When least expected

Chapter twenty eight Birth

Herírima smiled when she saw her brother talk to Galadriel. /Now all he has to do is make a move./ She groaned, realising he would never do that. No, her brother would politely keep his distance and hope and pray the lady would suddenly think: he, that’s a nice boy. Maybe he can be mw low lover.

She quickly left her hiding place and rushed forward. “Lady Galadriel, what a surprise to see you.”
Galadriel smiled and inclined her head. “I was just asking your brother how you are doing. Do you get along with Rielle?”
Herírima inwardly groaned. /That’s all he’s been doing? You don’t get a woman to love you by talking about your sister./ Just wait until they were alone. She smiled and forced her voice to remain polite, warm and friendly when she felt like shouting at her brother. “O yes, she’s like a sister I never had.”
Galadriel smiled. “I know the feeling. Though we’ve always had difficulties deciphering her.”
The girl shook her head. “Just some words but if I repeat them in Quenya or Sindarin she’ll correct me if I’m wrong. No, we communicate real easily.”
Galadriel smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Can I just steal my brother for a while? There’s something I should tell him.”
Galadriel smiled and inclined her head. “See you later Celefin. And you too Herírima. It’s been nice talking to you both.”

Galadriel walked away and Celefin closed his eyes in annoyance. “Now what do you want?” His sister smiled innocent, but he knew better. “Well?”
“I think I should ask Glorfindel how to shoot you.”
He shook his head. “Forget it. He’s already taken and I doubt he’ll ever abandon his lover.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not interested in him!”
He smiled wickedly. “Really? Than why bring him up?”
She shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. “I doesn’t matter. What are you doing?”
Celefin shrugged. “Listening to my insane sister rattling. Next question.”
She breathed deeply to stop her growl from leaving. “I am talking about Galadriel and you well know it!”
He shrugged. “She’s not here. Because you wanted to talk to me about something important.” His voice was mocking.
She growled. “How do you expect her to notice you when you talk about me? She’ll never think about you intimately if you talk about your sister. Nitwit!”
He brushed past her. “She asked how you were doing. Now excuse me. I am in no mood for your games.”

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Celeborn’s eyes widened as he felt something in his abdomen. /Oh no. Something’s wrong. This isn’t kicking. And they’re not coming for another month./ He sat up, hoping for the pain to go away, but it only increased. “HALDIR!!” His lover instantly flared up, his eyes seeking him out.
Haldir immediately embraced his lover, sensing his distress. “What?” Celeborn’s breath was panicky and it scared Haldir. He hissed when a hand tightly clasped around his.
“Something’s wrong. Elrond…”
Haldir heard the fear in his voice and stood, throwing on a robe. “I’ll run. We’ll be right back. I promise.” He flew through the corridors as if the place was on fire.

He entered without knocking, not caring how he found Elrond, as long as he found him.
Glorfindel instantly woke up and reached for his weapon, loosening up when he saw Haldir. “Really Haldir, is this necessary?”
Haldir didn’t respond but tugged at Elrond’s arm. “Elrond. Elrond!” His voice was laden with fear and Glorfindel flared to life. “What happened? The babies?”
Haldir nodded and trembled. “Don’t know. Celeborn’s afraid. He says something’s wrong.”
Elrond’s sleep was gone as he heard this and sprung to life, running towards Celeborn’s chambers. “Glorfindel, get Galadriel…..And the healer….And Rielle” Glorfindel nodded and dashed off as well.

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Seeing Elrond enter his room calmed Celeborn down a little but the pain was still growing and his fear as well. /What if I loose them? I’ll never forgive myself./

Elrond sat down and saw Celeborn was too afraid to give sensible answers. He had to figure everything out by himself, but he had a pretty good idea what was happening. He had hoped it wouldn’t be this early, but obviously hope was lost. “Haldir, hold and calm your lover.” Haldir sat down and pulled Celeborn close while Elrond started his investigation.

Celeborn did not wish to see his face and hid his own in Haldir’s hair, squishing his lover whenever the pain got too bad.

Elrond stood up, his gaze stern. He turned and smiled when the door opened. Envinyaroa and Rielle ran in. He approached them and whispered to them. “It is as I feared. Celeborn’s body is not pred red for this final stage. The two babies take up too much room and need more daily. It must feel like being torn apart. We’ll have to operate, but I do not know if they’re healthy enough.”
Envinyaroa nodded. “I’ll get the necessary.”

When he left Glorfindel and Galadriel walked in. She immediately walked to Celeborn and held his hand. “What is it?”
Celeborn shook his head and cried. “Something’s wrong. It hurts and…” Haldir yelped when Celeborn squished him too hard.
Galadriel closed her eyes. “We’re still linked. Can I help?” Celeborn shrugged but opened his mind for her. Galadriel gently entered him and closed her eyes in concentration.

Suddenly they flashed open. “Elrond, it is time.”
Elrond nodded. “But it’s a month too soon. They might not live.”
Galadriel shook her head. “No, they’re just as though as their parents. They are ready and want to come out.” She walked to the door. “Glorfindel, please tell everyone.”
The blond nodded and walked off to get the family.

Galadriel walked back to the bed and kneeled, taking one hand of each elf in her own. “This is normal. Celeborn, listen to me, look at me. This is normal. I know it is painful, but it is completely normal. It is labour time.”
Haldir shook his head. “Not for another month!”
Galadriel smiled and nodded. “I know that, we know that but they don’t. And they want to come out. That’s why you’re in so much pain. As soon as Envinyaroa returns he and Elrond will perform the surgery and get your children out of you.”
Celeborn smiled and sagged against Haldir, clutching him. Haldir nodded. “I won’t leave your side.”
Galadriel smiled. “Rielle will assist them. Do you want me to stay or do you prefer me waiting outside with the others?” Celeborn’s eyes were begging and she nodded understandingly. “I’ll be outside. Call me if you need me.” Haldir’s eyes watered at her understanding and care.

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Rumil and Orophin ran as hard as they could, their arms loaded with stuffed toys, and screamed when they bumped into another body.
“Careful, you two. They’re still busy. It will be a while before we’re going to hear two babies test their lungs.” Orophin glared at Galadriel but she wisely ignored it. She understood him and felt grateful Haldir had such loyal brothers. “I know you’ll be great uncles. Do they already have names?”

The two shrugged and Rumil swallowed. “My lady?” Galadriel looked at them and smiled. Rumil sighed and nodded. “You’re not mad because we’re now..ehm… that means”
Galadriel laughed and smiled. “Celebhrim? No, I am relieved. This ‘Lóriën doesn’t have a place for Galadhrim, but for Celebhrim. It is right and I am happy for you all.”
Orophin snorted and Galadriel placed her hand on his shoulder. “Celeborn is fortunate to have you. Your loyalty towards him warms my heart, Orophin. It makes giving him up easier, for I know he has a loving family. Mind you, you’re going to get two grumpy elves when the wedding will b don don’t think they’ll like sleeping apart for three days.”
Orophin’s reply was lost by the arrival of the twins.

Elladan and Elrohir immediately flung themselves at their grandmother. Ever since they’ve returned from Valinor they greeted their family passionately every time they saw them. And they all shared and understood their need.
“You two look better every day. I’m afraid they’re not yet done. Where are your spouses?”
The twins’ eyes widened and Elladan shook his head. “They are not our spouses. Erestor is my lover and Lindir and Elrohir are just friends, nona. You’ve grown lax.”
She smiled at his words. “Have I?”

They turned to the closed door when they heard crying and they roared with glee. Hugs and congratulations were exchanged and Elrond walked out, beaming. Envinyaroa followed not long after him and he too had a happy smile. The surgery had been good.
Elrond accepted the forced embrace from his sons and hugged them tight. “Two healthy ones. A girl and a boy. And don’t you ask for names. Celeborn will be out for a while longer and Haldir doesn’t want to decide alone. Tomorrow we’ll hear. Now they need to stay alone. Rielle stays with them. Come, off to bed, the lot of you. Where’s Glorfindel?”
Rumil smiled. “Pacing in his room.” Elrond thanked the warrior and left.

Elladan and Elrohir rushed off as well. Rumil and Orophin looked at each other and smiled. “Let’s celebrate!” Tonight they would get trashed. Galadriel shook her head and went for a walk. She was too tense to rest.

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Celefin sat up and left his bed. Standing indecisively in the door opening he turned around, intending to go back to bed but one look at the tousled sheets told him enough. It would be no use to try again. He grabbed a towel and left.

He headed for one of the secluded pools he’d seen. He needed a relaxing bath. He had already decided it would be his favourite bathing place, if only because the trees seemed to go into the water. One step you were walking amidst the trees and the next you were standing in the pool. He jumped when his boot stepped in water and shook his head. He just had proved his own words.

Slowly he removed his cloak and nightclothes, placing them above his weapons. He never lwithwithout them. After taking a deep breath he dived in and swam wildly. All he could hear was the water.

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Haldir smiled when Celeborn stirred awake and planted a kiss on his forehead. Celeborn looked at him questioningly and Haldir signalled Rielle closer, who had been rocking the babies. She silently placed them in Celeborn’s arms, whose eyes filled with tears.

He looked at Haldir and beamed with happiness. “What have you named them?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nothing yet. I didn’t want to do that alone. The others are coming in tomorrow.” He pulled Celeborn close and kissed him.
The babies woke up but remained silent.

Celeborn’s eyes betrayed his happiness. “Haldir, they’re beautiful. Look, he’s got your eyes.”
Haldir nodded. “And it looks like she has gotten your hair.”
Celeborn smiled. He already knew their names. Looking at his lover he frowned. “What do you think of Celecua Ambervanwa and Mithcenedril Valinanto?”
Haldir looked at the children and nodded. “Yes, that’s prefect.” He settled his lover down, holding him close.

Rielle smiled and placed a blanket over the happy family. Celeborn’s eyes settled on her. “Where is everybody?”
Rielle smiled. “Elrond has told them you are doing fine and send them of to bed.”
Haldir widened his eyes. “And my brothers actually listened?”
Celeborn smiled. “I’ll bet they’re getting themselves real drunk right now. And Elrond has Glorfindel and the twins their lovers. I know, I know Lindir and Elrohir aren’t an item.” He grinned wickedly before he added. “Yet!” He kissed his lover.
“It’s Galadriel I’m worried about. She’s all alone. I know she puts up a brave front but seeing me with you must hurt her.”
Haldir nodded. “I hope she’ll find someone to brighten her days.”

Celeborn kissed him passionately and grinned when the babies started cooing, demanding his attention. “Good thing we have so many baby-sitters at hand or we’ll never have a moment alone.”
Haldir grinned. “I’m sure Glorfindel will tell the most exquisite tales and Erestor will probably already start his teachings and Lindir will play the most beautiful lullabies. Poor Peredhil.”
Celeborn shook his head. “They’ll be even worse. I’m sorry for my behaviour, Haldir.”
Haldir kissed him to silence. “You were pregnant! And according to Elrond we might expect some depressions this month.”

Celeborn smiled. “I love you but I am tired.”
Haldir nodded. “Then sleep. You carried these two around for months and you were healing. Sleep.” Celeborn smiled and nestled closer, his eyes losing their focus.

Rielle smiled. “And you should sleep as well. I’ll watch over the four of you.”

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Galadriel sighed as she walked around the forest. Elrond had been right. She didn’t recognize it anymore. She wandered aimlessly, too restless to go to bed and too tense to relax.

She frowned when she heard sounds and wondered what it could be. It was the dead of night and she somehow doubted it where the twins of Rumil and Orophin. Noticing she was a bit too far from the city she gasped, fearing it might have been orcs. But the trees would have told her.

Carefully she approached the noise. Focusing on her hearing she neglected her footing and suddenly she felt her feet give away. Her yelp was swallowed by the water around her and she spat out the amount she had accidentally swallowed the second she reached the surface.

She quickly made it to dry land and shook her head. /I’m in for it now. They’ll lecture me on safety and watching where I place my feet and Elrond will never stop harassing me with medicine now./ She shook her head and forced the water out of her ears.

Hearing sounds behind her she turned around, making sure not to go down again. She could see someone swimming but could not see clearly enough who it was. She figured she could just as well go over to see who it was. Maybe the elf had a spare towel?

Her feet swiftly carried her to the place where a towel, a cloak and some light night clothes where neatly folded, but she could easily detect the weapons beneath them. /A warrior then?/ Suddenly a head reached the surface before her and a lean muscular body emerged before her, taking her breath away.

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Celefin had swam wildly for a while and now his tension and anger was gone. He needed a clear head if he was to control his sister. He shook his head and dove one last time. Under the surface of the water he swam to where his clothes were waiting and came up one centimetre before the solid ground.

His eyes widened in shock when he saw Galadriel standing in front of him. He blushed and berated himself for not hearing her. What kind of warrior was he? He took a calming breath and bowed his head. “My lady? You should not be out alone at night.”
Galadriel smiled. “Celefin, don’t you start as well. I have enough people saying that. Besides,” she added wickedly, “I am not alone anymore, am I?” If she had noticed Celefin’s blush she had not mentioned it.

Celefin nodded and awkwardly took his clothes, now hating himself for not changing before.
“Trouble sleeping?” He nodded, but did not speak. He didn’t trust his voice to sound steady.

Galadriel herself was in some amount of trouble. Closing her eyes she berated herself for embarrassing him like this. But she just couldn’t turn away or take her eyes of his body. “You came here alone? Isn’t your sister worried?”
Celefin nodded and then shook his head. “Forgive me my bluntness but why are you so interested in my sister?” He was glad the darkness hid all signs of nervousness and fear he felt.
Galadriel nodded. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be?”
He cocked his head. “That’s not what I asked.”
She smiled. Not many people had the nerve to call her on this, but obviously he was one of them, which made him special. “You’re right. It wasn’t. Curiosity, I guess. I hope you and Glorfindel are getting along? Or am I not allowed to ask questions about you either?”
Celefin blushed and shook his head. “I didn’t mean it like that. I… I… Of course you can ask me about my sister or me. I… I… I just wondered why?”
She smiled and stepped closer. “Celefin, you’ve led us home. You’ve kept us safe on the road. It’s only logical I wish to know more about you and your family.”

/Is it? Ai, Celeborn, I need your advice. Can it be I am falling in love?/ Hearing her own thought she abruptly turned and her eyes widened, shaking her head.
Celefin looked puzzled. /Far speaking again? Or is this something else?/

He placed his hand on her shoulder in concern. “My lady, are you all right?”
She turned and cocked her head. “Why do you call me that?”
Celefin frowned. “Why not? You the lady of this realm.”
She smiled and nodded. “True, I am Galadriel, the former lady of this realm. I am her lady no more. There is no reason for titles and yet you use them.” She turned and smiled to herself, walking with him by her side. “And you are from Mirkwood.”
Celefin laughed. “And then I was of Valinor and now I am of ‘Lóriën. What’s that got to do with anything? And you say you are no longer her lady? Then I have a question for you: does Lord Elrond still rule a realm? Do people call him differently because he doesn’t?”

His eyes were honest and Galadriel stopped and lowered her head. “That’s different. Elrond is still the ruler of the Noldo. I no longer rule. Celeborn does, always has. I’m no longer his wife, Celefin. And therefore I no longer hold any right to any title.”
He frowned at her words. He could not only hear regret and pain in them but also joy and loneliness. It was the joy that surprised him. She smiled at his expression. “Haldir has been there for him when I wasn’t. Maybe I shouldn’t have sailed but I was too drained. Staying would have meant my death. But Celeborn loves these lands and would not be parted from them. I can only be glad Haldir was there. Is there. They belong together.” She smiled understandingly. “I’ve set him free.”

She resumed her walk but stopped when she felt a hand on her arm. Turning towards Celefin she saw shock, understanding and hope on his face. She cocked her head, waiting for answers.
He shrugged. “My sister said something like this. She heard it from Rielle. But I didn’t believe her. It’s true then.” His eyes widened. “Celeborn’s pregnant?”
Galadriel’s warm laugh filled the air. “Aye, he was.” Seeing his shocked and pained expression she smiled at his obvious care and concern. “Elrond had to deliver the babies earlier.”

She smiled at him. “That’s why I couldn’t sleep.” She grinned. “I didn’t even look where I was walking and suddenly I heard noises. Following them I suddenly lost my footing and landed in the lake.”

Only now did he realise she was wet all over, her white gown leaving little to the imagination. He blushed and quickly averted his head. He had honestly not noticed before but he couldn’t even imagine what she must think of him now.

“Do you have an extra towel?”
He shook his head. “Nay. Our talan is close though. Perhaps you could borrow something from my sister. Stop you from catching a cold.”
She smiled and shook her head. “It’s all right. And I don’t want to wake up your sister.”
He gasped. “But… but.. what if someone sees you?”
She laughed. “Hardly anyone is up and what’s to see?”
“Quite a lot.” He reddened and yelped in embarrassment and shock. /You blundering oaf!/
Galadriel smiled and looked at him. “In which case we’re even.”
His stunned eyes locked with hers and she saw his chest going up and down faster than before.

Celefin couldn’t believe he was actually thinking about this, let alone doing it, but he found himself stepping closer and take her in his arms. Before he good and well realised it he kissed her.

Galadriel was shocked. Not by his action but by her reaction. She completely melted into it and felt her heart racing. /No question about it. I want this one./

When Celefin had control over his body again he jumped back, releasing her. He lowered his head in shame. “Forgive me. I…” He gasped when Galadriel’s hands closed over his own, bringing them to her body. His eyes flashed up and he could read her desire in her eyes. It heated him up and he knew his fate was sealed. He would give her this night, but knew it would never be more. He knew his heart was lost forever.

End chapter 28
TBC

Translations:
Herírima means beautiful lady
Both children have two names. The first in Sindarin and the second in Quenya.
Celecua Ambervanwa means silver-dove salvation (lit. doom-gone)
Mithcenedril Valinanto means grey-mirror joy-bringer
And in case you’re confused. The first is the girl and the second the boy.