Births, even for elves, were messy and not wholly without danger. It was much better to celebrate the joy of creation, of being blessed by Eru and the Valar with a child. For most elves, children were born a year to the day- but Gwen needn't know that.

"This is a fault? 'Tis unusual, yes, but I have hear it- incessantly- that your people think that the business with the rifts is the fault of your 'Maker'. It is not desirable to have a lady so blessed?"

The ache had faded quickly. He had forgotten the pain in the middle of the fight, and then paid little attention to it in the days after. Now, he used the hand as he always did, with very little concern or thought the shard, except when it flared in the night and called attention to himself.

He sipped at his wine, watched the challengers. "Do your people use-- bride price? And is it paid to the husband's parents, or the wife's?"