FINDING HEART
CHAPTER ELEVEN
BY DRAGONWIND




A/N: See chapters one and four for disclaimer

As always, please review and feed my muse.


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Konner caught Aalyssa easily and eased himself down on the floor, holding her gently.
"Aalyssa? Lys?" he whispered, trying to awaken her. "Mother?" he asked, looking at
Laure with frantic eyes.

Laure knelt next to them and took Aalyssa's hand. "Dearest?"

"I will go find the healer," Myalora announced before lifting her skirts and flying from the
room.

"I cannot lose her now, Mother," Konner stated, holding Aalyssa against his chest. "Not
after all we have been through."

"Let her lie down, darling," Laure told him.

"I am afraid she will slip away and I will lose her if I let go," Konner admitted. Oblivious
to the women from the weaving room watching, he let the tears slip from his eyes.

"You do not have to let go of her, darling. Just lay her down and rest Aalyssa's head in
your lap."

Ziellien looked angrily at the cluster of women, their voices combining and growing in
volume level. "What are you staring at and talking about?" she shouted as she strode
over to confront them.

Elrond walked over, followed closely by Thranduil and Careman. "What is the uproar
over here?" he began, before seeing Konner sitting on the floor holding a still
unconscious Aalyssa. "What happened?" he asked, his tone softer.

"She collapsed and has not awakened yet," Konner explained, meeting Elrond's
concerned eyes with his fright filled ones.
"Myalora went for the healer," Laure added as she reached up to wipe away a tear. She
turned her attention back to Aalyssa. "Please, my little one. Wake up."

"Maybe we should get her to your chamber," Legolas suggested, seeing the women still
watching with rapt interest.

"Not until the healer says she can be moved, darling," Laure replied.

Elrond knelt and skimmed his hands over Aalyssa briefly. "Konner, it is safe to take her
to your chamber. I will send the healer and Myalora up when they arrive.

Konner continued to speak softly to Aalyssa, having not heard Elrond speak. "Please
do not leave me, Lys. I meant what I said. I would die of a broken heart without you."

Aalyssa's eyes fluttered open and she blinked up at Konner's tear stained face. "What
happened? Why are you crying? Why would you be without me?"

"Lys. Oh, Aalyssa," Konner said with relief, wrapping his arms around her and pulling
her against him.

Elrond chuckled and repeated, 'Take Aalyssa up to your chamber, Konner."

"Why are we on the floor?" she asked, reaching up with one hand to touch Konner's
cheek and wipe away his tears.

Konner kissed her forehead before getting to his feet. He lifted her up into his arms.
"You collapsed, my love. I think all of the stress has caught up to you."

Aalyssa wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face against him. "More than
likely."

Myalora and the healer bustled through the door into the hall. Elrond pinched the
bridge of his nose and said, "Please, use my office as," he glared over at the pack of
gossiping women, "Some will not leave to give you privacy."

Konner carried her in and tenderly lay Aalyssa on the couch. The two mothers pushed
him away, each kneeling on one of Aalyssa's sides and taking a hand. Konner paced,
his worry growing every minute.

The healer sat on the edge of the sofa and smiled at Aalyssa. "Hello again,
sweetheart," Isabellia said, checking for a fever as she spoke.

"Hello," Aalyssa said shyly. Then she grinned. "No offense, but I have seen too much of
you this week." She watched with amusement as Laure and Myalora exchanged
glances.
"None taken, sweetheart. Between you and the Forlindon Princess, the two of you have
kept me busy this week," Isabellia laughed, continuing to exam Aalyssa.

"Konner, please settle down before you wear a hole in Elrond's carpet," Laure
admonished.

He blushed lightly and sat down, his eyes burning bright with anxiety as the healer and
Aalyssa spoke quietly.

After a time, Isabellia stood. "Aalyssa will be just fine," she announced and began
packing her things.

"It was the stress then?" Konner asked, walking over to Aalyssa and taking her hand.

"No, Prince Konner," Isabellia smiled.

"Then what?" he asked in confusion. He looked up to find all four women smiling at him,
although two had frowns mixed with the smile. "What?"

"We are going to have an Elfling, Konner," Aalyssa replied, her face beaming. "We are
going to be parents."

He looked in Aalyssa's eyes, then at the other three women, who nodded their
affirmation. His face lit up with a smile of pure joy. "A baby," he whispered.

"I do want her on bed rest until late tomorrow," Isabellia ordered. "If you feel up to it
tomorrow, you may go down to the hall for dinner. But do not push yourself."

"I understand," Aalyssa said happily. "I will do what ever is best for my baby."

"Konner," Laure said as she stood. "I need to speak with your father briefly while he
talks to Elrond. Take Aalyssa up to your chamber and I will be right there."

"Yes, Mother," Konner mumbled, knowing he was going to get an earful. But not even
his Mother's ire was going to dampen his joy.

"I will go along to keep my eye on things," Myalora assured Laure.



Konner climbed the steps slowly, not wishing to jostle Aalyssa. He and Laure arrived at
the door to his chamber at almost the same time. She opened the door for him so he
could enter. His mother chased him from the room after he lay Aalyssa down on the
bed.

"Elspeth, please see if you can gather a little something for Aalyssa for dinner," Laure
told the maid as she and Myalora began to get Aalyssa into her night shift. The two
women tucked Aalyssa in and they each kissed her on a cheek.

"It explains so much," Aalyssa said absently.

Laure looked at her in confusion. "What, dearest?"

"The sickness, the out of control emotions. I should have realized I was with child."

"You would not have known, not living with sisters and your mother not having children
after you, dearest. Now, I wish to speak with you."

Aalyssa closed her eyes, knowing what was coming.

"I am disappointed that you became pregnant without the benefit of marriage. Why did
you allow Konner to touch you without protection, if you had to sleep with him outside
of wedlock?"

"I did not realize, Mama. He usually used protection and I assumed he had that night as
well. If..."

Laure narrowed her eyes and looked at her. "If what?"

"If a woman were to be allowed to seek her own form of protection before marriage,
there would be double..."

"Dearest, that is just not done."

"I know Mama," she whispered, staring at her hands.

"We are lucky all has worked out. Konner has come to his senses and already asked
you to wed, and the both of you are happy about the child. And a babe is always a
blessing. My only wish is that the two of you had been married first."

"Yes, Mama."

"The two of you shall have to wed quickly, we cannot wait the three months now," Laure
informed her.

Aalyssa looked up and smiled. "Yes, Mama."

Laure sat down and smiled back at her. "I thought that might bring a smile from you.
Now there is more to work on. Hiring nurses, setting up a nursery, toys and clothing,
finding a teacher and a nanny."

"No Mama."

"What?" Laure said with surprise.

"I wish to raise my child myself. No nurses or nannies. Please, Mama."

"You will need the help, my dearest. You will also have your royal duties to attend to."

"One nurse, and it is to be understood she is there to help, not to raise," Aalyssa
replied obstinately. "I want my children to know that I love them."

"That seems fair," Laure said, a hurt look in her eyes.

"Mama. That was not directed at you."

"I know, dearest. But it applies. I know I made a huge mistake by not being there for
Legolas. And now it is too late to make up for it."

Myalora walked over, "No it is not. You can begin showing your love for him now. It may
never become as close as my relationships with my children, but the two of you can
share love now."

Laure nodded. "I will be right back," she said, going into the bathing room.

"I really did not mean to hurt her. I was thinking about my Mother when I said that,"
Aalyssa said to Myalora.

"I know, little one. And she knows that. Everything will be just fine. Are you excited little
one?"

"Yes, Mom, I am," Aalyssa smiled brightly at her. "I do hate that I disappointed Mama
though."

Laure came back and sat on the edge of the bed. "Come, little one," she said, holding
her arms out.

Aalyssa sat up warily and moved toward her. She released a breath of relief when
Laure embraced her. "I am sorry, Mama. I did not mean..."

"I know you did not. You were thinking of your own experiences. I have to make up for
the way I treated Legolas. I have to admit, my little one..."

"Yes Mama?" Aalyssa asked.

"I am looking forward to a little one running around the palace again."

Aalyssa looked up at her. "I am not to be punished then?"

"For bringing a new life into our hearts? No, little one," Laure assured her with another
hug. "Now, listen to me," she said, tilting Aalyssa's chin up. "You never have to be
afraid again of your family. Either of your families. If you are to be punished, it will be a
lecture, like I just gave you or forbidding you to do something you enjoy for a day or so.
You will not be thrown out and you certainly will not be beaten. Not ever again."

Aalyssa blinked at Laure, then glanced at Myalora who was nodding in agreement.
Myalora sat on the other side of the bed. "We only lecture or punish when we need to
direct you. And none of us would hurt you, my precious."

She blinked back tears and hugged both women. Her eyes shot around the room and
she asked, "Where is Konner?"

"He is out in the sitting area with Legolas. Iladori had to report for her patrol."

Laure noted the disappointed look on Aalyssa's face and smiled. "After you have eaten,
he may come in. For an hour. When I looked out a few minutes ago, he and Legolas
were eating as well."

The door swung inward and Elspeth entered with a smile, carrying a dinner tray. "Here
you are My Lady," she said, placing the tray on Aalyssa's lap. "Roast turkey, green
beans, potatoes and a slice of chocolate cake."

"Thank you, Elspeth," Aalyssa smiled at the maid.

"You are welcome, My Lady," Elspeth replied with a curtsey.

Thranduil entered the room as Elspeth went back out. He smiled and walked over to
the bed and kissed Aalyssa before he pulled Laure to the side to talk.




Legolas stopped eating, his fork in the air. He stared at his brother aghast. "Pregnant?
You could not use protection if you had to sleep with her before marriage?"

"What can I say?" Konner asked, too lost in his happy fantasy world to defend himself.

"You are an idiot," Legolas said, shaking his head.

"An idiot in love," Konner smiled back.

"Father is going to be upset enough as it is that you could not keep it in your pants. But
to get her pregnant before marriage is unbelievable."

"One more thing for me to get into trouble over. I did not mean to, you know."

Still staring at him, Legolas said, "You did not use anything. What did you expect to
happen? Or did you fall asleep when Father was explaining the birds and bees to us?"

"It was a spur of the moment thing, Legolas."

"Spur of the moment my ass."

"It was a beautiful place and Aalyssa was beautiful, and..."

"You were careless," Legolas scowled.

"Just wait until Iladori turns those kind of eyes on you, little brother.," Konner blushed
slightly under his brother's admonishments. "Hopefully Father will understand. I hope."

"Iladori is not the issue here. She is not pregnant. Plus she would not turn those eyes
on me yet, too much on her mind," Legolas retorted, his voice laced with a twinge of
depression.

"I know she is not. But just wait until she does. You will find out how hard it is to resist.
The time will come, Legolas, do not worry," Konner said, squeezing his little brother's
shoulder. "Mother will smooth things over with Father, hopefully."

Legolas glared at his brother. "I can resist until she is my wife. I would not dishonor her
like that."

"Dishonoring Aalyssa was never my intention, Legolas," Konner said quietly, looking at
the floor.

"Then you should have kept it in your pants. What are you going to do now?"

"That is already settled. We are going to wed. I hope she is all right," he added softly,
looking toward the closed door separating him from Aalyssa. "She has been through so
much this week."

"Mother will be keeping her eye on her," Legolas pointed out as he squeezed Konner's
shoulder. "And she will be excited about a grandchild."

"After she is done being angry with me," Konner sighed. "I hope she is not too harsh in
scolding Aalyssa. I will be next and I can take it more."

"I would expect you will be, and do not expect me to stay around for it. It is your fault
you could not refrain, not mine."

"I take full responsibility for my actions."

Legolas smiled wryly. "This is our Mother you will be going up against, dear brother."

"I will have to assure her that I do take responsibility and very seriously too."

"Mother might not see it that way, though."

"All I can do is my best." Konner glanced at his brother. "Legolas?"

"Yes," he answered, taking a bite of beef.

"I am sorry Mother blamed you for everything. Several times I told her I was
responsible, but still she blamed you. I am sorry about that."

"It was not your fault, Konner," Legolas smiled at him. "You were her favorite."

Konner shook his head. "I certainly never meant to be. I acted out sometimes trying to
get her to yell at me. It would have been nice to know she cared enough to discipline
me."

"Not when she feels you can do nothing right," Legolas said quietly.

"Still, I had to wonder if she cared about me since she did not seem to care what I did
or got into."

"We are a fine pair, are we not?" Legolas asked with a smile. "I wonder if the
silversmith is still open."

"I do not know, he may be. Why?"

"I wish to procure a gift for Iladori and I need to decide what," Legolas replied,
reddening slightly.

"Any special reason?" Konner asked, smiling.

"I need a proposal gift," Legolas blushed thoroughly.

"It is serious then," Konner grinned.

"Stars, Konner, I do not know how to propose."

"What is the big deal? You drop to your knees, smile and ask."

Legolas' mouth quirked with nervousness. "I fear she will think something is wrong if I
drop to my knees."

"Take her flowers and talk sweetly to her," Konner offered.

"She is not into that. What would work with someone from the court will not work with
Iladori."

"Do not be ridiculous. She is a woman. Women love flowers and being courted."

Legolas' shook his head. "You do not understand. She has no interest in flowers."

"Then look deeply into her eyes," Konner said thoughtfully, "and speak from your heart,
so she knows you are sincere."

"Konner, she knows I am sincere. She trusts me, I can sense that."

"Of course. I had to earn my trust with Aalyssa, and that is what I am basing that on."

"You had her from the beginning. You just did not realize it," Legolas grinned.

"But Marissa almost destroyed us. Aalyssa thought I did not care enough to look for her
that night. But I have her now and that is all that matters," Konner smiled. He eyed
Legolas. "How about having a knife commissioned?"

"Yes, that is it. Maybe a long knife like mine will appeal to her. Thanks, Konner,"
Legolas smiled. "I am off then. Although..."

"Yes?"

"I just thought of something I think she will like. I am off."

"Good luck, little brother."

"Thanks, good luck with Mother and Father. I sense you will need it, big brother."

Konner sat down, staring at the uneaten food on the trays. "I have the love of my lady
to carry me through though."

Thranduil came out into the common room and stood in front of Konner, his arms folded
across his chest. "Your mother has informed me of something, Konner."

Inwardly cringing, Konner lifted his eyes. "Yes Father?"

"Aalyssa is pregnant with your child?"

"Yes, sir."

"Son," Thranduil said, sitting on the chair next to Konner's. "Did you fall asleep when I
explained to you and your brother about your responsibilities with a woman? And how
to avoid these things happening?"

"No sir."

"Then how did this happen?"

"We were out for a walk in our gardens. It was a beautiful night, the flowers were
beautiful and their scents filled the air. My Aalyssa was beautiful, and there is this look
she gives me, Father."

"Which causes you to lose your wits?" Thranduil inquired.

"Yes sir. I was not prepared that night, I had not been planning to...that night."

"I expected more of you, Konner."

"I understand Father. I did wrong by her."

"Elrond and I will be meeting some more. The two of you must be wed as soon as
possible," Thranduil stated, rubbing his temples.

"Is something else wrong, Father?" Konner asked, worried.

"This was supposed to be a simple court and council meeting. Then the Hobbits and
the ring-bearer arrived and then all of this."

"I know. I understand Father," Konner replied, lowering his gaze.

Thranduil looked around and sighed. "Where is your brother? I hope he is not falling for
the looks in Iladori's eyes."

"No, sir," Konner smiled. "He has already lambasted me for falling for the look in
Aalyssa's eyes. He went to. . .procure a gift for Iladori."

"At least one of my sons know how to keep their wits when he receives a come hither
look."

"I am sorry, Father," Konner muttered. "Well, I am kind of sorry, " he added with a sly
grin.

"Son, I understand, trust me I do." Thranduil smiled at him. "But this is serious. You are
the heir to Mirkwood."

"I know, but I was just thinking. If Aalyssa was having any thoughts about changing her
mind about marrying me, she cannot do so now. Did Mother happen to mention if
Aalyssa is all right?"

"I saw her myself, son. Aalyssa is fine, just tired. She was eating supper and then will
be resting."

"I suppose I cannot see her then," Konner said, his voice tinged with disappointment.

"Yes, you may, but just for a short while. She needs her sleep."

"Thank you, Father. I will just content myself to hold her hand after she falls asleep."

Thranduil chuckled deeply. "No, you will retire to Legolas' room. You need your rest as
well since things will be busy."

"Yes sir." Konner stood and headed for the door. He stopped and turned back to
Thranduil. "Thank you Father."

As Konner knocked on the door, Thranduil shook his head.


Konner cautiously slipped into the room and walked over to kiss his mother's cheek.
"Hello, Mother."

She looked up and returned the kiss. Laure tucked Aalyssa into the bed and looked
sternly at her. "Now, you are to remain in bed. Alone."

Myalora walked over to Konner and looked him in the eye. "And you, let her rest."

"Yes, Mothers, I will," Konner laughed. "I just wish to make sure she is all right." Konner
sat on the chair next to the bed, taking Aalyssa's hand into his.

"Darling, you have one hour. Then you are to retire to Legolas' room. You may share a
bed with your brother until your wedding," Laure informed him.

Konner nodded absently, looking into Aalyssa's eyes. "How are you feeling love?" He
was oblivious to the two women leaving the room together.

"All right," she replied quietly, squeezing his hand.

"Are you sure? Can I get you anything?" he asked, gently pushing her hair back.

"Your being here is enough. I am just tired."

Konner kissed her hand and smiled. "I will be right here for you. You rest, love."

Aalyssa looked up at him, chewing on her lower lip. "Konner Are you happy about the
baby?"

He smiled back happily and kissed her softly. "Of course I am happy about our child.
Are you?"

"Very," she grinned. Then she turned serious. "But I fear we have disappointed your
parents."

"Just slightly. But Father seemed to be all right. I am still waiting to feel Mother's wrath.
Was she horrid to you?"

"No, she was not. She expressed her disappointment and said we would have to marry
quickly. Not that I mind that."

"Me neither. That is basically what Father told me."

"I hate that we have disappointed them though," Aalyssa whispered, her gaze dropping
to their hands in her lap.

He reached up to tilt her face up. "It will be fine, Aalyssa. Once we are married, Mother
will be flitting about getting ready for the babe, her disappointment completely
forgotten."

"She is already making plans," Aalyssa smiled at him.

"I thought she might be," Konner grinned. "I think she is secretly very excited about the
baby."

"Mama seemed happy when she was finished scolding me."

"Good," Konner said with a breath of relief. "Maybe she has vented now. Although, I still
suspect I will feel her ire."

"Oh yes, I think you are," Aalyssa laughed. "It is only fair, after all."

"Well I am a grown man. I can take it. I love you," he added softly, rubbing his thumb
over her cheek.

"I love you too," Aalyssa said, lifting her eyes and smiling at him. "How did Legolas take
the news?"

"Let us just say I am being lectured from three sides. He is still very protective of you.
But. . ."

"But?" Aalyssa prodded.

"He did not yell at me too badly. Any other time he would have decked me. He was a
little distracted."

"Distracted how? Oh. . .Iladori?" Aalyssa smiled widely.

"Keep a secret?" Konner asked.

"Of course I will keep it a secret," Aalyssa appeared affronted.

Konner grinned. "He was trying to figure out how to propose."

"What is so hard about handing her flowers, getting down on one knee and asking for
her hand?" Aalyssa asked.

"He claims that would not turn her head. That Iladori cannot be wooed the way I
courted you."

"She is female. We love that kind of stuff," Aalyssa argued.

Konner laughed. "And he said she would think something was wrong if he went to his
knees. I tried to tell him but he would not listen."

"Maybe she would like to be treated as a woman for once."

"I do not know," Konner shook his head. "You would think so, yes."

"Well, I guess he knows her better than either of us."

"When last seen, he was headed toward the silversmith for a gift."

"In fact, he probably knows her best. After all, he has been watching her and speaking
with her since they met. Although," Aalyssa's sentence was interrupted by a yawn. "It is
wrong of me, I know, but. . ."

"What is, love?"

"If they were to do something inappropriate, your parents would leave us alone for a
bit."

"I hate to disappoint you, Lys," Konner chuckled, "But they are not going to do any
inappropriate."

"I know," Aalyssa smiled widely at him. "I do not want you to go away. I want you to stay
with me."

"I want nothing more," Konner agreed. "But Father and Mother have ordered me to
Legolas' room. I would give anything to stay with you and hold you in my arms. They
are right though, you need some sleep, my love. You need to take care of you and our
little bundle of joy."

"Promise you will always stay until I fall asleep."

"I promise. And you need the extra rest since the two of you have been through so
much this week," Konner whispered, taking her hand again. He pressed it against his
cheek and kissed her wrist lightly.

"Yes, knowing I could have. . ." her voice broke off as her eyes welled up with tears.

"Shh, you are safe now, my love." Konner moved to the edge of the bed and gathered
Aalyssa into his arms. "You are safe, love. I will never let anyone hurt you again. By the
way, where did you learn that punch you used on Marissa this morning?"

Aalyssa leaned against him and cuddled close. "I was watching Iladori in the training
fields one day. She was showing the little ones how to throw a punch."

"You learned well," Konner smiled, holding her tightly against him.

"My hand hurt though. It was harder than it looked," she said with a small smile.

"I am sure it did. You have never done that before, and hopefully you will not need to
do it often." Konner kissed the top of her head and sighed.

Aalyssa smiled against his chest. "I hate to admit it. I liked hitting her. Is it wrong for me
to admit that?"

"No, it is not. I am sure you did like it. She said some hateful things to and about you."

"My only wish is that Iladori had thoroughly trounced her. She makes it look so easy."

"It is easy for her. But Iladori was right. Marissa was not worth dirtying her blade for. I
am glad Taisin stopped you from fighting her earlier, though."

"I have to apologize for that. Had I been thinking clearly, I would never have tried. Our
child is much more important than my pride."

Konner eyed her. "Are you saying you knew about the baby earlier and did not tell me?"

"No, it was just a suspicion in the back of my mind. I knew my body was not behaving
normally but I thought it was the stress of everything at home and here. Just a hopeful
thought in my mind about a babe."

"I understand, love. I did think you were a little more emotional than normal, but I
thought also it was either the stress or something I had done. And in a way, it was
something I had done," he smiled.

"I am emotional. The healer said it is normal." Aalyssa yawned again then looked at
him. "What did you do?"

"I got you pregnant, my love," Konner said with a smile, kissing her neck.

"I do not think you did that alone there, sweetheart." Aalyssa shivered slightly under his
administrations.

"No, I know. That is why I said in a way it was something I had done." He pulled back
and smiled at her. "I cannot wait."

"You will be a good father, Konner, I know you will," she assured him.

"And I know you will be a good mother, Aalyssa." He leaned forward to kiss her gently.

"This is what got us into trouble the first time," she teased with a laugh.

"I know," he whispered, kissing the top of her head. "But I am not going to do anything
to endanger you or the baby."

"I know you will protect us," she smiled up at him, struggling against falling asleep.

"Yes, I will. And you need some sleep, momma to be," he said, gently laying her down
on the bed.

"Yes, daddy to be."

Konner smiled happily, holding her hand. "I will stay right here until you fall asleep."

"Then I will not fall asleep," Aalyssa stated obstinately.

"Aalyssa, love," he said sternly, "You need sleep and I do not wish to break my promise
to you."

"If I fall asleep, you will leave me here all alone," Aalyssa pouted.

"I will be right next door in Legolas' room. And I will be in your heart. I know you can
feel me there, because I can feel you in mine."

"It is not fair, you having to share a room with Legolas."

"Besides, Lys, my hour is up. And Mother will have my head if I stay longer, my love.
What kind of husband and father would I make with no head?" he joked.

"It is still not fair," she repeated. "You sleeping with Legolas while I am here all alone. It
is not like we can get into trouble. I am already with child."

"As soon as we are wed, we will have the rest of our lives together," Konner smiled
softly at her. "I want to watch you try that argument on Mother."

Aalyssa grinned as she lay back against the pillow. "I suppose it would not work. Think
you can convince Legolas to do something inappropriate with Iladori so the attention
turns on him for awhile?"

"No, I do not think so," he chuckled. "You know how strong his code of honor is. I think
it came from receiving all of the discipline growing up. And do not get any ideas of
starting trouble for Iladori in court, either."

"It is wrong of me, I know," she closed her eyes. "But can you not just imagine the look
on Legolas' face if they were to get caught in a lovers embrace?"

"Aalyssa, just go to sleep, my love," Konner sighed. "No more plots, please."

"It would bring them closer though, do you not think? Then they would have to get
married, and..." her voice trailed off as sleep claimed Aalyssa mid-sentence.

Konner stood and kissed her cheek, right below the ear. "Sleep tight, my heart's
desire," he whispered before heading for the door.

"I love you, Konnie," she mumbled sleepily.

At the door he turned and smiled. "I love you too, Lyssie." He left the room and closed
the door. Konner leaned against the wall and whispered, "I am going to be a father." A
smile crept onto his face as he slipped inside of Legolas' room. In the darkness, he
sunk on the edge of the bed, more tired than he realized.

The door swung inward and Laure entered, hanging a torch on the wall. "Hello,
Konner," she greeted in a hurt tone.