Title: Melethchên (Love Child)

Author: Morgana
Author's Email: Morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.avalon.cobweb.nl

Pairing(s): Frost/Elrohir. Rabbit/Haldir mentioned and Glorfindel/Erestor mentioned.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Elrohir manages to win Frost’s heart.
Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s. Rabbit/ Frost and Bramble belong to The Magic Rat’s.
Warning: mpreg.
Author’s Note: After reading The Magic Rat’s stories, a plot bunny attacked, demanding I paid Frost some attention. This story was written after kind permission of The Magic Rat.

Melethchên

“Frost? I don’t mean to intrude, but I missed you and…” Elrohir grew quiet, entering the little hut the Shaman called his home. “Frost?” The hut was dark, except for the small, dying fire in the back. In the corner he managed to make out a white form, huddled close to the wall and rocking slowly. “Frost?” Alarmed at finding his friend in such a worrisome state, Elrohir threw caution to the wind and approached.

A growl nearly stopped him, but he drew in a deep breath and continued to advance on the older Elf. “Frost? I am worried about you. My father trained me as a healer, and I would like to have a look at you.” Rabbit had told him that the dead child would shortly leave Frost’s body and Elrohir was afraid complications had arisen. “Would you let me examine you?” He expected another feral growl, but only a soft whimper escaped Frost’s lips. Assuming he had just been granted permission, he knelt beside the huddled form.

The first thing Elrohir noticed was the metallic scent of old blood. “Oh, Frost...” Reaching out slowly, he brushed the long, white hair aside, revealing part of the other Elf’s face. Tears were flowing down the Elf’s face and the tremors that shook the exhausted body were worsening. “Let me see.” Elrohir’s gaze followed the long arms down, realizing Frost was cradling something against his chest. “I am so sorry for your loss,” whispered Elrohir truthfully.

Frost produced a sound between a growl and a whimper and raised his swimming topaz eyes to meet Elrohir’s. For once he didn’t care about the other’s tender age or lack of life experience. All he wanted was someone close. “Why can’t I carry them to term? Why do they die?”

Elrohir’s heart twisted bitterly, realizing this wasn’t the first child Frost had lost. “I don’t know the answer to that one, my dear friend.” Still kneeling beside the elder Elf, he wondered what to do. “I would like to offer you comfort, but I am not sure you will accept it.”

“I…” Frost pleadingly looked at Elrohir. “Can you fetch some soft cloth? I need to bury my child.”

Elrohir wondered how many children Frost had buried in his long life and he wished he had been able to prevent this from happening. He wanted to see Frost happy, not in tears over losing another child. “Do you want me to fetch Rabbit for you?”

Frost surprised him by firmly shaking his head. “No!”

Making an educated guess, Elrohir said: “He knows it isn’t your fault that you lost the child.”

An angry growl echoed through the small hut and Elrohir nearly jumped to his feet, knowing very well how deadly Frost’s fighting skills were. “I mean you no harm, Frost. I merely want to care for you.” Leaning in closer, he took the risk of being attacked and wrapped an arm around the trembling Elf. “Please let me help.”

Frost stared at the young one in surprise. Elrohir was wise for his tender age, and his need for companionship won in the end. “My child was Star’s last gift. I hoped he would keep the memory of my mate alive.”

Growing bolder now that Frost was allowing this, Elrohir sat down beside the larger Elf. He gently pulled Frost close, sharing his body warmth. “I know you look upon me as a child who still has to taste life’s bitter fruits, but I understand your pain. I lost my mother not so long ago and I still feel the loss.”

Allowing Elrohir’s voice to comfort him, Frost rested his head on the half-Elf’s shoulder, still cradling the remains of his dead child in his arms. He was grateful when Elrohir unclasped his cloak and offered him the garment to wrap his child in. Blood clung to his hands after he had finished, but Frost knew the blood loss had long stopped. He would be weak for the next few days, but his body would recover eventually. His mind however, was a different matter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The smells that reached Rabbit momentarily confused him. There was blood: his child’s blood. And then there was Elrohir’s scent. The two were intertwined and, fearing for his child’s well-being, he stormed into the hut.

Elrohir nearly jumped to his feet, but couldn’t move because Frost had fallen asleep against him. The last thing he wanted was for the grieving Elf to wake up. Rabbit stood in front of him in all his terror and the hair at the back of Elrohir’s neck stood rigid at facing this primal being.

“The dead child left his body. I found them this way.” The growls that continued to leave Rabbit’s throat worried Elrohir, and he instinctively clung to Frost.

Frost’s eyes widened, filling with awareness, and he immediately noticed Rabbit. Swallowing hard, he tried to struggle to his feet, but he lacked the strength and would have taken a fall if it hadn’t been for the support Elrohir offered by keeping an arm wrapped around his waist.

“Sia? I…” Unable to speak the words, Frost extended his arms, showing the bundle to Rabbit. “Would you…?” The question remained unspoken as he collapsed against Elrohir.

Rabbit quickly took hold of the bundle and cradled it against his chest, a wistful expression filling his yellow eyes. “I wished you had been allowed to keep this little one.”

Elrohir gently lowered Frost onto the ground, and reached for more firewood to rekindle the fire. After getting the fire going strongly again, he looked at Rabbit for directions. Would he be allowed to stay or would Rabbit tell him to leave? Ever since that embrace, he hoped Rabbit had somehow accepted him as a friend. “May I continue to care for him?”

Rabbit had been contemplating exactly that question. His heart went out to Frost after his child had suffered this loss, but he also knew when to step aside and let someone else take over. Elrohir had feelings for Frost, and it wouldn’t be long before Frost’s fertility cycle would start anew. His child would seek out a new mate eventually, and although he was shocked to realize it, Elrohir might just be acceptable.

“Stay here, whilst I bury the child’s remains. Don’t leave his side until I have returned.” Rabbit turned around, determined to carry out this grim duty.

Elrohir, who had pulled Frost against him, watched the eyelids flutter. A moment later, Frost was looking at him with big, unfocused eyes.

“My arms are empty again.” He wanted to cry, and properly mourn his loss, but he had experienced this pain too many times already to surrender to the grief again.

Elrohir wrapped his arms around the trembling Elf and, feeling silly, began to sing a lullaby which Celebrian had used to soothe Elladan and him when they had been Elflings. He hoped it would also work on Frost. And yes, the eyes were closing again, as the Plains' Elf fell into a deep, healing sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Frost woke next, he found Elrohir asleep beside him. Some time during the night they had pressed close, arms and legs intertwining. Now that Elrohir was asleep, Frost allowed himself to study the handsome young face. In the past, before Rabbit had brought them here, he wouldn’t have allowed anyone except his kin this close. He was grateful now that he had done away with his prejudice. He needed someone close tonight and his Sia was burying his dead child, thus unavailable to him.

“Frost?” Rabbit had remained quiet since his child had awoken, but now felt he needed to address his son.

A bit surprised at finding Rabbit here, Frost’s gaze met the other’s. “You are here? And you allowed Elrohir to stay?”

“He means well,” said Rabbit. Haldir had changed his perceptions, his world, and he had the feeling Elrohir would have the same effect on Frost. “He cares for you.”

Frost sighed softly, careful not to awaken Elrohir. “He is much too young. A child.”

“These Elves age differently, Frost. Haldir is also a child compared to me, but he has given me much joy – and Bramble.” Rabbit saw the hurt expression in Frost’s eyes and realized he had unwittingly hurt his child’s feelings. Frost’s topaz eyes swam with tears, and Rabbit was about to comfort his child when Elrohir moved in his sleep, pulling Frost as close as possible and stroking the long, white hair. “He senses your discomfort.”

Frost felt inwardly torn. “I lost Star only moons ago, Sia. I am not ready to take another mate.”

Rabbit purred softly. “But your cycle will start shortly and what will you do then? You crave a child of your own, and maybe this one can give it to you.”

Frost’s eyes widened. “Sia, are you telling me that…”

Another purr, softer and more playful than his first echoed through the hut. “Child, he loves you. Did Star ever truly love you?”

Frost savored the sensation of Elrohir running a hand down his back in a subconscious effort to comfort him. “At times I wondered if he accepted me as his mate because of my position in the tribe.”

“You don’t have to worry about that with this young one. He loves you for who you are.”

Frost managed a weak smile. “Aye, he told me that once. He likes me for being me: Frost. But he is so young.”

“Age doesn’t equal wisdom,” said Rabbit, rising from the ground. “He won’t push for a decision, but you might want to give this matter some serious thought.”

“I lost my child only a few hours ago, and at the same time my greatest desire is to finally hold a live one in my arms, Sia.” Topaz eyes met Rabbit’s. “Do you think Elrohir…”

Rabbit cut him short. “Maybe it was the love that was lacking between Star and you that kept you from carrying your children to term. Maybe Elrohir’s love for you will make the difference.”

“I am attracted to him as well, but I have fought it,” admitted Frost in a strangled tone.

“Then stop fighting it,” said Rabbit, leaving the hut.

Frost moistened his lips, and continued to study the half-Elf’s handsome face. “I know you love me, aia-nen, but do I love you?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir woke first the next morning and cherished doing so with Frost in his arms. Unable to resist temptation, he placed a chaste kiss on top of the white hair.

That gentle caress woke Frost, making him momentarily feel utterly unconfused and disorientated. He was resting in someone’s arms, but these weren’t Rabbit’s arms holding him – nor Star’s. Then he remembered Elrohir coming to him, comforting him and taking care of him.

“Good morning, my dear friend,” said Elrohir, hoping he hadn’t trespassed when kissing Frost’s hair. “How do you fare this morn?”

Frost managed to keep the tears out of his eyes, unwilling to start weeping again. “I don’t know how I fare. I am tired.” He was tired of life and death, of losing his children. Of feeding the hope that this time his child would survive.

“Would you like for me to keep you company today? I have no obligations at home and I would feel more comfortable staying close to you. Forgive me for speaking freely, but I don’t think you should be alone these next few days.”

Rabbit’s words returned to Frost and he cocked his head until he was able to make eye contact with the half-Elf. Elrohir lay on his side, and the Peredhel’s arms were tightly wrapped around him. His head had rested against Elrohir’s chest previously, but had pulled back slightly in order to look at the dark-haired half-Elf. Searching the calm, gray eyes, he found sincere love staring back at him and he realized that this love had been in those eyes since that time they had first met. Star had never looked at him like that, and that realization hurt.

“Aia-nen, I am not a suitable mate for you.” It pained Frost to speak those words, but it was the truth. “I am old and battered, and my children die inside me. Why would you choose to be with me? It is folly.”

Elrohir remained calm, although the words caused him heartbreak. He gently supported Frost as the white-haired Elf sat upright, and studied him. “You are Frost. That is why I want you.”

What was he to say to that? “Do you have any idea what kind of mate I am?”

“I think I gained a pretty good idea watching Haldir with Rabbit and Erestor with Glorfindel. You might have some… odd traits,” he said teasingly, “But those four are absolutely happy.”

“How am I going to explain to you that—“

“Don’t say anything right now,” said Elrohir, silencing his charge. “Just concentrate on healing.”

It was true; Frost felt extremely sore. To his dismay he found that the fire had died some time during the night, and he didn’t have any water or food here either.

Elrohir nodded as if he had read Frost’s thoughts. “It is cold in here and you should eat something warm.” He was about to suggest Frost came to the Healing House with him, when he realized the Plains' Elf would never agree to that. “I will gather more wood and find something to eat for you. Is that acceptable?”

Frost purred softly, indicating his approval. “Thank you for your care, aia-nen.”

Elrohir smiled warmly, slowly raised his hand and caressed Frost’s face. “I am honored you are letting me. I know you don’t trust easily.”

“Would you also bring some water to wash?” He was still covered in dried blood.

Elrohir nodded again in understanding. “Of course, my dearest friend.” Staring into Frost’s topaz eyes, he nearly leaned in to kiss the luscious lips, but he controlled himself just in time.

Frost saw the desire in Elrohir’s eyes and slowly pulled back. “It is too early.”

“Forgive me,” whispered Elrohir softly, “But I am awed that you are entrusting your feelings to me. It makes me want to reach out even more, but I will restrain myself. Water, food and wood it is. I will be right back.” Elrohir reluctantly rose from the ground. He really didn’t want to leave Frost alone, especially now that the elder Elf was opening up to him.

Frost watched Elrohir leave and then pushed himself to his feet. Swaying, he had to support himself by placing one hand against the wall. He hated feeling this weak, but also knew his body needed time to recover, especially after suffering another miscarriage.

“Child?” Rabbit entered the hut and quickly supported Frost. “Why are you alone? Where is Elrohir?”

“He is gathering wood and bringing back water and food.” Frost allowed Rabbit to move him to a different corner of the hut, where he sat down again. He then watched Rabbit collect the blood covered leaves.

Rabbit disposed of the evidence of the miscarriage and cleaned the area effectively. Once he was done, he sat down next to Frost. “He stayed the night?”

“He guarded my sleep,” explained Frost. “It is not in my nature to trust him and yet I allow him this close to me.”

“You feel at ease because he loves you.” Rabbit purred softly. “Haldir had the same effect on me. Putting my trust in him was one of the hardest things I ever did, but he accepted me unconditionally. He loves me for who I am. He never tried to change me.”

“If I didn’t know any better I would think you want me to accept Elrohir as my mate,” said Frost, surprised.

“I want you to be happy, child, and he loves you.” Rabbit moved closer to Frost, touched his forehead to his child’s, and purred lovingly. Frost replied in the same manner, smiling when Rabbit licked his brow. “Are you sure about this, Sia? Once he is part of the tribe…”

“The others will accept him.” Rabbit stared deeply into the topaz eyes. “Stop doubting yourself and accept what you have been given. One mate was taken away from you, but you have gained one who suits you far better. In your heart you know that.” Rabbit gave Frost one last, long look and then left the hut, sensing Elrohir’s return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir knelt in front of the fireplace, placing more fire wood in its center and relighting the fire. He had seen Rabbit leave but decided not to mention it. Frost was entitled to his privacy. “I also brought fresh spring water, hot broth, meat and bread.” He had placed several bundles beside Frost. “Why don’t you see if anything strikes your fancy?”

“Thank you,” said Frost, opening the bundles and looking inside. The dried meat looked tempting, but in the end he opted for the still-hot broth and some fresh bread. Sensing the warmth of the fire, he moved a little closer and gingerly met Elrohir’s gaze.

“I also brought these.” Elrohir pulled one bundle close and removed clean bandages and some of his father’s potions. “You should check for infection.”

“There is no infection,” said Frost, but he could use the bandage to clean off the remnants of the blood.

“How about a bath in the Bruinen after you have eaten your fill? The warm water will refresh you.” Elrohir sat cross-legged and watched Frost eat. His arms ached to hold the white-haired Elf again, but he refrained from doing so, not wanting to impose.

Frost nodded once and then sipped more of the broth. A bath in the Bruinen sounded tempting, but he couldn’t walk such a distance unaided yet.

“If you’d let me, I would like to help,” said Elrohir. “I understand this is a dark time for you and I want to bring a sparkle of light into your darkness. But if you prefer for me to leave, say the words and I will.”

“I don’t want you to leave,” said Frost, surprising himself. “I don’t want to be alone.” The smile Elrohir gave him was stunning and he found himself smiling back.

“Finish your broth and then we will go the Bruinen.” Elrohir had never been happier before. It almost seemed as if Frost was finally accepting him as an equal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frost growled involuntarily when Elrohir helped him undress. Feeling the Peredhel’s hands on him triggered his defensive responses and he nearly tried to bite Elrohir.

Elrohir pulled back in time and smiled. He had seen Haldir and Glorfindel interact with their mates and knew this was behavior typical of Plains' Elves and that he shouldn’t take it personally. He waited for Frost to calm down and then removed the shirt the white-haired Elf was wearing. “Who don’t you go into the water? I will join you in a moment.” He had to undress too.

Frost nodded and then unsteadily made his way into the water. A sigh escaped his lips, savoring the warmth that now surrounded him and he was content to float.

Elrohir placed his clothes next to Frost’s and then waded into the water, heading for Frost. “I brought something for you.”

At hearing Elrohir’s soft voice, Frost got his feet beneath him and stared at the half-Elf, who was offering him a small glass phial. “What is inside?” Suspiciously, he studied the clear liquid inside.

“Miruvor. My father thinks it will help you recover.”

“You told your father about…?” About his miscarriage? He simply couldn’t say the words.

“You might not have fully realized this yet, but I come from a family of healers.” Elrohir nodded encouragingly. “Drinking it will strengthen you.” He could tell Frost didn’t trust the offer, so he took hold of the phial, removed the stopper and sipped. “See? I am still alive.” Elrohir offered Frost the phial again.

This time Frost accepted it, sniffed, and took a careful sip. Looking into Elrohir’s calm and trustworthy eyes, he emptied the phial. Warmth, sweet and comforting, coursed through his body. Feeling warm and relaxed, he let the gentle water of the Bruinen caress his skin.

Seeing the miruvor was having a stronger effect on Frost than he had thought, Elrohir folded an arm around the elder Elf and guided him to the shallowest section, where they could sit down. “Lean against me, my friend.”

Lured into a state of relaxation he had never known before, Frost did as he was told. Gentle hands were suddenly washing his hair, rinsing it. The long fingers combed through the white strands and braided it into a single loose plait. Arien’s warm rays added to the contentment he was experiencing, and contrary to his nature, he allowed Elrohir to wash any lingering blood from his body.

For the first time, he trusted someone to take care of him. He had never done that before. Well, Star had never been eager to take care of him, even when pregnant. Elrohir was different and therefore the half-Elf thoroughly confused him. He had only ever known Star for a mate, and he didn’t know how to react to someone who was surrounding him with such loving care.

Elrohir had a fairly good idea what was going through Frost’s mind, and smiled. “You are clean once more, my beautiful Frost.”

He had been called many things in his long life, but seldom beautiful. “You really think me beautiful?” Oh, that accursed miruvor was making it hard for him to think properly.

“Very beautiful.” It would have been so easy for Elrohir to take advantage of Frost in his current state, but he respected the elder Elf too much to do that. Besides, Rabbit would probably bite his private parts off if he behaved improperly around Frost. “And very clean. We should leave the Bruinen and make sure you rest.”

Frost purred approvingly, and struggled to his feet with Elrohir’s aid. Once they had reached the shore, he found that his clothes had disappeared.

“Don’t worry. They will be cleaned and returned to you. But they were covered in blood.” At Elrohir’s bidding one of the servants had followed them and had quickly replaced Frost’s dirty clothes with clean ones.

Frost growled warningly, displeased with this development, but he really didn’t have much of a choice and managed to slip into the breeches and shirt. At least Elrohir hadn’t arranged for robes! He would have refused to wear them! His eyes were closing, as his fatigue continued to grow stronger. In the end, they made it back to the hut – which Elrohir noted had been furnished with fresh and clean leaves. Not a trace of blood was left.

“Lie down, my friend.” During their absence Rabbit had created a warm nest for Frost, and Elrohir helped the other Elf to lie down. Covering him with his cloak, he watched as the topaz eyes filled with sleep and then closed.

His senses had to be growing sharper, as he actually heard Rabbit enter the hut. “He will recover… eventually.” Elrohir looked Rabbit in the eyes, and that mere act took all his courage. He was surprised, finding Rabbit’s eyes remarkably warm and once more he recalled being embraced by the stronger Elf when Rabbit had told him that Frost’s child had died. It was at that moment he had recognized Rabbit’s more gentle side; probably the one only Frost and Haldir knew.

Rabbit remained quiet, watching the half-Elf closely.

“I am honored that he lets me take care of him. I never thought he would do that.” Elrohir raised his head and smiled at Rabbit. “I will always cherish these moments. I know they won’t last. Once he feels stronger, he won’t need me anymore. And that is good. I don’t want him to depend on me. I never wanted that.”

Rabbit still didn’t say a word, and Elrohir was beginning to feel slightly nervous. “It is in my nature to care,” explained the half-Elf. “I am a healer.”

Rabbit nodded. Maybe a healer was just what his child needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frost woke during the evening, still a tad disorientated, and the first thing he did was growl at Elrohir and snap at the half-Elf.

“Peace, my friend,” said Elrohir firmly. “It is I – your aia-nen.” Elrohir felt relieved, seeing the confusion and suspicion fade from the topaz eyes. “Take your time to wake up.” Frost’s sleep had been a healing one. “I didn’t know the miruvor would affect you that strongly,” he said apologetically, “I would never have given it to you otherwise.”

Now that he realized he wasn’t in any danger, Frost calmed down and sat upright. He felt stronger and knew that Elrohir looking after him had greatly helped his recovery. Rabbit’s words returned to him – maybe his mother was right and Elrohir would make an acceptable mate. The young one had already told him about the attraction he felt for him. “Thank you for looking after me,” said Frost in a thoughtful tone, studying Elrohir. Aye, the young one did have potential.

“I hope you fare better now,” said Elrohir sincerely, “I wish I could stay, but my father expects me to join him tonight.” His instincts told him it was time to step back and stop mothering Frost. That the elder Elf had allowed him to do so in the first place still filled him with awe.

Elrohir slowly raised his right hand and caressed Frost’s cheek, running a fingertip down the strong jaw line. Relieved that Frost allowed the touch and wasn’t growling at him, he took heart and said, “My invitation still stands. You can always find me in my tent.” He desperately wanted to stay close to Frost, but it was time to step back and allow the elder Elf to take back control of his life.

Frost now also pushed himself to his feet, wondering just how sore he still was. To his delight, no pain assailed him and he smiled warmly at Elrohir. “I… I would like to get to know you…” Pausing, he sorted out his feelings and thoughts. “I would like to spend more time with you.”

Elrohir’s heart beat a little faster, hearing Frost’s admission. “That is my greatest desire as well.”

Keeping his mother’s advice in mind, Frost acted on Rabbit’s words and took a step closer to Elrohir. Not giving the half-Elf a chance to realize what was about to happen, he quickly claimed the remarkably soft lips, bruising them in a feral kiss that drew a delighted purr from his throat.

Elrohir’s knees almost gave out beneath him at feeling Frost’s lips pressed against his. Oh, he had dreamt of this moment so often, but he had never thought it would happen in this way. Frost now pressed his length against, and he yielded, allowing the elder Elf to remain in control.

Realizing Elrohir was growing breathless, Frost pulled back and stared into the dilated dark pupils, which clearly showed the half-Elf’s desire. Star had always looked at him greedily, and had immediately staked his claim when they had first kissed. At first he had liked Star’s possessiveness, but later it had made him wonder if his mate saw him as nothing more than a possession. With Elrohir things were completely different. /He would let me assume control./ Star had never done that, had always dominated their encounters, and Frost felt himself growing curious to what it would be like to be Elrohir’s lover.

“Oh,” groaned Elrohir in surprise, “You actually kissed me.”

“I have kissed you before.”

“A chaste kiss whilst telling me I would take after my father once I grew up,” said Elrohir. “This is different.”

Frost nodded once. “You are right, aia-nen. It is different.”

They now stood slightly apart from each other, watching intensely. Elrohir was the first to react. “I will be in my tent tonight, and all other nights.”

Frost nodded again and watched Elrohir leave his hut. Was Rabbit right and was Elrohir a good mate? He was beginning to think so.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That evening Elrohir waited in vain for Frost to join him in his tent. Disappointed that Frost hadn’t come to him, he retreated into his tent and sat down to study one of his father’s books on healing.

He had been deluding himself. Frost was an ancient being, who had told him on more than one occasion that he saw him as a mere child. /A child, not a potential lover./ He felt no bitterness toward the Plains' Elf though, chiding himself instead; he should have known better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A soft growl followed by an inquiring purr marked Frost’s arrival in his mother’s hut. “Sia?” He was relieved to find Rabbit alone in the hut. Haldir was nowhere in sight and he moved closer. Raising his eyes, he pleadingly looked at the elder Elf. “I don’t know what to do,” he admitted eventually.

Rabbit sat down near the fire and signaled for Frost to do the same. Once they had settled down, Rabbit stared into the fire. “You are the tribe’s Shaman. Search deep within yourself and you will find your answers in your heart. Let the flames guide you.”

Frost allowed his mind to drift and, whilst staring into the fire, he began to identify familiar facial features in the flames. It was Elrohir’s face, the gray eyes sparkling with love and affection. Frost smiled, allowing the spirits of his ancestors to guide him.

Now that Frost had slipped into a trance, Rabbit rose from the floor and stood guard, prepared to protect his child until Frost’s mind returned to them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the fire finally died, the sky had grown dark. Blinking once, Frost was reminded of the glimpse he had been allowed, seeing Elrohir’s raven hair sparkling with tiny shards of ice. The half-Elf had been holding a child in his arms: a child with white hair and stormy gray eyes. Had it been a true vision or had his mind showed him what he had wanted to see?

“What did the spirits show you?” Rabbit sat on his heels beside his son and closely studied the still-entranced eyes. “Did it help you reach a decision?” When Frost’s calling as their Shaman had first shown, he had felt proud that his child had been chosen by his forefathers.

After blinking again, Frost nodded slowly. “I saw Elrohir… I saw our child.” In his mind’s eye, he still vividly recalled that image. “I had carried a child to term, Sia.”

“It is as I thought then,” said Rabbit, a soft purring accompanying his words. “I will allow this.”

Frost’s eyes widened. “You are giving me permission to take him as my mate?”

“These Elves are unlike any race I ever encountered in my long life,” said Rabbit slowly. “They possess an inner strength that is truly rare. And at the same time they are the most gentle and fragile of all beings. Be careful with Elrohir. They lack our strength and survival skills, but their ability to love stands unchallenged.”

Frost carefully considered his mother’s words. “My heart tells me to put my trust in the young one.”

Rabbit moved closer, rested the palm of his hand against Frost’s cheek and rubbed the soft facial skin. “Elrohir is young compared to the likes of us, but among his kin he is an adult, fully capable of making his own decisions and he is also a respected healer. Don’t make the mistake to think of him as a mere child.”

Frost leaned into the touch, purring softly with pleasure. “I won’t make that mistake ever again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later, Elrohir ventured into the Plains' Elves' village again. Frost hadn’t come to him, and his heart urged him to check on the white-haired Elf. What if complications had arisen after his departure?

Hearing several ‘yip-yaps’ and ‘yaps’, he realized the ancient inhabitants had already noticed his arrival. Elrohir looked about, searching for Frost. He even ventured into the Shaman’s hut, but found it empty. Frost was nowhere in sight and panic took Elrohir’s heart.

“Elrohir.” His kin had informed him of the half-Elf’s arrival and Rabbit had quickly sought him out, needing a word with him.

Elrohir involuntarily took a step back. “I merely wanted to check on Frost.”

“Frost isn’t here. He went into seclusion yesterday.” Rabbit wondered how much to tell Elrohir, knowing Frost would prefer to inform the half-Elf himself.

“Seclusion?” Elrohir frowned, puzzled. “Why?”

“It is normal for the Shaman to go into seclusion for some time before taking a new mate.” Rabbit carefully monitored Elrohir’s gaze and immediately noticed the startled and displeased expression in the gray eyes.

“A mate? He has chosen a new mate?” Elrohir’s heart broke at hearing that. Against all odds he had hoped he still had a chance with the white-haired Elf. “Isn’t that rather soon after losing…” He stopped talking at hearing Rabbit’s warning growl.

“It is our way to choose a mate when the time is right, and Frost’s time has come. He has mourned losing Star; now he needs to mourn losing his child and then he has to look forward toward the future. Choosing a new mate is part of that.”

Elrohir wished he could turn around and run back to his tent. He didn’t want to know whom Frost had chosen as his new mate and he wasn’t going to ask Rabbit that question. “I hope his new mate will make him happy… and give him a child. I know he desperately wants one.” Elrohir forced himself to smile and then bowed formally. “I will take my leave now.”

A sly grin formed on Rabbit’s face as he watched Elrohir practically flee the village.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir had lost all zest for life, now that Frost had disappeared. His father, Erestor, and Glorfindel tried to cheer him up, even encouraged him to play with Estorel, but seeing the Elfling only served to remind Elrohir of what he had truly wanted with Frost: a family.

“What is wrong with you, Elrohir?” asked Erestor, sitting down next to the half-Elf and Estorel, who were playing house with the Hobbit dolls Rosie had made. “I have seldom seen you this sad.” Looking at Elrohir now, Erestor could tell that the younger half-Elf was greatly troubled. The large, gray eyes looked empty and something haunting lay in Elrohir’s gaze. “You can trust me to keep this private.”

Elrohir picked Estorel up when the Elfling pulled at his braids and made cooing sounds, trying to convince the child to let go of the strand of hair. “It is nothing.”

“Don’t tell me it is nothing when I know you better than that!” Erestor gave Elrohir a probing glance. “Is it Frost?” He rescued Elrohir from Estorel’s tug-of-war with his braids and settled the Elfling comfortably against him.

“I would rather not speak of him.” Elrohir averted his eyes and, just to occupy himself, began to examine the Hobbit doll that looked remarkably like Sam.

“I have noticed you have feelings for him.” Erestor grinned, seeing Elrohir’s surprised expression. “I am not blind!”

Elrohir had the grace to blush. “I cannot help having feelings for him.” He gingerly looked at Erestor from beneath long eyelashes. “But it seems he has already chosen a new mate. Rabbit told me.” Shrugging his shoulders once – trying to give the impression he didn’t really care – he said: “As is Frost’s right, of course.”

“But you would rather he had chosen you?” Erestor was surprised to hear Frost had chosen a new mate this soon after losing Star and their child. But Frost was a survivor and would focus on the future instead of the losses which he had suffered in the past. It was the way of the Plains' Elves.

Elrohir sighed deeply. “I wish it had been me, but I am a child to him.” Elrohir smiled at Estorel and offered the Elfling the Hobbit-doll, which the tiny hands eagerly accepted. “I had hopes, especially after he allowed me close when he lost his child.”

“Are you going to give up on him this easily?” Erestor frowned. “I thought I had taught you better. You need to gain his favor, Elrohir.”

“And how do I do that? Put a dead Warg in his hut? Did it work for you?” Erestor chuckled, and Elrohir swore a purr was attached to the soft laugh.

“That Warg wasn’t as dead as my suitor thought!” A warm smile remained on Erestor’s face, looking at Elrohir. “Why don’t you try to win his heart?”

“How does one win a Plains' Elf’s heart? I don’t know how to woo him.”

“I wouldn’t woo him,” said Erestor, a plan taking form in his mind. “You need to convince him you can be his loving partner, a dedicated parent to his child and a trustworthy provider. Those are the things that matter to him.”

Hope blossomed in Elrohir’s heart. “Please tell me more.”

Erestor cockily raised an eyebrow. “I might just know how you can win Frost’s heart.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frost had returned to his hut in the afternoon and was now settling in for the night. During his seclusion he had gone through a number of purifying rituals and now felt more in control of his life and his emotions. He had said goodbye to Star and had grieved the loss of his child. Now it was time to move on.

Soft footfalls outside immediately alerted him and he reached for his knife, ready to defend himself against a possible intruder. They still hadn’t found the one who was trying to capture Plains' Elves and he had to be extremely careful. The sounds weakened, then stopped completely, but now a scent invaded his nostrils. Blood. Animal blood.

Puzzled, he ventured outside, his knife still in his hand. Sniffing the air, he quickly located the source of the blood he smelt, and he found three pieces of game, which had been strategically placed in front of his hut. They were obviously meant for him – a gift. But who had left them there? And why?

“It was Elrohir,” said Rabbit, appearing out of the dark night to his child’s right side. “He deposited them here.”

Frost’s eyes widened. “He is bringing me food?” He hadn’t thought Elrohir would do that.

A grin formed on Rabbit’s face and an approving growl echoed through the air. A growl, which Frost immediately mimicked. “Someone told him what you want in a mate.”

“Didn’t you tell him, Sia?” Frost crossed the distance and stood in front of Rabbit. “Didn’t you tell him that I chose him?”

“Not yet,” said Rabbit wickedly. Seeing Frost’s confusion, he soothed his child. “Trying to win your heart will bring out the best in him. Let him convince you he is a suitable mate.”

Frost shook his head at Rabbit’s wicked streak. “I will inform him of my decision tomorrow.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frost accompanied Rabbit and Bramble to help the group of Elves and Dwarves that was rebuilding the Last Homely House. They were making slow progress and all help was welcome. Frost hoped he would run into Elrohir. Thanks to his mother’s scheming, Elrohir had no idea he was the one Frost had chosen for his mate.

Frost remained slightly behind, watching Rabbit join Haldir and the other Elves, while Bramble was content to watch them work. After quickly scanning his surroundings he noticed that Elrohir was nowhere in sight. He had expected the half-Elf to be here helping.

“If you are looking for Elrohir you can find him in the gardens,” said Erestor, surprised that Frost hadn’t heard him sneak up on him. “I asked him to look after Estorel whilst we work here. Why don’t you keep them company?” He hoped that Frost didn’t realize he was skillfully being manipulated, as he wanted the white-haired Elf to see Elrohir interact with Estorel. Seeing them play might convince Frost that Elrohir would be a good parent. Privately Erestor was convinced the half-Elf would be a good partner for Frost, having known Elrohir since the day the twin had been born.

Frost nodded, slightly suspicious of Erestor’s request, but he then recalled that Rabbit trusted their distant relative, so he should do the same. He had never known Rabbit to be wrong when it came down to seeing into someone’s heart. After releasing a series of guttural sounds, Rabbit returned them, signaling that he could leave. Frost started away from the ruins of the Last Homely House and headed for the gardens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”No, Estorel! Don’t eat that! It’s a worm! Yuck!” Elrohir was just in time to wrestle the wriggling worm out of Estorel’s fingers. “Worms are bad! You don’t want to eat worms, pen-neth, even if your father enjoyed raw crayfish when he was pregnant. No worms!” But his words were in vain as Estorel had managed to dig up another insect. “Argh, what is it with you and these crawling creatures?”

Frost watched them from behind a rose bush and smiled, seeing Elrohir pull Estorel into his arms. The half-Elf was now tickling the Elfling and Estorel giggled happily. Rabbit was right; he could see it clearly now. Elrohir had the makings of a good parent. He would also be a loyal mate - the half-Elf had already proved that to Frost when Elrohir had taken care of him after he had suffered his miscarriage.

Suddenly he felt nervous. Elrohir had told him he was attracted to him, but was a Plains' Elf's binding acceptable to Elrohir? There was only one way for him to find out.

Elrohir started at seeing Frost’s white form unexpectedly approach. Estorel had wrapped his chubby arms around his neck, and was now holding on tightly, dozing off after chasing beetles, spiders and butterflies all day long.

“Frost,” whispered Elrohir, wishing his pounding heart would slow down. He sighed mentally and recalled the closeness they had shared when the elder Elf had been hurting. “Estorel is quite a handful,” said Elrohir, trying to make light conversation. “He definitely takes after his parents.”

Frost raised a hand and gently stroked the baby’s soft skin. “Do you like children much?” He thought he already knew the answer, but he also wanted to hear it.

“Aye, I do,” said Elrohir, smiling brightly. “Even though Elladan is older than me, I always looked after him. He tends to get himself into trouble, you see.” Elrohir tried to keep Estorel from grabbing hold of Frost’s hair, but the little one moved surprisingly fast.

Frost indulged the infant and leaned in closer, his face coming awfully close to Elrohir’s. He still saw love and affection in the gray eyes, and purred softly.

“Arwen is the youngest,” said Elrohir, forcing himself to continue, “And our parents allowed us to help them raise her. I hope to be a father one day myself.”

Frost acted unexpectedly, roughly claiming Elrohir’s lips. His tongue easily found a way past Elrohir’s parted lips and into the moist, tempting mouth. Estorel cooed in between them, ending his giggling crescendo with an unexpected burp.

“He phrased that adequately,” said Elrohir jokingly. “That kiss was nice.”

“Nice?” Frost’s eyes narrowed. “Nice?”

Elrohir was about to give in to their bantering when he remembered something very important. “You shouldn’t be kissing me at all.”

“And why is that?” Confused, Frost studied the half-Elf, who was now cradling a sleeping and exhausted Estorel in his arms. He was immediately reminded of the vision his forefathers had granted him, seeing their child in Elrohir’s arms.

“Because you have chosen a new mate.” Elrohir pulled back, rocking Estorel in his arms. Disappointment colored his gaze, realizing Frost wasn’t meant for him.

“Sia should have told you…” whispered Frost, realizing in retrospect that Elrohir had long passed Rabbit’s personal tests. Seeing Elrohir’s surprised gaze, he smilingly added, “I chose you.”

Elrohir’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. “You… chose… me?” Unable to comprehend – let alone believe what Frost was telling him – he stared at the elder Elf in disbelief. “Me?”

Frost’s fingers tenderly caressed Elrohir’s face. “You.” The half-Elf’s reaction amused the ancient Plains' Elf and he realized that Elrohir had never expected to hear this. Rabbit should have told Elrohir instead of keeping him in the dark. “That is, if you still want me.” Until now his thoughts had been on what Elrohir could offer him, and only now did he wonder what Elrohir possibly saw in him. He was old, had seen terrifying things, had loved and lost, had even lost his babies. Why, then, did Elrohir want him for a mate?

“If I still want you?” Elrohir’s eyes widened dramatically. “Of course I do! How could you possible doubt that?” Shaking his head, he continued to stare at Frost. “But I don’t understand! Rabbit said—“

“Sia should have told you, yes, but…” Frost swallowed hard. “Can we talk in earnest?”

“Of course!” Elrohir sat down on the grass, holding Estorel tightly as the Elfling slept.

Frost sat down next to him and watched half-Elf and Elfling, briefly imagining it was their child Elrohir was holding. He still thanked the spirits for granting him that vision. “A lot is involved with our binding. It is different from your way.”

“What does that mean?” Elrohir, fascinated, wondered what Frost was so delicately trying to tell him.

“I need my father’s blessing.” Frost wondered if Elrohir would understand.

“But I thought Wolf Hunting was dead.”

Frost was impressed that the half-Elf knew his father’s name. Elrohir seemed determined to make an impression on him. “He is dead,” confirmed Frost, sighing regretfully. “But I still need his blessing.” Frost briefly averted his eyes, uncertain Elrohir would do this for him. “I am a Shaman and I would take you on a spirit walk with me to meet my sire.”

Elrohir had grown quiet, still gently rocking Estorel, who thankfully remained asleep. “A spirit walk,” he repeated thoughtfully. “I never really considered what you being a Shaman meant.”

“I must warn you,” added Frost, hesitantly, “There are dangers involved. Not everyone returns from walking with the dead unhurt. If my father doesn’t think you worthy…”

Elrohir didn’t like the way Frost ended that statement. “Are you telling me I could end up injured?”

“It is possible.” Frost gingerly made eye contact with the much younger Elf. “That is the most important reason I was hesitant to let you court me.”

Elrohir nodded in understanding. “Do you think your father will find me unworthy then?”

“I don’t. Sia already approves and they usually agreed on important matters. But there is still a risk involved.” Elrohir nodded again and Frost added, “If you pass, you will meet your animal spirit and I will tattoo your body with the animal’s image.”

It was a lot to take in for Elrohir, but this new knowledge didn’t make him change his mind. Frost seemed rather certain Wolf Hunting would accept him, and he realized this was something he had to do to prove his worth to Frost. It was a way of showing the elder Elf he truly loved him. “I will do it.”

“Don’t decide yet,” cautioned Frost in a gentle tone. “You should discuss this with your father first.”

Elrohir saw the wisdom to those words and agreed. If there was a chance that he could carry away injuries, his father deserved to know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frost hadn’t expected Elrohir to come to his hut that night, but the young half-Elf entered shortly after Ithil had risen and sat down opposite him with the fire in between them. Studying the gray eyes, he read determination in them. Elrohir had made his choice.

“I talked to my father,” began Elrohir in a steady voice. “Although he is worried about possible injuries he didn’t ask me to refrain from binding myself to you. He knows this is important to me and I make my own decisions.”

After Frost had nodded, Elrohir continued. “I want to do this; pass this test. I hope your sire will think me worthy.”

“Do you want to do this now?”

“Aye, if we can.”

Frost nodded, then without warning threw a handful of white powder onto the fire, causing a silver flame to reach for the ceiling. Elrohir swallowed hard, forced himself to remain calm, and reacted at once when the call came. Feeling Frost claim his hand, his spirit tumbled into the mithril fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir instinctively knew that his fëa had momentarily left its body, finding himself in a forest with ancient trees and wild animals that fled into all directions at his arrival. Finding Frost at his side, he managed a weak smile. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as he had thought it would be.

Frost’s fingers were still curled around his hand, holding on tightly. He followed when the Shaman led him toward a cave. Inside, a small fire burned steadily, warming the cave. Beside him, Frost released a series of grunts and purrs, their meaning unknown to him.

“From now on I will speak in your tongue,” said Frost, “I want you to understand what is being said. Don’t be frightened.”

“I am not,” realized Elrohir in surprise, squeezing Frost’s hand. As long as the elder Elf remained at his side, all was well.

Frost took that as a good sign, and guided Elrohir into the cave. His heart filled with love, seeing his sire seated near the fire. Dark like Rabbit, Wolf Hunting had several tattoos on his upper body and the long, raven hair nearly reached his hips. Letting go of Elrohir’s hand, he knelt in front of Wolf Hunting, touched his forehead to his father’s, and growled softly.

Wolf Hunting’s gaze came to rest on his son and one of the large hands – which were so skilled at killing – now lovingly stroked the white mane. “I have missed you, child.”

“And I you!”

Wolf Hunting’s gaze traveled from Frost to Elrohir, who stood quietly near the fire. In the half-Elf’s eyes he read understanding: Elrohir knew how much it meant to Frost to have him close again – even momentarily. Addressing Frost again, Wolf Hunting said, “You didn’t come here alone this time.”

Frost nodded. “I chose a new life mate and brought him here for your approval – and hopefully your blessing.” He signaled for Elrohir to join them and the half-Elf knelt beside him.

Elrohir met Wolf Hunting’s gaze, having nothing to hide. “I love him.”

“You are so young, child. What do you know of love?” Wolf Hunting’s gaze probed Elrohir’s, digging deeper into the half-Elf’s soul.

“I know I love him,” said Elrohir, steadfast and maintaining the probing gaze.

Wolf Hunting purred unexpectedly, having found his answer in the depths of Elrohir’s thoughts. “I know you do.”

Frost released a relieved sigh. “Will you give us your blessing then?”

“Sia approves as well?”

“Aye, she does.” Frost gave his father a hopeful smile. “Please bless our union.”

“I will,” replied Wolf Hunting, raising his right hand and placing its palm against Frost’s chest. “You have found your true love; make sure you never lose him again.”

Frost’s heart fluttered madly at hearing those words. Wolf Hunting was convinced Elrohir loved him and had given them his blessing! “I thank you.” Once more rubbing his brow against Wolf Hunting’s, he regretted having to leave again, but there was still one more thing Elrohir needed to do.

“To become part of my tribe you must follow me once more, Elrohir.” He got to his feet, gave Wolf Hunting one last gaze filled with longing and then took Elrohir’s hand into his again. They left the cave and ventured into the forest.

“I must meet my spirit guide,” recalled Elrohir. He was glad Wolf Hunting had so easily accepted him. When Frost had told him about possible injuries he had worried about what would happen when meeting Frost’s sire.

Walking beside Frost he felt at peace in these surroundings, which didn’t feel alien to him at all. In a strange way, he felt at home here. Frost suddenly let go of his hand and pushed him forward.

“Go, meet your spirit animal.” It was good to see that Elrohir wasn’t afraid or acting nervously. Maybe there was a bit of a Shaman inside the healer.

Elrohir took a step closer to the ancient tree Frost was directing him to, and when he was almost in front of it, movement to his right caught his attention. Awed, he watched as a large, black stallion came galloping toward him. The raven mane danced elegantly against the strong neck and the hoofs crashed into the ground. There was strength and beauty in this beast. Entranced, he stared at the majestic apparition, wondering if the stallion would run him over and crush him beneath his hoofs in the process. But the graceful stallion came to a standstill in front of him.

“He is beautiful,” said Frost in admiration, carefully raising his hand to stroke the stallion’s shoulder. “Strong and protective, just as you are.”

Elrohir placed the palm of his hand between the stallion’s kind eyes, rubbing the soft coat. “This is my spirit animal?”

“His image will shortly adorn your skin. Will you let me do that?”

Elrohir briefly shivered, recalling Haldir telling him about the pain he had endured when Rabbit had tattooed him. He would endure it because he loved Frost and because this was the way of the Plains' Elves. “I will.”

Frost smiled and leaned in closer to kiss him, but the next moment Elrohir was rapidly falling into liquid, silver fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The alien surroundings around him had disappeared and Elrohir found himself in the hut again with Frost’s arms wrapped tightly around him. The topaz eyes had darkened slightly and burned with fiery passion. There was no need for words between them as they rapidly undressed each other. Their desire took over and the silver fire burned brightly as they passionately made love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir watched the graceful play of muscle on Haldir’s body as the silver-haired Elf swam toward him. He had sought Haldir out on purpose, needing to discuss something.

Haldir noticed Elrohir’s arrival and left the Bruinen. Dripping with water, he sat down beside Elrohir on the soft grass, allowing the sun to dry his skin and hair. Elrohir’s gaze was now directed at his tattoos and that made him wonder… “Did Frost insist you had one as well?”

Elrohir slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his right shoulder. “Aye, he did.”

Haldir gave Elrohir a rueful smile, remembering the pain he had endured when Rabbit had tattooed his skin. “A black stallion?”

“Aye, it is my spirit guide. Frost did it.” Elrohir moistened his lips. “Has Rabbit already told you that Frost and I are together now? He accepted me as his mate.”

“Congratulations are in order then,” said Haldir, playfully slapping Elrohir’s unadorned shoulder, knowing the skin was still sensitive after having been tattooed. “I reckon you already consummated the marriage?”

Elrohir smiled. “Aye, we did.” They had made love every night during this last week. “Haldir, can I ask you something personal?”

Haldir leaned back against a tree trunk and nodded once. “I cannot guarantee I will answer though.”

“Fair enough.” Elrohir nervously fumbled with the fabric of his sleeve. “How long did you wait until… until you tried to… until Rabbit wanted… wanted a child?”

Haldir inquisitively raised an eyebrow. “Quite some time. Why? Did Frost ask you for a child?”

“Not in words,” said Elrohir honestly. “But I know that he really craves a child, and I am more than willing to oblige, but…”

“You think it is too early.” Haldir nodded once. “Did you already talk to Frost about this?”

“I did. He said he would wait until I felt I was ready, but it won’t be long before his fertility cycle starts again and… I want to have a child with him.” Elrohir suddenly smiled brilliantly, realizing he was creating problems where there weren’t any. “Thank you for talking to me. I think I have found the answer I was looking for.”

Haldir watched Elrohir go, noticing his step was lighter than it had been. He reckoned that another child would shortly join Elrond’s household.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several moons later.

Frost shook his head, unable to believe what his body was telling him. With Star it had taken him a long time to conceive and Elrohir had only been trying for two moons. His cycle hadn’t appeared and that could only mean one thing: he had conceived and was with child. Tears flowed down his face, staring at his flat abdomen in wonder. There was really a tiny life forming inside him. Oh, Elrohir! He had to tell his mate! Leaving their hut, he ran toward the Bruinen to find Elrohir.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah, love, what brings you here?” Elrohir was trying to catch their dinner, and watched Frost’s arrival with amusement. But when he noticed that his lover’s eyes were misting over, his amusement quickly changed to concern. “Is anything wrong?” Abandoning his fishing, he hurried toward Frost, opened his arms and caught his mate in them. “Calm yourself and then tell me what upset you.”

Frost guided Elrohir to a comfortable shaded spot between two ancient oak trees and they sat down. “I…” He swallowed hard, grabbed Elrohir’s hand and placed its palm against his abdomen. “Feel.”

Elrohir, mystified as to why his mate was acting in this way, allowed Frost to guide him when his lover pushed his hand beneath the shirt. Elrohir lovingly rubbed the soft skin, recalling many nights of arduous lovemaking. “What am I supposed to feel, love?”

“I am with child!”

Elrohir’s eyes widened. “Did you really say…?” Or had he misheard?

“Aye, I did! I am with child. I discovered it just now.”

“We must be careful then,” decided Elrohir, who couldn’t help feeling protective all of a sudden. He knew Frost could hold his own in battle. The Plains' Elf’s fighting abilities made sure no one would take him by surprise. But still... Frost was with child now and he wanted to protect his family.

Frost shook his head, smiling wickedly. “Don’t mother me. Sia will do that.” Although his heart rejoiced at being pregnant again, he also realized there was a fair chance that he would lose his baby. “Just continue to love me.” Rabbit had once told him that Elrohir’s love for him would make a difference and he was beginning to believe his mother was right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rabbit was happy to see a new light shine from Frost’s eyes. During these last few weeks Elrohir had proven to be an excellent mate, taking care of Frost in whatever way needed and Rabbit had clearly seen the change his child was going through. Whilst Frost had been exhausted and listless during his failed pregnancies, he was now blooming like a rose, his usual white skin taking on a rosy blush.

Instinctively he could tell that Frost wouldn’t lose this child and when the critical time had passed and Frost was still with child, they hugged tightly, both relieved that everything was going well.

During the next few weeks Frost and Elrohir continued to grow closer to each other, and the love between them deepened. Each night when they went to sleep, Elrohir’s hand would find its way onto Frost’s abdomen, gently rubbing the slowly distending area.

“This is the greatest miracle I ever witnessed,” whispered Elrohir happily, pulling Frost as close as possible. “You are giving me a most precious gift.”

Frost actually blushed slightly. “I still cannot believe I haven't lost the child yet. I have never carried one this long.” He was still afraid to hope he would carry the child to term.

“I can tell it is growing as well as can be expected,” said Elrohir, who, as a healer, had supervised pregnancies in the past. “Our child will be healthy and strong and just as stunning you are, love.”

Frost purred into Elrohir’s ear, and then moved lower to claim his lover’s lips to confirm their love once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrohir had brought Frost fresh crayfish, hoping his lover would enjoy the raw taste. Frost was close to giving birth, and although the pregnant Elf didn’t want to be fussed over, he occasionally allowed Elrohir to do so, which pleased the half-Elf immensely.

“Frost?” Elrohir was slightly worried, smelling the metallic tang of blood upon approaching their hut. “Love?” He dropped the crayfish onto the ground and hurried toward Frost, who was squatting in the corner of the hut, panting hard and biting down on a piece of cloth.

“Oh, Elbereth!” Elrohir was just in time to witness their child’s birth and actually caught the tiny baby when it left Frost’s body. He severed the umbilical cord with his dagger and then reached for one of the blankets. Awed at taking care of this new life, he cleaned the trembling body and wrapped it up in a clean blanket.

Once he was certain that their child was well, he quickly turned his attention to Frost, who had collapsed onto his knees. “Damn you! You should have told me you were about to give birth!” Frost hadn’t even told him that he was experiencing contractions, and had actually sent him outside.

“This… is something… I needed to do… alone,” mumbled Frost, exhausted. He allowed his mate to ease him into a comfortable position and let Elrohir clean him up. Once the majority of blood had been removed from his body, he opened his arms to receive his baby into them. “Oh…”

Elrohir sat down beside Frost and pulled his lover close to him, supporting the recovering Plains' Elf. “You didn’t have to do this on your own!” Although he was slightly cross with Frost for sending him away, his anger rapidly faded when looking into the baby’s gray eyes. He even detected a few white hairs already. “We have a beautiful son, my love.”

Frost’s eyes filled with tears of happiness and he allowed them to fall whilst caressing his son’s face. His lover’s large, gray eyes stared at him in wonder and his heart missed a beat, seeing Elrohir place a kiss on top of the baby’s head. “I never thought I would ever have a family – a child,” he admitted softly, dotingly looking Elrohir. The half-Elf’s eyes were full of pride and Frost purred softly, resting his head against Elrohir’s shoulder. Although he felt drained, he could rest later. Now he wanted to enjoy holding his child. “You gave me so much.”

Elrohir gently rubbed the baby’s tiny fingers and smiled as the big eyes filled with sleep. “Being born is a tiring experience.”

“Giving birth is tiring too,” said Frost teasingly.

“The two of you should rest now.” Elrohir had created a warm nest of pillows and blankets after Frost had told him he was expecting a child, and it was easily big enough for the three of them. He carefully carried his mate and baby over to their warm nest, placing them in the center. After curling himself protectively around Frost and their son, he listened closely as his lover’s breathing grew deeper and steadier. His mate had fallen asleep.

“I will watch over the two of you for the rest of my life,” vowed Elrohir, smiling at Frost. “This is a child of love, and he will be loved as long as one of us lives.” Elrohir placed another adoring kiss on top of Frost’s hair, vowing he would love them forever.

The End

November 2003

Beta read by Ilye, thanks sweetie!