It was late at night. Legolas had held a big party because of the hobbits and they had also seen Thranduil and Tauriel. Many stories were told and they had a good day.
The hobbits were all asleep except Frodo. He was walking in the beautiful halls, marveling their beauty. He didn't know, but his legs took him to the upper levels with each step.
At last, he reached a door. Two guards who were guarding the door, bowed to Frodo when he went close. The moonlight was fell into the hall through the door. He passed through it and stepped on the hall's roof. A soft night breeze welcomed him as he stood on the roof. Frodo looked around and suddenly saw her.
Standing there, under the cold moonlight was Niphredil Elentary. Her hair was illuminating the moonlight. Her azure cloak had doubled the effect of her hair. An aura of serenity was around her. Frodo smiled at her. She felt his presence and turned around and smiled at him. "come closer, Frodo Baggins. From here you can see places that you have heard about them a lot." She said.
Frodo walked and stood next to her. The sky was clear and he could see miles away. Under his foot was a sea of trees, covering the ground for miles, but suddenly they ended and he could see the silver line of the river, flowing on gray lands. It went until it poured into a lake which seemed like a small piece of jewel under the moonlight. He could see a few lights in the lake town.
A few miles to the north, he could see the lights of the city of Dale, on top of a hill and a little more to the north, the great lonely mountain had stood there in its glory.
"There is where Bilbo had fought almost seventy years ago." Said Frodo quietly and pointed to the lonely mountain and suddenly a great sadness fell on his heart because of the absence of the old hobbit.
He felt Niphredil's hand on his shoulder and looked up. "He is where he likes a lot. It's like a new adventure for him. He is fine." she said.
Frodo nodded. he was sure that Bilbo likes where he is. Besides, Gandalf had promised to take care of him. he was in good hands.
"Tell me how is your scar? You still feel pain?" asked Niphredil concerned.
Frodo touched his shoulder where he had been stabbed seven years ago. "If I say no I have lied. I still feel pain, but only on the anniversary of the day that I have been stabbed. Although with the help of my dear Sarah It's not as bad as the past." Answered Frodo.
"And the weight of the Ring?" asked Niphredil.
Frodo stared at Niphredil's brown eyes. He knew she could read his mind and feelings. He looked ahead. "sometimes when I'm alone I still can feel it, like a shadow that falls on my mind. Its great weight that bent my shoulders." He said and then a smile formed on his lips. "But it never lasts for long. My little Bilbo is always around to mess up my life and bring me out of my dark thoughts." He said and laughed at remembering a beautiful memory from his lovely son. Niphredil laughed as well. She could feel his great love toward his family.
"He and Sarah are my lights in the dark. My life had no meaning without them. They are the only things that have kept me alive. I think I couldn't survive even if I had gone to the west. I owe all of this to you, my lady." Said Frodo.
Niphredil smiled. "I'm glad about it." she said and looked above at the moon. Frodo gazed at her. her beautiful silver hair was moving brightly under the light. Emerald leaves, the sign of Legolas Greenleaf, were shining on her chest.
"Do you want to go to my pond?" asked Niphredil and looked at Frodo.
"I've heard about its beauty a lot today. I like to see it." answered Frodo. "but do you think it's alright for you?" he bit his lip and looked at her swollen belly with concern.
Niphredil laughed and offered her hand to Frodo. "Don't be worry. Come!" she said. Frodo took her hand and together they walked to the lower levels and toward the main gates.
So after less than a half an hour, Niphredil, Frodo, Niphredil's maid, and two guards were walking inside of the forest and toward the pond. They were walking on a stone-paved road. Soon they reached a little stream, flowing down. It fell to a stony gutter beside the road and moved with it. At last, the road bent to the left and after the turning, it suddenly finished. They reached the end and Frodo's jaw hung open.
There, surrounded by a green grass designed by white Niphredils like little stars, was a pond. On its calm surface, white and pink lilies were floating and two white swans were swimming freely. The little stream was foaming downward happily and was pouring into the pond. A little island was in the middle of the pond with a beautiful stony bower, covered by violet and white wisteria flowers. All around it was covered by bushes with colorful flowers.
Niphredil looked at Frodo and laughed at his amused face. "I assume you like here." She said.
Frodo gulped and only nodded his face. "come." Said Niphredil. They went a little to the south and Frodo saw a white bridge which connecting the grass field to the island. They passed the bridge and walked to the island.
The swans swam to the shore and bent their heads in front of Niphredil who caressed their white heads fondly.
"Our people call these two, Niphredil and Legolas." Said Niprhedil and chuckled. "They have come here exactly when we came here after our wedding and have stayed since then."
They went and sat on a bench in the bower and talked. Time passed soon and they were so busy in talking that they didn't realize about the time. It was an hour after midnight. They were silent, watching the swans swimming swiftly on the water.
"You know, my Lady. Love is strange. You were right about it. It can heal amazingly." said Frodo quietly.
Niphredil nodded. "Yes. It's the greatest power in this world and it's not only the love toward the opposite sex. It has so many types. The love toward your parents, your siblings, friends, family, nature and your children." she said and caressed her belly lovingly. "Pure love can heal and mend your soul, although it can sometimes have so much pain with itself, but you will bear all of that pain because of your loved one."
Frodo gazed at her mesmerizing eyes and that familiar sense of relaxation fell on him again. She was so beautiful. Suddenly they heard noises. They raised their heads and saw Legolas passing the bridge and stepping on the island. Tauriel and a few of the guards were with him. His black and red cloak was flowing behind him and he seemed so magnificent, but his face was worried. Frodo stood and bowed to him.
"Legolas!" said Niphredil, happy to see him. "Niphredil, do you know what time it is? It's past midnight. You must rest." He said and helped Niphredil to stand on her feet and put his hand on her belly.
"I'm fine. There is no need for being so worried." Said Niphredil.
"I think there is. After the anniversary your body has become weaker. You should be more careful, especially in the last days, my lady." Said Tauriel and folded her arms in front of her chest. Niphredil rolled her eyes.
"It's all my fault. I should not agree with her to come here this late." Said Frodo and dropped his head.
"No, it's not your fault. She never takes care of herself." said Tauriel.
Niphredil furrowed. "I do. Especially since I found out that I'm pregnant." She said stubbornly.
Legolas laughed at her childlike face and kissed her forehead. "Alright! That's enough. It's time to go back. We all will come here tomorrow so the others can see here as well. Now, let's go." Said Legolas and almost dragged Niphredil after himself. Niphredil turned her head and mouthed "I'm sorry." for Frodo.
Frodo smiled and went after them. He remembered when Sarah was pregnant. It was so hard for someone with a lively and adventurous spirit, like Sarah to sit without doing anything and that was making Frodo so worried for her safety because she was always running around and doing dangerous things. He could understand Legolas so well. Especially that Niphredil had an anniversary on the day of being shot by Sauron, and she was sick for days. She had almost lost her baby.
Soon they reached the halls and Niphredil was forced to go straightly to her room and rest. Legolas and Niprhedil said goodnight to Frodo and went to their room where Legolas helped Niphredil to slip into her nightgown and go to sleep after a long but happy and good day. He pulled her into his arms and put his hand on her belly and caressed it. He was worried for Niphredil's safety.
***
Next morning, the hobbits had sat on the table with Niphredil and Gimli. They were in the balcony where the hobbits had seen Legolas and Gimli there yesterday. Legolas had gone to see a messenger which had come from Rivendell. Thranduil and Tauriel were with him.
The hobbits had sat and smoking like Gimli who was talking, telling stories from his realm. Niphredil had an odd feeling. It had started this morning and had become stronger with each passing second. She was nervous and was breathing faster than normal. She had backache more than always and she was hot.
Hobbits were so drowned to Gimli's story that didn't notice her slightly odd behavior. Niphredil stood and walked to the edge of the balcony and put her shaking hands on the stone railing. It was cool under her hot hands and gave her a good feeling. She couldn't ignore her condition anymore. Something was wrong.
"Gimli!" She called Gimli to tell him, but suddenly, she felt a searing pain in her belly. She cried and bent down and put one of her hands on her belly while clenching the railing with the other. The two guards who had stood by the double door, ran into the balcony by the cry of their Lady and looked at her with worried eyes.
Gimli and the hobbits were on their feet in an instant. Gimli walked to her quickly and gently put a hand on her back. Lines of worry was evident on his brow. "What's wrong, lassie? What just happened?" he asked concerned and tried to help her to sit down, but as she took her first step, another jolt of pain ran in her belly and she cried in pain again.
"I think you must send for Legolas." She said breathlessly. Her body was trembling and beads of sweat were appearing on her forehead.
Gimli turned to the guards who were rooted in their places. "What are you waiting for, you idiots? Go after your king and bring him here." He shouted and the guards ran to find Legolas.
"My lady, I think it's time." Said Sam worriedly. Niphredil wanted to answer but another attack of pain made her cry.
A few minutes later, Legolas rushed into the balcony followed by Thranduil and Tauriel.
"Niphredil!" called Legolas and color drained from his face at the sight of the pale and trembling Niphredil. "Legolas!" she called him desperately.
"It's time." Said Thranduil worriedly. "Legolas, don't just stand there. Took her to your room. Tauriel, go after the healers and midwives, quickly."
Niphredil cried in pain again. The pain was becoming worse every time. Legolas had her in his arms in an instant.
"Quickly!" ordered Thranduil to Tauriel more urgently this time. Tauriel who had stared at Niphredil came out of her daze and ran out of the balcony.
Legolas picked Niphredil up bridal style like she weighed no more than a feather and rushed out of the balcony followed by the others. He went to their room and gently put her on the bed. Just then a group of she-Elf healers ran into the room with white sheets and warm water. The midwife sat at the edge of the bed and touched Niphredil's belly and forehead. Niphreil's eyes were closed and she was breathing hard.
"Ok. Prepare everything. It's time." She said excitedly to her assistance. She then turned to the others who were watching them with terrified faces. "Why are you still here?" she said and stood and shooed them out of the room. "stay outside, quickly."
Niphredil cried in pain again, louder this time. Legolas halted and struggled to go to her side. "Niphredil!" he called desperately, but the midwife stopped him and pushed him outside. "I'm sorry, my lord. You should stay outside." She said and closed the door on their faces.
So they sat there, with worried hearts and began to wait for long hours. Soon, the whole realm of Greenwood became notify of this event and they were all praying in their hearts for their beloved Lady be fine.
***
Legolas and Thranduil were pacing in the aisle impatiently. The hobbits and Gimli had sat on a long bench which had been put there in the first hour. Slowly the elves were gathering in both sides of the corridor. Everyone was worried.
Legolas was worried sick. His heart was beating so fast like he had run for miles. He had no news. Only one time, a few hours ago, one of the healers had come out of the room in rush to go to the healing rooms and had murmured something about a hard labor. Even Niphredil's crying in pain had been stopped for hours. He was dying.
"You two will come and sit here right now or I will tie you to the bench myself." Growled Gimli. "you are making all of nausea."
Legolas and Thranduil stared at him for a while but then both went and sat. "It's getting too long. Does it always take so long?" asked Legolas, bouncing his leg rapidly.
Thranduil patted his back. "She is going to be fine. She is a fighter." He said, but he was so worried himself. He loved Niphredil so much like his own daughter. If anything would happen for her, he would lose his son, his daughter and his unborn grandchild.
"It's been six hours now, six hours." Said Legolas. "I should have stayed with her."
"Don't be ridiculous. You couldn't." said Gimli. He had learned Elvish in the past years because of his vast relation with the Elves.
Just as he said that Niphredil cried loudly but obviously weary and everyone jumped to their feet. Then silence fell everywhere. Legolas was fainting. A few minutes later a faint crying of an infant reached their ears.
"the baby born. It born." Called Pippin excited.
The door opened and one of the healers came out with tearful eyes. Legolas' heart fell to his foot. He thought about the worst thing. "Congratulation, my Lord. It's a little beautiful girl." Said the healer.
"A girl?" whispered Gimli happily and he smiled slowly.
"What about Niphredil? How is she?" Asked Thranduil worriedly.
"My lady is fine, Although she is too tired. She had very hard hours." answered the healer and cried harder. Everyone sighed in relief and then all of the Elves began to cheer.
"How is Niphredil? Is she fine?" asked Merry who didn't understand Elvish.
Gimli patted his back. "Yes, laddie. They both are fine. It's a little girl." he said.
Legolas gulped. He didn't know how to express his feelings. He wanted to scream from happiness and jump up and down and to sit and cry hard from relief. Tears breamed into his eyes. "Can I see them?" he managed to choke.
The healer nodded. "Of course. But a few minutes later." she said and went inside and closed the door behind her.
"Congratulation, my son." said Thranduil happily and hugged Legolas. His eyes were tearful.
The few minutes before the healers finally let Legolas in, were the longest ever. Maids and healers come out of the room with smiling faces and they all congrats Legolas. Finally, the midwife came out. "Now you can come in, my lord." she said with a smile and opened the way.
Legolas rushed inside and Thranduil, Gimli, Tauriel and the hobbits followed him excited, but as Legolas passed the doorway, the midwife stepped on the doorway and blocked the way of the others. She bowed to Thranduil who furrowed at her.
"I'm sorry, my Lord, but only the husband. Let them be alone. You can go later." she said. Thranduil nodded.
"what's wrong?" asked Pippin who was sad of being interrupted. "come, boys. We should wait longer." groaned Gimli and sat at the bench again.
Legolas went inside. The light of the afternoon sun which was coming through the windows had lighted up the room. He walked slowly toward the king-sized bed with golden curtains. There between the golden cover had sat his love, leaned on white pillows. She was in her white sleeveless nightgown. Her silver hair was fell on her shoulders freely. Her eyes were fixed on a bundle of white clothes in her arms and she was smiling at it lovingly. Although her face was too pale and tired, but she seemed fine.
Her maid was wiping her face with a piece of cloth. The maid saw Legolas, smiled and bowed to him and then left the room. Niphredil looked up and saw Legolas who was watching her with tearful eyes. Her eyes were always enchanting him. She smiled at him. "Come and see your daughter. She is beautiful." she said quietly.
Legolas went and sat at the edge of the bed. Niphredil pulled the white covers a little away so he could see his child. There, between the covers had slept the most beautiful baby that he had ever seen. She was too small. He brought his hand closer and slowly touched her little hand with his finger. The little one took his finger with her little hand and squeezed it. Legolas smiled. Tears fell from his eyes. An odd feeling formed in his heart and his chest swelled from pride. This little angel was his child, his.
He looked at Niphredil and then bent down and kissed her lips gently. "Thank you, Niphredil. Thank you so much." he said and leaned his forehead on hers.
"Thank you too. For I owe this happiness to you, my love." whispered Niphredil.
They heard the sound of the door and both turned their heads towards it. There were seven heads peeking through the doorway. Niphredil laughed. "Come in. All of you." called Niphredil and they came in.
Thranduil was at the bedside with a few long strides. He looked at the little infant lovingly. She reminded him of his own Legolas. He bent down and kissed the baby's forehead. The baby wiggled and smiled a bit in her sleep. Thranduil smiled. He loved his granddaughter a lot already.
"She is too small. Almost smaller than my daughter." said Sam. Merry and Pippin were wiping their eyes.
"she is beautiful. Congratulation, lassie." said Gimli while crying. Niphredil smiled. "Thank you, Gimli."
"She looks like Niphredil." said Frodo.
"we must be grateful for that." said Gimli and everyone laughed.
"What do you want to name her?" asked Tauriel with a smile. Her eyes were fixed on the little girl. She could feel a great love toward this little one.
"I want Niphredil to pick a name." Said Legolas and caressed Niphredil's cheek.
Niphredil looked at her child and gently kissed her forehead. She thought for a moment. "Elanill. Elanill Mallorn." she said finally.
"The blossom of Mallorn." said Thranduil and gazed at the little child and nodded. "Very beautiful name. I'm sure that she is going to be a great Elf one day. A great destiny awaits her." said Thranduil. A faint concern fell on his heart because of his grandchild. He was afraid of her destiny. Something big was waiting for little Elanill and he didn't have good feelings about it.
He looked at his son and his daughter in law. They were so happy, dancing in their own world. He smiled. He loved them both so much and now they had a child who was so precious for him. He tried to throw away the bad thoughts. He would make sure that nothing happens for his grandchild.
So it was that Elanill Mallorn, the blossom of hope for her people, born on that summer day and her story began. She was safely slept in her mother's arms, in the circle of her family and trusted friends, but her grandfather was right. A great destiny was waiting for her. A destiny that would shape the fate of All of the Elves of Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------------------------------
A/N: I'm terribly sorry for a long interrupt. I wish you liked this chapter. Please leave a comment and vote if you liked it :)