FINDING HEART
CHAPTER FOUR
BY DRAGONWIND
A/N: Thanks for the reviews, keep them coming. They inspire me and feed my writer's soul.
See chapter one for disclaimer
A/N: Forgot to mention previously, several plot points/conversations were co-written with Kam
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In the hall, Pippin ran up to Marissa and tugged lightly on her skirt.
Marissa looked down in annoyance at the Hobbit. "Yes?" she said shortly.
"You are friends with Lady Aalyssa are you not? I have seen the two of you talking."
"Yeah? What of it?"
"I saw a man drag her into the forest. Who do I tell?"
"I will tell Prince Konner when I see him."
"But there may not be time..."
"Do not push me. I will tell the Prince as soon as I can find him. It is not like I can tell him before, now can I?"
Pippin looked up at her oddly. "I suppose not."
Aalyssa regained consciousness slowly to find herself face down on the ground. Unable to use her hands, she managed to raise herself into a sitting position. She glanced around, surrounded by darkness.
The sounds of creatures howling and other strange noises assaulted her ears and Aalyssa knew she was all alone in the Dark Forest. "No," she whispered softly as quiet tears began to fall. "Konner..."
She managed to get to her feet, desperate to find her way back to Rivendell. The moment she put any weight on her left ankle however, she collapsed in pain. Aalyssa sat on the ground, the cold night air making her shiver, and the stories she had heard about the creatures of the Dark Forest ran through her mind. "Konner, why did you not come for me?" she whispered. In her heart, Aalyssa knew she was going to die alone out in the forest.
Pippin began to walk away from Marissa, only to be pulled backwards. "Oh no, little man, you are not going anywhere," a male voice said.
Marissa backed away and disappeared into the crowd as Pippin began to fight his would be kidnapper.
Konner and Legolas were across the hall, debating the note and where to go next when they heard the ruckus.
"What in the world?" Konner said before walking over to find Robero trying to subdue the struggling Hobbit. "Lord Robero, why are you manhandling this youngster?"
"He is crazy, Your Highness. I am trying to get him to the healer, maybe they can help him."
"Your Highness?" Pippin asked. "Are you Prince Konner?" he said hopefully, trying to shrug off Robero's hold.
"I am. Release him, Robero. This is my brother, Legolas," Konner continued to the Hobbit.
"Miss Aalyssa..she is in trouble."
Konner knelt in front of him. "What has happened?"
"A man..he dragged her into the forest. She was screaming."
Legolas pulled Pippin over. "You are certain of this?"
Pippin nodded. "I like Miss Aalyssa so I tried to follow, but I was afraid I would get lost coming back if I went too far."
Konner became more frantic as Pippin spoke. He looked up to find Robero and Wilhelmina backing away. "Hold!" he ordered.
"Just try to stay calm, Konner. They may not have had anything to do with this," Legolas reasoned.
Konner walked over to the couple and shouted, "Where is my fiancee?"
"She is gone," Robero shrugged.
"Gone where?" Konner demanded, his anger growing.
"Marissa tells us she ran off with a man."
"Lies!" Konner shouted, backing Robero up until he was bent backwards over a table. "Where is Aalyssa? Where is my fiancee?"
"I do not have to tell you anything."
"I am her future husband and heir to the throne. I demand, no, I order you to tell me where she is."
Wilhelmina moved to her husband's side. "With any luck, she is deep within the Dark Forest by now."
"Why did you tell him?" Robero hissed at his wife.
"I am quite sure she is dead. It has been about two hours now."
Legolas looked at his brother with concern, noting the enraged look in his brother's eyes.
"The Dark Forest? Are you insane? She will be killed?" Konner screamed out, pulling his knife.
"That was the point!" Robero retorted. "For her to be dead.
Legolas spotted Marissa coming and moves in her direction. "Go get Mother and Father, quick!"
"You want me to get my parents? Why?"
"My Mother and Father, Marissa," Legolas sighed.
Konner quietly said, "If she dies, I will have both of your heads. She is to be the future Queen of Mirkwood." A threat of menace underscored his words.
"You can do better than Aalyssa, Konner. Your parents would not wish for you to marry someone who will be an embarrassment to the royal family." Wilhelmina looked at her husband. "It is time to get ready for dinner. We should go."
"Guards, hold them," Konner said to Elrond's guards who were assembled in the hall.
"You have no right," Robero argued in a low voice as the Rivendell guards surround him and Wilhelmina.
"I have every right."
"Why are you putting up all of this fight when you can do so much better?" Robero asked.
"Aalyssa is the best there is. And I love her and I know she loves me, regardless of what you people are trying to make me think."
"She could have gotten you killed this morning, when you went after that man. It was just the final straw," Wilhelmina stated.
Thranduil came up beside Konner. "What is going on here? Marissa said I was to get up her immediately."
"It was not her fault, and no one was injured," Konner snarled.
Legolas shook his head. "I can not believe what I am hearing."
Wilhelmina smiled viciously, "No real lady would have gotten into a position like that, allowing a stable hand to paw her. Family honor was harmed."
Konner turned to his father, fear evident in his eyes. "Aalyssa's parents had someone take her to the Dark Forest, Father."
"What? Is this true?" Thranduil asked, staring aghast at his and his wife's friends. "Why?"
Konner's attention returned to Wilhelmina. "Fine. Then she can stay with my family until she is married, or she can stay here in Rivendell."
"A little late now," Robero smirked.
"How long ago was she taken?" Legolas asked.
Robero smirked at Legolas, refusing to speak.
Konner's hand moved to pull his knife, ready to slit Robero's throat.
Thranduil stepped forward. "I order you, as your King, to tell me."
Wilhelmina moved in between Konner and Robero. "You will not hurt him."
Laure walked up to crowd, having heard angry voices. "What is going on over here? All of these raised voices, it is very disturbing."
Legolas nudged Konner. "We should get to looking for Aalyssa. Father and Mother can handle this." He glanced over to Pippin. "Go find Aragorn and have him meet us in the courtyard."
"Yes, Mr. Legolas, right away." Pippin dashed from the hall.
"Father, by your leave?" Konner said softly.
"Go find her. Bring Aalyssa home safely."
"What can I do?" Marissa asked of Legolas. "She is my best friend."
"I know. Just stay here and be here for her when we bring her home. I do not wish to chance taking you with us," Legolas told Marissa.
Konner stood to one side, filling Laure in while he got his knife ready.
"Excuse me, love," Laure said to her son. She walked over to Wilhelmina and slapped her soundly. "How can you do such a thing to your daughter?"
"She is my blood, I do what I want," Wilhelmina sneered. "She is an embarrassment, could have cost you your first born son today."
"My son did what was honorable to try to detain someone who tried to violate your daughter. There is no dishonor there and neither were seriously harmed."
"She should never have put herself in a position to be attacked. And quite frankly, after the incident in the weaving room, Aalyssa showed herself to be no lady whatsoever."
"These things happen. And obviously this stable hand had a mental problem. I doubt Aalyssa even knew him. And I doubt she planned on being attacked. Did you even bother to ask why she was out there? Did you?"
"She was ashamed of her actions this morning. It is a shame he did not get her and kill her when he was done. Then this would have been unnecessary."
An appalled look crossed Laure's face. "You would see your daughter dead to save some embarrassment."
"Yes," Wilhelmina responded coldly and turned her back to Laure.
Laure walked over to Thranduil. "Once the boys bring Aalyssa back, she is not going back to her family. I want them banished from our lands. Aalyssa will live with us."
"Yes, darling."
"And Wilhelmina," Laure said with ice in her voice. "The only embarrassment you have is your own. Everyone in Rivendell will know your actions by midmorning." Laure looked around to see the crowd gathered around them, talking and watching already.
"Also her fault," Wilhelmina sniffed haughtily.
"No. Your own fault. You know how we feel about our children. They are precious to all Elven kind. We do not just toss them to the wolves when we are upset. And darling Aalyssa needed loving after that man attacked her." Laure turned away to face the guards. "Take them from my sight, they sicken me."
Iladori entered the hall, wondering what was going on. She looked over to find Konner in conference with Aragorn, both men arming themselves.
"You do not understand, Laure. We are beyond upset with her...we are at our wit's end. You can not do this. We are not in Mirkwood."
Elrond moved in from the side, where he had been watching silently. "Of course they can, Wilhelmina. Because I agree with them. Guards, take them to the cells downstairs until they can be brought before Council. Your presence here disgusts me."
Marissa sauntered over to Legolas who was strapping on his quiver. "How can I thank you Legolas?"
"It is not necessary, Marissa. She is like a sister to me." He watched Robero and Wilhelmina struggle with the guards. "I should have done something earlier."
Marissa wrapped her arms around Legolas' neck and kissed him soundly on the lips. "Bring her home Legolas. I know you will."
"We will do everything we can," Legolas stated, startled and pushing her away.
He looked up when Konner came back. "We must go."
Legolas nodded and followed Konner.
"Just bring her back, Legolas. Please," Marissa said softly.
"We will do our best," he repeated. He quickened his pace to catch up with Konner and Aragorn who were walking away.
Iladori fought back tears as she head up the stairs. Not only did Legolas not ask for her help, he had Marissa, the perfect lady, hanging over him.
Elrond watched the guards take away Robero and Wilhelmina. "They are a disgrace to our kind. Throwing a child of their flesh and blood to the wolves."
"I knew something was wrong, Thranduil. But neither Legolas nor Aalyssa could see their way to come to me."
"I know love," Thranduil whispered, wrapping his arms around her and holding her closely.
"She will always be welcomed here in Rivendell if Aalyssa needs shelter," Elrond told them. "I can not imagine a parent doing such to a child."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. But she will stay with us until, that is, if Konner decides to wed her. If not, we shall adopt her. Legolas already regards her as a sister."
"Love, I think we can start planning a wedding," Thranduil whispered in her ear.
Laure turned and looked up at him. "I have not heard such."
"Our son had a rather determined look on his face when he left here," Thranduil commented.
"Yes, it seems Konner has done some growing up these past few days, my friend," Elrond commented.
"Could it be?" Laure asked hopefully. "I have been wishing for countless years."
"I suspect your wishes will come true," Thranduil said, tightening his arm around her.
Laure turned tear filled eyes to him. "What if the boys find her..dead?"
"Do not think so," Thranduil said, pulling her close. "They will find her safe, I know they will."
"Aragorn is with them, he is the best of the rangers of this time," Elrond said reassuringly.
"I will hope with all of my heart. Aalyssa is such a lovely girl."
"She will make a fine wife for Konner," Thranduil told her as Elrond walked away.
"What if whoever took her, what if...oh, I need to sit down."
"Now Laure, do not be looking for trouble where there may not be any. And it will not change anything."
"I will try not to," Laure agreed.
"Come, maybe you should retire for the night. Or at the very least join your friends in the weaving room?"
"I will not be able to sleep nor rest until I know our Aalyssa is all right. I am afraid I would not be good company."
Outside, Aragorn turned to Konner and Legolas. "I do need to tell you something was going on out here earlier tonight. The patrol reported hearing something but could not find the source."
"How long ago?" Konner asked. "Maybe it was whoever took Aalyssa."
"About an hour, hour and a half. Konner, they said it sounds like a cut off scream. It is only fair that I tell you that."
"I will not think the worse, Aragorn. I know Aalyssa will be fine, she is a fighter."
"Good. Think positive."
A worried look settled on Legolas but agrees. "Yes, I have been in enough tussles with her over the years."
"Let us move quickly," Konner commented.
"Yes," Aragorn agreed. "Konner, you stay between Legolas and myself."
A man came crashing from the brush near the stables and caught Konner's attention. "You there!"
"Yah?" Udar returned.
"What have you been up to that you are all scratched and bruised?" Konner asked.
"Just out for a walk, got a little turned around in the brush," Udar shrugged and started to walk past them.
Legolas put one hand up, catching him in the chest and stopping him.
Aragorn reached out and grabbed him. "I suggest my friend that you speak of what you know."
"I was out for a walk, that is all."
"And what about the scratches on your arms and face?" Legolas asked, his suspicions growing.
"Got caught on some low branches. I told you I got turned around in the woods."
"Looks to me like you had something to do with Lady Aalyssa," Aragorn stated, "Since Lord Elrond has forbade anyone going into the forest. There have been orc sightings."
"Wot? A lady wouldn't mess me up like those branches."
"Tell me what you know about where my intended is?" Konner demanded. "Or else!"
Legolas narrowed his eyes at Udar.
"Who is your intended? I did not even know you had an intended?" Udar spat at Konner.
Konner pushed Legolas back when his brother came up next to him.
"I was just out for a stroll I tell you," Udar insisted.
Aragorn reached out and grabbed Udar by the throat and shoved him against a wall. "A stroll where?"
"Just through the edge of the forest," Udar squeaked. "I like the forest at night."
"And what did you see?" Konner asked.
"I do not believe him," Legolas said quietly.
"See?" Udar asked with an air of innocence.
"Yes. Seeing it was the forest and night. Where did you go? What did you see?"
Udar played with something in his pants. "Just for a walk I tell you. No where in particular."
"Tell us or else," Aragorn hissed, grabbing his hand and pulling out the rope which fell to the ground.
Aragorn pulled his knife and laid it against Udar's throat. "I suggest you rethink that statement."
Konner bent down to pick up the rope, hearing Udar say, "Uhm...not sure."
"I suggest you remember," Konner stated, anger blazing in his eyes.
"Did not see anything. Not a thing."
"Lies!" Konner shouted, still holding the rope in his hands.
Legolas noticed Konner wrapping the ends of the rope around his hands and he looked at the man. "I suggest you tell the truth. I have never seen my brother like this. I do not know what he might do."
Udar's eyes grew round.
"I suggest you begin speaking the truth," Aragorn said menacingly. "Otherwise we bring you before Lord Elrond and you can explain your nightly walks even after his order was issued."
"I was asked to drop something somewhere. I did so and came back."
Aragorn pressed his blade further in to the man's throat. "Tell us where the girl is. Now."
"Somewhere," Udar said. He became nervous watching Aragorn's eyes go cold and deadly. "Just inside the edge."
"Where?"
"The Dark Forest. Just a little ways inside...did not get her all of the way in."
"Her exact location," Konner demanded. "And from where did you enter?"
"I started from the stables. She struggled so much I lost track of where I had been. I had trouble finding my own way back."
"What did you do to her?" Legolas asked.
Udar shrugged the best he could under Aragorn's strong grip. "Not much."
"What did you do to her? If you touched her..." Konner growled, pressing his own knife against the man's neck.
"Easy Konner..." Aragorn warned.
"That's between me and her," Udar said, looking at each of the three men separately.
"Konner, back off," Legolas said softly, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I did not get the chance to all that I wanted."
Konner grabbed the man from Aragorn's hold and slammed him against the wall. "If you so much as touched her where you had no right, I will skin you alive."
Udar said quickly: Beat her around a bit, tied her wrists, shoved her. I told you I did not get a chance to do all that I wanted. She screamed and attracted unwanted attention."
"If she is dead, your life has no meaning," Konner growled. "Guards!"
Udar looked at the guards approaching. "No!" He shoved all three men away in a burst of strength and ran.
Legolas grabbed his bow and took aim.
"What the..." Aragorn grumbled as he pulled his bow.
Legolas releases his arrow, hitting it's mark. Legolas watched the man collapse and turned to his brother. "Konner..."
Aragorn lowered his own bow as the guard approached the body. "Come, let us go."
"Konner," Legolas said quietly, walking beside his brother. "You have to calm down or you are going to be no help in finding her."
"Listen to him, Konner. You must remain calm and rational or you will endanger Aalyssa more."
Legolas reached his hand out and touched Konner's shoulder to reassure him. "We know she fought him."
Konner turned to Legolas and said softly: I just want her back, Legolas. Alive. Nothing else matters."
"I know. We will find her. Konner, what are you going to do if he lied about not touching her?"
"It does not matter, Legolas. I love Aalyssa and her being alive is all that matters."
Legolas nodded and smiled faintly. "Now I know you love her." Legolas' attention was caught by something. "Hold up guys." He walked over to the brush and removed a piece of Aalyssa's dress from a branch. "We are going the right way," he told them, clutching the piece of dress in his hand.
"Let us move quicker," Konner said.
Aragorn stopped walking and listened to the night air. Then he began moving again.
"Aragorn, what if we call out for her? Or should we not?" Legolas asked.
"We are close, Legolas. I would rather not draw unneeded attention to our location. Who knows what is out here."
"I agree," Legolas nodded. "You doing all right, Konner?"
"I will be better when we find Aalyssa," Konner whispered. Konner paused, listening. "I heard something from up ahead. Movement and.."
"And?"
Konner shook his head. "It could have been Aalyssa moaning."
"I hear it too, Konner," Legolas said. "Konner, slow down."
Aragorn stopped and turned around. "Konner, if you do not calm down, you will have to go back. I do not want to have to worry about you also."
"Let us just find her. She has to be scared," Konner said.
"I know. But we do not know what is out here. And we do not want to get ourselves or Aalyssa into more trouble."
Aragorn paused as something caught his attention. He looked at Legolas. "There, behind those bushes near that tree. I thought I saw a movement."
Legolas held Konner back before he just trudged in, then moved up next to Aragorn. Legolas peered through the bushes and nodded at Aragorn.
Aragorn smiled slightly.
"Is there anything else in the area that we can tell? I do not hear or see anything else," Legolas whispered.
"It appears luck is on our side," Aragorn said with a shake of his head. "We are alone here."
"Let us go get her then." Legolas stood and waved Konner over.
Konner pushed past Legolas to walk over to Aalyssa.
Aalyssa sat on the ground, sobbing from the fright and cold.
"Aalyssa," Konner whispered, dropping to his knees and pulling her into his arms.
"K-K-Konner?" Aalyssa said softly, certain she was hallucinating.
"Shhh, I have you. You are safe my love."
"Y-you came for me," she cried against his shoulder as he reached behind her to cut the ropes around her wrists.
Aalyssa ignored the pain in her arms and wrapped them around his neck, still crying.
"Shh, Love. We need to get you back."
"N-never thought.." Aalyssa mumbled, her body shaking and trembling.
Konner got to his feet and gently set her on hers, supporting her. "I will always come for you." He reached up and unfastened his cloak and wrapped it around her.
"Thought...thought..." Aalyssa attempted to put her weight on her foot and winced.
He gently kissed her forehead and then her lips. "Always know I will come for you, my love. You are hurt. Your ankle?"
Aalyssa nodded. "How..Konner?" She struggled to stop crying but the tears refused to stop falling.
Konner lifted her into his arms. "Pippin found me. And the rest is not important."
"Oh..but..I... why," Aalyssa cleared her throat.
"Rest, Aalyssa. I know you are scared, but I need to be as quiet as possible. We are not safe out here."
Aalyssa nodded and rested her head against Konner's shoulder.
"We need to get back to Rivendell. You can tell us your story of what happened there," Aragorn said.
"Do not leave me, Konner," Aalyssa whispered against his neck.
"You are safe, my love. I will never willingly leave you."
Aalyssa clung to his neck, pressing her face against him, savoring his warmth and the feel of his heartbeat next to hers.
Legolas held the brush aside until they were through then patted her. "You all right, Lys?"
Aalyssa nodded, not moving her face from Konner.
"I think we are ready, Aragorn. I will bring up the rear."
Aragorn nodded and led the way back to Rivendell, moving at a quick pace.
Aragorn entered the villa first, finding Elrond, Thranduil, Laure, Arwen, Marissa and the healer waiting, along with some others.
Elrond and the healer approached Aalyssa who tightened her hold on Konner, refusing to leave his arms.
Marissa ran over to them, shouting, "Aalyssa? Are you all right?"
Aalyssa nodded slightly at her, her face still pressed against Konner.
Legolas walked over to Thranduil and stood next to him and Laure.
Thranduil looked at him with concern. "How is Aalyssa?"
"She says she is all right. But she has been incoherent. I have never seen Aalyssa like this."
"Poor girl is probably traumatized. I can not imagine how you could feel about your parents knowing..." Laure turned away, softly crying.
"She was sitting there all alone, sobbing. I do not either," Legolas commented, looking wistfully at his mother.
"We will make this right for her," Thranduil stated.
"We have to," Legolas nodded.
"Konner loves her and that will help her the most," Thranduil commented, looking toward his oldest son still holding Aalyssa.
"Yes it will. And I am glad he realized it in time," Legolas responded.
"Legolas, did that man..." Laure began, unable to finish her question.
"He claimed he did not. We have not had a chance to ask Aalyssa, and quite frankly, she was in no condition."
"How is Konner taking things?" Thranduil asked with concern.
"It was a little dicey there for awhile, Father. I have never seen him act the way he had with the man who took her."
"I can understand and sympathize with him," Thranduil said with a nod. "It is hard knowing the woman you love has been taken."
"I can imagine how I would feel if it had been Iladori."
Thranduil chuckled. "Think you love her do you?"
Legolas nodded, a small shy grin on his face.
"I think anyone who would take Iladori would have a fight on their hands."
"So did this guy. From what we could see, Aalyssa put up quite a fight. The damage she inflicted and the rope Aragorn found on him is what let us know he was lying."
"Elrond is disturbed by this whole incident. The body was not Elven."
"Not...how could he not be Elven? He looked Elven."
"These are dangerous times, my son. Sauron is very powerful and very dangerous. We do not know the full extent of his powers. The wise will not say."
Legolas looked panicked. "Oh stars. Could he have done something to Aalyssa that we do not know of?"
"It does not sound as if there was time. Aalyssa will tell us when she is ready."
Legolas glanced worriedly over at Konner and Aalyssa. "From what I understand, Aalyssa managed to scream and alert the patrol. Which is why he came back before...before..."
Thranduil squeezed Legolas' shoulder. "She is alive, son. That is what matters right now."
Legolas nodded and turned to his father. "But I failed her. I promised to protect her and..."
Thranduil wrapped his arms around his son and held him. "It is not your fault, Legolas. This could have happened anyway."
Laure stood up and quietly said, "I am going to go with Aalyssa. She will need me."
Thranduil smiled at his wife. "Of course, love. Take care of her."
Laure nodded gently and headed over to Konner who was heading for the stairs.
CHAPTER FOUR
BY DRAGONWIND
A/N: Thanks for the reviews, keep them coming. They inspire me and feed my writer's soul.
See chapter one for disclaimer
A/N: Forgot to mention previously, several plot points/conversations were co-written with Kam
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In the hall, Pippin ran up to Marissa and tugged lightly on her skirt.
Marissa looked down in annoyance at the Hobbit. "Yes?" she said shortly.
"You are friends with Lady Aalyssa are you not? I have seen the two of you talking."
"Yeah? What of it?"
"I saw a man drag her into the forest. Who do I tell?"
"I will tell Prince Konner when I see him."
"But there may not be time..."
"Do not push me. I will tell the Prince as soon as I can find him. It is not like I can tell him before, now can I?"
Pippin looked up at her oddly. "I suppose not."
Aalyssa regained consciousness slowly to find herself face down on the ground. Unable to use her hands, she managed to raise herself into a sitting position. She glanced around, surrounded by darkness.
The sounds of creatures howling and other strange noises assaulted her ears and Aalyssa knew she was all alone in the Dark Forest. "No," she whispered softly as quiet tears began to fall. "Konner..."
She managed to get to her feet, desperate to find her way back to Rivendell. The moment she put any weight on her left ankle however, she collapsed in pain. Aalyssa sat on the ground, the cold night air making her shiver, and the stories she had heard about the creatures of the Dark Forest ran through her mind. "Konner, why did you not come for me?" she whispered. In her heart, Aalyssa knew she was going to die alone out in the forest.
Pippin began to walk away from Marissa, only to be pulled backwards. "Oh no, little man, you are not going anywhere," a male voice said.
Marissa backed away and disappeared into the crowd as Pippin began to fight his would be kidnapper.
Konner and Legolas were across the hall, debating the note and where to go next when they heard the ruckus.
"What in the world?" Konner said before walking over to find Robero trying to subdue the struggling Hobbit. "Lord Robero, why are you manhandling this youngster?"
"He is crazy, Your Highness. I am trying to get him to the healer, maybe they can help him."
"Your Highness?" Pippin asked. "Are you Prince Konner?" he said hopefully, trying to shrug off Robero's hold.
"I am. Release him, Robero. This is my brother, Legolas," Konner continued to the Hobbit.
"Miss Aalyssa..she is in trouble."
Konner knelt in front of him. "What has happened?"
"A man..he dragged her into the forest. She was screaming."
Legolas pulled Pippin over. "You are certain of this?"
Pippin nodded. "I like Miss Aalyssa so I tried to follow, but I was afraid I would get lost coming back if I went too far."
Konner became more frantic as Pippin spoke. He looked up to find Robero and Wilhelmina backing away. "Hold!" he ordered.
"Just try to stay calm, Konner. They may not have had anything to do with this," Legolas reasoned.
Konner walked over to the couple and shouted, "Where is my fiancee?"
"She is gone," Robero shrugged.
"Gone where?" Konner demanded, his anger growing.
"Marissa tells us she ran off with a man."
"Lies!" Konner shouted, backing Robero up until he was bent backwards over a table. "Where is Aalyssa? Where is my fiancee?"
"I do not have to tell you anything."
"I am her future husband and heir to the throne. I demand, no, I order you to tell me where she is."
Wilhelmina moved to her husband's side. "With any luck, she is deep within the Dark Forest by now."
"Why did you tell him?" Robero hissed at his wife.
"I am quite sure she is dead. It has been about two hours now."
Legolas looked at his brother with concern, noting the enraged look in his brother's eyes.
"The Dark Forest? Are you insane? She will be killed?" Konner screamed out, pulling his knife.
"That was the point!" Robero retorted. "For her to be dead.
Legolas spotted Marissa coming and moves in her direction. "Go get Mother and Father, quick!"
"You want me to get my parents? Why?"
"My Mother and Father, Marissa," Legolas sighed.
Konner quietly said, "If she dies, I will have both of your heads. She is to be the future Queen of Mirkwood." A threat of menace underscored his words.
"You can do better than Aalyssa, Konner. Your parents would not wish for you to marry someone who will be an embarrassment to the royal family." Wilhelmina looked at her husband. "It is time to get ready for dinner. We should go."
"Guards, hold them," Konner said to Elrond's guards who were assembled in the hall.
"You have no right," Robero argued in a low voice as the Rivendell guards surround him and Wilhelmina.
"I have every right."
"Why are you putting up all of this fight when you can do so much better?" Robero asked.
"Aalyssa is the best there is. And I love her and I know she loves me, regardless of what you people are trying to make me think."
"She could have gotten you killed this morning, when you went after that man. It was just the final straw," Wilhelmina stated.
Thranduil came up beside Konner. "What is going on here? Marissa said I was to get up her immediately."
"It was not her fault, and no one was injured," Konner snarled.
Legolas shook his head. "I can not believe what I am hearing."
Wilhelmina smiled viciously, "No real lady would have gotten into a position like that, allowing a stable hand to paw her. Family honor was harmed."
Konner turned to his father, fear evident in his eyes. "Aalyssa's parents had someone take her to the Dark Forest, Father."
"What? Is this true?" Thranduil asked, staring aghast at his and his wife's friends. "Why?"
Konner's attention returned to Wilhelmina. "Fine. Then she can stay with my family until she is married, or she can stay here in Rivendell."
"A little late now," Robero smirked.
"How long ago was she taken?" Legolas asked.
Robero smirked at Legolas, refusing to speak.
Konner's hand moved to pull his knife, ready to slit Robero's throat.
Thranduil stepped forward. "I order you, as your King, to tell me."
Wilhelmina moved in between Konner and Robero. "You will not hurt him."
Laure walked up to crowd, having heard angry voices. "What is going on over here? All of these raised voices, it is very disturbing."
Legolas nudged Konner. "We should get to looking for Aalyssa. Father and Mother can handle this." He glanced over to Pippin. "Go find Aragorn and have him meet us in the courtyard."
"Yes, Mr. Legolas, right away." Pippin dashed from the hall.
"Father, by your leave?" Konner said softly.
"Go find her. Bring Aalyssa home safely."
"What can I do?" Marissa asked of Legolas. "She is my best friend."
"I know. Just stay here and be here for her when we bring her home. I do not wish to chance taking you with us," Legolas told Marissa.
Konner stood to one side, filling Laure in while he got his knife ready.
"Excuse me, love," Laure said to her son. She walked over to Wilhelmina and slapped her soundly. "How can you do such a thing to your daughter?"
"She is my blood, I do what I want," Wilhelmina sneered. "She is an embarrassment, could have cost you your first born son today."
"My son did what was honorable to try to detain someone who tried to violate your daughter. There is no dishonor there and neither were seriously harmed."
"She should never have put herself in a position to be attacked. And quite frankly, after the incident in the weaving room, Aalyssa showed herself to be no lady whatsoever."
"These things happen. And obviously this stable hand had a mental problem. I doubt Aalyssa even knew him. And I doubt she planned on being attacked. Did you even bother to ask why she was out there? Did you?"
"She was ashamed of her actions this morning. It is a shame he did not get her and kill her when he was done. Then this would have been unnecessary."
An appalled look crossed Laure's face. "You would see your daughter dead to save some embarrassment."
"Yes," Wilhelmina responded coldly and turned her back to Laure.
Laure walked over to Thranduil. "Once the boys bring Aalyssa back, she is not going back to her family. I want them banished from our lands. Aalyssa will live with us."
"Yes, darling."
"And Wilhelmina," Laure said with ice in her voice. "The only embarrassment you have is your own. Everyone in Rivendell will know your actions by midmorning." Laure looked around to see the crowd gathered around them, talking and watching already.
"Also her fault," Wilhelmina sniffed haughtily.
"No. Your own fault. You know how we feel about our children. They are precious to all Elven kind. We do not just toss them to the wolves when we are upset. And darling Aalyssa needed loving after that man attacked her." Laure turned away to face the guards. "Take them from my sight, they sicken me."
Iladori entered the hall, wondering what was going on. She looked over to find Konner in conference with Aragorn, both men arming themselves.
"You do not understand, Laure. We are beyond upset with her...we are at our wit's end. You can not do this. We are not in Mirkwood."
Elrond moved in from the side, where he had been watching silently. "Of course they can, Wilhelmina. Because I agree with them. Guards, take them to the cells downstairs until they can be brought before Council. Your presence here disgusts me."
Marissa sauntered over to Legolas who was strapping on his quiver. "How can I thank you Legolas?"
"It is not necessary, Marissa. She is like a sister to me." He watched Robero and Wilhelmina struggle with the guards. "I should have done something earlier."
Marissa wrapped her arms around Legolas' neck and kissed him soundly on the lips. "Bring her home Legolas. I know you will."
"We will do everything we can," Legolas stated, startled and pushing her away.
He looked up when Konner came back. "We must go."
Legolas nodded and followed Konner.
"Just bring her back, Legolas. Please," Marissa said softly.
"We will do our best," he repeated. He quickened his pace to catch up with Konner and Aragorn who were walking away.
Iladori fought back tears as she head up the stairs. Not only did Legolas not ask for her help, he had Marissa, the perfect lady, hanging over him.
Elrond watched the guards take away Robero and Wilhelmina. "They are a disgrace to our kind. Throwing a child of their flesh and blood to the wolves."
"I knew something was wrong, Thranduil. But neither Legolas nor Aalyssa could see their way to come to me."
"I know love," Thranduil whispered, wrapping his arms around her and holding her closely.
"She will always be welcomed here in Rivendell if Aalyssa needs shelter," Elrond told them. "I can not imagine a parent doing such to a child."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. But she will stay with us until, that is, if Konner decides to wed her. If not, we shall adopt her. Legolas already regards her as a sister."
"Love, I think we can start planning a wedding," Thranduil whispered in her ear.
Laure turned and looked up at him. "I have not heard such."
"Our son had a rather determined look on his face when he left here," Thranduil commented.
"Yes, it seems Konner has done some growing up these past few days, my friend," Elrond commented.
"Could it be?" Laure asked hopefully. "I have been wishing for countless years."
"I suspect your wishes will come true," Thranduil said, tightening his arm around her.
Laure turned tear filled eyes to him. "What if the boys find her..dead?"
"Do not think so," Thranduil said, pulling her close. "They will find her safe, I know they will."
"Aragorn is with them, he is the best of the rangers of this time," Elrond said reassuringly.
"I will hope with all of my heart. Aalyssa is such a lovely girl."
"She will make a fine wife for Konner," Thranduil told her as Elrond walked away.
"What if whoever took her, what if...oh, I need to sit down."
"Now Laure, do not be looking for trouble where there may not be any. And it will not change anything."
"I will try not to," Laure agreed.
"Come, maybe you should retire for the night. Or at the very least join your friends in the weaving room?"
"I will not be able to sleep nor rest until I know our Aalyssa is all right. I am afraid I would not be good company."
Outside, Aragorn turned to Konner and Legolas. "I do need to tell you something was going on out here earlier tonight. The patrol reported hearing something but could not find the source."
"How long ago?" Konner asked. "Maybe it was whoever took Aalyssa."
"About an hour, hour and a half. Konner, they said it sounds like a cut off scream. It is only fair that I tell you that."
"I will not think the worse, Aragorn. I know Aalyssa will be fine, she is a fighter."
"Good. Think positive."
A worried look settled on Legolas but agrees. "Yes, I have been in enough tussles with her over the years."
"Let us move quickly," Konner commented.
"Yes," Aragorn agreed. "Konner, you stay between Legolas and myself."
A man came crashing from the brush near the stables and caught Konner's attention. "You there!"
"Yah?" Udar returned.
"What have you been up to that you are all scratched and bruised?" Konner asked.
"Just out for a walk, got a little turned around in the brush," Udar shrugged and started to walk past them.
Legolas put one hand up, catching him in the chest and stopping him.
Aragorn reached out and grabbed him. "I suggest my friend that you speak of what you know."
"I was out for a walk, that is all."
"And what about the scratches on your arms and face?" Legolas asked, his suspicions growing.
"Got caught on some low branches. I told you I got turned around in the woods."
"Looks to me like you had something to do with Lady Aalyssa," Aragorn stated, "Since Lord Elrond has forbade anyone going into the forest. There have been orc sightings."
"Wot? A lady wouldn't mess me up like those branches."
"Tell me what you know about where my intended is?" Konner demanded. "Or else!"
Legolas narrowed his eyes at Udar.
"Who is your intended? I did not even know you had an intended?" Udar spat at Konner.
Konner pushed Legolas back when his brother came up next to him.
"I was just out for a stroll I tell you," Udar insisted.
Aragorn reached out and grabbed Udar by the throat and shoved him against a wall. "A stroll where?"
"Just through the edge of the forest," Udar squeaked. "I like the forest at night."
"And what did you see?" Konner asked.
"I do not believe him," Legolas said quietly.
"See?" Udar asked with an air of innocence.
"Yes. Seeing it was the forest and night. Where did you go? What did you see?"
Udar played with something in his pants. "Just for a walk I tell you. No where in particular."
"Tell us or else," Aragorn hissed, grabbing his hand and pulling out the rope which fell to the ground.
Aragorn pulled his knife and laid it against Udar's throat. "I suggest you rethink that statement."
Konner bent down to pick up the rope, hearing Udar say, "Uhm...not sure."
"I suggest you remember," Konner stated, anger blazing in his eyes.
"Did not see anything. Not a thing."
"Lies!" Konner shouted, still holding the rope in his hands.
Legolas noticed Konner wrapping the ends of the rope around his hands and he looked at the man. "I suggest you tell the truth. I have never seen my brother like this. I do not know what he might do."
Udar's eyes grew round.
"I suggest you begin speaking the truth," Aragorn said menacingly. "Otherwise we bring you before Lord Elrond and you can explain your nightly walks even after his order was issued."
"I was asked to drop something somewhere. I did so and came back."
Aragorn pressed his blade further in to the man's throat. "Tell us where the girl is. Now."
"Somewhere," Udar said. He became nervous watching Aragorn's eyes go cold and deadly. "Just inside the edge."
"Where?"
"The Dark Forest. Just a little ways inside...did not get her all of the way in."
"Her exact location," Konner demanded. "And from where did you enter?"
"I started from the stables. She struggled so much I lost track of where I had been. I had trouble finding my own way back."
"What did you do to her?" Legolas asked.
Udar shrugged the best he could under Aragorn's strong grip. "Not much."
"What did you do to her? If you touched her..." Konner growled, pressing his own knife against the man's neck.
"Easy Konner..." Aragorn warned.
"That's between me and her," Udar said, looking at each of the three men separately.
"Konner, back off," Legolas said softly, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I did not get the chance to all that I wanted."
Konner grabbed the man from Aragorn's hold and slammed him against the wall. "If you so much as touched her where you had no right, I will skin you alive."
Udar said quickly: Beat her around a bit, tied her wrists, shoved her. I told you I did not get a chance to do all that I wanted. She screamed and attracted unwanted attention."
"If she is dead, your life has no meaning," Konner growled. "Guards!"
Udar looked at the guards approaching. "No!" He shoved all three men away in a burst of strength and ran.
Legolas grabbed his bow and took aim.
"What the..." Aragorn grumbled as he pulled his bow.
Legolas releases his arrow, hitting it's mark. Legolas watched the man collapse and turned to his brother. "Konner..."
Aragorn lowered his own bow as the guard approached the body. "Come, let us go."
"Konner," Legolas said quietly, walking beside his brother. "You have to calm down or you are going to be no help in finding her."
"Listen to him, Konner. You must remain calm and rational or you will endanger Aalyssa more."
Legolas reached his hand out and touched Konner's shoulder to reassure him. "We know she fought him."
Konner turned to Legolas and said softly: I just want her back, Legolas. Alive. Nothing else matters."
"I know. We will find her. Konner, what are you going to do if he lied about not touching her?"
"It does not matter, Legolas. I love Aalyssa and her being alive is all that matters."
Legolas nodded and smiled faintly. "Now I know you love her." Legolas' attention was caught by something. "Hold up guys." He walked over to the brush and removed a piece of Aalyssa's dress from a branch. "We are going the right way," he told them, clutching the piece of dress in his hand.
"Let us move quicker," Konner said.
Aragorn stopped walking and listened to the night air. Then he began moving again.
"Aragorn, what if we call out for her? Or should we not?" Legolas asked.
"We are close, Legolas. I would rather not draw unneeded attention to our location. Who knows what is out here."
"I agree," Legolas nodded. "You doing all right, Konner?"
"I will be better when we find Aalyssa," Konner whispered. Konner paused, listening. "I heard something from up ahead. Movement and.."
"And?"
Konner shook his head. "It could have been Aalyssa moaning."
"I hear it too, Konner," Legolas said. "Konner, slow down."
Aragorn stopped and turned around. "Konner, if you do not calm down, you will have to go back. I do not want to have to worry about you also."
"Let us just find her. She has to be scared," Konner said.
"I know. But we do not know what is out here. And we do not want to get ourselves or Aalyssa into more trouble."
Aragorn paused as something caught his attention. He looked at Legolas. "There, behind those bushes near that tree. I thought I saw a movement."
Legolas held Konner back before he just trudged in, then moved up next to Aragorn. Legolas peered through the bushes and nodded at Aragorn.
Aragorn smiled slightly.
"Is there anything else in the area that we can tell? I do not hear or see anything else," Legolas whispered.
"It appears luck is on our side," Aragorn said with a shake of his head. "We are alone here."
"Let us go get her then." Legolas stood and waved Konner over.
Konner pushed past Legolas to walk over to Aalyssa.
Aalyssa sat on the ground, sobbing from the fright and cold.
"Aalyssa," Konner whispered, dropping to his knees and pulling her into his arms.
"K-K-Konner?" Aalyssa said softly, certain she was hallucinating.
"Shhh, I have you. You are safe my love."
"Y-you came for me," she cried against his shoulder as he reached behind her to cut the ropes around her wrists.
Aalyssa ignored the pain in her arms and wrapped them around his neck, still crying.
"Shh, Love. We need to get you back."
"N-never thought.." Aalyssa mumbled, her body shaking and trembling.
Konner got to his feet and gently set her on hers, supporting her. "I will always come for you." He reached up and unfastened his cloak and wrapped it around her.
"Thought...thought..." Aalyssa attempted to put her weight on her foot and winced.
He gently kissed her forehead and then her lips. "Always know I will come for you, my love. You are hurt. Your ankle?"
Aalyssa nodded. "How..Konner?" She struggled to stop crying but the tears refused to stop falling.
Konner lifted her into his arms. "Pippin found me. And the rest is not important."
"Oh..but..I... why," Aalyssa cleared her throat.
"Rest, Aalyssa. I know you are scared, but I need to be as quiet as possible. We are not safe out here."
Aalyssa nodded and rested her head against Konner's shoulder.
"We need to get back to Rivendell. You can tell us your story of what happened there," Aragorn said.
"Do not leave me, Konner," Aalyssa whispered against his neck.
"You are safe, my love. I will never willingly leave you."
Aalyssa clung to his neck, pressing her face against him, savoring his warmth and the feel of his heartbeat next to hers.
Legolas held the brush aside until they were through then patted her. "You all right, Lys?"
Aalyssa nodded, not moving her face from Konner.
"I think we are ready, Aragorn. I will bring up the rear."
Aragorn nodded and led the way back to Rivendell, moving at a quick pace.
Aragorn entered the villa first, finding Elrond, Thranduil, Laure, Arwen, Marissa and the healer waiting, along with some others.
Elrond and the healer approached Aalyssa who tightened her hold on Konner, refusing to leave his arms.
Marissa ran over to them, shouting, "Aalyssa? Are you all right?"
Aalyssa nodded slightly at her, her face still pressed against Konner.
Legolas walked over to Thranduil and stood next to him and Laure.
Thranduil looked at him with concern. "How is Aalyssa?"
"She says she is all right. But she has been incoherent. I have never seen Aalyssa like this."
"Poor girl is probably traumatized. I can not imagine how you could feel about your parents knowing..." Laure turned away, softly crying.
"She was sitting there all alone, sobbing. I do not either," Legolas commented, looking wistfully at his mother.
"We will make this right for her," Thranduil stated.
"We have to," Legolas nodded.
"Konner loves her and that will help her the most," Thranduil commented, looking toward his oldest son still holding Aalyssa.
"Yes it will. And I am glad he realized it in time," Legolas responded.
"Legolas, did that man..." Laure began, unable to finish her question.
"He claimed he did not. We have not had a chance to ask Aalyssa, and quite frankly, she was in no condition."
"How is Konner taking things?" Thranduil asked with concern.
"It was a little dicey there for awhile, Father. I have never seen him act the way he had with the man who took her."
"I can understand and sympathize with him," Thranduil said with a nod. "It is hard knowing the woman you love has been taken."
"I can imagine how I would feel if it had been Iladori."
Thranduil chuckled. "Think you love her do you?"
Legolas nodded, a small shy grin on his face.
"I think anyone who would take Iladori would have a fight on their hands."
"So did this guy. From what we could see, Aalyssa put up quite a fight. The damage she inflicted and the rope Aragorn found on him is what let us know he was lying."
"Elrond is disturbed by this whole incident. The body was not Elven."
"Not...how could he not be Elven? He looked Elven."
"These are dangerous times, my son. Sauron is very powerful and very dangerous. We do not know the full extent of his powers. The wise will not say."
Legolas looked panicked. "Oh stars. Could he have done something to Aalyssa that we do not know of?"
"It does not sound as if there was time. Aalyssa will tell us when she is ready."
Legolas glanced worriedly over at Konner and Aalyssa. "From what I understand, Aalyssa managed to scream and alert the patrol. Which is why he came back before...before..."
Thranduil squeezed Legolas' shoulder. "She is alive, son. That is what matters right now."
Legolas nodded and turned to his father. "But I failed her. I promised to protect her and..."
Thranduil wrapped his arms around his son and held him. "It is not your fault, Legolas. This could have happened anyway."
Laure stood up and quietly said, "I am going to go with Aalyssa. She will need me."
Thranduil smiled at his wife. "Of course, love. Take care of her."
Laure nodded gently and headed over to Konner who was heading for the stairs.