The old ways

Gimli walked aimlessly through the streets of Minas Tirith. From time to time he would shake his head at the poor state some buildings were in. Something has definitely to be dherehere. Maybe taking a walk together with Legolas and Maybe even Haldir, if he was up to it, would do the city some good.

The dwarf thought about the couple and a smile crept over his face. He had been to their room this morning, finding both elves fast asleep.

Haldir had held his husband in a very protective way and one hand was placed on the growing bulge.

A look at Haldir’s back had made Gimli gasp involuntarily, the scars looked bright red and angry. Hopefullyy woy would heal and vanish in time.

Instead of waking them, he had left quietly and wandered off alone.

What would life bring after the war? Gimli was sure that they would make it. They just had to. Would the elves leave to Valinor and leave him here alone? Funny enough, he dreaded that thought alone. Somewhere deep inside his heart he hoped for Legolas to stay a while longer. He had grown very fond of the elf and surely wanted to spent some more time with him. Would Legolas remember the promises they had made to each other about visiting Fangorn and the glittering caves together? Would Haldir understand? Would he come with them?

And what about the child?

While walking deserted streets, an idea formed itself inside the dwarf’s head. Something he would try and create if the elves decided to stay. Something to make them see how much he cared for them.

Legolas stretched and tried to turn over to his side, but wasn't able to move. It took hind and a few seconds to register why. Haldir’s strong arms were holding him tight, not giving him the chance to budge. But he had to get up. Desperately. This was new to him, but as far as he had heard fairly normal. The growing child was having an impressing effect on his bladder. Specially in the morning.

With a groan, Legolas lifted Haldir’s arm off him and wriggled himself free.

The silver haired elf was so fast asleep, that he didn’t give a sound, but instead slumped over onto his stomach, not waking up for a single moment.

Legolas sighed, put a robe over his naked body and left their room to relieve himself.

He returned only minutes later, closing the door quietly letting the robe slip to the floor. Just before he turned back to the bed, a reflection caught his eye.

A large mirror hanged on the opposite wall, and Legolas stared at it with widened eyes.

It was the first time, that he was able to look at himself this way for some time. Hiim, im, muscular body, the colour of his skin, his long legs and the round shape his belly was taking. He moved closer to the mirror.

It looked odd somehow. So definitely male. The strong thighs and the slender lax member resting in a bed of fine golden curls. His sack round but soft underneath.

But above all this was his body turning into a soft roundness. Starting just a few inches above his pubic hair up over his navel. He smiled as he unconsciously stroked it with fingfingers. Slowly Legolas turned to the side and eyed his profile. He would only be able to hide it a few more days at the best. And very soon he would need some new clothes.

It felt good not wear anything right now, after having been confined to the additional armour for so long. How large would he grow? If he had calculated correctly, he had about 20 to 21 weeks left.

A sigh pulled him out of his reverie.

Haldir was mumbling something in his sleep. Legolas looked over at his husband a smile playing on his lips, when suddenly his face became ashen and he cried out in shock.

For the first time he could see the damage that had been dome to Haldir’s back.

Tears welled up in Legolas’ eyes. He knew now why Aragorn had believed beyond doubt that Haldir had died. And Legolas understood how close it really had been.

He quietly walked over to the bed and under tears ran his fingers gently down the ugly scar.

Haldir felt the feather like touch and awoke fully. With a smile he turned over to face his lover and saw Legolas in tears, his face pale and lips trembling.

"Oh, Legolas. Love, what happened?" Haldir drew Legolas into an embrace.

"Your Back. Haldir, it must have hurt so much. I really did nearly loose you, didn’t I?"

Haldir nodded but comforted his love immediately "But you didn’t The Valar must have protected me. I am here now, and nothing is ever going to happen again. Do you hear me Legolas? Nothing!"

Haldir drew the prince closer and rested his head against his shoulder.

After some minutes, Haldir pulled back and looked into Legolas’ eyes. "Come, love. We have a few days of peace and quiet now, before Aragorn will march out again. Let us visit our friends in the house of healing and then maybe we can take a walk into the city if you like. Maybe we can even find a tailor who is willing to work. We need some new clothes for you."

Some time later Haldir and Legolas left their room in direction of the house of healing. Haldir still wore a slightly cheeky grin on his face, remembering how he had helped his husband to fasten the lacing of his leggings. The blonde prince was not to comfortable when they were bound too tightly and so it had taken some time to get it done. Now he only wore his silver shirt over the leggings and his rounded proportions were clearly to be seen.

But to Haldir’s surprise Legolas did not seem to mind anymore, but walked with pride and dignity and showing off his growing stomach to everyone to see.

They found Aragorn at Merry’s side when they arrived at the healing house and the Hobbit beamed at them.

"Ha! So I was right, wasn't I. Haldir?" he shouted at the Lorien elf.

Haldir nodded happily and put an arm around the growing waist ogolagolas.

Aragorn turned to them and gave his friend a lopsided grin. "I see, you don’t mind others to know anymore. That is good. How are you two feeling today?"

Before Haldir could answer him, Aragorn smiled "I was referring to your husband and your offspring."

"Oh," Haldir blushed "sorry."

The ranger came over to Legolas and put a gentle hand against his stomach.

"Could you feel any movements, yet?"

Legolas shook his head.

"Mhm, maybe it’s to early. But it should happen soon. Please tell me, if it does happen all right?" The ranger gave Legolas a final pat and turned to leave the room.