FINDING HEART
CHAPTER EIGHT
BY DRAGONWIND
A/N: See chapters one and four for disclaimer
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers who are keeping my muse driven.
Feedback and constructive criticism are welcome with a smile.
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Later that evening, Iladori was walking down the steps, heading for her nightly stroll
and rendezvous with Legolas in the gardens. Suddenly, a pair of hands reached out in
the darkness and shoved her down the stairs. Footsteps descended the stairs as she
lay gasping in pain. The figure knelt next to her and pressed down on the shoulder she
had landed on. "Stay away from Legolas," the voice hissed before disappearing into the
dark.
After stopping in his room to change, Legolas made his way for the stairs. He stilled at
the top, hearing a moaning from below. "Hello?"
"Legolas?" a weak feminine voice called out to him.
He recognized Iladori's voice immediately and ran down the stairs to her side. "What
happened?"
"Someone pushed me, then said to stay away from you," she said quietly, battling her
threatening tears.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his hands running over her, checking for injuries.
Iladori shook her head as she leaned against him. "My shoulder, I landed on it. And
whoever it was leaned on it to issue their warning."
Legolas lifted her into his arms."Let me get you to the healer. After I am sure you will be
all right, I need to speak with father."
Iladori nodded, allowing him to carry her down to the healer.
Konner roused from his sleep, hearing an out of place sound. He looked around but
could see nothing. He disentangled himself from Aalyssa's arms and climbed from the
bed to look around. On the floor near the door lay a folded piece of paper. He picked it
up and stepped into the outer room to read it. "Stars..." he whispered as he read it. "I
need to show this to father in the morning."
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Several days had passed, and Aalyssa stirred in Konner's arms when he moved. "It is
all right, love. I need to get ready for training. Donlugan has already brought up a tray
of fruit for you to break your fast."
She snuggled against him and released a soft sigh. A smile lit her face when he kissed
the top of her head, his arms tightening around her.
Aalyssa awoke fully an hour later, bathed in the warm sunlight streaming through the
window. She stretched and sighed, looking up when Laure and Elspeth bustled in, the
latter's arms full of gowns.
"I cannot spend the day with you, dearest. I am needed to negotiate the sale of some of
the fabrics woven here," Laure explained, kissing her cheek.
"I understand, Mama. My ankle is not as sore today, so I may attempt to visit the
weaving room. It will be lonely here without you, since I doubt Iladori will be along to
visit." Aalyssa sighed and looked down at the sheet. "I wonder what I did to alienate her
the other night."
Laure sat on the bed in front of her and squeezed one hand. She brushed Aalyssa's
hair back with the other. "You did nothing, dearest. She has been injured, according to
Legolas, and has been resting up."
Aalyssa sat up, her eyes wide. "Injured? How was she injured?"
"It seems she was going to the gardens for her nightly walk when she fell down the
stairs," Laure said.
"Fell down the stairs? That is unlike Iladori. Are you sure she fell?"
"That is what Legolas told me, dearest. I do not know the whole of the story."
"How badly was she injured?" Aalyssa asked, clutching the sheet with both hands.
"Bruising and a dislocated shoulder. She will be fine and up and about soon. Do not
fret, dearest."
Aalyssa nodded, unsure whether she believed Laure or not. 'Something is not quite
right with this.' She watched Elspeth hanging the gowns. "Thank you for the dresses,
Mama. At least now I will have something to wear to the weaving room."
"I will be back in a few minutes, My Lady. I need to get some hair things and shoes for
you," Elspeth said before leaving the room.
"Do not push yourself on going there, dearest," Laure gently scolded with a smile.
"Mind your ankle. However, I knew you might be getting bored, which is why I brought
over the gowns. I know they are not well suited to you, but until your ankle is better I
cannot take you to the dressmakers."
"I am sure they will be fine," Aalyssa assured her.
Laure bent to hug and kiss her. "I will be back to assist you to get ready for dinner. Do
not spend too much time on that ankle," she admonished.
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa replied, setting the tray on her lap. She glanced up to find Laure
smiling at her.
"Such a sweet girl," Laure said. "I hate that I have to leave you all alone today."
"It is all right, I understand."
"And, my dearest little one," Laure began as she stood. "Please stay away from Marissa
if she is there."
"I will try, but she is..."
"Please, little one. I do not wish to see you hurt again. In fact, I will have Taisin go with
you when you are not with one of us."
"Taisin?" Aalyssa's eyes widened. He was one of the finest warriors of Mirkwood's
Royal Guard. "But he..."
"He will be your guard, dearest."
"Konner said my parents are held under armed guard."
"Until the hearing is held and they receive punishment, we will keep you safe. And if
you notice, Princess Iladori usually also has a guard with her." A knock on the door
interrupted Laure and she opened it. "Hello, love."
Thranduil entered the room and kissed her, then fixed his sight on Aalyssa. "There is
our little girl. How are you doing today, lovely?" he inquired as he approached the bed.
"Ready to be up and about, Your Highness," Aalyssa admitted, bowing her head.
"I apologize for not being up here earlier, lovely. I have been in council with Elrond
regarding what had happened." He sat on the bed in front of her and cupped Aalyssa's
cheek in his palm. "No, Konner and Laure are not misleading me. You are as beautiful
as ever and progressing nicely in your healing. A fine daughter and princess you will
make."
Aalyssa eyed him warily, unused to much personal contact with him. She was surprised
when he reached out to embrace her.
"I knew my boys would bring our little girl home safely. You have found your home,
lovely."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Thranduil pulled back and smiled gently at her. "Here now, none of that. Just Father or
Dad will do nicely, my lovely daughter."
She stifled her nervousness and cuddled in his embrace, allowing his warmth and
strength into her heart. "Yes, Father," she said slowly.
"May Mama and I join you and Konner this evening to sup?"
"Yes Father, we would be honored."
"Good," Thranduil nodded. "And I shall also invite Legolas and Iladori, if she is up to it.
We can make it a family affair."
"I would like that," she replied with a smile.
"Good girl. Now, I need to go meet with Elrond once again. I shall see you this
evening."
"I will be eagerly awaiting yours and Mama's company."
Thranduil kissed her on the cheek and laughed. "Such a lady like Princess we have."
Laure watched him leave and said, "Elspeth will be back shortly to help you dress and
do your hair."
"Yes, Mama."
"And you eat as much of that fruit as you possibly can, dearest."
Aalyssa smiled, lifting a strawberry to her mouth.
She had just finished the last bit of fruit when there was a knock on the door. Elspeth
entered with a smile, juggling several baskets. "Good morning, My Lady."
"Good morning, Elspeth. How are you this morning?"
"I am wonderful, thank you My Lady. Are you ready to be dressed?"
"I am. Let me choose what I wish to wear."
"But your ankle, My Lady..."
"Is much better, thank you, Elspeth." Aalyssa swung her legs off of the bed and sat up.
She got to her feet and slowly walked over to the armoire. She settled on a plain sky
blue gown and began removing her night shift.
"My Lady, if you please," Elspeth admonished her as she took over removing the shift.
"I do know how to dress myself," Aalyssa protested.
Elspeth stared at her. "You mother did not have an attending maid for you?"
Aalyssa shook her head, embarrassed to not have realized. Royalty and nobility did not
dress themselves. "I am afraid I am not used to such attending," she whispered, willing
herself not to cry.
"I see," Elspeth whispered, her eyes trained on the floor. "Her Majesty asked me to be
your attendant and I was very eager to do so. But if you have no need of such, I shall
go back into her service."
Realization hit Aalyssa that she had hurt the maid, who quietly gathered her things.
"Elspeth, please. I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I would be most pleased for you
to be my attendant."
"Do you mean that, My Lady?" Elspeth inquired.
"Yes, I do."
"As you wish, My Lady," Elspeth said, picking up the discarded shift to take to the
library.
"Elspeth?"
"Yes, My Lady?"
"My previous gowns were, well they just pulled over my head. I fear I cannot tie these
that lace in the back or on the sides. I cannot reach them properly for one thing."
The maid smiled, walking over to Aalyssa and standing behind her. "Allow me, My
Lady. One of the reasons you need an attendant."
"Obviously," Aalyssa replied with a smile.
Elspeth led her to the dressing table and told her to sit. She began to brush Aalyssa's
hair out then rummaged in her basket and pulled out the correct ribbon. Elspeth lifted
Aalyssa's hair and tucked the ribbon under before tying the ends in a bow on the side
of her head. "Hmm."
Aalyssa watched the maid open another basket and go through that, coming up with a
pair of white shoes.
"Here we are My Lady, ready for the day," Elspeth announced after slipping the shoes
on Aalyssa's feet.
"Thank you, Elspeth. I do not know what I would do without Mama and you."
"I am sure you would manage, My Lady," Elspeth stated, closing the baskets. She
looked around the room. "I wonder where I can put these things."
"How about the drawer in the bottom of the armoire?"
"Master Konner's things were placed in there, if I am not mistaken."
"Oh. Well, there must be some place."
"My Lady?"
Aalyssa looked over at her. "Yes?"
"May I move my things into the other bedroom? It would be easier to be your attendant,
and I can store your accessories in there as well."
Aalyssa chewed on her lower lip, not wishing for the maid to think ill of her for sleeping
with Konner.
Elspeth smiled brightly, understanding her dilemma. "Master Konner is the best
medicine for you right now, My Lady. And if I may, I need to make a confession."
"What is that, Elspeth?"
"I spend most of my nights with Donlugan."
Aalyssa laughed. "I am happy for the two of you. You make a splendid couple. Is Taisin
outside?"
"Yes, My Lady. He is ready to go where ever you desire to go."
"Very well. I am going to attempt the weaving room. Feel free to begin moving your
things in, Elspeth. I will be back in an hour or so, I think."
"That soon? I would think you would want to be out and about longer."
"I do not wish to push it."
Aalyssa walked down to the weaving room. 'If I knew where Iladori's room was, I would
go there first and check on her.' She looked over her shoulder, finding Taisin a
reassuring few feet behind her. At the door she turned and looked at him. "Thank you,
Taisin. I will be ready to leave in approximately an hour."
"I will stay with you, My Lady," he stated matter of factly.
"Surely you do not mean..."Aalyssa began, shock coursing through her body.
"I do indeed. There will be a man within the weaving room walls today."
A crimson blush stained Aalyssa's cheeks as she opened the door. She walked in,
holding her head high and secured a seat in the furthest corner of the room.
"My Lady," Taisin said, standing behind her. "Closer to the outer door would be best. It
would be much easier for me to get you to safety from there."
She sighed and got to her feet again. "As you wish, Taisin." Aalyssa settled in the chair
next to the requested door in the still empty room. She bent her head, intent on her
work as Taisin settled on a chair at the window.
The growing volume of voices alerted Aalyssa when the room filled. She remained
silent as she changed the color of her yarn.
Aalyssa willed herself not to cry or show her upset when the seat next to her remained
empty. She continued to concentrate until she felt a presence next to her. She looked
up to see Iladori, her arm in a sling and sporting a bruise above her eye.
"Iladori! Here, sit down. Are you all right? Mama told me you fell."
Iladori sat down, looking at Aalyssa blankly. Then she remembered Legolas telling her
they were going to tell Aalyssa she fell. "I will be fine, Aalyssa. Just a little banged up."
Bianalin sat across the room at another loom, openly staring and smirking at Aalyssa.
Iladori cast the woman a quelling look and turned to Aalyssa. "I could not stay in bed
another day. It was making me crazy."
A small smile formed on Aalyssa. "I confess I had thought I had done something wrong
and alienated you the other night. Mama only told me today of your accident. I have
something I need to confess to you when we are in private."
"I am sure your family did not wish to worry you. What if we just put in an appearance
here and then retire to your room to talk? How is your ankle faring?"
"It is still tender, but I could not take another day in bed either." Aalyssa ignored the
snide giggles from across the room.
"A sprained ankle I could live with," Iladori complained and lifted her arm slightly. "This
is distressing since I cannot do much of anything."
"The problem with the injured ankle is getting around to do anything," Aalyssa
countered. "I am not a layabout."
"Of course you are not. But you can still do things. It is hard to do anything with one
hand."
Bianalin nudged Saryana and snickered. "Listen to them, saying they cannot stand
being in bed."
Arwen, who sat quietly in the back corner, set her work to the side to observe.
Saryana laughed. "Like either of them do anything but lay around on their backs with
their legs spread."
"What do you know of anything?" Aalyssa asked sharply.
Bianalin sneered at her. "It is all over the Court about her," she pointed at Iladori as she
spoke. "And you as well."
"Yes, I have heard the tales," Manifird added as giggles erupted around the room.
"Heard what?" Iladori asked, confusion in her eyes.
"Iladori, let us take a walk. As I said, there is something I need to speak of with you,"
Aalyssa said softly as she stood. She glanced at Taisin who was sitting at attention with
his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"No, Aalyssa," Iladori shook her head. "I wish to know what they heard.
"That is what I wish to speak with you about," Aalyssa sighed, not wanting to discuss it
publicly. "Rumors that Marissa and I started, unfortunately, before I knew you."
"Every one knows you and Legolas Greenleaf are sleeping with one another," Bianalin
snarled.
"Yes, I saw them in the gardens with my own eyes," Cianella agreed.
"Not to mention the other men she has been with," Saryana added.
"Just a minute," Aalyssa said loudly, struggling to be heard.
"I have slept with no one," Iladori stated, getting to her feet.
Imeranian stood and looked down her hawk-like nose. "Everyone knows you and
Legolas are sleeping together every chance you get. Little slut like you. We know your
type."
"I am untouched," Iladori denied, her own hand starting for her knife.
Aalyssa's mouth dropped open at the venom seeping through the room. "Ladies,
please..."
Taisin's eyes moved around the room and shifted slightly in his seat, ready to spring
into action.
"Ladies, there is something you need to know," Aalyssa said loudly.
Imeranian turned to her and smiled ferally. "Like you are anyone to talk, Aalyssa. After
all, your parents kicked you out for spreading your legs for his brother."
"That is not what happened," Aalyssa denied, her eyes round with worry. She felt
Taisin's presence when he moved to stand behind her. "People!" she shouted. "They
are all rumors, no truth to them at all."
Imeranian returned her attention to Iladori and glared. "Some Princess you are. You are
a slut, a whore. Neither of you are fit for a Prince, nor even a stableboy." She included
Aalyssa in her sweeping glance.
Iladori's tear fill eyes glanced around the room before she ran out.
Aalyssa took a deep breath. "Shut up, people! None of those rumors are true. Marissa
and I made them up."
Imeranian approached Aalyssa and grabbed her chin with her hand. "Considering your
status in life, Aalyssa, and lack of standing, I would think twice of addressing the ladies
so."
"Unhand her," Taisin growled. "Lady Aalyssa is a member of the House of Mirkwood
which puts her above you, My Lady," he said quietly, resisting the urge to sneer. "As
such, you will treat her with the respect due her. And Princess Iladori as well, who's
station is also above all of you."
While Taisin spoke, Aalyssa eased from his sight and went into the hall, intent on
finding Iladori. At the end of the hall she saw the library door close. She walked down
the hall and gingerly pushed the door open. Aalyssa found Iladori in Legolas' arms,
crying. She walked over and quietly spoke. "Iladori, I am sorry. It was my fault. I never
should have...that is, I had no right. I apologize to you and Legolas." Aalyssa lowered
her head as she turned to leave.
"What is going on, Aalyssa?" Legolas asked.
Aalyssa wiped at her teary eyes as she turned back. "Marissa and I did something
horrible when Iladori first came to Rivendell. We spread rumors about the two of you. I
was going to confess when I saw Iladori next. The women, no, I should say vipers, in
the weaving room attacked her before I had the chance."
"What about us?" he rubbed Iladori's back as he waited for Aalyssa's answer.
She averted her eyes downward. "That you and she were...were sleeping together. And
that she was sleeping with any who would have her. I am so sorry. I tried to tell them
they were not true, but they did not believe me."
A horror stricken look covered Legolas. "Aalyssa, how could you? What have I ever
done to you?"
"I am sorry, Iladori, Legolas. It was nothing either of you did. There was really no
excuse." Aalyssa began walking for the door. "I will try some more to fix it."
"Aalyssa, wait. I do not understand. Why did you make up these lies?" He looked down
at Iladori whose face was pressed against his chest.
"I was afraid of losing Konner. Marissa pointed out his interest in Iladori, then asked for
my help because she desired you. It was the only thing I could think of. I am...I do not
deserve..." Aalyssa turned and ran from the room.
"I understand about you, Aalyssa...damn," he muttered as he caught sight of her dress
in the hall. He returned his attention to Iladori, who was till crying in his arms.
Aalyssa slowed her speed and climbed the stairs, holding back her tears. She would
not let these people see her cry. She did not even notice Taisin once again behind her,
having waited outside the library. She hobbled down the hall to Konner's rooms. She
slipped into the bedroom and sank to the floor, giving in to her tears, her hands
covering her face.
Konner came from the bathing room, freshly bathed and dressed. He stretched some
sore muscles as he wiped his damp hair. He turned to see her on the floor. "Aalyssa?
What are you doing running about on that foot?"
"I...I just wanted to get out of bed for a while," she said between her tears.
"Aalyssa, love, what is wrong?" he asked, concerned when he saw the tears.
"Me. I am what is wrong. I am a horrible person. I did not mean to disturb you. I will go
down to the gardens for awhile," Aalyssa mumbled, trying to get to her feet.
Konner walked over and lifted her into his arms. He carried her over to the bed where
he gently lay her down. "No you are not going anywhere. At least not until you tell me
what has you so upset."
A snuffle escaped Aalyssa as she tried to stop crying. "Nothing I did not deserve." She
put both hands up to push him away so she could get off of the bed.
Konner sat down and grabbed both of her hands. When she flinched he lifted one wrist
to kiss it, and he smiled when she stilled. "Love, tell me. Maybe I can help. I hate
seeing you upset like this."
"No, you cannot help with this. I will be fine. I deserved this. Let me up, Konner."
"No, Aalyssa. I want to help. Somehow I sense I have some part in it."
"You cannot help. There is nothing anyone can do," she said, shaking her head.
"I will not know that until you talk to me," Konner pushed, smiling at her.
"I am a horrible person," she mumbled, hanging her head.
"We promised no lying to each other," Konner cajoled her.
"I am not lying, Konner."
"You are not a horrible person." Konner put both of her hands in one of his and leaned
forward to kiss her gently. Then his one hand went up to wipe away some of her tears.
"I am," she nodded emphatically.
"Surely you exaggerate, love," Konner assured her.
"No. I hurt an innocent woman and the one person who took care of me all of my life.
Legolas hates me now, and I do not blame him."
"Legolas does not hate you," Konner said softly, reaching out to push her hair back
from her face.
"He does, I have hurt him terribly."
"Aalyssa, he could never hate you. No matter what you may have done. He considers
you his little sister."
"Not after what I did," she shook her head sadly.
"Just what did you do?" Konner finally asked.
She took a deep breath and explained about the rumors. "I was going to explain and
apologize in private to Iladori after weaving, but they attacked her before I got the
chance. I am sure you heard the rumors."
Konner thought for a moment. "Yes, I heard them, but thought nothing of them."
"Everyone else certainly did."
Konner looked at her and smiled. "Why are you surprised? You know what they are
like. Why did you start them?"
"I was afraid. And Marissa wanted Legolas and it was the only idea I could think of."
He reached over and tilted her chin up. "Afraid of what?"
Aalyssa's voice dropped down to a whisper. "Of losing you to Iladori."
"I am partly to blame then," Konner nodded. "Though I stood no chance with Iladori, I
can understand why."
"No Konner, you are not to blame at all. You did not start the rumors. I tried to stop the
women and tell them the rumors were not true, but they did not believe me. I have no
standing in Court any longer. And, well,..." Aalyssa's voice trailed off.
"And as far as your standing, once the hearing is held tomorrow and the truth about
your parents is released, that will ease somewhat. Every one is making assumptions
about what happened."
"The story going around is my mother kicked me out for, now how did they put
that...spreading my legs for Legolas' brother. So I was no better than Iladori to speak
out for her, according to them."
"I am sorry," Konner said softly, reaching out to gather her into his arms.
"It is not your fault. I am sure I had it coming for that story to be spread."
Konner smiled down at her and kissed her on the nose. "If I remember correctly, I was
the one who was spread as you landed on top of me."
Aalyssa smiled weakly and cuddled against him.
"No one deserves to be lied about, nor treated in such a way. Even though it is the way
of the Court," Konner said, tightening his arms around her.
"I will never do it again, I promise. Konner?" she said, looking up at him, her eyes
shimmering deepest blue with unshed tears.
"Yes, love?"
"I have destroyed any chance of being friends with Iladori now." Aalyssa looked up at
him, trying to control her quivering lower lip.
"I am sure once the two of you can sit down calmly and discuss it, she will understand."
"When I spoke to her and Legolas in the library, I tried to. She did not seem to even
hear me. And Legolas wanted to know what he had ever done to me. Now they both
hate me. I want to go home," she added in a whisper.
"Legolas does not hate you. He just wants to understand."
"He must," Aalyssa said.
"Never, love, he could never hate you," Konner eased her head against his shoulder.
"As for Iladori, she has never been to court before and does not realize what they can
be like. I am certain she just wanted Legolas to comfort her."
"I want to go to the gardens, Konner. Please let me."
"Only if I go with you."
"If you want to be seen with me," Aalyssa lifted her head and looked down. "A whore
not fit for a Prince."
Alarm illuminated Konner's eyes and he tilted her chin back again. "Who told you that?"
"Lady Imeranian," Aalyssa admitted quietly.
"Nosy, jealous old biddy. Of course I want to be with you. I love you with all of my heart,
Lys. There is no one else for me. And if we present a united front, and show all of
Middle Earth that we love one another, they will realize that what happened between us
was because we are in love."
Aalyssa looked up at him and smiled. "I love you too. I will not lose you because of this
will I?"
"No, love, you will never lose me. There is nothing you could possibly do to get rid of
me. And Iladori will understand, believe me. Think about how you would have felt in her
shoes."
"I know how she felt, although they were harder on her. It was horrible, Konner. I have
never seen them go for the throat like that before," Aalyssa said, pressing her face
against Konner's chest.
"Iladori was an easy target. She does not know the ways of the Court the way you do."
"Even if I had not already been sorry, that outbreak would have made me apologize. I
do not like the ways of the Court anymore. I want to go home, Konner."
"In time we will, my love. Some extra things have come up that the Council needs to
meet about. We must stay until then."
"It will be terribly boring all alone in your room every day."
"Perhaps Iladori will come spend the days with you," Konner said with a smile.
She shook her head sadly.
"Do not try to second guess her, Aalyssa. Legolas loves her and cares about you. He
would want you both to at least try to be friends."
"I think..."
"You think what, love?"
"That Marissa somehow clouded my judgement and led me astray. Now that I think
about it, she kept trying to break my trust in you. Is that a horrible thing to say?"
Konner eyed her thoughtfully. "She has gotten strange lately. It would not surprise me
any. She has made overt moves toward me. We need to re-think our friendship with her
even if she is your cousin."
"I know. That is why I asked Mama to tell the guards not to admit her."
"She has been rather cozy with your parents, visiting them everyday."
"Why? Konner, is there anyone outside of your family I can trust?"
"Do not lump everyone into one basket, love. Legolas trusts Iladori's family and spends
a lot of time with them. Then again, they spend little time in court."
"None of them will wish to know me, much less like me, after this," she shook her head
again.
"Do not judge them. I did not speak of you with this, but Iladori's mother came to talk to
me the night we found you. No, correction. She tore me up one side and down the
other."
"Why?"
"For my previous behavior regarding you, which some how she discovered. I have been
informed that if I do not straighten up my act concerning you, she will turn me over her
knee to give me the spanking I so badly deserve. Never mind that I am already madly in
love with you."
"Really," Aalyssa grinned. "I wonder why she cared enough about someone she did not
know to do that, and how she found out anything."
"I do not know, but she is a force that one does not want to disobey."
"She sounds like a nice person," Aalyssa said wistfully, "But I doubt I will get to know
her."
"All of her children dare not lie around her. Were you at dinner the other night when
Legolas and Iladori had the food fight, much to Mother's horror?"
"You know I was. You looked over at me and somehow knew I was thinking of doing the
same to you and told me not to dare. I still think they had fun. I was very disappointed
you would not let me get you."
Konner shrugged, "I am the heir and he is the spare. Mother would have had a fit."
Aalyssa poked him gently in the chest with her finger, "That is a horrid thing to call your
brother."
He stared at her. "You are right. Mother has called him that for so long it is almost
second nature. You know, maybe when we are alone and we have some cake..." he
grinned mischievously at her.
"I know," she grinned back at him then turned serious. "Konner?"
"Yes love?"
"I need to go to Lord Elrond and tell him what I did, do I not?" she asked nervously.
"Yes. And tell Iladori as well, and also that you are sorry you hurt her. Why do we not
go try to find them?"
"All right," Aalyssa nodded. She slid from the bed and winced from the pain when her
weight landed on her ankle.
Konner wrapped and arm around her waist and said, "Lean on me. This is what you get
for running around on it. It is going to be all big and swollen, and you will have only
yourself to blame for it."
"I did not intend to be running around. Only a trip to the weaving room and back," she
explained, her arm going around his waist.
"Or is this a ploy to get me to carry you around?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"No, it hurts, Konner," she whispered, pulling away from him. She looked up at him with
hurt in her eyes.
"I am teasing you, love," he smiled as he swept her into his arms.
"You do not have to carry me," she protested, squirming in his hold.
"It is practice," he explained with a grin and then kissed her cheek. "For when I carry
you over the threshold. I believe that is what all new grooms do with their brides."
Aalyssa gave him a small smile. "That is what I have heard. Among other things," she
said, ending with a wicked grin.
"And I believe it would be bad form to drop the bride," he teased as he faked dropping
her.
Aalyssa squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I should think so."
He closed the door behind them and slowly walked down the hall and stairs. "Library
first, love?"
"Yes, that is where I left Legolas and Iladori."
He nodded and carried her to the library. He set her down gently to open the door. "You
ready love?"
Aalyssa nodded nervously, pressing her hand against her stomach against the
butterflies. She took several deep breaths and entered the room, Konner walking
behind her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
BY DRAGONWIND
A/N: See chapters one and four for disclaimer
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers who are keeping my muse driven.
Feedback and constructive criticism are welcome with a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that evening, Iladori was walking down the steps, heading for her nightly stroll
and rendezvous with Legolas in the gardens. Suddenly, a pair of hands reached out in
the darkness and shoved her down the stairs. Footsteps descended the stairs as she
lay gasping in pain. The figure knelt next to her and pressed down on the shoulder she
had landed on. "Stay away from Legolas," the voice hissed before disappearing into the
dark.
After stopping in his room to change, Legolas made his way for the stairs. He stilled at
the top, hearing a moaning from below. "Hello?"
"Legolas?" a weak feminine voice called out to him.
He recognized Iladori's voice immediately and ran down the stairs to her side. "What
happened?"
"Someone pushed me, then said to stay away from you," she said quietly, battling her
threatening tears.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his hands running over her, checking for injuries.
Iladori shook her head as she leaned against him. "My shoulder, I landed on it. And
whoever it was leaned on it to issue their warning."
Legolas lifted her into his arms."Let me get you to the healer. After I am sure you will be
all right, I need to speak with father."
Iladori nodded, allowing him to carry her down to the healer.
Konner roused from his sleep, hearing an out of place sound. He looked around but
could see nothing. He disentangled himself from Aalyssa's arms and climbed from the
bed to look around. On the floor near the door lay a folded piece of paper. He picked it
up and stepped into the outer room to read it. "Stars..." he whispered as he read it. "I
need to show this to father in the morning."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Several days had passed, and Aalyssa stirred in Konner's arms when he moved. "It is
all right, love. I need to get ready for training. Donlugan has already brought up a tray
of fruit for you to break your fast."
She snuggled against him and released a soft sigh. A smile lit her face when he kissed
the top of her head, his arms tightening around her.
Aalyssa awoke fully an hour later, bathed in the warm sunlight streaming through the
window. She stretched and sighed, looking up when Laure and Elspeth bustled in, the
latter's arms full of gowns.
"I cannot spend the day with you, dearest. I am needed to negotiate the sale of some of
the fabrics woven here," Laure explained, kissing her cheek.
"I understand, Mama. My ankle is not as sore today, so I may attempt to visit the
weaving room. It will be lonely here without you, since I doubt Iladori will be along to
visit." Aalyssa sighed and looked down at the sheet. "I wonder what I did to alienate her
the other night."
Laure sat on the bed in front of her and squeezed one hand. She brushed Aalyssa's
hair back with the other. "You did nothing, dearest. She has been injured, according to
Legolas, and has been resting up."
Aalyssa sat up, her eyes wide. "Injured? How was she injured?"
"It seems she was going to the gardens for her nightly walk when she fell down the
stairs," Laure said.
"Fell down the stairs? That is unlike Iladori. Are you sure she fell?"
"That is what Legolas told me, dearest. I do not know the whole of the story."
"How badly was she injured?" Aalyssa asked, clutching the sheet with both hands.
"Bruising and a dislocated shoulder. She will be fine and up and about soon. Do not
fret, dearest."
Aalyssa nodded, unsure whether she believed Laure or not. 'Something is not quite
right with this.' She watched Elspeth hanging the gowns. "Thank you for the dresses,
Mama. At least now I will have something to wear to the weaving room."
"I will be back in a few minutes, My Lady. I need to get some hair things and shoes for
you," Elspeth said before leaving the room.
"Do not push yourself on going there, dearest," Laure gently scolded with a smile.
"Mind your ankle. However, I knew you might be getting bored, which is why I brought
over the gowns. I know they are not well suited to you, but until your ankle is better I
cannot take you to the dressmakers."
"I am sure they will be fine," Aalyssa assured her.
Laure bent to hug and kiss her. "I will be back to assist you to get ready for dinner. Do
not spend too much time on that ankle," she admonished.
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa replied, setting the tray on her lap. She glanced up to find Laure
smiling at her.
"Such a sweet girl," Laure said. "I hate that I have to leave you all alone today."
"It is all right, I understand."
"And, my dearest little one," Laure began as she stood. "Please stay away from Marissa
if she is there."
"I will try, but she is..."
"Please, little one. I do not wish to see you hurt again. In fact, I will have Taisin go with
you when you are not with one of us."
"Taisin?" Aalyssa's eyes widened. He was one of the finest warriors of Mirkwood's
Royal Guard. "But he..."
"He will be your guard, dearest."
"Konner said my parents are held under armed guard."
"Until the hearing is held and they receive punishment, we will keep you safe. And if
you notice, Princess Iladori usually also has a guard with her." A knock on the door
interrupted Laure and she opened it. "Hello, love."
Thranduil entered the room and kissed her, then fixed his sight on Aalyssa. "There is
our little girl. How are you doing today, lovely?" he inquired as he approached the bed.
"Ready to be up and about, Your Highness," Aalyssa admitted, bowing her head.
"I apologize for not being up here earlier, lovely. I have been in council with Elrond
regarding what had happened." He sat on the bed in front of her and cupped Aalyssa's
cheek in his palm. "No, Konner and Laure are not misleading me. You are as beautiful
as ever and progressing nicely in your healing. A fine daughter and princess you will
make."
Aalyssa eyed him warily, unused to much personal contact with him. She was surprised
when he reached out to embrace her.
"I knew my boys would bring our little girl home safely. You have found your home,
lovely."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Thranduil pulled back and smiled gently at her. "Here now, none of that. Just Father or
Dad will do nicely, my lovely daughter."
She stifled her nervousness and cuddled in his embrace, allowing his warmth and
strength into her heart. "Yes, Father," she said slowly.
"May Mama and I join you and Konner this evening to sup?"
"Yes Father, we would be honored."
"Good," Thranduil nodded. "And I shall also invite Legolas and Iladori, if she is up to it.
We can make it a family affair."
"I would like that," she replied with a smile.
"Good girl. Now, I need to go meet with Elrond once again. I shall see you this
evening."
"I will be eagerly awaiting yours and Mama's company."
Thranduil kissed her on the cheek and laughed. "Such a lady like Princess we have."
Laure watched him leave and said, "Elspeth will be back shortly to help you dress and
do your hair."
"Yes, Mama."
"And you eat as much of that fruit as you possibly can, dearest."
Aalyssa smiled, lifting a strawberry to her mouth.
She had just finished the last bit of fruit when there was a knock on the door. Elspeth
entered with a smile, juggling several baskets. "Good morning, My Lady."
"Good morning, Elspeth. How are you this morning?"
"I am wonderful, thank you My Lady. Are you ready to be dressed?"
"I am. Let me choose what I wish to wear."
"But your ankle, My Lady..."
"Is much better, thank you, Elspeth." Aalyssa swung her legs off of the bed and sat up.
She got to her feet and slowly walked over to the armoire. She settled on a plain sky
blue gown and began removing her night shift.
"My Lady, if you please," Elspeth admonished her as she took over removing the shift.
"I do know how to dress myself," Aalyssa protested.
Elspeth stared at her. "You mother did not have an attending maid for you?"
Aalyssa shook her head, embarrassed to not have realized. Royalty and nobility did not
dress themselves. "I am afraid I am not used to such attending," she whispered, willing
herself not to cry.
"I see," Elspeth whispered, her eyes trained on the floor. "Her Majesty asked me to be
your attendant and I was very eager to do so. But if you have no need of such, I shall
go back into her service."
Realization hit Aalyssa that she had hurt the maid, who quietly gathered her things.
"Elspeth, please. I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I would be most pleased for you
to be my attendant."
"Do you mean that, My Lady?" Elspeth inquired.
"Yes, I do."
"As you wish, My Lady," Elspeth said, picking up the discarded shift to take to the
library.
"Elspeth?"
"Yes, My Lady?"
"My previous gowns were, well they just pulled over my head. I fear I cannot tie these
that lace in the back or on the sides. I cannot reach them properly for one thing."
The maid smiled, walking over to Aalyssa and standing behind her. "Allow me, My
Lady. One of the reasons you need an attendant."
"Obviously," Aalyssa replied with a smile.
Elspeth led her to the dressing table and told her to sit. She began to brush Aalyssa's
hair out then rummaged in her basket and pulled out the correct ribbon. Elspeth lifted
Aalyssa's hair and tucked the ribbon under before tying the ends in a bow on the side
of her head. "Hmm."
Aalyssa watched the maid open another basket and go through that, coming up with a
pair of white shoes.
"Here we are My Lady, ready for the day," Elspeth announced after slipping the shoes
on Aalyssa's feet.
"Thank you, Elspeth. I do not know what I would do without Mama and you."
"I am sure you would manage, My Lady," Elspeth stated, closing the baskets. She
looked around the room. "I wonder where I can put these things."
"How about the drawer in the bottom of the armoire?"
"Master Konner's things were placed in there, if I am not mistaken."
"Oh. Well, there must be some place."
"My Lady?"
Aalyssa looked over at her. "Yes?"
"May I move my things into the other bedroom? It would be easier to be your attendant,
and I can store your accessories in there as well."
Aalyssa chewed on her lower lip, not wishing for the maid to think ill of her for sleeping
with Konner.
Elspeth smiled brightly, understanding her dilemma. "Master Konner is the best
medicine for you right now, My Lady. And if I may, I need to make a confession."
"What is that, Elspeth?"
"I spend most of my nights with Donlugan."
Aalyssa laughed. "I am happy for the two of you. You make a splendid couple. Is Taisin
outside?"
"Yes, My Lady. He is ready to go where ever you desire to go."
"Very well. I am going to attempt the weaving room. Feel free to begin moving your
things in, Elspeth. I will be back in an hour or so, I think."
"That soon? I would think you would want to be out and about longer."
"I do not wish to push it."
Aalyssa walked down to the weaving room. 'If I knew where Iladori's room was, I would
go there first and check on her.' She looked over her shoulder, finding Taisin a
reassuring few feet behind her. At the door she turned and looked at him. "Thank you,
Taisin. I will be ready to leave in approximately an hour."
"I will stay with you, My Lady," he stated matter of factly.
"Surely you do not mean..."Aalyssa began, shock coursing through her body.
"I do indeed. There will be a man within the weaving room walls today."
A crimson blush stained Aalyssa's cheeks as she opened the door. She walked in,
holding her head high and secured a seat in the furthest corner of the room.
"My Lady," Taisin said, standing behind her. "Closer to the outer door would be best. It
would be much easier for me to get you to safety from there."
She sighed and got to her feet again. "As you wish, Taisin." Aalyssa settled in the chair
next to the requested door in the still empty room. She bent her head, intent on her
work as Taisin settled on a chair at the window.
The growing volume of voices alerted Aalyssa when the room filled. She remained
silent as she changed the color of her yarn.
Aalyssa willed herself not to cry or show her upset when the seat next to her remained
empty. She continued to concentrate until she felt a presence next to her. She looked
up to see Iladori, her arm in a sling and sporting a bruise above her eye.
"Iladori! Here, sit down. Are you all right? Mama told me you fell."
Iladori sat down, looking at Aalyssa blankly. Then she remembered Legolas telling her
they were going to tell Aalyssa she fell. "I will be fine, Aalyssa. Just a little banged up."
Bianalin sat across the room at another loom, openly staring and smirking at Aalyssa.
Iladori cast the woman a quelling look and turned to Aalyssa. "I could not stay in bed
another day. It was making me crazy."
A small smile formed on Aalyssa. "I confess I had thought I had done something wrong
and alienated you the other night. Mama only told me today of your accident. I have
something I need to confess to you when we are in private."
"I am sure your family did not wish to worry you. What if we just put in an appearance
here and then retire to your room to talk? How is your ankle faring?"
"It is still tender, but I could not take another day in bed either." Aalyssa ignored the
snide giggles from across the room.
"A sprained ankle I could live with," Iladori complained and lifted her arm slightly. "This
is distressing since I cannot do much of anything."
"The problem with the injured ankle is getting around to do anything," Aalyssa
countered. "I am not a layabout."
"Of course you are not. But you can still do things. It is hard to do anything with one
hand."
Bianalin nudged Saryana and snickered. "Listen to them, saying they cannot stand
being in bed."
Arwen, who sat quietly in the back corner, set her work to the side to observe.
Saryana laughed. "Like either of them do anything but lay around on their backs with
their legs spread."
"What do you know of anything?" Aalyssa asked sharply.
Bianalin sneered at her. "It is all over the Court about her," she pointed at Iladori as she
spoke. "And you as well."
"Yes, I have heard the tales," Manifird added as giggles erupted around the room.
"Heard what?" Iladori asked, confusion in her eyes.
"Iladori, let us take a walk. As I said, there is something I need to speak of with you,"
Aalyssa said softly as she stood. She glanced at Taisin who was sitting at attention with
his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"No, Aalyssa," Iladori shook her head. "I wish to know what they heard.
"That is what I wish to speak with you about," Aalyssa sighed, not wanting to discuss it
publicly. "Rumors that Marissa and I started, unfortunately, before I knew you."
"Every one knows you and Legolas Greenleaf are sleeping with one another," Bianalin
snarled.
"Yes, I saw them in the gardens with my own eyes," Cianella agreed.
"Not to mention the other men she has been with," Saryana added.
"Just a minute," Aalyssa said loudly, struggling to be heard.
"I have slept with no one," Iladori stated, getting to her feet.
Imeranian stood and looked down her hawk-like nose. "Everyone knows you and
Legolas are sleeping together every chance you get. Little slut like you. We know your
type."
"I am untouched," Iladori denied, her own hand starting for her knife.
Aalyssa's mouth dropped open at the venom seeping through the room. "Ladies,
please..."
Taisin's eyes moved around the room and shifted slightly in his seat, ready to spring
into action.
"Ladies, there is something you need to know," Aalyssa said loudly.
Imeranian turned to her and smiled ferally. "Like you are anyone to talk, Aalyssa. After
all, your parents kicked you out for spreading your legs for his brother."
"That is not what happened," Aalyssa denied, her eyes round with worry. She felt
Taisin's presence when he moved to stand behind her. "People!" she shouted. "They
are all rumors, no truth to them at all."
Imeranian returned her attention to Iladori and glared. "Some Princess you are. You are
a slut, a whore. Neither of you are fit for a Prince, nor even a stableboy." She included
Aalyssa in her sweeping glance.
Iladori's tear fill eyes glanced around the room before she ran out.
Aalyssa took a deep breath. "Shut up, people! None of those rumors are true. Marissa
and I made them up."
Imeranian approached Aalyssa and grabbed her chin with her hand. "Considering your
status in life, Aalyssa, and lack of standing, I would think twice of addressing the ladies
so."
"Unhand her," Taisin growled. "Lady Aalyssa is a member of the House of Mirkwood
which puts her above you, My Lady," he said quietly, resisting the urge to sneer. "As
such, you will treat her with the respect due her. And Princess Iladori as well, who's
station is also above all of you."
While Taisin spoke, Aalyssa eased from his sight and went into the hall, intent on
finding Iladori. At the end of the hall she saw the library door close. She walked down
the hall and gingerly pushed the door open. Aalyssa found Iladori in Legolas' arms,
crying. She walked over and quietly spoke. "Iladori, I am sorry. It was my fault. I never
should have...that is, I had no right. I apologize to you and Legolas." Aalyssa lowered
her head as she turned to leave.
"What is going on, Aalyssa?" Legolas asked.
Aalyssa wiped at her teary eyes as she turned back. "Marissa and I did something
horrible when Iladori first came to Rivendell. We spread rumors about the two of you. I
was going to confess when I saw Iladori next. The women, no, I should say vipers, in
the weaving room attacked her before I had the chance."
"What about us?" he rubbed Iladori's back as he waited for Aalyssa's answer.
She averted her eyes downward. "That you and she were...were sleeping together. And
that she was sleeping with any who would have her. I am so sorry. I tried to tell them
they were not true, but they did not believe me."
A horror stricken look covered Legolas. "Aalyssa, how could you? What have I ever
done to you?"
"I am sorry, Iladori, Legolas. It was nothing either of you did. There was really no
excuse." Aalyssa began walking for the door. "I will try some more to fix it."
"Aalyssa, wait. I do not understand. Why did you make up these lies?" He looked down
at Iladori whose face was pressed against his chest.
"I was afraid of losing Konner. Marissa pointed out his interest in Iladori, then asked for
my help because she desired you. It was the only thing I could think of. I am...I do not
deserve..." Aalyssa turned and ran from the room.
"I understand about you, Aalyssa...damn," he muttered as he caught sight of her dress
in the hall. He returned his attention to Iladori, who was till crying in his arms.
Aalyssa slowed her speed and climbed the stairs, holding back her tears. She would
not let these people see her cry. She did not even notice Taisin once again behind her,
having waited outside the library. She hobbled down the hall to Konner's rooms. She
slipped into the bedroom and sank to the floor, giving in to her tears, her hands
covering her face.
Konner came from the bathing room, freshly bathed and dressed. He stretched some
sore muscles as he wiped his damp hair. He turned to see her on the floor. "Aalyssa?
What are you doing running about on that foot?"
"I...I just wanted to get out of bed for a while," she said between her tears.
"Aalyssa, love, what is wrong?" he asked, concerned when he saw the tears.
"Me. I am what is wrong. I am a horrible person. I did not mean to disturb you. I will go
down to the gardens for awhile," Aalyssa mumbled, trying to get to her feet.
Konner walked over and lifted her into his arms. He carried her over to the bed where
he gently lay her down. "No you are not going anywhere. At least not until you tell me
what has you so upset."
A snuffle escaped Aalyssa as she tried to stop crying. "Nothing I did not deserve." She
put both hands up to push him away so she could get off of the bed.
Konner sat down and grabbed both of her hands. When she flinched he lifted one wrist
to kiss it, and he smiled when she stilled. "Love, tell me. Maybe I can help. I hate
seeing you upset like this."
"No, you cannot help with this. I will be fine. I deserved this. Let me up, Konner."
"No, Aalyssa. I want to help. Somehow I sense I have some part in it."
"You cannot help. There is nothing anyone can do," she said, shaking her head.
"I will not know that until you talk to me," Konner pushed, smiling at her.
"I am a horrible person," she mumbled, hanging her head.
"We promised no lying to each other," Konner cajoled her.
"I am not lying, Konner."
"You are not a horrible person." Konner put both of her hands in one of his and leaned
forward to kiss her gently. Then his one hand went up to wipe away some of her tears.
"I am," she nodded emphatically.
"Surely you exaggerate, love," Konner assured her.
"No. I hurt an innocent woman and the one person who took care of me all of my life.
Legolas hates me now, and I do not blame him."
"Legolas does not hate you," Konner said softly, reaching out to push her hair back
from her face.
"He does, I have hurt him terribly."
"Aalyssa, he could never hate you. No matter what you may have done. He considers
you his little sister."
"Not after what I did," she shook her head sadly.
"Just what did you do?" Konner finally asked.
She took a deep breath and explained about the rumors. "I was going to explain and
apologize in private to Iladori after weaving, but they attacked her before I got the
chance. I am sure you heard the rumors."
Konner thought for a moment. "Yes, I heard them, but thought nothing of them."
"Everyone else certainly did."
Konner looked at her and smiled. "Why are you surprised? You know what they are
like. Why did you start them?"
"I was afraid. And Marissa wanted Legolas and it was the only idea I could think of."
He reached over and tilted her chin up. "Afraid of what?"
Aalyssa's voice dropped down to a whisper. "Of losing you to Iladori."
"I am partly to blame then," Konner nodded. "Though I stood no chance with Iladori, I
can understand why."
"No Konner, you are not to blame at all. You did not start the rumors. I tried to stop the
women and tell them the rumors were not true, but they did not believe me. I have no
standing in Court any longer. And, well,..." Aalyssa's voice trailed off.
"And as far as your standing, once the hearing is held tomorrow and the truth about
your parents is released, that will ease somewhat. Every one is making assumptions
about what happened."
"The story going around is my mother kicked me out for, now how did they put
that...spreading my legs for Legolas' brother. So I was no better than Iladori to speak
out for her, according to them."
"I am sorry," Konner said softly, reaching out to gather her into his arms.
"It is not your fault. I am sure I had it coming for that story to be spread."
Konner smiled down at her and kissed her on the nose. "If I remember correctly, I was
the one who was spread as you landed on top of me."
Aalyssa smiled weakly and cuddled against him.
"No one deserves to be lied about, nor treated in such a way. Even though it is the way
of the Court," Konner said, tightening his arms around her.
"I will never do it again, I promise. Konner?" she said, looking up at him, her eyes
shimmering deepest blue with unshed tears.
"Yes, love?"
"I have destroyed any chance of being friends with Iladori now." Aalyssa looked up at
him, trying to control her quivering lower lip.
"I am sure once the two of you can sit down calmly and discuss it, she will understand."
"When I spoke to her and Legolas in the library, I tried to. She did not seem to even
hear me. And Legolas wanted to know what he had ever done to me. Now they both
hate me. I want to go home," she added in a whisper.
"Legolas does not hate you. He just wants to understand."
"He must," Aalyssa said.
"Never, love, he could never hate you," Konner eased her head against his shoulder.
"As for Iladori, she has never been to court before and does not realize what they can
be like. I am certain she just wanted Legolas to comfort her."
"I want to go to the gardens, Konner. Please let me."
"Only if I go with you."
"If you want to be seen with me," Aalyssa lifted her head and looked down. "A whore
not fit for a Prince."
Alarm illuminated Konner's eyes and he tilted her chin back again. "Who told you that?"
"Lady Imeranian," Aalyssa admitted quietly.
"Nosy, jealous old biddy. Of course I want to be with you. I love you with all of my heart,
Lys. There is no one else for me. And if we present a united front, and show all of
Middle Earth that we love one another, they will realize that what happened between us
was because we are in love."
Aalyssa looked up at him and smiled. "I love you too. I will not lose you because of this
will I?"
"No, love, you will never lose me. There is nothing you could possibly do to get rid of
me. And Iladori will understand, believe me. Think about how you would have felt in her
shoes."
"I know how she felt, although they were harder on her. It was horrible, Konner. I have
never seen them go for the throat like that before," Aalyssa said, pressing her face
against Konner's chest.
"Iladori was an easy target. She does not know the ways of the Court the way you do."
"Even if I had not already been sorry, that outbreak would have made me apologize. I
do not like the ways of the Court anymore. I want to go home, Konner."
"In time we will, my love. Some extra things have come up that the Council needs to
meet about. We must stay until then."
"It will be terribly boring all alone in your room every day."
"Perhaps Iladori will come spend the days with you," Konner said with a smile.
She shook her head sadly.
"Do not try to second guess her, Aalyssa. Legolas loves her and cares about you. He
would want you both to at least try to be friends."
"I think..."
"You think what, love?"
"That Marissa somehow clouded my judgement and led me astray. Now that I think
about it, she kept trying to break my trust in you. Is that a horrible thing to say?"
Konner eyed her thoughtfully. "She has gotten strange lately. It would not surprise me
any. She has made overt moves toward me. We need to re-think our friendship with her
even if she is your cousin."
"I know. That is why I asked Mama to tell the guards not to admit her."
"She has been rather cozy with your parents, visiting them everyday."
"Why? Konner, is there anyone outside of your family I can trust?"
"Do not lump everyone into one basket, love. Legolas trusts Iladori's family and spends
a lot of time with them. Then again, they spend little time in court."
"None of them will wish to know me, much less like me, after this," she shook her head
again.
"Do not judge them. I did not speak of you with this, but Iladori's mother came to talk to
me the night we found you. No, correction. She tore me up one side and down the
other."
"Why?"
"For my previous behavior regarding you, which some how she discovered. I have been
informed that if I do not straighten up my act concerning you, she will turn me over her
knee to give me the spanking I so badly deserve. Never mind that I am already madly in
love with you."
"Really," Aalyssa grinned. "I wonder why she cared enough about someone she did not
know to do that, and how she found out anything."
"I do not know, but she is a force that one does not want to disobey."
"She sounds like a nice person," Aalyssa said wistfully, "But I doubt I will get to know
her."
"All of her children dare not lie around her. Were you at dinner the other night when
Legolas and Iladori had the food fight, much to Mother's horror?"
"You know I was. You looked over at me and somehow knew I was thinking of doing the
same to you and told me not to dare. I still think they had fun. I was very disappointed
you would not let me get you."
Konner shrugged, "I am the heir and he is the spare. Mother would have had a fit."
Aalyssa poked him gently in the chest with her finger, "That is a horrid thing to call your
brother."
He stared at her. "You are right. Mother has called him that for so long it is almost
second nature. You know, maybe when we are alone and we have some cake..." he
grinned mischievously at her.
"I know," she grinned back at him then turned serious. "Konner?"
"Yes love?"
"I need to go to Lord Elrond and tell him what I did, do I not?" she asked nervously.
"Yes. And tell Iladori as well, and also that you are sorry you hurt her. Why do we not
go try to find them?"
"All right," Aalyssa nodded. She slid from the bed and winced from the pain when her
weight landed on her ankle.
Konner wrapped and arm around her waist and said, "Lean on me. This is what you get
for running around on it. It is going to be all big and swollen, and you will have only
yourself to blame for it."
"I did not intend to be running around. Only a trip to the weaving room and back," she
explained, her arm going around his waist.
"Or is this a ploy to get me to carry you around?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"No, it hurts, Konner," she whispered, pulling away from him. She looked up at him with
hurt in her eyes.
"I am teasing you, love," he smiled as he swept her into his arms.
"You do not have to carry me," she protested, squirming in his hold.
"It is practice," he explained with a grin and then kissed her cheek. "For when I carry
you over the threshold. I believe that is what all new grooms do with their brides."
Aalyssa gave him a small smile. "That is what I have heard. Among other things," she
said, ending with a wicked grin.
"And I believe it would be bad form to drop the bride," he teased as he faked dropping
her.
Aalyssa squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I should think so."
He closed the door behind them and slowly walked down the hall and stairs. "Library
first, love?"
"Yes, that is where I left Legolas and Iladori."
He nodded and carried her to the library. He set her down gently to open the door. "You
ready love?"
Aalyssa nodded nervously, pressing her hand against her stomach against the
butterflies. She took several deep breaths and entered the room, Konner walking
behind her.