Underneath it all

CHAPTER 8 - IT'S ALIVE!

Elrohir woke me when nightfall had come to the woods. "Legolas? We fell asleep and now we really need to return to Caras Galadon."

I opened my eyes to stare right into his, "Oh, I am sorry," I mumbled and smiled. "Ai, Elladan!" I suddenly gasped, "Is he not expecting you?"

Elrohir smiled and shrugged while moving off me, "Perhaps."

I looked puzzled and sat up, "But do you not miss him, he is your twin after all."

"Oh please Legolas!" Elrohir said and looked irritated, "we are twins yes, but that does not mean we can't lead separate lives." He quickly mellowed and stood up brushing grass and leaves from his clothes. "And since I prefer to be here with you, he will just have to wait."

I blushed until I felt the warmth in my cheeks, "You would prefer me to your own twin?" I whispered, instantly regretting that I had voiced my thoughts.

I think Elrohir noticed my unease, and his mouth widened in a large grin, "You certainly sing better than him."

"And what an important trait in any elf," I laughed and stood up grabbing my bow and arrows.

"Is that not what Mood ood elves are known for? Well *that* and... Ehm," Elrohir blushed. "Never mind, let us get back to the city."

I couldn't resist a chuckle; he looked absolutely irresistible as he blushed. I was just about to ask him which of the traits he found most compelling, but then I was reminded of my sorry state as the baby suddenly kicked.

/It is alive! It is actually a living being! /

"Elrohir! Elrohir! It kicked!" I gasped and dropped my bow on the ground again. Elrohir dropped his belongings too and rushed to me, placing both his palms on my belly. I was so dumbstruck by this event that I did not even take the time to think the situation bizarre. When the baby kicked once more I saw the amazed smile on the dark-haired elf's face.

"This is a miracle," he said cheerfully and looked up at me, not removing his hands from my belly.

"It is most strange," I corrected him, but couldn't help but beam as I saw his facial expression.

"Come on penneth, kick again," he urged the round belly and smiled at me again, leaning in and giving me a tenderly chaste kiss.

I was still speechless as he removed his hands from me and grinned impishly, "We really should hurry back."

I simply nodded and picked up the bow again. This was just too odd and wonderful in one mixed up feeling that left a million butterflies in my stomach.

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Once we reached the city gates, Elrohir gave me a quick embrace and patted my belly. "I hope this will not be the last time you will dine within tin the woods," he said softly

"Rest assured my friend," I said smiling, "I would love to dine with you anywhere."

"Wonderful!" He said and looked somewhat relieved, "Would you then mind if I came and stole you away again once my formal duties are done?"

"Not at all, I will look forward to it," I said and swallowed as he gently ran his hand over my face.

"Good, see you then Legolas," he murmured before he turned and walked over the round courtyard, towards the royal talans. I smiled to myself and gently let my fingers run over my lips.

/He had kissed me! /

Then I too turned in the direction of Haldir's talan. How I longed to tell him about this day. I found myself hoping the child would kick once more so my friend too could feel it. Wait! Had I just hoped the child would do something? I frowned. Elrohir's enthusiasm was contagious, but now that he was not here things did not feel as simple.

I crawled up to Haldir's talan and walked in the door to find him in his favourite chair reading out loud to Orophin and Rumil, who lay sprawled on the floor half asleep. They all looked up at the same time as I walked in. "So?" Rumil said and as always earned himself a light slap from Orophin. "But I want to know!" Rumil whined.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "I fell asleep Rumil, I spent my entire day sleeping on the ground."

"Suuuuuuuuuure," Orophin whistled and rolled his eyes, before standing up and picking a leaf from my hair with a snicker.

I shrugged and lowered myself to the floor next to Haldir, leaning up against his leg, "So what have you been doing today?"

The Marchwarden frowned, "My duties, and talking to prince Elladan."

"He was here?" I asked and looked up at my silver-haired friend who nodded.

"He seemed eager to speak to you, and was most upset that you had been gone with his brother for so long," Haldir said and sent me a questioning look.

I looked away and sighed, "I will go and speak to him in the morning."

Haldir nodded once more. "I think that would be wise my friend," his voice sounded strangely distant, and I was happy when Orophin came to my rescue. "Read Haldir! Before we die of old age or pure boredom." Haldir complied and began to read again. I relaxed against his leg with Rúmil's head resting on my lap.

Once the younger elves had fallen asleep, Haldir closed the book and let his hand run over my hair. "Tell me Legolas, why is Elladan so angered?" He whispered as not to wake the others.

I shook my head, but then finally looked up at Haldir's worried face. "He is a-also," I started and Haldir nodded knowingly. "I see, he is one of the possible sires." I hung my head in defeat as I answered, "Yes, I am sorry Haldir. He had no right to come here and yell at you when it is I he should be aiming his despair and frustrations at."

"Don't worry Legolas, it was not that terrible. He and I just shared some harsh words," Haldir said and smiled reassuringly at me. "How did your day with Prince Elrohir go? - Besides sleeping of course."

I blushed and looked up at Haldir with a sweet smile, "The baby kicked, and then… then h-he," I swallowed a lump, "he kissed me," I said dreamily.

Haldir's face looked somewhat strained. "I presume that is good news then," he said and let his hand fall from the top of my head into his lap.

"You seem disappointed," I whispered.

"Let us sleep," Haldir said and slowly stood up from the chair.

"Haldir," I pleaded, but he ignored me and made the bed for us, before gently laying blankets over the two who slept heavily in a large bundle in the middle of the floor.

I got up and moved over to the bed, and when I sat down it happened again. "Haldir! Hurry it kicked," I whispered. Haldir came to sit on the bed with me, laying his warm hand on my belly.

"Congratulations meldir," he whispered back and smiled as he felt a movement under my skin. He too beamed but frowned before removing his hand; I figured he did not want to get attached to it in case it was not his.

I lifted his chin with my hand, looking him directly in the eye. Was Haldir crying? "Oh no Haldir, my love, don't cry," I heard myself whisper pai pained voice while I wiped the fresh tears away with my other hand. "Why do you cry?"

Haldir took a deep breath, "What if Elladan is the father? I am just glad you did not hear what he called you."

"He can call me whatever he pleases," I whispered and felt my own tears begin to fall, "His words can't hurt me."

"But he called you…" Haldir began. I hushed him by placing my thumb on his lip.

"If he still thinks that in the morning, I can hear it from his lips," I said and tried to give a brave smile.

"And what if…," Haldir said in a thin voice, "What if his brother is just like him?"

I wrapped my arms around the Marchwarden. "I guess I will find out," I whispered against the silver hair.

He tightened his grip on me and whispered in a frightened tone, surprising me, "I just don't want to see you hurt more than you already have."

"If I get burned, I will always have you and your brothers to turn to," I said as I pushed gently away from Haldir.

"Until the end of eternity," Haldir said.

"Oh Haldir, there is no need for such vows," I said with a smug grin, but upon seeing the seriousness on Haldir's face the smile faded.

"Legolas, I have thought about this for some time, and I want you to know that even if I should not be the sire, I would claim it as mine. I would do this because I love you and because I love your unborn child." Haldir looked down at his hands and continued, "If I by any means can spare you from further humiliation, and give the child a father, I will always be here."

"H-Haldir," I croaked as the words stuck in my throat, "T-thank you."

Now it was Haldir's turn to flash me a genuine smile, "What a couple of weeping willows we are."

I nodded and smiled back. I could not remember that I had ever loved Haldir as much as I did right that moment. "We should sleep," I whispered and slowly moved over the bed so that I could lie down.

Haldir lay down next to me and moved closer so he could wrap an arm around me. It was a comfort to know that whatever happened I would always have Haldir and his brothers.

The Valar knew I needed a brother in arms these days.

-NEXT-

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- This is beated by Steph. hugs to you my internet saviour :)
I want feedback - as always *smiles*


Az.