The old ways

Legolas threw Haldir a disgusted look and heaved himself up and away from the panting elf beneath him.
“Oh, thank you very much. How charming.” But Legolas voice held a teasing touch and Haldir knew that he was forgiven and that the blond elf wouldn’t hold a grudge. He still smiled happily and sated when a wet cloth hit him right in his face. Cursing and sputtering he tried to rid himself off the cloth and when he had at last succeeded, his eyes met a broad smile hovering above him.
“Get yourself cleaned. I detest getting all sticky when I snuggle up to you!” Legolas mocked and flopped down on his side of the bed rather ungraceful.


Thranduil had ridden up front for the last hours, ever since they had reached the southern boarders of Rohan. Their journey had been hard and swift and the warriors and guards were silently wondering why the King was in such haste. Only some of them had seen, what the King had been presented with by the Lady of the woods and had chosen not to discuss this subject out of fear that they might have misjudged or misunderstood the situation.
Everybody knew that Thranduil was eager to see his son again and that he surely was very proud of him, regarding the quest against Sauron, but wouldn’t a more dignified speed be more appropriate?
There was also this rather silly smile, that had plastered itself for some reason upon the King’s face, ever since they had left Lothlorien that made the guards wonder. What ever had occurred that had made their King this merry?

It was already dark when the Mirkwood elves approached the city of Minas Tirith. To their astonishment they found a large campsite only a few miles before the city, clearly of elven make.
Thranduil changed their course and turned towards the site in wonder.
As soon as they were in range of the first make shift tents, someone called out to them with a rich and deep, sotto voice. “Thranduil? Is that really you?”
The large silhouette of the Lord of Imladris appeared amidst the tents and greeted the Mirkwood elves.
Leaping lightly out of his saddle, the tall blond King of Mirkwood strode towards Elrond holding out his hands in greeting.
“Elrond! You here? Outside the city? Whatever is the matter? Will they not let you in? What has happened?” Thranduil shook his head slightly in confusion.
“No, no. Calm yourself. We have arrived early, or rather I had to come here more quickly than I intended to and now we are only wng ung until the day after tomorrow, to enter Minas Tirith as it was agreed upon. You know mankind and its weird customs.”
A smile graced Thranduil’s lips as he inclined his head. “Oh, indeed. I know. Have you heard anything of my son, Elrond. Have you seen him? Is he well? I received the most surprising and enchanting information from Galadriel, telling me that my son has become pregnant. Do you know anything about it?” the soft voice had become a touch frantic at the end and Elrond laid a comforting hand on Thranduil.
“Come, let me tell you all about what I know and rest here for tonight. You and your entourage will surely find somewhere to sleep among my people and then you can go to the city in the morning.”
Thranduil hesitate, wanting to ride on this night, but Elrond was right. The people of Minas Tirith were surely sleeping by now and he wouldn’t have the chance to see his son right now any way.

So the Lord and King spent the night talking and exchanging information, enlightening the other with news and light hearted stories. Thranduil learned of Legolas secret wish for fertility, the procedure and Elrond heard of all the ups and downs of the young couple so many years ago. Sadly neither knew anything about what had occurred between Haldir and Legolas during their stay in Lothlorien, nor did they know any details of the long and dangerous journey. They agreed that their son’s would have to tell them everything.
Thranduil lay awake for most of the remaining night, not being able to sleep because of all the excitement bubbling in his stomach. He still couldn’t believe that he was to become a grandfather and that his most precious son was bearing children.
The sun had not even risen over the horizon, when the King called for his people and lead them to the main city gates.


Gimli paced impatiently in front of the large wooden door and grumbled incoherent words into his beard. He had placed the small tray, he had brought along, on the floor next to the wooden door and wondered whether he should just knock and walk in or leave it there for them to find. But he was indeed anxious to find out how Legolas was faring and so he paced in front of the door up and down until the light patter of small feet pulled him out of his reverie.
Merry came huddling around the corner, slightly out of breath and cheeks flushed. He skidded to a halt before the dwarf and tried to catch his breath.
“Gimli! I heard rumours that you had already returned. And the others? Pippin?”
“Merry! It is good to see you on your feet again! Only me and the two love birds returned last night. Aragorn and his men and of course Pippin are still on their way here. But they are all in more or less good shape. Pippin even killed a troll during the battle! And Frodo and Sam were there too!”
“What?!? Little Pip? A troll? I can’t believe it. And Frodo! Sam! Both okay? You have to tell me all about it! But why did you and Legolas and Haldir returned here before the others?” Merry kept glancing at the tray, beside the door and the small breakfast on it.
“Hey, Merry: Hands off! This is for the elves!” Gimli had seen the Hobbits eyes dart to the food. "We had to make haste because Aragorn could not make out the baby’s heartbeat anymore and he didn’t want to take any risks. On the way we met Elrond and he examined Legolas.” Gimli’s eyes lit up remembering last night and its outcome. “But every thing was perfectly alright. Our dear elf is expecting twins.”
“Twins? Two little ones? That’s great. So he is alright now, is he?” Merry sounded excited.
The dwarf nodded and obliged happily as Merry took hold of his arm and dragged him along to one of the large balconies that overlooked the land and the Anduin, asking Gimli to tell him all about the battle, their freinds and the defeat of the dark Lord.

Gimli and Merry had sat down on one of the stone benches standing on the balcony and let their eyes gaze over the vast lands down below them, while Gimli told the little Hobbit all about their last venture.
After a while Merry was distracted by a large group of riders approaching the city.
“Gimli!” Merry interrupted Gimli “Look. I wonder who that might be.”
Gimli, stopped in mid sentence and peered down. The banner looked elvish to him and it seemed peculiar familiar. He didn’t think he had ever seen it himself, but the design...?
Merry was already excitedly counting how many riders were coming towards them, when Gimli suddenly gave a shout. “Mirkwood! I believe that is the banner of Thranduil!”
Merry’s head shot around. “How do you know?”
“My father told me about it. He was imprisoned a long time ago in Thranduil’s dungeon once. While he was out on a quest with Bilbo.”
“That down there is Legolas’ father?” Merry asked dumbfound.
Suddenly it dawned Gimli. “Come, Merry. We have to warn Legolas! His father doesn’t know anything about the pregnancy and that he is with Haldir again.”
“But will he not be happy to hear that his son is pregnant?” Merry asked.
“I don’t know, Merry. From what I know and have heard, he can be quite rash sometimes.”

Legolas slowly let his mind reach for reality, leaving the comfortable realm of elven dreams behind. Haldir’s warm body was firmly pressed to his back and strong arms holding him tenderly.
Through the haze of waking he heard a knock at their door and before clearly thinking he already uttered a quiet “Yes, come in.”
A split second later, Legolas knew it had been a mistake. Haldir and he were not in any clothes at all and during to the warmth in the room, had shed even their covers in the night. The lay on the bad as naked as the day they were born. But it was too late.
A pair of smaller feet and the sound of heavy boots were already in the room. The blond archer recognised the one pair of feet immediately. Gimli. And if his presumption was correct the other pair must belong to a Hobbit. In this case, none other than Merry.
But before Legolas could say anything, he heard a sound of annoyance from the dwarf and a blanket was thrown over himself and Haldir.

"Get up you lazy elf!" the dwarf bellowed "Your father, the mighty Thranduil of Mirkwood is approaching and heading through the main gates."

“What?” bright blue eyes flew open and the blond archer struggled as he tried to get up from the bed quickly, his swelling body clearly hindering his usual grace.
Once standing and completely ignoring his undressed state, Legolas pulled Haldir’s arm, frantically trying to get his husband to move.
“Haldir, get up! Now!” he shouted.
Gimli and Merry exchanged confused looks. They had heard that Thranduil was a strict ruler, but why was Legolas in such a frantic state?
Haldir mumbled something under his breath, rolled his eyes as he saw Merry and Gimli watching him and turned is annoyed glance towards his husband.
Legolas was hastily pulling up his leggings and throwing a panic stricken glance at the body length mirror in their room.
“Gimli, come you have to help me!” he whimpered and dug beneath their other clothes obviously searching for something.
“Elf, what in Middle earth’s name are you doing?” the dwarf had moved over to the hectic elf and crossed his arms before his chest.
“I need to find that armour of yours” Legolas’ voice was muffled.
“In the Valar’s name, why? You are only going to meet your father, not ride into battle. Besides, I don’t think, it will fit anymore. You have grown quite a bit.” Gimli observed sceptically.
To Haldir’s amusement Merry nodded with a bright smile on his face. “Oh, yes. Quite a bit!” the Hobbit agreed. “Hey, Gimli told me, you are going to have twins, Legolas?”
Legolas moaned unhappy.

By now Haldir had left the bed, ignoring the fact the he was walking around naked and moved over to Legolas, holding his shoulders trying to calm him down.
“Love, what’s wrong?” Haldir kissed Legolas neck tenderly.
“Are you all deaf? I am looking for that armour!” the Mirkwood prince barked.
“We know that!” Merry exclaimed “But why?”
Legolas’ shoulders slumped. “My father doesn’t know that I am pregnant.”
“Of course he doesn’t!” Gimli shook his head. “Not even you knew for some time.”es, es, but he also doesn’t know that I underwent the procedure to become fertile. I wanted it to be a surprise back then, but know... I am not so sure. And that I am with Haldir again, is knew to him too. I just don’t want him to find out like this.”
Haldir closed his eyes and shook his head quietly, while the dwarf and Merry laughed.

It took them some time to find a strong peace of linen to tie around Legolas bulging body and they helped him into a loose fitting tunic, hiding the pregnancy as best as they could. Legolas put a long flowing robe on and by that successfully managed to conceal any proportion that would show.

While Gimli groomed Legolas hair Haldir got dressed and together they left for the great hall.

Since Aragorn was still away and on his way back to Minas Tirith, Thranduil was greeted by the official representative of Minas Tirith, who was trying to greet the tall King in the best way he could think of. He had no experiences with elves and from what he had heard they were a friendly bunch. But this one looked very stern.
Thranduil nodded courtly and got off his horse, never giving the poor man a second glance. After he had rummaged through his saddle bags for a bit and pulled a few things out, Thranduil stormed passed the representative and was closely followed by some of his guards.
In the middle of the great hall the King stopped and looked around. Was his son even here, yet?
“You!” he addressed the elderly man, who had tried to follow the long strides as quickly as possible “Is my son here, yet? Prince Legolas of Mirkwood.”
“Yes, I think so, my Lord.” The man stammered.
“You think so?” Thranduil brows shot up.

Suddenly a firm but somewhat insecure voice was heard from one of the large stairs leading into the hall.
“Father!”
Thranduil turned on the spot and had to restrain himself very hard not to run over to his son, who approached quickly down the long staircase, and hold him in a crushing embrace. Without giving away his knowledge about his son’s condition, Thranduil eyed Legolas figure. Obviously his son wasn’t either far along the pregnancy or he did the best to hide it. Thranduil managed not to smirk. That would be typical for Legolas. Well, if his son wanted so desperately to hide it, then he would do his best in not showing him that he already knew. Inwardly Thranduil was a little bit looking forward to seeing Legolas squirm underneais gis gaze.

At Legolas side was Haldir, proud and protective as always. He greeted Thranduil with the expected inclining of his head and Thranduil gave him a warm smile.
“Legolas, my son. It is good to see you. You have made me very proud. But I dare say, this quest has taken its toll on you, hasn’t it.”
“Father, is was most kind of you to come here, and thank you for your kind words. Indeed, the journey has been a long and hard one with many perils, but also with great joys.” Legolas fidgeted nervously. Had his father noticed anything?
“I can see that.” Thranduil smirked and threw a glance at Haldir.
“I see that you both have come to your senses and are together again. For longer this time I hope.”
Legolas had blushed slightly. “Yes, father. For much longer. I am sure of that.”
“So, my son. Tell me of the journey and what has happened along the road.”
“I believe that will take a very long time father, just let me tell you, that I have made many new friends and that I nearly died, but not in battle. I nearly died of a broken heart, for Haldir had fallen in the battle of Helm’s deep. Had it not been for the Lady Eowyn, he would not be at my side right now, and I would have surely travelled to the Halls of Mandos. But now that Sauron is destroyed and we all have survived, life will become peaceful once again.”
“So, you made new friends then. Please tell me, Legolas. Two figures are presently hiding in the shadows of that staircase over there. Would they be among your new friends?”
Legolas looked nervously over his shoulder and spotted Merry and Gimli, standing near the foot of the stairs in the shadows. Surely his father would not have a problem with Merry, but Gimli?
“Yes, father. Those two are among those friends.” The young elf squared his shoulders “Especially one of them. Would you like to meet them?”
Thranduil gave a short nod.
“Merry, Gimli! Please come.” Legolas called over to his friends.

Slowly the two small figures advanced.
Thranduil sucked in his breath. A Hobbit and .... a dwarf! His son was friends with a dwarf? The King collected himself and waited for Legolas to introduce them.
“Father, this Meriadoc Brandybuck of the shire, usually called Merry. And this is Gimli, the son of Gloin.”
“Gloin?” Thranduil looked puzzled. “That Gloin?”
Gimli took a deep breath “Yes, that Gloin. The one you imprisoned in your dungeon.”
“Gimli!” Legolas scolded his friend.
But to all of their surprise the suddenly heard a chuckle. Thranduil just couldn’t hold himself back any longer.
“You are the son of Gloin. And you are my son’s best friend. Maybe it serves me right. Well met then, Gimli. And hence you hold a piece of my son’s heart I take it we will meet more often in the future. Let us take this chance and shake hands. And then tell me more about the mishaps of my son on this quest.” Thranduil bent down slightly and took hold of the dwarf’s hand in friendship.
“Legolas mishaps? My Lord, would you not rather hear of his heroic deeds?” Gimli looked confused still shaking the King’s hand.
“Oh no, my friend. I know what my son is capable of, and I know he is a cunning warrior. Won’t you give an old elf like myself not the enjoyment of a little bit of malicious delight. Oh, come on. Legolas must have treaded on somebody’s foot somewhere along the journey.”
Gimli grinned and nodded.

Legolas refrained from throwing his hands in the air in frustration and tried to gain his father’s attention.
“Father, why don’t you take a walk with Haldir and me in the courtyard. I believe we have many things to talk about.”
Thranduil turned to his son. “Yes. Yes, maybe you are right. I believe we have.”
The King turned to Haldir “I see you looked well after my son after you came back from that dreadful injury. In fact I believe he actually has managed to put on some weight on his skinny ribs.” Thranduil eyed his son up and down.
“Yes, my Lord.” Haldir’s voice was small. “Even though we only came back from the last battle yesterday.”
“I see, tell me, where is Aragorn and the others. Don’t tell me you came back alone!” Thranduil enjoyed the radiating nervousness from both of his son and his son in law.
“No, my Lord. We had to come back early, because.... because of my back. You see, at Helm’s deep, I was severely wounded at my back and I was in so much pain, that Aragorn bade us ride home alone in order to reach the city faster. A healer looked me over and assured me that nothing was wrong.” Haldir’s cheeks had taken a crimson colour.
“Ah,” Thranduil smiled understandingly “And here was I under the impression that something was wrong with my precious son. Oh, Legolas, and an old fool that I am, I have not even greeted you properly. Come here, my son, let me hold you for a short while.” The King stretched out his arms towards his son and wanted to draw him in, but Legolas flinched back quickly.
“What is the matter, Legolas?” his father cocked his head looking hurt.
“Nothing father. It’s just, well in front of your guards and my friends.... I am just not used to this really.” Legolas stammered helplessly.
“Oh, yes. Of course. And I thought something else might be the matter. Very well, I will retire to our rooms and meet you later for that walk you promised me.”
Thranduil signalled s servant to show them to some quarters and just striding after the flustering servant, when suddenly halted in his tracks and gestured one of his people over to him. The called elf handed his King two small bundles and Thranduil moved back to where Legolas and Haldir were still standing.

“Oh, I completely forgot. Galadriel gave me this as a present for you. She said it was a tradition.” Thranduil handed one bundle each to Haldir and Legolas.
Haldir’s face had paled drastically and he watched the King carefully, spotting a smirk around the usually stern lips. Then it dawned Haldir. The King had known all along.
Legolas looked at the bundle in his hands and carefully started unwrapping it. A small but healthy sapling of a Mallorn tree was hidden underneath the layers of cool and damp linen.
“They are to be kept and and moist until the day you children are to be born. Then plant them and watch them grow as your children grow up as well.” Thranduil smiled and turned to leave.
A quiet sob held him back. “You knew?” Legolas asked quietly.
Thranduil’s eyes were moist when he turned back to his son, not caring if anybody was watching and pulled his son into a tight embrace.

“Yes, I knew.” Thranduil whispered and stroked Legolas’ back. Now that they stood so close together Thranduil could clearly feel the producing roundness of his son’s body.
“Galadriel told me. And she also told me about your decision so many years ago.”

Some time later, when all had settled down and the Mirkwood elves had been shown to their quarters, Haldir Legolas and Thranduil met again in the garden of the castle and sat down on a bench near a little fountain. Legolas had redressed and taken off the confining straps of linen and wore more casual clothes now, not hiding his condition anymore.
Once they had settled down, Thranduil took all the time he wanted and needed to hold his son, listen to their tales and stories of war and bloodshed but also of their love and Legolas sudden and unexpected pregnancy. The fear and pain because they thought something had been wrong with their child, only to find out that Legolas was expecting twins.

The King was more than happy to see his son back in the arms of the one he loved and had always loved. He had felt Leg’ sa’ sadness and despair when his son had come back into Mirkwood announcing that he was to stay for good and that he and Haldir had separated.
The happiness those two radiated now, was beyond anything that Thranduil had ever encountered and the fact that he was indeed now to become a grandfather was more than he ever had hoped for.

Dusk was descending on them when Legolas started squirming uncomfortably.
“Love?” Haldir asked.
“No, it’s nothing. They are just fighting for more space I think.” Legolas rubbed his belly.
“Ouch!” he exclaimed. “Now, listen you two. Stop that now! Argh, what are they doing. It feels like they want to get rid of some of my internal organs in order to get more space for themselves.”
Thranduil watched as Haldir drew Legolas to him. Haldir had straddled the bench and rested Legolas heavy body, with the back to him, so that the pregnant elf could stretch out his legs on the bench.
The King got up from his end and crouched sideways to Legolas, carefully laying his hands on the growing belly, softly lifting his voice in an ancient song.