The Fellowship of the Ring: Legolas x Tauriel Book 1

Chapter 3: Rivendell

As Legolas gracefully dismounted his horse, his eyes immediately sought out Tauriel, who followed suit with a touch more effort, her hand instinctively going to her small baby bump for support. Legolas's expression softened at the sight, and he moved swiftly to assist her, his touch gentle as he guided her down from the saddle.

"Thank you," Tauriel murmured, her voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and affection.

Legolas's response was immediate and heartfelt. "Anything for you, my love," he said, his hand naturally finding its place on her belly, where their child rested snugly. Their brief moment of intimacy was a cherished one, a quiet reminder of the life they were nurturing together amidst the tumult of their journey.

Their tender moment, however, was interrupted by the approach of Lord Elrond, his presence commanding attention even amidst the tranquil beauty of Rivendell. Elrond's keen gaze swept over them, noting the subtle exchange between the elven couple before he addressed them.

"Welcome, Legolas. Tauriel," Elrond greeted them with a warm smile, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "It is good to see you both. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

Legolas inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Elrond. The journey was indeed peaceful, and Rivendell is as beautiful as ever."

Tauriel echoed Legolas's sentiment with a nod of her own. "Yes, thank you for having us, Lord Elrond. It is an honor to be here."

Elrond's gaze lingered on Tauriel's stomach for a moment, a knowing look passing through his eyes before he turned his attention back to them. "You are always welcome here. Please, make yourselves comfortable. We shall speak more later."

As Elrond departed, Legolas and Tauriel exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Legolas's hand remained on Tauriel's belly, his touch a reassurance of their shared bond and the life they carried within.

"Do you think Elrond suspects anything?" Tauriel asked in a hushed tone, her gaze searching Legolas's face for reassurance.

Legolas shook his head, his expression calm yet determined. "No, I do not believe so. Elrond is wise, but he respects privacy. As long as we are careful, our secret is safe."

Tauriel nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. "We will be careful. We have to be, for the sake of our child."

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft rustle of leaves nearby, and they turned to see Aragorn approaching, his expression both welcoming and guarded.

"Legolas," Aragorn greeted them with a nod. "It is good to see you safely arrived."

Legolas returned the greeting with a warm smile. "Thank you, Aragorn. It is good to see you as well."

Aragorn's gaze shifted to Tauriel, his brow furrowing slightly with curiosity. "Legolas, I didn't know you were bringing someone with you."

Legolas exchanged a glance with Tauriel before speaking. "Tauriel has been my companion on this journey. She is dear to me, and her presence brings me strength."

Aragorn nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "I see. Well, you are both welcome here in Rivendell. We are fortunate to have you join us for the council."

Tauriel's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at Aragorn. "How have preparations been going for the council?"

Aragorn's expression grew serious as he glanced around, ensuring their privacy before speaking. "Preparations are underway, but there is tension in the air. The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance, and many fear what the council may decide."

Legolas's brow furrowed with concern. "What do you think will come of it?"

Aragorn's gaze grew distant, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I cannot say for certain. But we must trust in the wisdom of those gathered here and hope that our combined efforts will be enough to overcome the darkness that threatens us."

Tauriel nodded solemnly, her hand finding Legolas's once more for comfort. "We will stand together, whatever may come."

In the quiet sanctuary of their room they were given, Tauriel began the ritual of shedding her warrior's guise, removing her weapons one by one and setting them aside with a sense of relief. As each blade and arrow found its place, a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders, leaving her feeling lighter and more at ease.

Legolas observed her with a quiet understanding, his gaze tender as she unburdened herself of the tools of her trade. He knew the toll that their journey had taken on her, both physically and emotionally, and he longed to offer her solace in whatever way he could.

As Tauriel began to peel off her hunting clothes, Legolas stepped closer, drawn by an instinctual need to comfort her. His heart swelled with love and admiration as he caught sight of her small baby bump, a visible testament to the life they carried within.

Gently, he wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close to him until her back was pressed against his chest. His hands found their way to her stomach, where their child rested snugly, a precious miracle nestled within her womb.

Tauriel leaned back into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his touch seeping into her very soul. She sighed contentedly, allowing herself to relax into his strong, reassuring presence.

"It feels good to wear something more comfortable," Tauriel remarked, her voice soft and filled with gratitude.

Legolas pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head, his lips brushing against her silken hair. "You look beautiful," he murmured, his voice a gentle caress against her ear.

A faint blush colored Tauriel's cheeks at his words, a shy smile gracing her lips. She turned in his arms to face him, her eyes searching his for reassurance.

"Will you still think that when I look like a bloated whale?" she teased, a hint of self-consciousness creeping into her tone.

Legolas's expression softened, his eyes filled with nothing but adoration for the woman before him. "Of course," he replied without hesitation, his voice filled with sincerity. "Why would you ever think you're not beautiful? You are carrying our child, a symbol of our love and the miracle of life. There is nothing more beautiful than that."

Legolas gently rubbed circles on Tauriel's small baby bump, his touch tender and filled with love. "Speaking of which, how are you and our little one doing?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

"We're fine," Tauriel replied, her hand finding its place over his on her stomach, their fingers intertwining in a silent gesture of unity.

Tauriel's heart swelled with love at his words, a radiant smile lighting up her face. She reached up to cup his cheek, her touch gentle yet filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Legolas leaned into her touch, his eyes never leaving hers. "Always," he vowed, his voice a solemn promise of unwavering devotion.

At that moment, as they stood entwined in each other's arms, Legolas and Tauriel knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in love and bound by the unbreakable bond of their shared journey. And as they drifted off to sleep, their hearts intertwined in a symphony of love and tenderness, they found solace in the knowledge that together, they could weather any storm that life threw their way.