seeing her yet; she would not be able to handle seeing her sister in such condition, “I must go and speak with your father, now. We have many things to discuss,” the Queen replied, before motioning to Frodo, “Please stay here with her, until Haldir returns,” the Queen spoke softly to him before walking out of the door.

**********

Legolas walked slowly through the courtyard, still overcome with guilt and anguish. He should’ve just led them back to Ediwione when he first saw them. But he had not, it was him that insisted to seek the council of Aragorn and by then it was too late; the wheels had been set in to motion, a motion that led him to where they were now. He looked to the great Mallorn not too far off in the distance and thought once more of his love before continuing on towards the ranges. He tried not to notice the ground that still had a blood-tinged hue to it in some spots.

“Kimber, I love you,” he whispered hoping the light breeze would carry his words to her window.

“It looks as though ours minds are consumed with the same thought,” Legolas quickly glanced over his shoulder to see King Oberon standing behind him looking as though the weight of all of Middle-earth was resting upon his shoulders.

Oberon was the last person Legolas wanted to see; though Epoloven was the perpetrator in Kimber’s harm, as far as he was concerned her father also shared in the responsibility.

“Legolas, I already know what you must think of me,” the King walked over to him, Legolas was surprised at himself; again his emotion must have been set upon his sleeve.

“Your majesty,” he began, trying to offer him respect despite the ill feelings he had toward him at the moment.

“Legolas, please do not patronize me, I know what you think of me and suffice to say I cannot blame you as I do not think highly of myself the moment,” the King shifted before placing a hand on the elves broad shoulder. Unknowingly, the King had heard Legolas’ previous conversation with the Ranger that evening and it was when hearing the elf’s words that the King finally realized what he had done to his family.

“Your highness, I mean no disrespect,” he bowed slightly though the King bent down and met his glance.

“Legolas, you are a noble elf, come let us walk,” the King insisted; readying himself yet again, to eat a hefty dose of humble pie.

**********

“Oberon?!” the Queen called as she perused the royal chambers, to her surprise the King was no where about. She had hoped he had not gone to see Kimber for she needed to speak with him before then. Exhaling deeply, she shut the door behind her only to be startled by Puck who was now standing in front of her.

“Puck!” she placed a hand on her chest.

“At your service, my lady,” he smiled making her smile return. As much as the day had not turned out to be a good one, Puck could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

“As always, my faithful servant” she lifted her hand and touched his smooth cheek, “what can I do for you?”

“Um, this homely woman has been looking for you,” he raised a brow, “Mid…night ?? No, no, that’s not it…wife, something or other,” he rubbed the curly locks on his head.

“Oh that’s right!” the Queen exclaimed, bringing her hand to her head; with all of the goings on she had forgotten that she had wanted a word with her, “thdwifdwife, Puck she’s the midwife and remember dear, beauty is only skin deep,” the Queen corrected, heading back toward Felicity’s room.

“Yes your highness, but ugly is to the bone,” he chuckled at his own joke now following closely behind the queen.

**********

“Legolas, I needn’t tell you that the events that took place early this morning have been heavy on my heart,” the King took a seat on a stone bench and motioned for him to do the same; Legolas obliged.

“King Oberon, my heart is greatly burdened also, I might share with you that many feeling are running through my heart right now,” Legolas drew in a deep breath before continuing, “I cannot bear to see your daughter this way; I love her and it is killing me, killing me,” he repeated bringing his hands to his face.

“I know, “ the King placed a hand on his shoulder, “ It pains me also to think that by my ignorance I have had a hand in this mornings tragedy,” the King looked away for a moment.

Legolas offered no reply as the King looked upon the fair-haired elf once more. “I have been a fool, Legolas. I remember when I first came to know Titania, how much opposition there was to our courtship. We are from different clans, our parents forbade us to see one another,” he continued, looking off into the distance.

“We snuck off together and wed, “ he smiled thinking of their quaint ceremony, “My ignorance fed into by Epoloven has caused one of my daughters to do the same, and the other to contemplate it,” he sighed.

“Your majesty,” Legolas looked into his eyes, “Epoloven was an evil influence upon you, do not harbor such burden, “ he looked at the King, now feeling sorrow for him and all that he must have been going through at the moment.

“An evil influence that I allowed into my home and exposed my wife and children to Legolas. No I’ve got to take quite a bit of the responsibility for this one, “ the King sighed, “But no more, he is no more and my children will no longer bear the brunt of his horrid hold over me.”

Legolas was wondering now where he was going with this.
wantwant my daughters to be happy, Legolas. Felicity is happy with ‘The Warden’ and Kimber’s happiness lies with you,” he conceded.

“My Lord? “ Legolas met the king’s stare and searched his eyes for any inkling of what his intentions were.

“Kimber needs you, my son, and you have proven yourself of nobility ten-fold, and though it pains me to say it, so has Haldir” he sighed thinking of what an interesting father~son relationship that one was going to be.

“I cannot deny that.” He drew in a deep breath, “I dt wat want it being said that I denied my daughter’s heart, and therefore I give you my blessing,” the King stood to his feet. Legolas jumped up and bowed low, honoring the King.

“Thank you my Lord,” he tried to stifle a smile that was creeping over his face.

“No, Legolas, it is I who must thank you,” the King bowed slightly to the prince, before turning and heading back to the great flet, to offer an apology to a few others.

**********

“Ah, my Lady, I am sorry for intruding,” Ariella bowed low as her she came upon the Queen and Puck near the Felicity’s quarters.

“Ariella,” the Queen curtseyed in return, before offering Puck a sideways look of warning over her shoulder.

“Ariella?” the three of them turned to see Haldir walking toward them, “ How is my wife, is she still well?” he inquired.

“Well yes and um, I was just about to speak to her mother, March Warden, so if you would excuse us,” Ariella requested.

“Excuse you?” Haldir raised a brow at her, “You are talking about my wife, surely I would like to know what you have to say about her, as I am the one who keeps her now, “ he replied evenly.

“Keeps her?” Puck chuckled, “Good luck with that son, ‘keeping’ Felicity you say? Are you sure you know her well enough to be her husband?” he continued raising a brow.

“PUCK!” Titania scolded him as Haldir quirked his lips at the fairy and offered him an intimidating glare.

“Very well, then if it pleases you we shall move in to the library,” Ariella walked into an adjoining room that housed shelves and shelves of neatly stacked books and records they all followed suit, even Puck who Haldir thought to himself, had no business being there but seeing as he was in service to the Queen, he would offer no ill thought about that.

Puck folded his arms across his chest now; in as much as Haldir was the epitome of an elven warrior, so was he the epitome of fairy myth. With a short crop of hair and a well-sculpted body that he liked to show off, he was simply put, saucy and mischievous. And his presence around Felicity or Kimber made Haldir quite uneasy

“I am concerned for your daughter” Ariella began looking at Titania for a moment before turning to Haldir “Her breasts are swelling rapidly, she has already started to show and she is only days pregnant,” Ariella offered. Haldir did not want to hear this, female issues, he inhaled deeply, he didn’t even stay in the room with Felicity when Ariella had come in to check on her. He had seen Frodo knocking at the door, though surely he hadn’t been allowed in, Haldir thought to himself.

“What do you mean by all of this?” Titania offered her a look of concern.

“Your highness,” the mid-wife looked back to her, “I’m afraid she will be carrying the weigf anf an elven baby in the gestational allotment of a fairy child.”

“This was what I was afraid of,” The Queen sighed, “Fairy babies are profoundly smaller; three pounds at best, “ the queen fashioned her hands into a shape bearing the size of a small loaf of bread.

“Oh,” Ariella eyes grew wide , “Well, your highness, um,” she looked at Haldir sizing him up for a moment, “and taking in consideration who the father of this child is, “ she paused to calculate, “I would say you’re looking at a baby weighing in the vicinity of nine pounds and one that is about this big,” she reached over and spread the circumference of the queens hands a bit to that which would house a watermelon.

“Ha ha ha ha,” Puck erupted with laughter and pointed to Haldir whose face had paled quite a few shades.

“Her delivery may be difficult,” Titania replied, not knowing what else to say.

“That’s why they call it labor,” Puck added with a smile.

“Puck!” Titania scolded him.

“Never before have I seen a fairy deliver an elf baby,” Ariella offered, “But I will do my best to ensure that she is well taken care of.”

“I have seen one give birth to a mortal,” Titania replied.

“And boy that wasn’t pretty,” Puck interjected.

“Puck!” Came the Queen’s voice once more; Haldir was a might disgusted by his insubordination and looked on now as Puck was quite amused with his own antics.

“What? I am just being honest,” he grinned.

“Well how about just being silent,” Haldir warned.

“But…” silent was not even in his vocabulary.

“Puck; oh never mind,” Titania paused, “ Well, this is turning out to be quite a ‘lovely’ day,” she offered an artificial smile; thinking of the burden she was now shouldering with her daughters and that fact that much of this was as result of her husbands mindlessness. “Thank you Ariella, and please do keep a watchful eye upon her, no matter how much she resists,” the Queen patted her on the shoulder.

“Puck you may take your leave, go and have a bite to eat and please make sure that Felicity has all that she needs in case Haldir has other duties to tend to,” the Warden offered her a strange look, to which she did not respond, “I need to go and find my husband,” she sighed looking forward to some time alone as she brushed past the three and headed toward the courtyard.

“Giddy yup!” Puck looked at Haldir now; cracking an imaginary whip. “Did you get all of that?” he asked the Warden as they descended to another level of the flet.

Haldir offered no reply as he was hoping that Puck would take the hint.

“Let me break it down for you in a way that you can understand ‘mano y mano’,” Puck puffed out his bare muscular chest now; taking the opportunity to agitate the Warden.

“Look, it takes about twelve months to grow one of you guys, right? Right, well where we come from, we do the same in about four months; more efficient I guess. So if we do the math, throw in a little yadda yadda, it looks like Felicity will be spitting out an elf-sized baby out of a fairy-sixed hole in four months; OUCH! Way to go! She’s gonna love you…she won’t be screaming your name then; well maybe she will-just not in the way you’re used to,” he laughed at his own joke.

Haldir looked at him in disgust, as he found no humor in this jackal.

“Now would you like to give her the good news or shall I?’ he grinned impishly before taking off in a full sprint toward a stairwell that led to Felicity’s chambers.

Haldir ran after him; praying all the way that he would make to her first; surely this was going to be an interesting week.