Living with Death

Legolas wandered the halls of his father kingdom placid, contempt with his life at the time. The forest was flourishing and the trade with Lake-town and the Lonely Mountain was going well. He reached the throne are where his father lounged on his throne, sipping on his wine. He greeted his father with a smile and questioned, “have you drank all the wine on this summer day? Or have you salvaged some for you son?” Thranduil chuckled and with a weave of his hand one of the servants appeared with a full glass of wine. Legolas took it graciously as Thranduil smiled, “The kingdom is thriving more than ever. The forest is greener and new life is appearing.” Legolas took a sip of the fruity wine and watched with his father. Suddenly a maiden appeared with a look of delight as she curtsied and announced, “Lady Alanna is giving birth!” Thranduil stood from his throne and graciously followed the maiden to a room where there was screaming sounding inside. Legolas as well followed but was quickly stopped by his father who said, “you have never experienced a birthing and I don’t think you're quite ready until you find a women.” Sighing Legolas followed his father's command and stayed outside as King Thranduil entered, comforting the women who as recently lost her husband to an orc raid. Legolas was leading the group, by the time they heard the orcs it was too late, they came for all directions. They fought valiantly but many had injuries and there was three deaths, her husband was one of them. Legolas kept that in his mind, regretting that this child will have no father. His thoughts were broken by a gasping  sound from inside.

“Alanna stop pushing! There’s blood!” Legolas shot his head to the door; he wanted to go in and help but Thranduil appeared and he knew that it was to bad for even his father to be in the room. Thranduil’s eyes were full of worry and disaster. Legolas tried to ask his father what has happened, but Thranduil wouldn’t say. Finally, after what seemed like hours a maiden appeared again, and Legolas could tell by the look that it was bad news.

“She’ll be able to give birth, but she won’t make it, the child will make her bleed to death.” Thranduil sighed and brought his head down, but after some time he followed her inside where Alanna was paler, and seemed werried. Thranduil came to her side and held her hand, softly then he comforted her.

“Just squeeze my hand to deal with the hand; we’ll get you through this.” Alanna closed her pale blue eyes, a single tear journeyed down her rosy cheek before nodding. When the maidens said to push she did, squeezing King Thranduil’s hand, his hand turning white. Before long they heard a cry and and maidens quickly cleaned the child as Alanna bleed heavily. Handing her the baby they announced, “Congratulations, it’s a girl.” Alanna cried as she clutched her child, looking into her oddly black eyes she smiled, “Elen, her name shall be Elen.” She looked up to Thranduil her now sat by her and draped his long arm around her.

“Tis’ a lovely name, she will be loved and cared for by a mother and father worthy of her.”

“T-thank you my lord, it was an honor serving you.” Thranduil bit through the pain, his eyes begin to form tears he gripped her hand again.

“‘Twas an honor knowing you lady Alanna.” She smiled and looked down upon her child, whispering to her she said, “you will be such a lovely child. I will see you and care for you. You will be loved desperately from everyone...” She trailed off, her face twisting in pain.

“Squeeze my hand.” Thranduil choked on his words and she squeezed, harder and harder she  squeezed before letting one last breath, “I love you... dear Elen.” Her hand then went limp and her head tilted to the side. The child didn’t cry though, instead she looked at her mother oddly, her head tilted and eyes curious. Thranduil took the child and held her; she looked at him with curiosity, her big black eyes shining and her black fluff on the top of her head making weird movements. Thranduil smiled at the elfling and he brought her out of the bedchamber. Legolas stood straighter when the he heard the door open, his eyes went dark when he saw his father holding the small baby, right away he knew what happened.