Not one, but two...

Eldarion stood immediately as soon as he saw them reappear. His eyes looked worried and she saw him wipe his hands on his pants. He was sweating and most likely was going to fawn over her for the rest of the day if she didn’t call him off. “The..uh, coach is still here my darling,” he said as he set his coat up onto her shoulders. The air had gotten a bit nippy today and it had rained while she was being examined. “Thank you Ara,” Eldarion said and Ara nodded a bow to him and smiled as he walked Calista out to the coach. The footman took her hand and helped her in and then Eldarion followed and decided to join her on her side. He was always like this when he knew she was sick and it looked like he wanted to ask questions but stopped himself several times as the coach took off up the slope to their apartments.

“Is...everything...alright?’ He asked finally unable to discern her expressions and she could see he was on edge about her condition...or what he worried her condition might be that had nothing to do with her being pregnant. He thought her ill and never would have guessed the other.

Calista was still in shock as she exited the examination room and walked out to meet Eldarion. He appeared nervous and very concerned and she could not wait to share with him her happy news. She smiled as he placed his coat around her shoulders. It was too big for her, but was warm and she enjoyed smelling his scent, which was infused into the fabric. She walked with him out to their coach and allowed the footman to keep her inside. She took her seat and was not surprised when Eldarion took a seat next to her. She waited for him to speak first, trying to figure out exactly what to say. Finally, she decided she just needed to say it.

"Eldarion," she said with a growing smile as she took his hand into her own, "I'm pregnant...with twins."

He had expected something completely different. “Well that doesn’t…” he began than stopped as his mind recalled again the words she had spoke. His heart skipped a beat...maybe more than one and his cheeks colored as his eyes shifted to look at hers in sheer surprise. “For real?” he said softly trying to find his voice as he struggled to not explode with excitement and happiness. When she nodded he did explode. “Oh Calista!” he cried then wrapped her up in an embrace and rained kisses on her face, her lips and cheeks. “Oh how I love you, love you...love you.” He repeated over and over as he kissed her. What had always been a concern was now the happiest thing he had ever heard. He was going to be a father...and twins no less! He pulled her onto his lap and buried his face into her neck as he tried to contain his excitement. He wanted to kiss her over and over still but that weighed against his urge to yell and tell the entire world that he, Prince Eldarion and his lovely Princess Calista...were going to bring life into the world.

The next two days were incredible for Calista and Eldarion. She had never seen him as happy as he was. He was practically beaming from it and immediately became extremely attentive to her every need. They had not yet told their family, but tonight was the night. Calene and Deshane were visiting with their son who was about a year old now and Serethiel and Conleth were visiting from Gehenna. Calista put on her favorite dress for the occasion and left her long, blonde hair down, as she knew Eldarion preferred it. Together, they walked into the dining room. It was hard not to know that something was happening due to the sheer radiance that flowed off of both of them.

When the doors opened all the men rose suddenly and began to sing to a surprised groups of women who looked as if they had no idea what was going on…

‘When the sun comes again, again,
And the sparrow flies up high, up high.
A new mother raises up, and up,
Her new born babes, so fine...so fine,”

Eldarion had an innocent look but he had paused with her just beyond the doors as the room resounded with all the men’s voice including Eldarion’s who sang the next verse. All save for him raised their glasses and saluted her when their blessing was done. The women were confused however until the King spoke…

“So it has come to pass, and the blood of my blood will carry on when our time has come. Into the light and the sun shall yet rise again. To Eldarion...my son,” Elessar said affectionately and shifted his filled wine glass. ‘To the lovely Princess Calista, my daughter, I bless these children who shall one day sit at our table,” he said and then all the men intoned, “Into the light!” Then drank heartily from their cups. Nauriel stood and threw her napkin at the King but tears were flowing freely from her eyes as several people laughed as she lifted up her dress to run around the table toward them. Calista noticed her parents on the right side, her mother dabbing at the corners of her eyes. obviously Eldarion had told the men and none of them had said a thing to the women.

Calista was visibly surprised when all the men started singing in the room. She looked around then at Eldarion with a questioning look in her eyes. She started to smile when they sang the last line and realized he must have told his father. Tears came to Calista's eyes at the King's toast and she smiled at her father-in-law warmly. Immediately, the women from the table got up to go over and congratulate her. Nauriel was not happy that Elessar had kept this from her (but not really), and got up herself and walked over to her daughter-in-law. She smiled and hugged her and whispered something in her ear for only her to hear.

Meanwhile, Serethiel smiled at her husband, who sat at her side.

"So, it appears twins run in our family."

“I believe it does,” Conleth replied. He wasn’t quite as tall as Elessar but he was just as broad and as solid as they come. Conversations sprang up all around the table but there was no mistaking that today was for Calista. The women gave her all sorts of advice on many different topics including how to have sex quickly which will be a necessity after the babes were born. That bit was from Calene that seemed to enjoy making Calista’s cheeks red. And some of her suggestions were quite outlandish to say the least. After dinner the men stepped outside to smoke their pipes though it was clear to her that Eldarion didn’t want to leave her side. The women huddled around Calista and talked about anything and everything as they ate dessert.

“Well, one thing is for certain, Eldarion will love the changes,” Calene said. “Especially the bigger breasts,” Ariana said unabashedly and gave her a wink. She was still missing her husband but she was dealing now and able to move forward with her life, for the most part. Nauriel just shook her head. “It all comes down to sex with you two, doesn’t it?” Nauriel said with a withering look as she bit into her piece of orange cream cake. However Ariana leaned forward toward Calista with a mischievous smile on her face. “Methinks mother believes we don’t remember what father looks like without clothes on or the sounds she used to make,” she said and winked at her. Nauriel’s eyes grew large and her cheeks bloomed with spots of red as she tried to eat her cake without choking. The other women chuckled. “Yes sometimes he had what looked like claw marks on his back too,” Calene chimed in and made like a tiger with claws and growled. Nauriel swatted at her and she blushed even harder. However Calista would know that what they were doing was trying to illicit a bit more detail from Calista about Eldarion.

Calista remained tight lipped about Eldarion in the bedroom. She knew the women in this family had a tendency to talk amongst themselves and she knew it would embarrass him. She was quite satisfied in that regard and that is all she would say on the matter. Dinner lasted for several hours, but finally she and Eldarion were free. They were giddy with happiness and love and though it had been decided not to let the public know about this for a few more weeks, anyone who really looked at them would suspect what was causing their happiness.

That night Calista lay in Eldarion's arms in their bed. He was lightly caressing her stomach and she had her head upon his chest. She was still extremely happy, but clearly something was on her mind.

"Eldarion...what if we have two boys?" she asked quietly.

Eldarion paused as he thought about her question, 2 sons? How grand that would be but he’d love 2 daughters just as much. He was certain Calista would be thrilled with daughters. He loved to touch her belly even though he couldn’t really feel anything yet. He also tended to feel her breasts too, obviously feeling for differences too. Just one more way he showed her how excited he was about the babes. It was then that he frowned, now her question made it to the front of his mind.

“Ah, you are thinking that which one of them would be crowned? Well...that is a very good question. I would presume Merit...their deeds should decide that. Yes, their deeds and popularity with the people,” he told her as he leaned forward and kissed her neck. He loved the feel of Calista’s naked flesh, she spent time daily putting oils on her skin and as a result it was always silky smooth to the touch. There was a small clay pot with a thickened body oil that he rubbed on his hands just a moment ago. He felt her breasts again and then moved his hands down to her belly and then rubbed in between her legs which was all he could reach right then with how they laid. Her flesh glistened in the dim, candle light and he couldn’t see it but her eyes closed for a moment when he dallied for a few moments and used his fingers in the place he knew she liked. He didn’t spend too much time though in any one place, he was content to just relax her and with the hopes that eventually she would get aroused and make love to him as he wanted.

“But what if we have 2 girls? 2 girls as lovely as their mother,” Eldarion added. “Whatever they are they will be a part of us my darling wife,” he whispered as his hands began to move again. He kneaded and massaged the flesh of her upper arms and shoulders and he felt her sigh as he managed to massage out a knot. He smiled, happy to make her feel good.

Eldarion knew exactly where to touch her in order to relax her. She closed her eyes when she felt his lips upon her neck and a soft moan escape her lips when he moved his hands down her body. Eldarion had always been attentive to her needs, but now that she was pregnant, with twins no less, he had become even more so. She enjoyed the feel of his fingers on her skin and for a moment she almost forgot about her concern. However, when Eldarion mentioned having two girls her eyes opened and she pulled away from him gently and looked at him.

"As much as I would love that, that is not what I am hoping for. You need an heir and...well...to be perfectly honest this may be our only shot. We need a son. My hope would be for a son and a daughter, but we should not hope for two daughters. Not...not after everything...I...we have been through to make this happen."

For a moment...a brief moment, Eldarion’s brow furled at her words. He wasn’t angry but he didn’t understand where this all was coming from. Eldarion was not under the pressure that Calista was under, he could not know what Nauriel had said and the unspoken words that had passed between her and Calista. Nauriel was fierce when it came to Eldarion, Elessar’s only son. If Calista could not provide him with an heir she implied that she’d find someone who would. Nauriel wasn’t a cruel or selfish woman but when her son was involved she vowed to do what needed to be done in that regard.

“I hope that whatever they are that they are strong and healthy,” Eldarion said annoyedly not liking her tone at all. “Obviously we can have children, why does all hinge on just these 2? I would like more and certainly a son will come,” he added. “I don’t understand you sometimes Calista,” he added as he wiped his hands off with the towel that sat just behind him on a peg on the wall near their bed. He lifted her up and managed to shift out of the bed in obvious irritation and obviously put off that she had spoiled his mood and the chance that she’d make love to him how he wanted.

Calista sighed and looked at her husband. She had told herself that she would not tell him the truth, but he deserved to know...he needed to know. She wanted him to understand, not because she wanted sympathy from him, but because he needed to know that this may be their only chance. It would be unfair to keep that knowledge from him. He was her husband...her partner...her best friend and to continue to hide the truth from him was no longer what she wanted to do.

"Eldarion...there is something I need to tell you," she began softly. She then began to tell him how she learned of her condition and confessed that she only became pregnant after taking a series of pills before sleeping with him. She revealed to him the danger of taking the pills and explained that there were high risks that may prevent her from being able to take them again in the future.

"When I learned I would not be able to give you any children without taking them I was devastated. We had been trying for so long and I wanted to give you the child you desired. I knew there were risks, but I took them anyway because I couldn't bear the thought of...You're the Prince of Gondor and your father's heir and will be King one day. You need a son to be your heir and if I was unable to give you that son...other measures may have been taken. So when I say I am hoping for a son and not two daughters it is because this will probably be my only chance."

Tears had begun to slip down her cheeks. She loved Eldarion greatly and could not bear the thought of what might happen if she did not produce a son.

Eldarion stopped, turned and listened to her without saying a word. After she was done explaining he sat in the nearby chair, nearly missing it altogether with how stunned he was. His face was not happy or sad nor really angry either. The best way she could describe his expression was numb and perhaps more than a little surprised. In truth he was angry that she hadn’t told him any of this. That only now did the realization that he may not have any more children or any if something happens now hit him. She could see his expression slide into angry and his brow furled when he looked up at her, his eyes sparkling with some new found knowledge that he hadn’t had before. Knowledge that didn’t make him happy in the least.

“You did all of this alone? What measures?” He asked sharply but it was obvious to him now that his mother had taken a hand in all of this and likely told Calista not to speak of it. Her pause and reluctance to say more was all the confirmation he needed. He stood up and hastily moved directly to his wardrobe where he slammed open the door and began to get dressed.

To say that he loved his mother would have been an understatement but he didn’t like his life being decided for him behind his back. She had crossed the line here and he could only guess at ‘what measures...what lengths’ she’d have gone too to have an heir to continue on the royal bloodline.

Calista felt guilt both for not telling Eldarion in the beginning, but also now for having told him. She had not wanted to upset him, and now she feared she might cause a fight between his mother and himself. She did not want to be the cause of any friction between them and she immediately got up and put on her robe. She walked over to the wardrobe and opened the door.

"Eldarion please...just let this be. Don't you understand that you mother was doing this not just because she loves you, but because she loves me as well. She helped us and I am now pregnant because of it. I do not want to be the cause of a rift between the two of you and so I'm begging you to let this go...please do this...for me...for the sake of our children."

“And, if it hadn’t worked?” He asked as he slipped on his pants. “She’d fill you with so much guilt that you’d leave? But because it did you’re willing to let it go...well I’m not. You’re MY wife and if we don’t have a son than we don’t!” he shouted as he tossed on his shirt but the real prospect of that happening was too horrible to even think about right then. “You know, my father was right, as long as you women get what you want you forgive one another.!” He said loudly. He didn’t touch the part about her not telling him or hiding it behind his back. He could not when he, himself had not been faithful. But the other was just as bad in his mind. He didn’t feel betrayed exactly but the thought of not having control over his life egged him on to continue what he was going to do. And then he stopped and turned to face her.

“Unless you too believe that if you can’t provide me with what I ‘need’ I can just get it from someone else? Would you wish to only be my wife in name alone while I bed as many women as need be to put a son in one of them?” he snapped not caring if she cried or not.

Calista felt tears come to her eyes. She didn't know what to say or do. The thought of him having to bed other women brought back horrible memories of walking into their apartments to find that woman standing there naked. It brought on a wave of nausea and she rushed out of the wardrobe and into the bathroom where she became sick. Afterwards, she sank down to the bathroom floor and just cried. She hadn't wanted it to happen this way. She hated the thought that they did not have the freedom to have as many children as they wanted. She hated the thought of Eldarion fighting with his mother. She hated the thought of ruining the relationship she had built with the Queen because of this. Why couldn't one thing in their marriage go right?

That afternoon Eldarion finally returned but he said little to her and could barely bring himself to even look at her. Nauriel had told him that the bloodline was more important than just one person, the entire world and how it was governed required that Elessar’s son had more sons regardless of how distasteful it was for them. Not everyone lived the lives they want and sometimes, sacrifices had to be made. Her rationalization had made him so angry and warned her to stay out of his business from now on and no matter how many times calista asked him to tell her what he said he refused to talk about it.

At dinner it wasn’t difficult for Calista to feel a certain bit of awkwardness. The queen appeared cordial but her eyes scanned over her with a coldness that spoke volumes. Whatever she had gained in her relationship with the queen she burned it up in a fortnight. Eldarion hadn’t spoken to her either and the King knew something was wrong but he wasn’t certain what. Eldarion could finally take no more. He stood and tossed down his lap towel and stormed out without another word. The King said nothing but he said something to Nauriel and Nauriel nodded and stood. “Princess Calista...may we speak?” She asked in a pleasant tone though her kind expression never touched the cold heat in her eyes.

Calista remained in bed for most of the afternoon due to her ill stomach. When Eldarion finally returned she tried to talk to him about what had occurred, but he refused to speak of it. Late afternoon, Calista rose and dressed for dinner. She walked with Eldarion down to the dining room where they took their usual seats near the head of the table. The awkwardness was palpable and Calista barely touched her food. Finally, Eldarion stood and threw down his napkin and stormed out. Calista sighed but said nothing. She knew what was coming next and nodded respectfully when the Queen stated she wished to speak to her. Calista rose from her seat and followed her out of the dining room and into another private room. She stood respectfully and waited for her to speak.

The queen started then stopped what she was going to say 3 times before she lowered her head and rubbed at her temples as if a headache was coming on. She lifted her arms to rest over her breasts and fingered her chin in contemplation as if she was trying to figure out who or what Calista really was. “Calista, do you dislike prosperity? What were you thinking? You had Eldarion...happy. Why on earth did you take that away from him? We talked about that!” she scolded and begun to pace. Now he was furious with her too and to bring him around now may be impossible. “You’re pregnant and happy and what? That was a problem for you? You know what is at stake here and Eldarion is an honorable man like his father...or at least he tries to be. God knows he isn’t perfect but you had him daughter,” she said and socked her fist into her palm. “We both did and now he is more likely to bolt in any direction but the one we need him to. He’ll likely not forget this anytime soon and what if there is no son? I doubt he’ll let you take another risk,” she said confidently.

Calista stood quietly as the Queen spoke and listened to what she had to say. She kept her eyes downcast until the Queen had finished. She was quiet for a moment afterward before raising her head and looking at her. "I never meant to upset Eldarion. That was never my intention. However, he needed to be made aware of the likelyhood that we won't have any other children. He was stating that if we do not have a son this time that we could try again in the future. I needed to tell him the truth. I'm his wife and his best friend and I do not like keeping things from him. We have been working so hard on being open and honest with each other to heal our marriage and I could not keep this from him. He deserved to know the truth becuase I love him. As for whether or not we have a son, I have a very strong feeling that one or both of the children I am carrying will be a son. I don't know how, but I do."

The queens eyebrows rose at her tone but then she sighed as she changed her stance and placed a hand on her hip. “And instead of only you having to worry, you’ve included him now in your concerns. You know he has responsibilities and burdens and you’ve just added to them. He wouldn’t ‘need’ to know anything more until he needed to know it. He’ll worry every day now until you give birth,” she said calmly though her eyes hardly looked calm. “For some things Calista, it is our duty to suffer then alone and you have outlets, your own mother and myself if you needed to talk about...anything,” the queen said and gestured annoyedly. “Elessar is a great man but he does not need to know everything, only what he must. Eldarion deals every day with his guilt and now you’ve included having to worry about you too,” she said. "There is being honest and then there is just being a woman, Calista and the burdens we must carry in silence for the good of our families," Nauriel said.

All night Calista remained awake thinking about everything the Queen had said. She looked over at Eldarion as he slept and reached over and gently caressed his cheek. Suddenly, a thought came to her and she smiled happily just at the thought of it. The following day she set her idea into motion. She became excited everyday at the thought of his face when he saw the present she had for him. Finally, several weeks later it was finished. She had a servant look out for him and she alerted her when she spotted him coming down the hallway. Calista came out before he could enter their apartments. She smiled warmly at him and kissed him. "I have a surprise for you." She then blindfolded him and led him into their apartments. She walked him inside carefully and was almost giddy with excitement as she stood him in a particular spot. She then pulled off his blindfold. When Eldarion opened his eyes he would see their spare bedroom completely transformed into a nursery. The walls had been painted and she had hired an artist to come in and paint murals over the walls and on the ceiling. There were cribs that were exquisitely hand crafted and in the middle of the room were two wooden rocking horses that had been crafted by the same wood artist.

"Well? What do you think?"

Eldarion complied but he thought it was just Calista being silly. That and he really wasn’t in the mood for foolishness right then. He hadn’t been since he learned she may never be able to have more children nor if she’d be able to carry those she had to term. When she allow him to look though…

The light blue paint made him think of a bright, cloudy day and the ornate carvings on the dressers, cribs and rocking chairs made him smile. The fact was, the REAL fact was that she WAS pregnant and he was acting like a fool. She was doing what she thought she had to to make it all possible and what was he doing? Moping because he wasn’t told everything. He sighed and looked down.

“I’m...sorry for how I’ve been acting Calista...the Nursury its...its wonderful,” he told her and managed a smile though his eyes were damp from her gift. “The greatest gift will be the look on your face when you see your babes for the first time,” he said and hugged her to him tightly. “I love you Calista,” he said.

Calista wrapped her arms around Eldarion and rested her head against his chest. She looked up at him and into his eyes and smiled. "I love you too Eldarion...so much and I am so happy. Just think in almost six months we will be parents...to twins!" She began to laugh a little as she imagined it. "You are going to need to learn how to change diapers because I am going to need the help."

"Well," he said as he lifted her up into her arms. "I did change my sisters...sometimes," he said as he carried her toward their bedroom then kicked the door shut behind him.

OOC-good place to stop?