"It only feels like yesterday that I was cradling Celebrian in my arms,"- Celeborn

1st May/Lothron 3020, the King and Queen's Parlour, Elven Halls

During his father's absence, Legolas had arranged for many alterations for the King and queen's chambers. He had extended the parlour into the campaign room, giving Thranduil and Gilúviel a large comfortable space to entertain family and honoured guests. Now, he paced up and down by the great hearth with anticipation, for the queen had begun her labours. Celeborn lounged on a nearby daybed. "You will only work a hole in the floor doing that. Babies come in their own good time."

Legolas stopped and watched the flames licking the lumber in the great hearth while he fiddled with his wedding ring. "Was it like this when Celebrian was born?"

"Not exactly, I was by Galadriel's side, where a husband should be," replied Celeborn.

"What is it like?...... to see your child born?"

Celeborn smirked as he took another sip of his wine. "You will know soon enough."

A short time later, there was a knock at the entrance, and Padir ushered in Mithrandir. Legolas and Celeborn warmly greeted him. "I feared we would not see you in the forest again, Mithrandir," said Legolas.

Mithrandir's bushy eyebrows shook as he chuckled."I would not have missed this for the world. Has Radagast arrived yet?"

Legolas shook his head. "No one has seen him since the forest's cleansing. Gilúviel insists he is still alive, but wishes he be left in peace."

Mithrandir nodded. "Alas, I feared it would be the case. I had hoped he would make an exception, but after what the queen told me of what he suffered in Dol Guldur. I am not surprised he prefers his own company, even in these times of peace."

A short time later, Galadriel entered the parlour from the birthing chamber and ordered the female attendants to bring more hot water and towels before addressing the company. "The queen's birthing pains are coming quickly now, and she is bearing them well. All is progressing as Lord Elrond expected."

"Bearing the pains?" Whispered Legolas, startled.

"Gilúviel is bound to her mortal form and will bear her child in pain as other mortal women, but all will be forgotten at the newborn's first cries," said Galadriel. "Lord Elrond has much experience birthing mortals. His experience has saved the lives of many Dúnedain women and their babies. Now I must return." And she scurried back to the birthing chamber.

Legolas joined his guests, all sat silently together in the parlour, their eyes fixed on the door of the birthing chamber. Occasionally they heard what sounded like groaning. Then a small cry pierced the silence, and everyone gasped with joy. "The princess is here at last," said Celeborn, and poured another goblet of wine.

"Congratulations, Legolas, you have a little sister. On the first day of May," said Mithrandir.

From the birthing chamber, they heard songs of joy and welcome. Padir then gathered the royal attendants together in the parlour, and everyone joined in the singing. Outside in the forest, horns blasted so loudly that they were even heard as far as Dale and Erebor. Heralding the birth of the new princess. Then the singing faded to silence as the door of the birthing chamber opened. The King, Galadriel and Óliel emerged. Thranduil was carrying a small bundle, and his eyes filled with abundant joy.

"It is our joy to introduce to you, Princess Nethcéreniel Thranduiliel of Eryn Lasgalen. Today is the first day of May, when the hawthorns are in full bloom, and so it seems fitting she is named after them. Go! Tell our people and send word to our allies of this most wonderful news! And Padir, ask the gardeners to plant an avenue of hawthorn trees on the approach to the bridge of the Elven Halls."

Padir bowed low and led the attendants off to spread the word of the baby princess's arrival, while Thranduil placed the sleeping newborn in Legolas's arms. A shock of dark hair poked out of the wrappings she was carefully swaddled in. His heart melted at the sight of her. "Ah, little precious one. I shall call you Céreneth, there is so much I will teach you, even if our time together is short." At those words, Céreneth opened her eyes, the colour matching her father's, and cooed before returning to her slumber.

Mithrandir came and laid his hand gently on the baby's head. "A thousand blessings upon you little one. May you bring your parents much joy and happiness."

Overcome with love for his little sister, Legolas looked up and caught Óliel's eye. "I think fatherhood will suit you very well," she said, chuckling.

An understanding now grew between them. For the begetting of children are an Elf's joy and delight. And with the bloom of spring upon them, they too were ready for such joys.

Galadriel took the baby from Legolas and brought her to Celeborn.

"It only feels like yesterday that I was cradling Celebrian in my arms," he said. "Maiden of the first hawthorn bloom, is a perfect name for a princess of the woodland realm." Galadriel kissed the baby on its forehead. "Blessings upon you, Princess Céreneth. You shall be forever etched upon our hearts. May your life be long and happy."

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7th May/Lothron 3020, the Birthing Chamber and Royal Nursery, Elven Halls

The birthing chamber had once been the place where Gilúviel had lived when she had been the king's ward and his betrothed. Little had changed except for another door on the sleeping level that led to the king and queen's chambers. Birthing here had brought her much comfort during the pains of her labours, which was soon forgotten after Céreneth's birth.

Gilúviel examined the little fingers that curled around her own, she smiled and stroked the small mop of dark hair. Céreneth had a more subtle point to her ears than her father's, but looked just like any other baby. As she cradled her little daughter, Gilúviel's heart was full of motherly love, and she wondered if this was the same joy Melian had felt at Lúthien's birth.

She looked up at Elrond, who sat beside her bed. He stroked the baby's head and smiled back. "It seems like no time had passed since you were a babe in my arms. Now the circle is complete. Many babes of Elves and Men have I seen into the world, and I remember every single one. But Céreneth, my granddaughter, will be my last. The time of my departure into the west draws near. Soon I shall leave Imladris forever."

Even though Gilúviel had expected this news, Elrond's words weighed heavily upon her heart. His fatherly guidance had been a constant presence in her life on Middle‑earth, even from afar. Now that steady light was dimming, and she felt the ache of its loss. "Shall I not see you again?"

"This time next year when you come to Imladris on your way to Arnor. That is when we shall spend our last days together on Middle Earth.

Galadriel, Celeborn and Mithrandir entered the birthing chamber. "We came to see you before the birthing feast. The King and Legolas are busy welcoming the other guests," said the White Wizard.

Galadriel came over to the bed and kissed Gilúviel on the forehead. "A thousand blessings upon you granddaughter, I perceive that this child holds the greatest qualities of her kinfolk ."

"Would you like to hold her, Grandmother?"

Galadriel gently took up the baby, rocking her gently in her arms as she hummed a lullaby. "I shall miss watching her grow up. But alas, I cannot stay." Her eyes caught Elrond's, and he nodded. "I have a daughter of my own who awaits me in the uttermost west. She who calls to me in Elven dreams. Wife of my good son Elrond, your good father. I shall return to Lothlórien one last time before taking my leave. But the sea calls and I must answer."

"As must I," replied Mithrandir. "Once I have finished my conversation with Old Tom. The desire to return home grows stronger each passing day."

Gilúviel understood his desire. It was a feeling she had almost forgotten since birthing Céreneth. And yet there was still a longing in her to return to a place just beyond her memory. "Your being here is a wonderful surprise. I did not expect to see you again after we parted at Hollin."

"My presence here is not only for you. I had hoped it might be a good opportunity to speak with your brother and persuade him to return home with me. I would have thought he would have come to you at this time."

A pained expression came across Gilúviel's face. "He did not even attend my crowning. But sometimes when I walked in East Lórien before my confinement, I felt his presence was not far from me. As for returning to the west, this is his home now. Even when my time is done here, he shall forever remain."

Mithrandir nodded and squeezed her hand. "Alas, I feared it was so." Then, his bright eyes sparkled. "I almost forgot. On my way over the Misty mountains I stopped at an old fort that had been taken over by Dwarves. Quite the settlement they have made there. Including a toy seller." He fumbled around his off-white robes and drew out a small wooden bear painted gold with two emeralds for eyes, he it handed to Gilúviel. "I hope the princess will be able to play with it when she is a little older."

She turned it in her hands, smiling. "It is beautiful and quite robust too. The Dwarves skills will most valuable in the future. Elessar and Undómiel send their blessings to us and gave another year before Thranduil and I need to go into the North. However, they ask us to negotiate with the Long Beards and King Vilbeorn over the restoration of the Old Forest Road into the Misty Mountains. It will be a vital road for Arnor to trade with its allies."

Mithrandir chuckled. "I see your mind is well and truly set upon the future, my Lady Queen."

"But it should presently be at rest, Mellethiell Nin," said Elrond firmly.

"We have kept you too long," said Galadriel. She gently placed the sleeping Céreneth in her cradle. "We shall leave our gifts with the others at the feast."

"But I have something to give you now," said Elrond, and from his robes he produced a familiar doll. "Elvie!" cried Gilúviel. "I have not seen her since....." she dropped her gaze and blushed. Elrond smiled and patted her hand. "When you left us," he said gently.

He handed the doll to Galadriel, who placed it beside Céreneth. "I remember when Celebrian made this. It is fitting that a part of her is present. She would have wanted to be here."

"I should like to have met her," said Gilúviel.

"Perhaps one day you will," replied Galadriel.

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T.A.3020-1

Once Gilúviel's rest and confinement was over, another feast was held to celebrate the Queen's return to her duties, after which the honoured guests departed. The king and queen delighted in their little daughter as she grew. And more blessings came when in the following May, Óliel was delivered of a son. Tavion Legarion, the little princeling was named and he was every inch the likeness of his father.

But Thranduil felt a change slowly sweeping his realm. It was subtle, but had not passed his notice. Legolas spoke often of the south and his sea longing. A feeling Thranduil knew only too well. He had staunchly resisted its call for thousands of years. Yet since he had wed Gilúviel, he had found it harder to ignore.

Younger Elves, listened to Legolas' tales of his adventures with the Fellowship of the Ring, and many were curious. They were keen to take up tilling the earth and growing plants on the western end of the Woodland realm, badly damaged during the battle under the trees. But the older Elves, especially those from Doriath, did not care for such endeavours. Many seemed weary and spoke often of their youth. Some spoke of crossing the Misty Mountains, even of seeking the grey shores of Mithlond.

As the end of May drew near, Thranduil and Gilúviel made plans to travel to Annúminas to oversea the rebuilding of the city. Elladan and Elrohir had sent them regular reports of the progress, and the king and queen in their turn had overseen the progress of the restoration of the great forest road. Though some travellers still brought their goods by river and paid their dues to the Elves.

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29th May/Lothron 3021, The Royal Parlour, The Elven Halls

Gilúviel held her little daughter close to her heart while she rocked her to sleep. Savouring every little sigh and scent. Tomorrow would be difficult, for she and Thranduil would have to begin their long journey north. The thought of spending a single night away from Céreneth broke her heart, but a queen's duty was sometimes unpleasant.

Thranduil sat himself beside her, he cradled them both in his embrace, and Gilúviel rested her head on his shoulder. "Tomorrow will be painful for me too," he whispered. "But we must take comfort that she will be in the care of Celephinniel, Legolas and Óliel."

Gilúviel smiled wearily. "I feared we would miss her first steps. But she saved them for today, I am sure of it."

Thranduil laughed and gently stroked the baby's growing hair so as not to wake her. " She is certainly a clever child... just like her mother," he said, kissing Gilúviel's head.

Padir then showed Celephinniel into the parlour. Thranduil got to his feet, embraced her and bid her to sit. "Celephinniel, for what do we have the pleasure, dear cousin?"

Celephinniel looked up at Thranduil with a mournful expression. "I wish to make a request of you," she said.

"Of course, anything. You only need name it," replied Thranduil.

Celephinniel took a deep breath before replying. "Tomorrow, when you leave for the north, I wish to accompany you as far as Imladris."

"Imladris?" said Gilúviel.

"I have given it much thought. But I can no longer stay here. It is time for me to take the straight road."

A shocked silence met her words. Gilúviel had noticed how Celephinniel had kept to the background since their return from the south, perhaps not wishing to outshine the new queen. Yet she had been a constant presence during Gilúviel's confinement and labour, cherishing little Céreneth from the moment of her birth. It had never once occurred to Gilúviel that Celephinniel might leave the Woodland Realm, and the realisation struck her with a sudden, aching weight.

Shaking, Thranduil clasped her hand. "This is unexpected. Are you sure this is what you want? What about Faelnith and Merenthell?"

"I have spoken to them and they wish to remain while the Woodland Realm endures. But I feel a calling I can no longer ignore. The sea calls to me, and beyond it, the voices of those I love calling me home. To Eldamar. Galadriel has sent me word that she too is departing Lothlórien for Imladris and offers me a place aboard her ship at Mithlond."

"Then you will be in honoured company for your journey, and while I wish it were not so, you are most welcome to accompany us."

Celephinniel thanked Thranduil and embraced them both. "What will I do without you?" said Gilúviel.

"You no longer have need of me. Now that you and Thranduil are wed I can take my leave without worry. I can see what I wonderful queen you are turning out to be. My work here is done."