Arien, Lady of Rivendell

The first breath- Prologue

Elrond perched on the edge of his seat, a bead of sweat slowly inched down his forehead as he gazed at the chaotic scene before him. His wife celebrían moaned in pain as she lay her legs splayed on the bed. The sheets already covered in blood wrapped around her bottom half. He squeezed her hand in comfort. "It will be okay my sweet, the pain will ease." He said reassuringly. Celebrían knew the process, she had birthed three children prior to this baby, but despite her experience he knew this must be her last. The midwife hurried to and fro, gathering towels and damp clothes whilst muttering encouraging words. "It's okay my lady, keep breathing. It will be here soon." With a final cry of pain the mother relaxed as the baby slipped from her womb and into the world. The midwife quickly enveloped it in soft fluffy towels and cleaned it of blood. Elrond rushed to his feet and stopped close to her side. "A boy, or girl?" He asked as he peered into the folds of white sheets. She smiled brightly. "A beautiful young girl my lord." She replied and carefully handed the precious package over. Elrond smiled his eyes alight as he gazed into the baby's own emerald ones. A cheeky smile grinned up at him and a small giggle escaped the newborns lips, a mop of dark brown hair already covered her head. He rocked her gently from side to side and heard a movement of sheets. Celebrían sat up and held out her arms. The elf Lord gently handed her over to her mother who took her with eager hands. "She will indeed grow up to be a fine princess." Celebrían said smiling her face wrinkled with the weariness of childbirth but her smile glowing and her eyes bright. "And I am almost certain many elf men will come for many miles to see her beauty." Elrond grinned widely and took a seat once again. "What shall we name her?" He asked and the fair elf lady thought for a moment. "Arien, shall be her name, daughter of the earth, for she may yet challenge the beauty of our eldest Arwen."