Birth Marks

Thanks so much to Cheysuli for a wonderful beta job and suggestions

Legolas POV

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The unexpected humid air of this early fall evening was truly getting to me. A fine sheen of sweat covered my face, my clothing felt tight and my skin sticky; my hair felt limp and lifeless, hanging loosely about my shoulders.

Occasionally a cool breeze would sweep past my perch, high as I dare go in this lovely maple tree. All of this evening I had spent in its comfort, looking over the camp which was full of tents with foul smelling men. Of course that wasn't terribly fair of me, for they have yet to reach a river where they could properly bathe.

A slight ripple fluttered in my belly and I looked down at my expanded girth and smiled, patting my belly lightly. "I know you don't enjoy the smells either, but it is only another weeks journey to Rivendell and we shall see what Lord Elrond has to say about you."

The shrubs and bushes below me were being disturbed and I knew who it was. Well, it could be one of two people, either my beloved Aragorn or the somewhat annoying human healer that Aragorn insisted on bringing on this journey.

"I know you're up there."

A small smile upturned my lips as I scanned the clearing. My precious mate stood below, trying to see up into the heavy boughs of the tree.

"Please come down, Legolas. You know that it makes my heart sick to think of you up there alone, brooding." A small chuckle followed. "And I really don’t want to have to climb up there and get you if you decide perhaps, due to your condition, you can't climb down."

I knew that Aragorn was goading me, but I played along nonetheless. It seems that wherever our little caravan made camp, at some point I would find a tree or cliff or some secluded spot to separate myself. And to be honest, I really wasn't sure why. Of course I was growing huge with Aragon's child, and perhaps I felt a little less like myself, but mostly I couldn't stand the smells and sounds. It seemed that everything grated my nerves these last few months.

"Perhaps I will just tell you I can not make it down just to see you climbing up." My small laugh echoed through the tree as I easily swung down and landed gracefully on my feet.

Aragorn turned to look at me, a small frown marring his handsome face. "You are not well, I will call Janith."

As he turned to leave, I swiftly grabbed his arm and turned my husband's body to face my own. "I am well, no need to awaken Janith."

That was too close to pleading, damn these emotions.

A small smile replaced the frown as Aragorn lovingly ran his hands over my strong shoulders and then down to rest on the bulge between us. "I see not why you dislike the healer."

"Because you are not the one he leers at." Oh no, the look that just crossed his face. "No, hold. All I mean is that I feel like an insect to be dissected when he looks at me, when he touches me. I far prefer the hands of this healer." And putting words to action, I lifted Aragorn's hand from my belly and kissed the palm, pressing my overheated face against the cool flesh.

"You are so warm. What can I do, beloved? Just tell me and I will do it." Aragorn looked so worried, his eyes roaming up and down my body, trying to find all the hurts.

"Truly, this is all normal. Do you not remember Elrond telling you that I would be like this as my time draws closer?"

A small nod and then a brilliant smile lit up Aragon's face. "You know, being King does offer some rewards." And then a mischievous glint reflected in his eyes as he gathered me close and walked us back to the main camp. A few soldiers standing guard saluted as we entered the first ring of tents, but I was no fool. I knew that they always knew where the king was, even if I myself had managed to slip away upon occasion.

Finally we entered the largest tent; the outside appeared as the others, but the inside was adorned in all manor of fine fabrics and plush pillows. A low table with two chairs on one side and a good sized bed, the biggest that would fit into our traveling carriages, on the other.

"Now, sit here and relax, my love. I shall return with haste."

I smiled at my departing mate and sank into the softness of the bed. I had to agree it was a bit more comfortable then the boughs of the trees, at least in my current state.

I looked down once again and rested my hand on my belly. Truly it was amazing to see my body change and grow with this new life and I had to admit that I found myself wondering what this child would look like; would it be male or female, dark or light?

Of course, Aragorn was hoping for a son. He was determined to never put me through a pregnancy again and looking back at the past several months, I could see my husband's point. Although, for the most part, I quiet enjoyed the sensations and experiences that my condition has given me.

Sure there was the sickness and strange food consumption and lets not forget the period when I could not seem to get enough of my beloved. Of course I was sure that Aragorn wasn't complaining about that phase.

Sadly now I'm too fat to enjoy much of anything and my poor husband had to abstain as well.

The tent flap pulled me from my downward thoughts, which was indeed good; I had no wish to be moping about. My husband came though with a covered tray and was followed by several others, including Janith. A small scrawl formed on it's own accord as my eyes meet Aragorn's.

"Tis just a quick look and I shall stay to make sure you are fully comfortable." I didn't see the look Aragorn gave the healer, but I did see the fright in Janith's eyes as he approached the bed.

The other's who had entered unburdened themselves and left just as quickly. Aragorn sat on the bed and patted the pillow, helping me lie down.

Swiftly my tunic was removed and my leggings were loosened and pulled down to reveal my belly. Even though I was still hot, a shudder racked my body and gooseflesh raised on my arms and chest.

Aragorn took my hand and slid down so he could talk into my ear. "You truly are a lovely sight." His other hand came to rest on my swelled flesh and rubbed in small soothing circles.

"My Lord."

The healer stood back from us, waiting. He stepped forward at Aragorn's nod and gently laid his hands where my beloved's had just rested. This touch was of course less personal and the hands roamed freely, squeezing the round mound and pressing pointy fingers into tender spots. But I was used to this and knew that Janith was just trying to see how big the baby had grown and what position it was in.

A slight noise escaped the healer's throat and I looked away from my husband in alarm.

"Tis fine, my Lord." The healer was quick to reassure Aragorn. "The baby is turning. Upon my next examination I shall have to check in more intimate areas."

I was truly not alarmed, for I had endured Janith's intimate examinations before, but a sudden thought occurred to me. "Will we not be in fair Rivendell by then?"

Aragorn smiled knowingly at me and the healer could only nod. "Yes, my Lord. I would dare say that we will and I'm sure Lord Elrond will want a look." He had a smug smile, but I would far prefer Lord Elrond to Janith.

"Hmm...I suppose he would." Aragorn interrupted my thoughts and Janith's hands moved higher, cupping my slightly swollen chest with both hands.

"It seems you are about the same size. I should think that you should grow no bigger here." To this news I was most relieved and could for the most part ignore the probing and pinching of my tender flesh. "I should think that within the next few weeks we should be able to stimulate some milk."

Oh joy.

Finally Janith stood back. "All seems well, I shall retire now." And he left quickly.

"Mmm... fresh milk." My husband laughed, squeezing my hand at his jest.

But I did not think it was funny and suddenly I could feel tears pressing at the back of my eyes. Oh these damnable emotions.

"Oh, love, please do not listen to me. I know not why I said that."
The sheer look of horror on his handsome face was enough to make me laugh out right and the horror was replaced with a little puzzlement, but mostly understanding.

"Tis I who should be sorry. My moods still seem to be swinging dangerously." I pulled our entwined hands close to my face and kissed his tenderly.

He sat with me silently for several long moments and then bounded up and moved to the tray he brought with him. "I have a small surprise," he announced and moved toward the bed. "And you are in the right state of undress."

I knew not what he had planed, but sweet excitement rushed though me.

"Nothing too strenuous, my love." He sat his tray down and raked his eyes across my exposed flesh. "Sadly we will have to wait a few more weeks for that."

My overheated skin prickled with desire, but I knew he was right. The last time we tried I was so hot with passion, but it was quickly drenched with Aragon's first thrust and the overwhelming pain that encompassed my whole lower region. Janith, much to my despair, explained that the baby had grown too big and that when lovemaking became painful it was time to stop. Although we found others ways to satisfy ourselves, it became terribly frustrating for me and Aragorn could sense this. So we often just settled for kisses and cuddles.

"Now then, close your eyes." I did so immediately, so trusting in Aragorn's ability to make me feel better.

A cool cloth sat on my chest and then traveled down over my huge belly. I sighed in contentment as the cloth traveled all over my hot flesh, wiping away the sweat. Soon my whole body had been bathed and a fresh, clean night robe was pulled over my head. I sat up a little to help with my dressing and was glad the material was light and airy. Already I could feel an intense sleepiness wash over me and I had a sneaky feeling that this is just what my Aragorn had wanted. My hair seemed to be next on his list and he took his time combing it out and braiding it away from my face, with one final braid down the back to keep it from clinging to my neck.

Pillows were arranged around and behind me and a cool cup was placed in my hand. "I've had it chilling in the river all evening. I hope it's to your liking, my love."

He than produced a small plate, fresh fruit overflowing, the juices sloshing over and running down Aragorn's hands.

I took small sips from the tumbler and was pleasantly surprised at the clean, crisp taste. "Thank you, Aragorn."

He smiled sweetly, washing himself and putting on his own nightclothes. "I'm glad you seem more relaxed, my love. The next week will be hard travel for our band and I need to know that you are well."

"I am most comfortable." I could feel my love slide into our bed behind me, pulling me close and lightly laying his hand on my belly.

I reached for a slice of melon, savoring the taste, wiping my chin with the back of my hand.

Moments passed when finally my snack was consumed and the tumbler placed on the bedside table and my eyes glazed over in sleep, the constant rubbing of my husband's hand helping me into slumber.