FINDING HEART
CHAPTER TEN
BY DRAGONWIND
See chapters one and four for disclaimers
Feed my muse...please review
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Aalyssa stirred in Konner's arms, hearing his even breathing. She lay quietly, thinking
about the family dinner the previous evening. She had still been worried that Thranduil
would be angry with her, despite having had her punishment, but he laughed and joked
with her during the evening meal, making her laugh several times. Iladori had brought
her a gift again, a book with a romantic tale. Iladori's mother had also sent a basket of
bath scents for Aalyssa. For the first time that Aalyssa could remember, she felt secure
and safe, as well as loved.
She lifted her head to look out the window, only to find the sky a dark grey. Heavy rains
poured down from the clouds. Aalyssa whimpered and cuddled in Konner's arms, the
cool air coming through the window chilling her.
He opened one eye sleepily and looked at her. "What is wrong, love?"
"A perfectly ugly day for the hearing, Konner."
He hugged her tightly and brushed his lips against hers. "I am sure the weather will
have no influence on the hearing, one way or the other."
Thunder rocked the ground as the lightning flashed across the sky, briefly illuminating
the room in it's light. "Konner?" Aalyssa said, sitting up, her body shaking.
"Yes love?" He reached up to rub her back, trying to calm her.
"What if this is an evil force coming to back them up? To..."
Konner sat up and gathered her into his arms. "Then we fight it together, with our love.
You do know, that if need be, I would leave Mirkwood to be with you."
"I would not ask that of you," Aalyssa spoke softly, laying her head on his shoulder.
"But I would do that for you, just the same. If I were able, I would take the moon and the
stars from the sky for you to wear."
Aalyssa turned and snuggled against him. "I would do anything for you as well, you
know that, right?"
"Of course, my love." He lifted his eyes at the knock on the door, to find Donlugan and
Elspeth bringing in a pitcher of water and a breakfast tray.
Aalyssa glanced at the meats on the tray and rubbed her stomach. "I am too nervous to
eat, Konner. If I try I will be sick."
"Are you ill, love?" he asked with concern.
"Once the tension of the past week abates, I shall be fine."
Konner looked at her skeptically. "Are you sure? You are terribly pale," he commented
as the lightning brightened the room again, the thunder crashing down loudly.
"I will be fine," Aalyssa protested weakly, her hand covering her mouth as she
scrambled from the bed for the bathroom.
Konner got up as the door closed and stood at the door. "Lys?"
"I will be out in a minute, sweetheart," she shakily responded after emptying her
stomach. Aalyssa emerged, pale and shaking. "Sorry, Konner."
"What is it, love?" he asked, his arm going around her to help her back to the bed.
"I am positive it is the tension and stress of the past few weeks. It should settle soon,
hopefully."
"Are you sure that is all it is?"
Aalyssa gave him a weak grin. "Why, you know elves do not get sick."
Konner chuckled. "As long as you are absolutely positive," he wrapped his arms around
her and pulled her close.
"I am not sure of anything anymore, except you," she admitted, resting her head against
him.
"After the hearing, I am taking you to the healer," Konner whispered, rubbing circles on
her back. "Can you eat something now? I would prefer you did not face this hearing on
an empty stomach."
Aalyssa smiled up at him. "I will try." She sat on the bed and tore off a piece of bread to
nibble on.
Konner continued to rub her back as he ate his breakfast. He cut a grapefruit in half
and handed one section to Aalyssa. "Try this, love."
She took it from him and picked up the spoon, taking a tentative bite of it. Aalyssa
swallowed and waited, then ate some more of it. "What are you smiling at?"
"Just happy you found something you can eat. Is this what the problem was with the
fish the other night at dinner?"
Aalyssa nodded as she ate the fruit. She looked on the tray and located a small
chocolate pastry and smiled. Aalyssa snatched it up and looked at Konner guiltily
before eating it.
"As long as you are eating, I am happy," Konner told her, leaning over to kiss her
cheek.
Donlugan and Elspeth knocked and entered the room again, going to the armoire to get
the clothing for the day.
Konner watched Elspeth take Aalyssa into her room for dressing. When he was
dressed, Konner knocked on the door to see if Aalyssa was ready. She emerged,
wearing a simple cream colored gown with a tan trim on it. He took Aalyssa's small
hand and tucked it into his arm and escorted her to the meeting hall.
Aalyssa's eyes grew round when they entered, as she had never been in the hall
before. The walls were a warm golden oak as were the chairs and the tables at the
front facing the council. Portraits of Elrond's family graced the walls and there were
floral arrangements on evenly spaced pedestals around the room. "Even his meeting
hall is homey," Aalyssa whispered to Konner as they headed for their table at the front.
Konner seated her and took the chair next to her. He felt a slight tremble in her arm that
was against him and he took her hand into his and smiled. "It will be all right, I
promise."
"What if they do not believe me? What if they take their side?"
"We believe you, and we are on your side. No one else matters, Aalyssa. No matter
what happens here today, Father will not allow them back to Mirkwood, nor will he allow
them to take you. The hearing is to determine their punishment. Anyone who was near
them the night you were taken already know the truth. As well as Lord Elrond, as he
was near and heard them also."
Aalyssa looked up at the sound of someone approaching and smiled when she realized
it was Legolas and Iladori. Iladori sat to Konner's left as Legolas sat down next to
Aalyssa.
"How are you doing, Lys?"
"I am scared," she admitted quietly.
"She is afraid the Council will not believe her, Legolas," Konner explained, lifting her
hand to kiss it.
Legolas turned her head to face him and he smiled. "Do not worry, Lys. The people
who matter believe you." He grinned when Laure and Thranduil entered the hall and
came up to the table. Legolas stood and moved to his seat next to Iladori so Laure
could sit next to Aalyssa. Myalora and Careman followed and sat directly behind them,
along with their daughters Tracimia and Ziellien.
Marissa and her parents entered from the other side and Aalyssa cringed, watching
them take their seats at the other table. There was a boxed off area containing a table
for her own parents, for which Aalyssa was immensely grateful. Laure reached over
and took Aalyssa's other hand and squeezed it gently.
Taisin moved in closer on Iladori's side as Careman and Myalora moved closer to the
Greenleaf's, forming a tight protective circle around Aalyssa.
Aalyssa pressed her face against Konner's shoulder when Marissa turned her way and
stared hatefully at Aalyssa. Konner glanced at Aalyssa then turned his attention in that
direction, narrowing his eyes at Marissa. With a smile, he returned his attention to
Aalyssa and nuzzled at her neck.
Iladori watched the exchange, adding, "Konner? Do you think that was a wise idea?"
With his hands, Konner made a motion imitating a noose tightening in Marissa's
direction, so Aalyssa could not see.
Iladori inclined her head, indicating her understanding.
Everyone turned at a flurry of voices entering the room, to find the women from the
weaving room coming in and sitting behind Marissa.
Aalyssa turned to Laure, her eyes round. "They are not going to believe me, Mama."
"Shh, little one. It will be fine, and their opinions do not matter. Only those of the
Council matter."
She settled back in her chair, concentrating on the people around her. Thranduil
reached his left arm behind Laure and gently touched the back of Aalyssa's head. She
looked down at him and smiled, receiving a loving look in return.
The room quieted down as the Council entered and took seats at the front, Elrond
taking his place in the center. Before sitting, Elrond glanced around the room. "This
session will come to order. We are gathered to determine the punishment of the
Skyclouds of Mirkwood. Guards, please bring in Robero and Wilhelmina Skycloud."
Myalora looked up in surprise at the names and stared at the front of the room.
Careman leaned over and whispered, "Sweetness, what is it?"
"Did you hear the names of Aalyssa's parents?"
"I was too busy keeping my eye on that little snipe over there," he indicated Marissa.
"What were they?"
"Robero and Wilhelmina Skycloud," she answered softly.
He pulled her close against him. "I am sure that is just a horrific coincidence."
"But you know..."
"Shh..do not read something that is not there."
The couple entered from a side door, being propelled forward by a few guards. Their
hands were bound together in front of them. Wilhelmina looked across the room and
issued a hurt look coupled by a sad smile in Aalyssa's direction.
Elrond moved down in front of them. "What say you for yourselves in this matter?" he
asked sternly.
Robero stood tall and straight. "Ungrateful brat set us up so the Royal family would take
her in and she would be rid of us."
"She has always felt we were not good enough to be her parents," Wilhelmina added.
Myalora looked over at the couple and then tapped Thranduil on the shoulder. "If you
could, would you please ask Elrond if I may have a few words with them near the end?"
"Certainly, Myalora," Thranduil responded.
Elrond shook his head. "You will not help your cause nor ease your punishment by
lying. I was in the hall the night you were spewing your hatred for your daughter."
Wilhelmina looked affronted. "I cared for her, I loved her. I did everything for her,
including training her in her station in life. And she turned on me," she accused, letting
a few tears fall.
Aalyssa shivered and felt Konner's arm slip around her.
"I fail to see how Lady Aalyssa turned on the two of you when the two of you arranged
for her disappearance, which you already admitted hoped would lead to her death,"
Elrond stated.
"We wanted the traitor out of our lives and home, it is as simple as that," Robero stated.
"I did not know they wished me dead, just banished," Aalyssa whispered to Konner.
"A lot of things are going to come out today that you did not know, little one," Laure
informed her. "Just lean on us, we will take care of you."
"Her major problem was attempting to overstep her limits. If she would have had any
sense, she would have sought a maid's position with a nice family," Wilhelmina stated.
"She thought she was more than she was."
"She is a Lady of nobility. Why was she overstepping her limits?"
"Aalyssa at most could have made a match with Lord Brandinhor. She was not raised to
become a Queen," Robero noted.
"That brings another point to mind," Elrond said, rubbing his finger across his chin. "If it
were my daughter and the heir to the throne was interested in her romantically, I would
have been proud. Yet I have heard you did not wish for her to make the match."
"She is not good enough for him," Wilhelmina stated simply. "There was another more
well suited."
"And who are you to determine when it comes to matters of the heart?" one of the
Council members asked.
Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose. "Lady Aalyssa, would you step forward, please?"
She took a deep breath and glanced at Konner. He stood and helped her to her feet
and walked her to the front.
"If you do not mind, Lord Elrond?"
"That is fine, Prince Konner, you may stay with her."
Aalyssa raised her head to acknowledge Elrond. "Yes sir?"
"Would you please speak to the Council of the events leading up to your kidnaping until
Konner, Legolas and Aragorn found you?"
Aalyssa cleared her throat and clasped her hands in front of her. "I had a disagreement
in the weaving room so I decided to go for a walk. From nowhere, this man tried to
accost me but Princess Iladori found me in time and took me to Lady Arwen's room to
be tended. Mother found me there. I had promised Prince Konner I would wait there for
him, as he wanted to deal with my attacker. But Mother dragged me away against my
wishes."
"That is a lie!" Marissa stood and shouted.
"Lady Marissa, you will get your chance to tell what you know. Sit down please," Elrond
said.
"And allow her to stand there and lie about her parents?" Marissa argued.
"Sit down, Lady Marissa," Elrond repeated, his voice growing louder.
"Yes, sir," she mumbled, taking her seat again.
Aalyssa looked in their direction and wobbled slightly on her feet, feeling Konner's
hands on her shoulders to support her. "When she came to get me, she said it was to
tend me," Aalyssa continued. "At our rooms, I was given into the custody of that, that..."
Aalyssa broke down in tears and turned to face Konner who wrapped his arms around
her.
Elrond stepped forward and took her from Konner. "It is all right, Lady Aalyssa. That put
together with what was said in the hall that night is plenty." He hugged her and
whispered, "All will be well, my child. Now you go back to Konner."
Aalyssa turned to Konner and went into his open arms.
"I think we are ready to hear from Lady Marissa."
"Elrond, if you please," Thranduil said as he got to his feet. "Queen Myalora would like
to speak with the Skyclouds."
"Certainly. Myalora?"
Myalora stood and walked over to the couple, Careman following closely. "So it is you,"
she said quietly when she stopped in front of them.
Wilhelmina stiffened and turned her attention to the Queen of Forlindon. "How are you
dear sister?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"We thought you were dead. Why ever did you leave your daughter alone in the wilds
outside of Forlindon?"
"We thought she was dead," Robero said coolly.
"And you could not be bothered to look for your child?" Myalora's voice grew in pitch.
"Well, when you did not want one child, much less two, it was quite easy to just move
on," Wilhelmina sneered. "And let you believe we were dead."
"If you did not want them, I would gladly have taken them and raised them as my own.
But you did not give one clue when you were there."
Konner held Aalyssa as she wavered on her feet. "I had sisters?" she whispered.
"Iladori could have been killed out there. Apparently this is your favorite way of ridding
yourselves of children. And what became of Iladori's twin?"
"Do you not remember, sister dear? You do not remember your niece's name?"
"That was almost three thousand years ago, and you only had her there for a day or
two. I do not believe you even bothered telling me her name."
"That is true, I did not," Wilhelmina admitted. "I did not want you becoming close with
them and showering them with love."
Careman held Myalora back when she moved toward her sister. "No, sweetness, she is
not worth it."
"I want to know of my niece, if she was not killed back then."
"Very well. Your niece is alive and you know her."
"Stop playing games with me," Myalora hissed, grabbing the rope around Wilhelmina's
wrists and tightening it.
"Now just think about it, Mya. I had no other children. Who am I in all of this trouble
over, that you know as my child? Aalyssa. She is Iladori's twin."
Myalora released her hold and stared in shock at her sister. She turned to see Aalyssa
and Iladori looking at one another with surprise evident in their eyes.
Elrond stepped forward again. "So now it has come out that you left two children in the
forest to die in two different times and locations. Why did you not let your sister have
the two children if you did not want them, which I might add is unheard of."
"I did not want them to find happiness," Wilhelmina snarled. "They took away my
happiness, so they were not deserving."
"I have heard enough. Guards, remove them to the holding cell until the end of the
hearing when their punishment has been determined," Elrond ordered, disgust evident
on his face. "Now, Lady Marissa, let us hear what you have to say."
Myalora walked over to Konner and ran her hand through Aalyssa's hair. "We have a
lot of getting to know each other to do, niece."
Aalyssa smiled up at her, "Yes, we do."
Marissa stood and approached Elrond. "Part of the problem, Lord Elrond, was
Aalyssa's sleeping around. And just that morning, she told me she was dissatisfied with
Konner anyway because of his unfaithfulness."
"That is not true," Aalyssa whispered.
"I know it is not," Konner said softly into her ear, wrapping his arms around her from the
back.
"Those are strong allegations, Lady Marissa. Damaging to reputations and
relationships."
"I should know what she told me. I am her best friend, after all."
Anger replaced Aalyssa's hurt and she squirmed in Konner's hold.
"She is a slut."
"Aalyssa is not a slut," Konner said through clenched teeth. "Do not descend to her
level, love," he whispered to Aalyssa.
"Aalyssa is a slut just like that one. It must run in the family," Marissa pointed at Iladori.
"Konner, I have never been with anyone but you," Aalyssa stated, turning to face him.
"Not again," replied Iladori, still in shock over the previous revelation.
"The pair of them. Honestly, we should have known they were sisters, sleeping around
and taking all of the men."
"That is a lie," Iladori and Aalyssa said at the same time. Iladori got to her feet, Legolas
standing behind her.
"The virtue of Princess Iladori is not an issue here, as the healer has announced her
findings," Elrond interrupted.
"I am to be the future Queen of Mirkwood," Marissa smirked. "I am more deserving."
"I would never marry you, Marissa," Konner announced.
"And I would never allow a union between you and Konner," Thranduil added from the
table.
"I could have taken care of that," Marissa said smugly. "And if you would not be swayed
into having me, Konner, I would just kill you and take Legolas."
"You would what?" Thranduil asked, his voice forcefully controlled.
"I would be Queen with or without Konner. I would rather have Legolas anyway."
"So that would explain the note I found in my room the other night, Marissa?" he asked.
"What note?" Aalyssa asked, confused.
"The one Marissa slid under our door the other night. It said *If you want Aalyssa to
live, step down from the line of ascension and leave Mirkwood*," he explained, glaring
at Marissa.
Marissa smirked. "Only problem is, Iladori came to Rivendell and took Legolas, so she
is in the way of my destiny as well now."
"I knew it was you who pushed me down the stairs," Iladori accused.
"These are all serious statements, Marissa," Elrond observed.
"I will not let you hurt Konner," Aalyssa stated, moving toward Marissa. Taisin went
after her as Elrond's guards held Marissa.
"That is why you were to die in that blasted forest," Marissa hissed. "And you, stay
away from Legolas," Marissa demanded of Iladori.
One hand on the hilt of her dagger, Iladori retorted, "Make me. He is not some prize, he
has free choice."
"Konner does not deserve to be King, taking up with a slut," Marissa continued
disparagingly.
"I am not going to let you hurt anyone else," Aalyssa stated just as Taisin grabbed her
and pulled her back.
The guards took hold of Marissa as Elrond shouted, "Order! Everyone settle down!"
Aalyssa calmed slightly as Taisin returned her to Konner's hold, though she was still
angry. "She wants to hurt you," she complained.
Legolas wrapped his arms around Iladori.
Marissa glared at Aalyssa. "I was raised to be Queen of Mirkwood. Not you. Or you,"
she included Iladori in her glare.
"I only want Konner. I care not about the title," Aalyssa said quietly.
"I do not wish to be Queen of anything. I am quite happy as I am," Iladori said. "If by
some strange fate, Legolas became King, I would stand by him, if he asked me to.
Otherwise, I will be content just being with him if he so desires." Iladori turned her
attention to Elrond and the Council. "Aalyssa is true to Konner. She loves him very
much, only a fool could not see that."
Thranduil got up from the table and stepped forward. "I have to question the sanity of
Marissa. She speaks of killing one brother so the second brother will become my heir."
"I am perfectly sane. I only want what I was raised for," Marissa growled, struggling
against the guards' hold on her arms.
"You will calm down, Marissa of Rivendell. You are my niece and I know you have been
raised better than this behavior."
"I will be Queen of Mirkwood one way or another."
"And who said you were to be Queen of Mirkwood?" Elrond asked with a sigh.
"My parents were told when I was born, my aunt and uncle knew it. I was groomed for
it, to meet my destiny."
"Ah. Your aunt and uncle are why we are here, Lady Marissa. Tell us what you know of
Lady Aalyssa's kidnaping."
Marissa eyes roamed the room, staring at everyone. "What makes you think I knew of
the kidnaping before hand?"
"Your actions," Konner stated. "And the fact you saw her being taken and failed to get
her help. I saw you that afternoon and asked you where she was. And you lied to me."
"I told you she was with a man," Marissa answered.
"You told me she ran off with a man. There is a world of difference between running off
with a man and being kidnapped."
"Explain to us also why they wanted to be rid of Lady Aalyssa," Elrond added.
"She was never to have been born. They were constantly embarrassed by her and
knew I was to be Queen of Mirkwood. They could find no other way to get her out of my
way."
"Arwen tells us her mother dragged her away from her rooms, as did Lady Aalyssa,"
Elrond said.
"Lies," Marissa denied.
"My daughter has no reason to lie, Lady Marissa. Why would your cousins lie?" Elrond
asked, his anger growing.
"Aalyssa lied, Arwen misunderstood. Aunt Wilhelmina only wanted to tend to her
daughter in their chambers. Aalyssa resisted and made it appear worse than it was."
Aalyssa pulled free of Konner's hold and stepped closer to Marissa. "She did not want
to tend me, she wanted to beat me."
"Aunt Wilhelmina never lifted a hand to you and you know it. You just continued to be
argumentative."
"Aalyssa speaks the truth, Lord Elrond," Legolas said. "I have witnessed the threats on
many occaisons and have stepped between her and her mother more than once."
"Lying slut," Marissa accused, moving toward Aalyssa. "You have turned all of their
heads with your lies."
Aalyssa's eyes widened with fear until she felt Konner's hands back on her shoulders,
pulling her behind him. "Aalyssa is not a slut. She is to be the future Queen of
Mirkwood and you will not speak of her so."
"I am to be your Queen, Prince Konner. She seduced you away from me."
"I was never yours to be taken from you, Marissa," Konner growled, his hand around
the hilt of his knife. "As I told you that day when you lied about her whereabouts, I have
no feelings for you. Although that has changed since I now hate you very much."
"Father was to begin the marriage contracts next week," Marissa smiled. "Once they
were signed, they could not have been broken."
"I would not have accepted them," Thranduil announced, standing beside Konner.
"Both of my sons were raised to wed for love and if they would not agree to the
marriage, I would not accept the contract."
An evil light gleamed in Marissa's eyes. "Then he either steps down and leaves
Mirkwood or he and Aalyssa will be dead. As I said, I would rather have Legolas. No
one will deny me my destiny. And my father would have assured acceptance of the
contract. Besides, if Aalyssa had not survived the Dark Forest, there would have been
no obstacle."
"Except I do not want anyone else, and would probably have died of my broken heart
without her," Konner responded. He wrapped his arms around Aalyssa, pulling her
tightly against him. "I would never desire you, Marissa. Father, if necessary, Aalyssa
and I shall leave Mirkwood."
Marissa ignored him. "It is a shame I could not stop that horrid little Hobbit from
reaching you, Konner. And you," she began, refocusing on Aalyssa, "Never even
suspected how much I truly hated you, did you? That is why I spoke to you of all of his
liasions, to turn you away from him."
"I would never turn from Konner. I love him with all of my heart. And I have never been
with anyone but Konner, as you well know, Marissa." Aalyssa turned to Konner. "I only
desire you. The title means nothing to me."
"I know, Lys," Konner said loudly enough for the Council to hear his faith in her.
"And then miss high and mighty Princess over there, thinking she is better than all of
us," Marissa said of Iladori.
"You know, I like Iladori. And I would have liked her sooner and not hurt her if it were
not for you," Aalyssa hissed.
"Marissa, I would never have accepted you, any more than Konner would have. I do not
want you either," Legolas added, standing next to his brother and father now, his one
hand on the small of Iladori's back.
"You would have if she," Marissa pointed at Iladori, "Had not interfered. And it matters
not to me if you desire me. I only desire the title and position. I can get the sex
anywhere. But Legolas, she does not know how to be a woman," Marissa said in a soft
voice.
"You speak of dishonoring him regarding your vows. I am more of a lady that you could
ever hope to be," Iladori stated in a controlled voice. "To cheat on a husband is
inexcusable."
"You think so, do you?" Marissa snarled. "You dress like a man, you act like a man.
You have no idea how to be a wife to him. He deserves more, someone passionate. I
do not understand how two men could be so blind."
"I may be a warrior but I am not a man. At least I do not betray my friends and family.
Nor would I betray my vows to my husband." Iladori got up and strode over angrily.
"You will have to go through me first to get Legolas or hurt Konner and Aalyssa. "
"I proudly accept that challenge," Marissa smiled ferally.
Iladori smiled at her. "You think you can fight a trained warrior? Without sneaking up
behind them and shoving them down a flight of stone stairs?"
"Konner, this has to be stopped. It is out of hand," Aalyssa said softly.
"But highly entertaining. I would like to watch Marissa get what she so richly deserves."
"That is horrible, Konner.You knew all along, did you not?"
"I know, but still. I suspected, but did not want to hurt you. You are not terribly angry
with me are you?"
"No, of course not," Aalyssa whispered.
Marissa shook off the hold of the guards. "I am perfectly willing to fight for what I want.
And I want Legolas."
"I hope you are willing to die for it, because you are going to have to kill me," Iladori
said in a calm voice.
"It is my destiny. I will not fail or die," Marissa stated.
Iladori chuckled, noticing Elrond rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Marissa walked over and shoved Iladori.
Her arms crossed, Iladori did not move.
"Oh, so you are not going to fight."
"Are you sure you want a fight?" Iladori asked.
Marissa cast an evil glance in Konner and Aalyssa's direction before shoving Iladori
again.
"Okay, so you think you can take me." Iladori formed a fist and slammed it into
Marissa's jaw. "You are going to have to do better than that."
She kicked Iladori hard in the leg then made her own fist, hitting Iladori, who laughed.
Marissa glanced around and moved quickly to grab one of the unsuspecting guards'
swords.
"This is not a fair fight, Iladori," Legolas stated.
"Life is not fair, Legolas. She needs some sense beaten into her."
"I agree with you on that."
Marissa uttered, "Bitch," as she thrust the sword at Iladori.
Iladori smiled evilly, one of her sisters tossing her a sword.
"I am a master of fencing," Marissa claimed.
"I cannot watch," Aalyssa whispered, pressing her face against Konner's chest.
"And I have been fighting and training since I was five," Iladori countered, turning as
Marissa thrust again. Iladori slammed the hilt of her blade on Marissa's wrist as it
passed.
"Ouch, you bitch," Marissa fumed.
"There is a difference between fencing and sword play," Iladori acknowledged,
slamming her fist into Marissa's jaw again. She turned and kicked Marissa's feet out
from under her and put the tip of the sword to Marissa's throat as she lay on the floor.
"Go ahead and do it," Marissa hissed, breathing hard. "If I cannot fulfill my destiny. Be a
killer. Go ahead, Princess."
"I have killed before and will again. But you are not worth dirtying my blade for, Lady
Marissa. Unlike some, I have honor." With her foot, Iladori stepped down on the blade
of the stolen sword and flipped it up to her hand, and took it over to return to the guard.
"Guards, please take custody of Lady Marissa," Elrond ordered.
The guards walked over and grabbed her arms, hauling her to her feet.
Aalyssa left Konner's hold and walked up to her, forming a fist and slamming it into
Marissa's jaw as well, knocking her off balance. "That was for threatening Konner, and
trying to destroy us all of these years."
"Go, Aalyssa," Konner smiled, rooting her on.
Aalyssa quietly walked back over to him, shaking her hand. When she was with him, he
wrapped his arms around her kissed her soundly.
The guards dragged Marissa over to the stand where her aunt and uncle had been
previously, where they bound her hands to the railing.
Gandalf calmly rose from his seat and stepped toward Marissa. "Why do you claim it
was your destiny to be Queen of Mirkwood?"
Marissa released a puff of air. "I have told you, my parents raised me to be Queen and
told me it was my destiny to be Queen."
He stared at Yurna Skycloud. "Where did you get the idea Marissa's destiny was to be
Queen?"
"The seer, Demanion, came to our home and informed us while she was a babe."
Gandalf puffed on his pipe and blew a smoke ring. "Ah, Demanion. He never gets his
predictions correct. My Lady Marissa, you are older than your cousins, are you not?"
Marissa glared at the wizard. "I am."
"Demanion made a slight miscalculation. One of your cousins were destined to be the
Queen."
Iladori handed her sword back to Ziellien. She and Legolas walked over to Konner who
was trying to calm Aalyssa. "Come, sister," she said softly.
"A sister. I never realized I had a sister."
"Of course not, they saw to that, did they not." The four younger elves returned to their
table where Laure and Thranduil waited.
"This is not possible," Marissa denied.
"It is more than possible. If your cousins had not been born, perhaps it would have
been your destiny. But in your cousins dwell a goodness that Mirkwood needs in it's
rulers. A goodness which you sadly lack, My Lady. The brothers of Mirkwood are not
blind. They see more than you know. Elrond?"
"Yes, Gandalf?"
"I believe Lady Marissa should be detained in an asylum. When she is sane once
again, she should be banished from Elven lands. And have the word spread to all Elven
regions that she is to be detained if she dares to cross into them."
"No! You cannot!"
"I can, and I believe that is a wise decision," Elrond said calmly. "Maybe you will come
to your senses. Just bear in mind, if you act this way in other lands, they will not be as
lenient. Guards, bring Robero and Wilhelmina back in, if you please."
The couple were returned and forced to their knees to await their punishment. "For your
atrocities committed against not one child but two, which have offended all of Elven
kind, you shall be put to death in Mirkwood, so your people can witness the end of your
evil. Are you at one with me on that, King Thranduil?"
"I am, Lord Elrond."
"Can they not be put into servitude?" Aalyssa asked, looking up at Konner.
"No love. They might break free and hurt you again. This is no less than they deserve,
although I know you do not wish it so," he explained, holding her close. "This is the only
way."
"They will be kept just outside of Mirkwood until the time of execution, in accordance
with their banishment," Thranduil added, when he noticed Laure about to speak.
"Keep them well guarded."
Iladori cleared her throat and walked over to them. "May I Lord Elrond?" When he
nodded, she stood in front of them. "While I may have died before I was found, I am
grateful that you left me behind so my Aunt could find me and raise me with love. But I
hate you and will never forgive what you put my sister through. I do not understand, nor
will I ever, why you did not want us, but you should have been kind enough to give us
to a loving home and allowed us to grow up together. You have cost Aalyssa and me
something precious that we can never get back, but we will be together now. I will
follow to Mirkwood and spit on your dead bodies." Without further word, Iladori stood
and returned to Legolas' arms.
The guards removed Marissa, Wilhelmina and Robero to their cells and the hearing
ended.
Myalora got up and took Aalyssa into her arms. "I am sorry I did not realize what had
been happening. If I had, I would have taken you from them. I would have had a fourth
beautiful daughter." Myalora held her close, stroking her hair.
"They were adept at hiding their actions, it is not your fault," Aalyssa assured her.
"You are a member of our family, Aalyssa. You now have two sets of parents who will
love you forever," Careman added, walking over to them and wrapping his arms around
both women.
"She should have been with us all of this time," Iladori noted, still ensconced in
Legolas' arms. "Excuse me, Legolas."
Aalyssa looked up when Iladori came over to her. Iladori pulled her into an embrace,
saying, "Welcome to our family, my sister."
Konner smiled from where he stood with Laure. "Well, who knew something good would
come from this hearing." He turned to his mother. "Did you not ever wonder what
happened to the twin?"
Laure shook her head. "Wilhelmina was pregnant when Robero and she left to travel.
From what I understand, she gave birth in Lorien and they slowly continued their tour.
They did not return home until six years later, with little Aalyssa. I did not know of a
twin. Legolas instantly befriended her and began taking care of her, giving her a sense
of family."
"Legolas!" Konner called out, as Aalyssa met with her new family.
"Yes, Konner?"
"When. . .That is. . .how did you find out about Aalyssa's parents treatment of her?"
Konner asked.
"I had gone to their house to pick up Aalyssa for the fair when we were about, five
hundred. She had apparently broken some trinket, and when I was admitted,
Wilhelmina was about to push her down the stairs."
"Stars," Laure whispered.
"I raced up the steps and got between them. From then on I interfered whenever I
could."
Careman glanced over at the family quietly talking. "Come and join us. We will be one
family soon anyhow."
Myalora had an arm around Iladori and Aalyssa. "You will always be my daughters,
remember that loves. You may not be of our flesh, but you are ours and always will be.
Aalyssa, you will always be welcome in your home of Forlindon."
Aalyssa smiled at her and enjoyed the embrace. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Nonsense. No formality within family, correct Thranduil and Laure?" Myalora said
brightly. "We are your parents now as well." Myalora kissed Aalyssa on the head and
hugged her once again.
Ziellien and Tracimia sat on the seats next to Aalyssa. "When we are done here, come
along to raid our closets, sister," Ziellien offered.
"And we will have a grand time at the dressmakers in a few days," Tracimia added
excitedly.
"Oh, but, I have no money," Aalyssa whispered.
"Little one, I like my children to have beautiful things," Myalora said firmly. "And do not
worry about money."
"I do not need a lot," Aalyssa said quietly.
"Come, little one," Myalora said, taking her hand and waving Laure over. The two led
Aalyssa to a bench along the wall, the women sandwiching Aalyssa as they sat on
either side. "Now, little one, you are my daughter now. That means, you are a Princess
now and I wish for you to have a closet full of nice things."
Aalyssa cast an anxious glance at the court women, who were still in the room. A buzz
of their voices warned her that stories were being spun. "But..."
"Also as your Mother," Laure added, "I would like for you to show all of Middle Earth
how beautiful you are. And Konner will wish to show off his beautiful fiancee at
functions as well."
"But I do not wish to take advantage of you," Aalyssa explained, looking at Myalora.
"How would you be taking advantage? A mother enjoys buying beautiful things for her
daughter. Would you not for your own?"
Aalyssa looked from one woman to the other, then smiled brightly. "It seems I have
gone from one hateful mother to two wonderful, warm Mamas. How lucky can a girl
get?"
"To wed the man of her dreams as she deserves. Do you have a dream wedding dress,
little one?" Myalora asked, frowning when Aalyssa shook her head. "How is that?"
"I used to, but Mother said I would be lucky to have a wedding at all."
Myalora shook her head. "If I could get my hands on..." she cleared her throat.
"Anyway, then we shall set aside time at the dressmakers to look at designs. Laure, you
and I shall have to discuss the setting, since I am not familiar with Mirkwood."
"I am thinking a garden wedding. I have always been partial to them and there would be
room for all of Mirkwood to come."
"I wish for something small," Aalyssa commented. "Just friends and family, something
intimate."
"Oh dearest," Laure began apologetically. "We cannot arrange that. This will be a royal
wedding of the highest order."
"Mama," Aalyssa began to protest.
"Little one," Myalora uttered. "You are wedding the Crown Prince. The people will
expect a wedding. Most likely even Legolas would have to be wed formally."
"Indeed," Laure confirmed. "Dearest, in your heart and imagination it may be just
yourself and Konner, but in reality it will be formal. The people expect it and in these
times, a royal wedding will be wonderful for them."
"All right, Mama," Aalyssa reluctantly agreed.
"Do young Elf maidens not dream of large fancy weddings any longer?" Thranduil
teased, hearing the conversation as he walked past.
"I used to," Aalyssa admitted.
"Get those dreams out and dust them off, my little one," Myalora informed her. "Mommy
is here and wants to give you the wedding of your fantasies."
"And I am sure Iladori, Ziellien and Tracimia would love to arrange a girls night out as
well," Laure added with a smile. "I remember mine..."
Aalyssa squirmed uncomfortably, hearing all of these plans being formed around her. "I
do not wish to inconvenience anyone."
Myalora chuckled and embraced Aalyssa again. "You are not an inconvenience. I love
to plan weddings and parties. If I were your daughter, would you consider it an
inconvenience?"
"No, of course not. But I am really not yours."
"As of now you are. Elrond, Thranduil and my husband have worked it out, little one. I
just wish with all of my heart that I had you earlier."
"Mama?" Aalyssa blinked at Laure, battling tears.
"But you are still our little daughter as well. Yes, dearest?" Laure asked, reaching up to
push Aalyssa's hair back.
"I do not wish to leave Konner's room," she whispered softly, hoping the chattering
gossips would not hear her.
"You may stay there, little one," Myalora reassured her. "Otherwise, you would have to
share Iladori's room, and I am afraid you would not get much rest with all of her
comings and goings."
Konner walked over, followed by Legolas and Iladori. Laure stood so he could sit down
and he wrapped his arms around Aalyssa and softly spoke. "See? Everything worked
out, even better than I had hoped. Although I am afraid Marissa has either turned
completely evil or lost her mind." Konner looked up and smiled at the two women doting
on Aalyssa.
"I regret allowing her to influence me all of these years," Aalyssa admitted.
"She hid her true self well. If I had seen before what I have seen this week, I would
have stepped in earlier," Konner assured her. He looked up at his parents who were
smiling at them. "Mother, Father, I am sorry for any pain Marissa may have caused
you."
"Marissa is an ill child," Laure replied. "Thankfully she has been stopped before any
were seriously harmed in her vendetta."
"I have to admit, I wish her punishment were more severe then treatment and
banishment," Thranduil added. "I fear her finding her way to Mirkwood to wreak more
havoc."
Elrond walked over when he heard Thranduil give voice to his fear. "Marissa will be
taken to Gondor first for mental care. She is my niece and I would see her whole once
again."
"Of course, Elrond. I meant no disrespect. She will be well guarded though?" Thranduil
asked. "I am sorry, but I am worried for my children." He glanced at Konner and
Aalyssa. "And my future grandchildren."
"She will. I wish no harm to come to your family, Thranduil."
Laure smiled at Konner. "Darling, all that matters is that you and Aalyssa love each
other and are happy."
"Yes, Mother, I love my Aalyssa with all of my heart. As Iladori said, I will honor my
vows to my wife," he looked at Aalyssa and smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with
love.
"And I love Konner with all of my heart and will honor him also."
"If I had any doubts of your love for my son, little one, you dispelled them today."
Thranduil took Myalora's seat and embraced Aalyssa while Konner hugged his mother.
"I love you, Mother," he said softly. "I do not say it enough."
"And I love you, son." Laure stretched and kissed him on the cheek.
"Dad?" Aalyssa asked, looking at Thranduil. She thought it a tad informal, but she could
not bear to call him father like she had her own.
He smiled and answered, "Yes, my little girl?"
"What made Marissa turn that way? Why did she change so?"
"Who knows, honey." He pulled Aalyssa's chair over next to his and held her close.
"She may have already been this way and grown worse over the years. It could not
have helped, her parents always insisting her destiny was to be Queen."
She turned frightened eyes up to him. "What if...what if I end up like that, Dad? What if
it runs in the family? Mother was like that, after all."
"I believe it had more to do with her upbringing, Aalyssa. And you are too good in your
heart to become like that."
"Thank you," Aalyssa whispered, hugging Thranduil who embraced her warmly.
"Like my wife, I have always wished for a daughter. And now our wish has come true.
You are very welcome, my little girl," Thranduil said, kissing her forehead.
"Love?" Konner said, taking Aalyssa from his father.
"I feel so used and betrayed," she said quietly, a tear slipping from her eye. She sniffled
as she pressed her face against him.
"I understand, my Lys. But always remember, we are here to help you. All of us," he
said, waving his hand to include not only his family but the Forlindon family. Now, your
mothers wish to escort us to the healers."
She nodded as Konner took her hand and helped her to her feet. Aalyssa tucked her
hand under his arm. She looked over her shoulder seeing the two women following and
chatting. "I do hope this is the last I have to see of the healer for awhile."
Konner chuckled as he walked her across the room. "It does seem you have been
spending an inordinate amount of time with her."
Iladori and Legolas walked over and stopped them. "May we come along as well?" she
asked.
Aalyssa blushed and said, "Sure. Where are Dad and the...I mean...well, Dad? Did they
want to come along also?" Aalyssa grinned as she glanced around the hall, finding
them at the table at the front with Elrond.
Myalora and Laure chuckled. "Your fathers have begun negotiating the marriage
contract between you and Konner, little one," Myalora explained.
"Oh," Aalyssa blushed a deeper red as the group headed for the door, oblivious to the
court women watching them. Aalyssa stopped in her tracks, blinked and began,
"Konner? I do not feel. . ." Aalyssa's voice stopped as she collapsed in Konner's arms.
CHAPTER TEN
BY DRAGONWIND
See chapters one and four for disclaimers
Feed my muse...please review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aalyssa stirred in Konner's arms, hearing his even breathing. She lay quietly, thinking
about the family dinner the previous evening. She had still been worried that Thranduil
would be angry with her, despite having had her punishment, but he laughed and joked
with her during the evening meal, making her laugh several times. Iladori had brought
her a gift again, a book with a romantic tale. Iladori's mother had also sent a basket of
bath scents for Aalyssa. For the first time that Aalyssa could remember, she felt secure
and safe, as well as loved.
She lifted her head to look out the window, only to find the sky a dark grey. Heavy rains
poured down from the clouds. Aalyssa whimpered and cuddled in Konner's arms, the
cool air coming through the window chilling her.
He opened one eye sleepily and looked at her. "What is wrong, love?"
"A perfectly ugly day for the hearing, Konner."
He hugged her tightly and brushed his lips against hers. "I am sure the weather will
have no influence on the hearing, one way or the other."
Thunder rocked the ground as the lightning flashed across the sky, briefly illuminating
the room in it's light. "Konner?" Aalyssa said, sitting up, her body shaking.
"Yes love?" He reached up to rub her back, trying to calm her.
"What if this is an evil force coming to back them up? To..."
Konner sat up and gathered her into his arms. "Then we fight it together, with our love.
You do know, that if need be, I would leave Mirkwood to be with you."
"I would not ask that of you," Aalyssa spoke softly, laying her head on his shoulder.
"But I would do that for you, just the same. If I were able, I would take the moon and the
stars from the sky for you to wear."
Aalyssa turned and snuggled against him. "I would do anything for you as well, you
know that, right?"
"Of course, my love." He lifted his eyes at the knock on the door, to find Donlugan and
Elspeth bringing in a pitcher of water and a breakfast tray.
Aalyssa glanced at the meats on the tray and rubbed her stomach. "I am too nervous to
eat, Konner. If I try I will be sick."
"Are you ill, love?" he asked with concern.
"Once the tension of the past week abates, I shall be fine."
Konner looked at her skeptically. "Are you sure? You are terribly pale," he commented
as the lightning brightened the room again, the thunder crashing down loudly.
"I will be fine," Aalyssa protested weakly, her hand covering her mouth as she
scrambled from the bed for the bathroom.
Konner got up as the door closed and stood at the door. "Lys?"
"I will be out in a minute, sweetheart," she shakily responded after emptying her
stomach. Aalyssa emerged, pale and shaking. "Sorry, Konner."
"What is it, love?" he asked, his arm going around her to help her back to the bed.
"I am positive it is the tension and stress of the past few weeks. It should settle soon,
hopefully."
"Are you sure that is all it is?"
Aalyssa gave him a weak grin. "Why, you know elves do not get sick."
Konner chuckled. "As long as you are absolutely positive," he wrapped his arms around
her and pulled her close.
"I am not sure of anything anymore, except you," she admitted, resting her head against
him.
"After the hearing, I am taking you to the healer," Konner whispered, rubbing circles on
her back. "Can you eat something now? I would prefer you did not face this hearing on
an empty stomach."
Aalyssa smiled up at him. "I will try." She sat on the bed and tore off a piece of bread to
nibble on.
Konner continued to rub her back as he ate his breakfast. He cut a grapefruit in half
and handed one section to Aalyssa. "Try this, love."
She took it from him and picked up the spoon, taking a tentative bite of it. Aalyssa
swallowed and waited, then ate some more of it. "What are you smiling at?"
"Just happy you found something you can eat. Is this what the problem was with the
fish the other night at dinner?"
Aalyssa nodded as she ate the fruit. She looked on the tray and located a small
chocolate pastry and smiled. Aalyssa snatched it up and looked at Konner guiltily
before eating it.
"As long as you are eating, I am happy," Konner told her, leaning over to kiss her
cheek.
Donlugan and Elspeth knocked and entered the room again, going to the armoire to get
the clothing for the day.
Konner watched Elspeth take Aalyssa into her room for dressing. When he was
dressed, Konner knocked on the door to see if Aalyssa was ready. She emerged,
wearing a simple cream colored gown with a tan trim on it. He took Aalyssa's small
hand and tucked it into his arm and escorted her to the meeting hall.
Aalyssa's eyes grew round when they entered, as she had never been in the hall
before. The walls were a warm golden oak as were the chairs and the tables at the
front facing the council. Portraits of Elrond's family graced the walls and there were
floral arrangements on evenly spaced pedestals around the room. "Even his meeting
hall is homey," Aalyssa whispered to Konner as they headed for their table at the front.
Konner seated her and took the chair next to her. He felt a slight tremble in her arm that
was against him and he took her hand into his and smiled. "It will be all right, I
promise."
"What if they do not believe me? What if they take their side?"
"We believe you, and we are on your side. No one else matters, Aalyssa. No matter
what happens here today, Father will not allow them back to Mirkwood, nor will he allow
them to take you. The hearing is to determine their punishment. Anyone who was near
them the night you were taken already know the truth. As well as Lord Elrond, as he
was near and heard them also."
Aalyssa looked up at the sound of someone approaching and smiled when she realized
it was Legolas and Iladori. Iladori sat to Konner's left as Legolas sat down next to
Aalyssa.
"How are you doing, Lys?"
"I am scared," she admitted quietly.
"She is afraid the Council will not believe her, Legolas," Konner explained, lifting her
hand to kiss it.
Legolas turned her head to face him and he smiled. "Do not worry, Lys. The people
who matter believe you." He grinned when Laure and Thranduil entered the hall and
came up to the table. Legolas stood and moved to his seat next to Iladori so Laure
could sit next to Aalyssa. Myalora and Careman followed and sat directly behind them,
along with their daughters Tracimia and Ziellien.
Marissa and her parents entered from the other side and Aalyssa cringed, watching
them take their seats at the other table. There was a boxed off area containing a table
for her own parents, for which Aalyssa was immensely grateful. Laure reached over
and took Aalyssa's other hand and squeezed it gently.
Taisin moved in closer on Iladori's side as Careman and Myalora moved closer to the
Greenleaf's, forming a tight protective circle around Aalyssa.
Aalyssa pressed her face against Konner's shoulder when Marissa turned her way and
stared hatefully at Aalyssa. Konner glanced at Aalyssa then turned his attention in that
direction, narrowing his eyes at Marissa. With a smile, he returned his attention to
Aalyssa and nuzzled at her neck.
Iladori watched the exchange, adding, "Konner? Do you think that was a wise idea?"
With his hands, Konner made a motion imitating a noose tightening in Marissa's
direction, so Aalyssa could not see.
Iladori inclined her head, indicating her understanding.
Everyone turned at a flurry of voices entering the room, to find the women from the
weaving room coming in and sitting behind Marissa.
Aalyssa turned to Laure, her eyes round. "They are not going to believe me, Mama."
"Shh, little one. It will be fine, and their opinions do not matter. Only those of the
Council matter."
She settled back in her chair, concentrating on the people around her. Thranduil
reached his left arm behind Laure and gently touched the back of Aalyssa's head. She
looked down at him and smiled, receiving a loving look in return.
The room quieted down as the Council entered and took seats at the front, Elrond
taking his place in the center. Before sitting, Elrond glanced around the room. "This
session will come to order. We are gathered to determine the punishment of the
Skyclouds of Mirkwood. Guards, please bring in Robero and Wilhelmina Skycloud."
Myalora looked up in surprise at the names and stared at the front of the room.
Careman leaned over and whispered, "Sweetness, what is it?"
"Did you hear the names of Aalyssa's parents?"
"I was too busy keeping my eye on that little snipe over there," he indicated Marissa.
"What were they?"
"Robero and Wilhelmina Skycloud," she answered softly.
He pulled her close against him. "I am sure that is just a horrific coincidence."
"But you know..."
"Shh..do not read something that is not there."
The couple entered from a side door, being propelled forward by a few guards. Their
hands were bound together in front of them. Wilhelmina looked across the room and
issued a hurt look coupled by a sad smile in Aalyssa's direction.
Elrond moved down in front of them. "What say you for yourselves in this matter?" he
asked sternly.
Robero stood tall and straight. "Ungrateful brat set us up so the Royal family would take
her in and she would be rid of us."
"She has always felt we were not good enough to be her parents," Wilhelmina added.
Myalora looked over at the couple and then tapped Thranduil on the shoulder. "If you
could, would you please ask Elrond if I may have a few words with them near the end?"
"Certainly, Myalora," Thranduil responded.
Elrond shook his head. "You will not help your cause nor ease your punishment by
lying. I was in the hall the night you were spewing your hatred for your daughter."
Wilhelmina looked affronted. "I cared for her, I loved her. I did everything for her,
including training her in her station in life. And she turned on me," she accused, letting
a few tears fall.
Aalyssa shivered and felt Konner's arm slip around her.
"I fail to see how Lady Aalyssa turned on the two of you when the two of you arranged
for her disappearance, which you already admitted hoped would lead to her death,"
Elrond stated.
"We wanted the traitor out of our lives and home, it is as simple as that," Robero stated.
"I did not know they wished me dead, just banished," Aalyssa whispered to Konner.
"A lot of things are going to come out today that you did not know, little one," Laure
informed her. "Just lean on us, we will take care of you."
"Her major problem was attempting to overstep her limits. If she would have had any
sense, she would have sought a maid's position with a nice family," Wilhelmina stated.
"She thought she was more than she was."
"She is a Lady of nobility. Why was she overstepping her limits?"
"Aalyssa at most could have made a match with Lord Brandinhor. She was not raised to
become a Queen," Robero noted.
"That brings another point to mind," Elrond said, rubbing his finger across his chin. "If it
were my daughter and the heir to the throne was interested in her romantically, I would
have been proud. Yet I have heard you did not wish for her to make the match."
"She is not good enough for him," Wilhelmina stated simply. "There was another more
well suited."
"And who are you to determine when it comes to matters of the heart?" one of the
Council members asked.
Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose. "Lady Aalyssa, would you step forward, please?"
She took a deep breath and glanced at Konner. He stood and helped her to her feet
and walked her to the front.
"If you do not mind, Lord Elrond?"
"That is fine, Prince Konner, you may stay with her."
Aalyssa raised her head to acknowledge Elrond. "Yes sir?"
"Would you please speak to the Council of the events leading up to your kidnaping until
Konner, Legolas and Aragorn found you?"
Aalyssa cleared her throat and clasped her hands in front of her. "I had a disagreement
in the weaving room so I decided to go for a walk. From nowhere, this man tried to
accost me but Princess Iladori found me in time and took me to Lady Arwen's room to
be tended. Mother found me there. I had promised Prince Konner I would wait there for
him, as he wanted to deal with my attacker. But Mother dragged me away against my
wishes."
"That is a lie!" Marissa stood and shouted.
"Lady Marissa, you will get your chance to tell what you know. Sit down please," Elrond
said.
"And allow her to stand there and lie about her parents?" Marissa argued.
"Sit down, Lady Marissa," Elrond repeated, his voice growing louder.
"Yes, sir," she mumbled, taking her seat again.
Aalyssa looked in their direction and wobbled slightly on her feet, feeling Konner's
hands on her shoulders to support her. "When she came to get me, she said it was to
tend me," Aalyssa continued. "At our rooms, I was given into the custody of that, that..."
Aalyssa broke down in tears and turned to face Konner who wrapped his arms around
her.
Elrond stepped forward and took her from Konner. "It is all right, Lady Aalyssa. That put
together with what was said in the hall that night is plenty." He hugged her and
whispered, "All will be well, my child. Now you go back to Konner."
Aalyssa turned to Konner and went into his open arms.
"I think we are ready to hear from Lady Marissa."
"Elrond, if you please," Thranduil said as he got to his feet. "Queen Myalora would like
to speak with the Skyclouds."
"Certainly. Myalora?"
Myalora stood and walked over to the couple, Careman following closely. "So it is you,"
she said quietly when she stopped in front of them.
Wilhelmina stiffened and turned her attention to the Queen of Forlindon. "How are you
dear sister?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"We thought you were dead. Why ever did you leave your daughter alone in the wilds
outside of Forlindon?"
"We thought she was dead," Robero said coolly.
"And you could not be bothered to look for your child?" Myalora's voice grew in pitch.
"Well, when you did not want one child, much less two, it was quite easy to just move
on," Wilhelmina sneered. "And let you believe we were dead."
"If you did not want them, I would gladly have taken them and raised them as my own.
But you did not give one clue when you were there."
Konner held Aalyssa as she wavered on her feet. "I had sisters?" she whispered.
"Iladori could have been killed out there. Apparently this is your favorite way of ridding
yourselves of children. And what became of Iladori's twin?"
"Do you not remember, sister dear? You do not remember your niece's name?"
"That was almost three thousand years ago, and you only had her there for a day or
two. I do not believe you even bothered telling me her name."
"That is true, I did not," Wilhelmina admitted. "I did not want you becoming close with
them and showering them with love."
Careman held Myalora back when she moved toward her sister. "No, sweetness, she is
not worth it."
"I want to know of my niece, if she was not killed back then."
"Very well. Your niece is alive and you know her."
"Stop playing games with me," Myalora hissed, grabbing the rope around Wilhelmina's
wrists and tightening it.
"Now just think about it, Mya. I had no other children. Who am I in all of this trouble
over, that you know as my child? Aalyssa. She is Iladori's twin."
Myalora released her hold and stared in shock at her sister. She turned to see Aalyssa
and Iladori looking at one another with surprise evident in their eyes.
Elrond stepped forward again. "So now it has come out that you left two children in the
forest to die in two different times and locations. Why did you not let your sister have
the two children if you did not want them, which I might add is unheard of."
"I did not want them to find happiness," Wilhelmina snarled. "They took away my
happiness, so they were not deserving."
"I have heard enough. Guards, remove them to the holding cell until the end of the
hearing when their punishment has been determined," Elrond ordered, disgust evident
on his face. "Now, Lady Marissa, let us hear what you have to say."
Myalora walked over to Konner and ran her hand through Aalyssa's hair. "We have a
lot of getting to know each other to do, niece."
Aalyssa smiled up at her, "Yes, we do."
Marissa stood and approached Elrond. "Part of the problem, Lord Elrond, was
Aalyssa's sleeping around. And just that morning, she told me she was dissatisfied with
Konner anyway because of his unfaithfulness."
"That is not true," Aalyssa whispered.
"I know it is not," Konner said softly into her ear, wrapping his arms around her from the
back.
"Those are strong allegations, Lady Marissa. Damaging to reputations and
relationships."
"I should know what she told me. I am her best friend, after all."
Anger replaced Aalyssa's hurt and she squirmed in Konner's hold.
"She is a slut."
"Aalyssa is not a slut," Konner said through clenched teeth. "Do not descend to her
level, love," he whispered to Aalyssa.
"Aalyssa is a slut just like that one. It must run in the family," Marissa pointed at Iladori.
"Konner, I have never been with anyone but you," Aalyssa stated, turning to face him.
"Not again," replied Iladori, still in shock over the previous revelation.
"The pair of them. Honestly, we should have known they were sisters, sleeping around
and taking all of the men."
"That is a lie," Iladori and Aalyssa said at the same time. Iladori got to her feet, Legolas
standing behind her.
"The virtue of Princess Iladori is not an issue here, as the healer has announced her
findings," Elrond interrupted.
"I am to be the future Queen of Mirkwood," Marissa smirked. "I am more deserving."
"I would never marry you, Marissa," Konner announced.
"And I would never allow a union between you and Konner," Thranduil added from the
table.
"I could have taken care of that," Marissa said smugly. "And if you would not be swayed
into having me, Konner, I would just kill you and take Legolas."
"You would what?" Thranduil asked, his voice forcefully controlled.
"I would be Queen with or without Konner. I would rather have Legolas anyway."
"So that would explain the note I found in my room the other night, Marissa?" he asked.
"What note?" Aalyssa asked, confused.
"The one Marissa slid under our door the other night. It said *If you want Aalyssa to
live, step down from the line of ascension and leave Mirkwood*," he explained, glaring
at Marissa.
Marissa smirked. "Only problem is, Iladori came to Rivendell and took Legolas, so she
is in the way of my destiny as well now."
"I knew it was you who pushed me down the stairs," Iladori accused.
"These are all serious statements, Marissa," Elrond observed.
"I will not let you hurt Konner," Aalyssa stated, moving toward Marissa. Taisin went
after her as Elrond's guards held Marissa.
"That is why you were to die in that blasted forest," Marissa hissed. "And you, stay
away from Legolas," Marissa demanded of Iladori.
One hand on the hilt of her dagger, Iladori retorted, "Make me. He is not some prize, he
has free choice."
"Konner does not deserve to be King, taking up with a slut," Marissa continued
disparagingly.
"I am not going to let you hurt anyone else," Aalyssa stated just as Taisin grabbed her
and pulled her back.
The guards took hold of Marissa as Elrond shouted, "Order! Everyone settle down!"
Aalyssa calmed slightly as Taisin returned her to Konner's hold, though she was still
angry. "She wants to hurt you," she complained.
Legolas wrapped his arms around Iladori.
Marissa glared at Aalyssa. "I was raised to be Queen of Mirkwood. Not you. Or you,"
she included Iladori in her glare.
"I only want Konner. I care not about the title," Aalyssa said quietly.
"I do not wish to be Queen of anything. I am quite happy as I am," Iladori said. "If by
some strange fate, Legolas became King, I would stand by him, if he asked me to.
Otherwise, I will be content just being with him if he so desires." Iladori turned her
attention to Elrond and the Council. "Aalyssa is true to Konner. She loves him very
much, only a fool could not see that."
Thranduil got up from the table and stepped forward. "I have to question the sanity of
Marissa. She speaks of killing one brother so the second brother will become my heir."
"I am perfectly sane. I only want what I was raised for," Marissa growled, struggling
against the guards' hold on her arms.
"You will calm down, Marissa of Rivendell. You are my niece and I know you have been
raised better than this behavior."
"I will be Queen of Mirkwood one way or another."
"And who said you were to be Queen of Mirkwood?" Elrond asked with a sigh.
"My parents were told when I was born, my aunt and uncle knew it. I was groomed for
it, to meet my destiny."
"Ah. Your aunt and uncle are why we are here, Lady Marissa. Tell us what you know of
Lady Aalyssa's kidnaping."
Marissa eyes roamed the room, staring at everyone. "What makes you think I knew of
the kidnaping before hand?"
"Your actions," Konner stated. "And the fact you saw her being taken and failed to get
her help. I saw you that afternoon and asked you where she was. And you lied to me."
"I told you she was with a man," Marissa answered.
"You told me she ran off with a man. There is a world of difference between running off
with a man and being kidnapped."
"Explain to us also why they wanted to be rid of Lady Aalyssa," Elrond added.
"She was never to have been born. They were constantly embarrassed by her and
knew I was to be Queen of Mirkwood. They could find no other way to get her out of my
way."
"Arwen tells us her mother dragged her away from her rooms, as did Lady Aalyssa,"
Elrond said.
"Lies," Marissa denied.
"My daughter has no reason to lie, Lady Marissa. Why would your cousins lie?" Elrond
asked, his anger growing.
"Aalyssa lied, Arwen misunderstood. Aunt Wilhelmina only wanted to tend to her
daughter in their chambers. Aalyssa resisted and made it appear worse than it was."
Aalyssa pulled free of Konner's hold and stepped closer to Marissa. "She did not want
to tend me, she wanted to beat me."
"Aunt Wilhelmina never lifted a hand to you and you know it. You just continued to be
argumentative."
"Aalyssa speaks the truth, Lord Elrond," Legolas said. "I have witnessed the threats on
many occaisons and have stepped between her and her mother more than once."
"Lying slut," Marissa accused, moving toward Aalyssa. "You have turned all of their
heads with your lies."
Aalyssa's eyes widened with fear until she felt Konner's hands back on her shoulders,
pulling her behind him. "Aalyssa is not a slut. She is to be the future Queen of
Mirkwood and you will not speak of her so."
"I am to be your Queen, Prince Konner. She seduced you away from me."
"I was never yours to be taken from you, Marissa," Konner growled, his hand around
the hilt of his knife. "As I told you that day when you lied about her whereabouts, I have
no feelings for you. Although that has changed since I now hate you very much."
"Father was to begin the marriage contracts next week," Marissa smiled. "Once they
were signed, they could not have been broken."
"I would not have accepted them," Thranduil announced, standing beside Konner.
"Both of my sons were raised to wed for love and if they would not agree to the
marriage, I would not accept the contract."
An evil light gleamed in Marissa's eyes. "Then he either steps down and leaves
Mirkwood or he and Aalyssa will be dead. As I said, I would rather have Legolas. No
one will deny me my destiny. And my father would have assured acceptance of the
contract. Besides, if Aalyssa had not survived the Dark Forest, there would have been
no obstacle."
"Except I do not want anyone else, and would probably have died of my broken heart
without her," Konner responded. He wrapped his arms around Aalyssa, pulling her
tightly against him. "I would never desire you, Marissa. Father, if necessary, Aalyssa
and I shall leave Mirkwood."
Marissa ignored him. "It is a shame I could not stop that horrid little Hobbit from
reaching you, Konner. And you," she began, refocusing on Aalyssa, "Never even
suspected how much I truly hated you, did you? That is why I spoke to you of all of his
liasions, to turn you away from him."
"I would never turn from Konner. I love him with all of my heart. And I have never been
with anyone but Konner, as you well know, Marissa." Aalyssa turned to Konner. "I only
desire you. The title means nothing to me."
"I know, Lys," Konner said loudly enough for the Council to hear his faith in her.
"And then miss high and mighty Princess over there, thinking she is better than all of
us," Marissa said of Iladori.
"You know, I like Iladori. And I would have liked her sooner and not hurt her if it were
not for you," Aalyssa hissed.
"Marissa, I would never have accepted you, any more than Konner would have. I do not
want you either," Legolas added, standing next to his brother and father now, his one
hand on the small of Iladori's back.
"You would have if she," Marissa pointed at Iladori, "Had not interfered. And it matters
not to me if you desire me. I only desire the title and position. I can get the sex
anywhere. But Legolas, she does not know how to be a woman," Marissa said in a soft
voice.
"You speak of dishonoring him regarding your vows. I am more of a lady that you could
ever hope to be," Iladori stated in a controlled voice. "To cheat on a husband is
inexcusable."
"You think so, do you?" Marissa snarled. "You dress like a man, you act like a man.
You have no idea how to be a wife to him. He deserves more, someone passionate. I
do not understand how two men could be so blind."
"I may be a warrior but I am not a man. At least I do not betray my friends and family.
Nor would I betray my vows to my husband." Iladori got up and strode over angrily.
"You will have to go through me first to get Legolas or hurt Konner and Aalyssa. "
"I proudly accept that challenge," Marissa smiled ferally.
Iladori smiled at her. "You think you can fight a trained warrior? Without sneaking up
behind them and shoving them down a flight of stone stairs?"
"Konner, this has to be stopped. It is out of hand," Aalyssa said softly.
"But highly entertaining. I would like to watch Marissa get what she so richly deserves."
"That is horrible, Konner.You knew all along, did you not?"
"I know, but still. I suspected, but did not want to hurt you. You are not terribly angry
with me are you?"
"No, of course not," Aalyssa whispered.
Marissa shook off the hold of the guards. "I am perfectly willing to fight for what I want.
And I want Legolas."
"I hope you are willing to die for it, because you are going to have to kill me," Iladori
said in a calm voice.
"It is my destiny. I will not fail or die," Marissa stated.
Iladori chuckled, noticing Elrond rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Marissa walked over and shoved Iladori.
Her arms crossed, Iladori did not move.
"Oh, so you are not going to fight."
"Are you sure you want a fight?" Iladori asked.
Marissa cast an evil glance in Konner and Aalyssa's direction before shoving Iladori
again.
"Okay, so you think you can take me." Iladori formed a fist and slammed it into
Marissa's jaw. "You are going to have to do better than that."
She kicked Iladori hard in the leg then made her own fist, hitting Iladori, who laughed.
Marissa glanced around and moved quickly to grab one of the unsuspecting guards'
swords.
"This is not a fair fight, Iladori," Legolas stated.
"Life is not fair, Legolas. She needs some sense beaten into her."
"I agree with you on that."
Marissa uttered, "Bitch," as she thrust the sword at Iladori.
Iladori smiled evilly, one of her sisters tossing her a sword.
"I am a master of fencing," Marissa claimed.
"I cannot watch," Aalyssa whispered, pressing her face against Konner's chest.
"And I have been fighting and training since I was five," Iladori countered, turning as
Marissa thrust again. Iladori slammed the hilt of her blade on Marissa's wrist as it
passed.
"Ouch, you bitch," Marissa fumed.
"There is a difference between fencing and sword play," Iladori acknowledged,
slamming her fist into Marissa's jaw again. She turned and kicked Marissa's feet out
from under her and put the tip of the sword to Marissa's throat as she lay on the floor.
"Go ahead and do it," Marissa hissed, breathing hard. "If I cannot fulfill my destiny. Be a
killer. Go ahead, Princess."
"I have killed before and will again. But you are not worth dirtying my blade for, Lady
Marissa. Unlike some, I have honor." With her foot, Iladori stepped down on the blade
of the stolen sword and flipped it up to her hand, and took it over to return to the guard.
"Guards, please take custody of Lady Marissa," Elrond ordered.
The guards walked over and grabbed her arms, hauling her to her feet.
Aalyssa left Konner's hold and walked up to her, forming a fist and slamming it into
Marissa's jaw as well, knocking her off balance. "That was for threatening Konner, and
trying to destroy us all of these years."
"Go, Aalyssa," Konner smiled, rooting her on.
Aalyssa quietly walked back over to him, shaking her hand. When she was with him, he
wrapped his arms around her kissed her soundly.
The guards dragged Marissa over to the stand where her aunt and uncle had been
previously, where they bound her hands to the railing.
Gandalf calmly rose from his seat and stepped toward Marissa. "Why do you claim it
was your destiny to be Queen of Mirkwood?"
Marissa released a puff of air. "I have told you, my parents raised me to be Queen and
told me it was my destiny to be Queen."
He stared at Yurna Skycloud. "Where did you get the idea Marissa's destiny was to be
Queen?"
"The seer, Demanion, came to our home and informed us while she was a babe."
Gandalf puffed on his pipe and blew a smoke ring. "Ah, Demanion. He never gets his
predictions correct. My Lady Marissa, you are older than your cousins, are you not?"
Marissa glared at the wizard. "I am."
"Demanion made a slight miscalculation. One of your cousins were destined to be the
Queen."
Iladori handed her sword back to Ziellien. She and Legolas walked over to Konner who
was trying to calm Aalyssa. "Come, sister," she said softly.
"A sister. I never realized I had a sister."
"Of course not, they saw to that, did they not." The four younger elves returned to their
table where Laure and Thranduil waited.
"This is not possible," Marissa denied.
"It is more than possible. If your cousins had not been born, perhaps it would have
been your destiny. But in your cousins dwell a goodness that Mirkwood needs in it's
rulers. A goodness which you sadly lack, My Lady. The brothers of Mirkwood are not
blind. They see more than you know. Elrond?"
"Yes, Gandalf?"
"I believe Lady Marissa should be detained in an asylum. When she is sane once
again, she should be banished from Elven lands. And have the word spread to all Elven
regions that she is to be detained if she dares to cross into them."
"No! You cannot!"
"I can, and I believe that is a wise decision," Elrond said calmly. "Maybe you will come
to your senses. Just bear in mind, if you act this way in other lands, they will not be as
lenient. Guards, bring Robero and Wilhelmina back in, if you please."
The couple were returned and forced to their knees to await their punishment. "For your
atrocities committed against not one child but two, which have offended all of Elven
kind, you shall be put to death in Mirkwood, so your people can witness the end of your
evil. Are you at one with me on that, King Thranduil?"
"I am, Lord Elrond."
"Can they not be put into servitude?" Aalyssa asked, looking up at Konner.
"No love. They might break free and hurt you again. This is no less than they deserve,
although I know you do not wish it so," he explained, holding her close. "This is the only
way."
"They will be kept just outside of Mirkwood until the time of execution, in accordance
with their banishment," Thranduil added, when he noticed Laure about to speak.
"Keep them well guarded."
Iladori cleared her throat and walked over to them. "May I Lord Elrond?" When he
nodded, she stood in front of them. "While I may have died before I was found, I am
grateful that you left me behind so my Aunt could find me and raise me with love. But I
hate you and will never forgive what you put my sister through. I do not understand, nor
will I ever, why you did not want us, but you should have been kind enough to give us
to a loving home and allowed us to grow up together. You have cost Aalyssa and me
something precious that we can never get back, but we will be together now. I will
follow to Mirkwood and spit on your dead bodies." Without further word, Iladori stood
and returned to Legolas' arms.
The guards removed Marissa, Wilhelmina and Robero to their cells and the hearing
ended.
Myalora got up and took Aalyssa into her arms. "I am sorry I did not realize what had
been happening. If I had, I would have taken you from them. I would have had a fourth
beautiful daughter." Myalora held her close, stroking her hair.
"They were adept at hiding their actions, it is not your fault," Aalyssa assured her.
"You are a member of our family, Aalyssa. You now have two sets of parents who will
love you forever," Careman added, walking over to them and wrapping his arms around
both women.
"She should have been with us all of this time," Iladori noted, still ensconced in
Legolas' arms. "Excuse me, Legolas."
Aalyssa looked up when Iladori came over to her. Iladori pulled her into an embrace,
saying, "Welcome to our family, my sister."
Konner smiled from where he stood with Laure. "Well, who knew something good would
come from this hearing." He turned to his mother. "Did you not ever wonder what
happened to the twin?"
Laure shook her head. "Wilhelmina was pregnant when Robero and she left to travel.
From what I understand, she gave birth in Lorien and they slowly continued their tour.
They did not return home until six years later, with little Aalyssa. I did not know of a
twin. Legolas instantly befriended her and began taking care of her, giving her a sense
of family."
"Legolas!" Konner called out, as Aalyssa met with her new family.
"Yes, Konner?"
"When. . .That is. . .how did you find out about Aalyssa's parents treatment of her?"
Konner asked.
"I had gone to their house to pick up Aalyssa for the fair when we were about, five
hundred. She had apparently broken some trinket, and when I was admitted,
Wilhelmina was about to push her down the stairs."
"Stars," Laure whispered.
"I raced up the steps and got between them. From then on I interfered whenever I
could."
Careman glanced over at the family quietly talking. "Come and join us. We will be one
family soon anyhow."
Myalora had an arm around Iladori and Aalyssa. "You will always be my daughters,
remember that loves. You may not be of our flesh, but you are ours and always will be.
Aalyssa, you will always be welcome in your home of Forlindon."
Aalyssa smiled at her and enjoyed the embrace. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Nonsense. No formality within family, correct Thranduil and Laure?" Myalora said
brightly. "We are your parents now as well." Myalora kissed Aalyssa on the head and
hugged her once again.
Ziellien and Tracimia sat on the seats next to Aalyssa. "When we are done here, come
along to raid our closets, sister," Ziellien offered.
"And we will have a grand time at the dressmakers in a few days," Tracimia added
excitedly.
"Oh, but, I have no money," Aalyssa whispered.
"Little one, I like my children to have beautiful things," Myalora said firmly. "And do not
worry about money."
"I do not need a lot," Aalyssa said quietly.
"Come, little one," Myalora said, taking her hand and waving Laure over. The two led
Aalyssa to a bench along the wall, the women sandwiching Aalyssa as they sat on
either side. "Now, little one, you are my daughter now. That means, you are a Princess
now and I wish for you to have a closet full of nice things."
Aalyssa cast an anxious glance at the court women, who were still in the room. A buzz
of their voices warned her that stories were being spun. "But..."
"Also as your Mother," Laure added, "I would like for you to show all of Middle Earth
how beautiful you are. And Konner will wish to show off his beautiful fiancee at
functions as well."
"But I do not wish to take advantage of you," Aalyssa explained, looking at Myalora.
"How would you be taking advantage? A mother enjoys buying beautiful things for her
daughter. Would you not for your own?"
Aalyssa looked from one woman to the other, then smiled brightly. "It seems I have
gone from one hateful mother to two wonderful, warm Mamas. How lucky can a girl
get?"
"To wed the man of her dreams as she deserves. Do you have a dream wedding dress,
little one?" Myalora asked, frowning when Aalyssa shook her head. "How is that?"
"I used to, but Mother said I would be lucky to have a wedding at all."
Myalora shook her head. "If I could get my hands on..." she cleared her throat.
"Anyway, then we shall set aside time at the dressmakers to look at designs. Laure, you
and I shall have to discuss the setting, since I am not familiar with Mirkwood."
"I am thinking a garden wedding. I have always been partial to them and there would be
room for all of Mirkwood to come."
"I wish for something small," Aalyssa commented. "Just friends and family, something
intimate."
"Oh dearest," Laure began apologetically. "We cannot arrange that. This will be a royal
wedding of the highest order."
"Mama," Aalyssa began to protest.
"Little one," Myalora uttered. "You are wedding the Crown Prince. The people will
expect a wedding. Most likely even Legolas would have to be wed formally."
"Indeed," Laure confirmed. "Dearest, in your heart and imagination it may be just
yourself and Konner, but in reality it will be formal. The people expect it and in these
times, a royal wedding will be wonderful for them."
"All right, Mama," Aalyssa reluctantly agreed.
"Do young Elf maidens not dream of large fancy weddings any longer?" Thranduil
teased, hearing the conversation as he walked past.
"I used to," Aalyssa admitted.
"Get those dreams out and dust them off, my little one," Myalora informed her. "Mommy
is here and wants to give you the wedding of your fantasies."
"And I am sure Iladori, Ziellien and Tracimia would love to arrange a girls night out as
well," Laure added with a smile. "I remember mine..."
Aalyssa squirmed uncomfortably, hearing all of these plans being formed around her. "I
do not wish to inconvenience anyone."
Myalora chuckled and embraced Aalyssa again. "You are not an inconvenience. I love
to plan weddings and parties. If I were your daughter, would you consider it an
inconvenience?"
"No, of course not. But I am really not yours."
"As of now you are. Elrond, Thranduil and my husband have worked it out, little one. I
just wish with all of my heart that I had you earlier."
"Mama?" Aalyssa blinked at Laure, battling tears.
"But you are still our little daughter as well. Yes, dearest?" Laure asked, reaching up to
push Aalyssa's hair back.
"I do not wish to leave Konner's room," she whispered softly, hoping the chattering
gossips would not hear her.
"You may stay there, little one," Myalora reassured her. "Otherwise, you would have to
share Iladori's room, and I am afraid you would not get much rest with all of her
comings and goings."
Konner walked over, followed by Legolas and Iladori. Laure stood so he could sit down
and he wrapped his arms around Aalyssa and softly spoke. "See? Everything worked
out, even better than I had hoped. Although I am afraid Marissa has either turned
completely evil or lost her mind." Konner looked up and smiled at the two women doting
on Aalyssa.
"I regret allowing her to influence me all of these years," Aalyssa admitted.
"She hid her true self well. If I had seen before what I have seen this week, I would
have stepped in earlier," Konner assured her. He looked up at his parents who were
smiling at them. "Mother, Father, I am sorry for any pain Marissa may have caused
you."
"Marissa is an ill child," Laure replied. "Thankfully she has been stopped before any
were seriously harmed in her vendetta."
"I have to admit, I wish her punishment were more severe then treatment and
banishment," Thranduil added. "I fear her finding her way to Mirkwood to wreak more
havoc."
Elrond walked over when he heard Thranduil give voice to his fear. "Marissa will be
taken to Gondor first for mental care. She is my niece and I would see her whole once
again."
"Of course, Elrond. I meant no disrespect. She will be well guarded though?" Thranduil
asked. "I am sorry, but I am worried for my children." He glanced at Konner and
Aalyssa. "And my future grandchildren."
"She will. I wish no harm to come to your family, Thranduil."
Laure smiled at Konner. "Darling, all that matters is that you and Aalyssa love each
other and are happy."
"Yes, Mother, I love my Aalyssa with all of my heart. As Iladori said, I will honor my
vows to my wife," he looked at Aalyssa and smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with
love.
"And I love Konner with all of my heart and will honor him also."
"If I had any doubts of your love for my son, little one, you dispelled them today."
Thranduil took Myalora's seat and embraced Aalyssa while Konner hugged his mother.
"I love you, Mother," he said softly. "I do not say it enough."
"And I love you, son." Laure stretched and kissed him on the cheek.
"Dad?" Aalyssa asked, looking at Thranduil. She thought it a tad informal, but she could
not bear to call him father like she had her own.
He smiled and answered, "Yes, my little girl?"
"What made Marissa turn that way? Why did she change so?"
"Who knows, honey." He pulled Aalyssa's chair over next to his and held her close.
"She may have already been this way and grown worse over the years. It could not
have helped, her parents always insisting her destiny was to be Queen."
She turned frightened eyes up to him. "What if...what if I end up like that, Dad? What if
it runs in the family? Mother was like that, after all."
"I believe it had more to do with her upbringing, Aalyssa. And you are too good in your
heart to become like that."
"Thank you," Aalyssa whispered, hugging Thranduil who embraced her warmly.
"Like my wife, I have always wished for a daughter. And now our wish has come true.
You are very welcome, my little girl," Thranduil said, kissing her forehead.
"Love?" Konner said, taking Aalyssa from his father.
"I feel so used and betrayed," she said quietly, a tear slipping from her eye. She sniffled
as she pressed her face against him.
"I understand, my Lys. But always remember, we are here to help you. All of us," he
said, waving his hand to include not only his family but the Forlindon family. Now, your
mothers wish to escort us to the healers."
She nodded as Konner took her hand and helped her to her feet. Aalyssa tucked her
hand under his arm. She looked over her shoulder seeing the two women following and
chatting. "I do hope this is the last I have to see of the healer for awhile."
Konner chuckled as he walked her across the room. "It does seem you have been
spending an inordinate amount of time with her."
Iladori and Legolas walked over and stopped them. "May we come along as well?" she
asked.
Aalyssa blushed and said, "Sure. Where are Dad and the...I mean...well, Dad? Did they
want to come along also?" Aalyssa grinned as she glanced around the hall, finding
them at the table at the front with Elrond.
Myalora and Laure chuckled. "Your fathers have begun negotiating the marriage
contract between you and Konner, little one," Myalora explained.
"Oh," Aalyssa blushed a deeper red as the group headed for the door, oblivious to the
court women watching them. Aalyssa stopped in her tracks, blinked and began,
"Konner? I do not feel. . ." Aalyssa's voice stopped as she collapsed in Konner's arms.